Adult Education

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://irepos.unijos.edu.ng/handle/123456789/11199

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 31

An Appraisal of Health and Safety of Construction Sites Workforce within Jos, Plateau State
(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2019-05) Yahaya Ajalah M.; Zakka Paul W.; Oyemogum I. M; Mangvwat Joshua S.; Ishaya A. A; Sulisma Yipam B.; Bang Dachollom P.
The significance of producing harmless work environment has been recapped in several connected research articles owing to the inherent risk and hazard that lie beneath every work position and their undesirable effect on a firm’s general performance. It is against this scenario that this article evaluated the dangers and constraints of health and safety planning on construction sites in Jos. The paper identified some health and safety challenges inherent on such building sites. A total of 100 structured questionnaires were distributed among selected construction sites in Jos, Plateau State. The statistical tools employed for analysis are the percentage method, ranking method and computation of relative index. The results showed that the top three health and safety challenges inherent in construction sites in descending order are pain due to manual labour with relative index of 0.90, followed by stress experienced by site workers with relative index 0.86 and stepping or kicking abandoned objects with relative index 0.83 experienced by site workers. It also showed that the observance of health and safety practices on construction sites in Jos are very poor and hence leads to a very high occurrence of accidents. Similarly, the top three constraints to the adoption of health and safety plan are low level of literacy among the general population with relative index 0.90, lack of training of employee with relative index 0.86 and lack of funds for prompt treatment of sites workers with relative index 0.84. The study concluded that health and safety plan in construction activities should be propagated through sensitization programs at National level and other forums where professional bodies in partnership with government departments can enlighten contractors about the importance of health and safety culture in their work places in a bid to reduce risks and accidents.
Application of extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inamis) leaves as a counter stain
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011-10-09) Chukwu O. O. C.; Odu C. E.; Chukwu D. I.; Hafiz N.; Chidozie V. N.; Onyimba I. A.
Aqueous (cold and hot) and ethanol extracts solutions of the Henna plant (Lawsonia inamis) leaves was adapted for the first time as a counter stain in Gram staining reaction. Different extracts of L. inamis leaves were formulated into various staining solutions of different concentrations and modified with hydrogen peroxide, ferric chloride, potassium alum and potassium permanganate. These staining solutions were used to stain both known Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates using Gram staining technique. The experimental Henna plant extracts solutions were used with usual counter stains (neutral red, safranine and dilute carbol fuchsin) as positive controls. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannin (hennatonic acid or Lawsone) and saponin. The aqueous extracts of the Henna plant (cold and hot) oxidized with potassium permanganate (pH 7.00 to 7.16) gave a better staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria, while the ethanol extract oxidized with potassium permanganate (pH 6.55) had no staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria. Hence the aqueous Henna leaves extracts (cold or hot) when oxidized with potassium permanganate can be a substitute to the usual counter stains used in Gram staining procedure. The results of staining ability of the various henna leaves extracts solutions are discussed.
Assessment of the Effects of Cucumis Metuliferus Fruits Alkaloids against Aewcastle disease Virus‑LaSota
(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2016-12-25) Anyanwu Anne A.; Jimam Nanloh S.; Wannang Noel N.
Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the antiviral activity of the Cucumis metuliferus alkaloids against Newcastle disease virus‑LaSota (NDV‑L). Methods: Hemagglutination (HA) test method using embryonated eggs for study. Results: The result showed “nonlethality” of the alkaloids in 10 days old embryonated eggs. Exposure of the alkaloids to NDV‑L infected embryonated eggs showed negative HA test result from varying 2‑fold diluted concentration between 50 and 3.125 mg/ml of the alkaloid, while the concentration between 1.563 and 0.195 mg/ml gave positive HA test. Negative HA response means the alkaloids at that concentration have antiviral activities while positive HA test implies the presence of antibodies production in response to an antigen as seen with the control, meaning that viral replication was not inhibited when the embryonated eggs were exposed to lower doses of the alkaloids. Conclusion: The study showed that the alkaloids of C. metuliferus fruit pulp extract have good margin of safety with a high level of antiviral properties as confirmed by the result of the HA test.
Assessment of the knowledge and attitude of Jos residents toward the prevention and treatment of fever.
(Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, 2019-09-04) Jimam S. Nanloh, Galam Z. Nanyak1 , Dangiwa A. Dauda
Background: A fever is a temporary increase in the body temperature, indicating that something out of the ordinary is going on in the body. Fever is a common sign of changes in the body of patients and a common cause of hospital visits, especially for children. Occurrence of fever in most cases is due to self-limiting viral infection or serious bacterial or other microbial infections. Aim: The study is aimed at assessing the current level of knowledge and attitudes of Jos residents about what fever is all about, its treatment and prevention. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design, which involved a two-stage cluster random sampling procedure. Jos is divided into districts and in each districts, the area was broken down to sub-districts from which three zones where selected; based on population within the selected zones, households were randomly numbered and houses assigned odd number were identified. A semi structured interviewer questionnaire was then administered to the respondents and the finally filled questionnaires were then retrieved and analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 software programmer. Result: Out of the 400 respondents, 66.5% falls within the age range of 21-49 years with females constituting 56.5% of the study population. Educationally, 45.9% of the respondents had completed secondary schools while 39.6% had bachelor degree. 67.2% of the respondents agreed that malaria was the common conditions that come with fever, followed by typhoid fever (19%). 26.5% of the respondents agreed that personal preventive/environmental hygiene remain the mainstay when it comes to fever prevention, with 26.5% also believing that the use of pesticides/rodenticides was another preventive measure, whereas 20.6% agreed that chemoprophylaxis was another option. Conclusion: The study showed that the residence of Jos had good knowledge of conditions that are associated with fever and its management, which might be due to the literacy levels of the study population; there is still need to improve their knowledge on the other conditions that comes with fever and their preventive measures.
Bacterial and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Urinary Tract Infection Isolated from Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Diabetic Patients Attending Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria
(Trends in Medicine, 2017) Anejo-Okopi Joseph Aje; Okojokwu Ocheme Julius; Seljul Mamzhi-Crown Ramyil; Bakwe Panshak Barnabas; Okechalu Juliet; Agada Godwin; Bassi Paul Amos; Adeniyi Segun David
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms in the urinary tract. In most cases empirical antimicrobial treatment is usually initiated before the laboratory results are made available; hence the need for antibiotic susceptibility test to enhance management of UTI. The study was designed to determine the bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of urinary tract bacteria isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic diabetic patients at Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos. 100 mid-stream urine samples (app. 20 mls) were aseptically collected into sterile containers after informed consent of diabetic patients of ages 20 years and above were analyzed at Central Diagnostic Laboratory NVRI Vom. The isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques after been cultured on MacConkey and CLED agars. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done in accordance with NCCLS disc diffusion methods. The results were then analyzed using chi square test. Of the 100 urine samples, different bacterial uropathogens were isolated, with a prevalence of 40%. The bacteria isolates were; Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) (37.5%), Escherichia coli (24%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (15%) and Streptococcus spp (10%). Esherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were highly resistant to most antibiotics used, while coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp were highly sensitive to most antibiotics used in this study. Self-medication including antibiotics is clearly a major culprit. Behavioral Change Communication to all stake holders is increased to cover all radio and TV stations in the state. In addition, investigations (routine microscopy, culture and sensitivity of urine) be completed before treatment is commenced in order to mitigate acquisition and spread of drug resistance by bacteria.
Bio-Ethanol Production from Banana, Plantain and Pineapple Peels by Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation Process
(International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 2013-04) Itelima J.; Onwuliri F.; Onwuliri E.; Isaac Onyimba,; Oforji S.
Most nations, whether economically advanced or at different stages of development are faced with the problem of disposal and treatment of wastes. Wastes could be treated in several ways (e.g. by reducing its bulk or by recovering and reprocessing it into useful substance) to meet sanitary standards. Ethanol fermented from renewable sources for fuel or fueladditives are known as bio-ethanol. In Nigeria, many food crops have been specifically grown for the production of bio-ethanol. However, bio-ethanol production from waste materials removed from fruits is very rare. In the present study, wastes from fruits such as banana, plantain and pineapple peels which are in abundance and do not interfere with food security were subjected to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for 7days by co–culture of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biomass yield, cell dry weight, reducing sugar concentration and the ethanol yield were determined at 24 hours interval. The results of the study showed that after 7 days of fermentation, pineapple peels had the highest biomass yield of 1.89 (OD), followed by banana peels 1.60 (OD), while plantain peels had the least 0.98 (OD). The reducing sugar concentrations ranged between 0.27 – 0.94 mg/cm3 for pineapple, 0.20 – 0.82 mg/cm3 for banana and 0.16 – 0.45 mg/cm3 The optimal ethanol yields were 8.34% v/v, 7.45 % v/v and 3.98 % v/v for pineapple, banana and plantain peels respectively. These indicate that pineapple and banana peels ethanol yields were significantly higher (P<0.05) than plantain peel ethanol yield. The findings of this study suggest that wastes from fruits that contain fermentable sugars can no longer be discarded into our environment, but should be converted to useful products like bio-ethanol that can serve as alternative energy source.
Carrot (Daucus carrota), Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts as Bacteria Selective Agents in Culture Media
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011-12-23) Chukwu O. O. C; Odu C. E.; Chukwu I. D.; Chidozie V. N.; Onyimba I. A.; Bala Z.
Extracts of carrot, garlic and ginger as selective agents in basal bacteriological media were carried out on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 15313, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 2522, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 using a standard method. Ethanolic extracts, aqueous cold and hot extracts of the experimental plant products were made at the concentration of 200 mg/ml (2 g/10 ml). The ethanolic extracts inhibited the growth of all the test bacterial isolates. The cold aqueous extracts of garlic had inhibitory effects on the S. aureus and L. monocytogenes bacterial isolates but selectively allowed the growth of E. coli. The hot aqueous extract of ginger had no effect on any of the test bacteria. The hot garlic extract selectively allowed the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli. Phytochemical analysis of the carrots, garlic and ginger contained saponnin, resins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and terpenes in varied proportions. We assume these products may have influenced the actions of the extracts on the test organisms. The results of this preliminary study suggest that aqueous extracts of carrots, garlic and ginger when incorporated in appropriate concentrations can serve as alternative selective agents in bacteriological culture media for bacterial isolation from highly contaminated biological specimens or separation of mixed cultures of bacteria in the laboratory.
Contaminants In Local Alcoholic Beverages: Zinc And Manganese Contamination
(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2008) S. Y. Gazuwa; J. D. Dabak; G. A. Ubom
Abstract The Extent Of Leaching Of Zinc (Zn) And Manganese (Mn) From The Vessels Used During The Preparation Of Two Local Alcoholic Drinks, Pito And Burukutu Has Been Assessed. Leaching Of These Metals During The Four Phases Of Fermentation Was Monitored By Determining The Levels Of The Metals In Each Phase Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Technique; In Each Complete Fermentation Protocol, Metallic Or Clay Container Was Used. Contamination Appeared To Be Due To The Fermentation Process, Container Used Or A Combination Of The Two. Comparatively, There Was Increase In The Levels Of These Metals From The Initial To The Final Phase Of Fermentation For Both Types Of Vessels; In Each Case, Appropriate Controls Were Used. Compared To Control Values, The Average Increase In The Level Of Zinc In Burukutu And Pito For Metallic And Clay Containers Is 343%; 325% And 295%; 252% Respectively; Whereas For Manganese The Increases Are 815%; 1438% And 1292%; 1150% In That Order. The Differences In The Levels Of These Metals Among The Phases In Each Of The Drinks Were Significant (P<0.05)
Contraceptive use among women of child bearing age in two Muslim communities in JOS-North, Plateau State, Nigeria
(Atom and Cell Publishers, 2015) Benjamin Nasara Joseph*1, Maxwell Longji.Patrick Dapar1 , Fatima Ibrahim Muhammad 2 , Dauda Audi Dangiwa1 , Shalkur David1 , Nanloh Samuel Jimam
With a fertility rate of 5.7 and population growth rate of 2.6; Nigeria is yet to achieve the fertility rate of 4 children per woman fifteen years after the 2000 set time. This study assessed contraceptive prevalence rate and birth interval practices among women of child bearing age; it examined the effects of culture, religion and knowledge on contraceptive uptake. A cross-sectional study conducted among 288 women at Angwan-Rogo and Angwan-Rimi Muslim communities of Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study found a contraceptive prevalence rate of 33% among women 15-49 years with married women accounting for only 13% compared to single women. About 80% of participants were sexually active; only 28% used modern contraceptives in their last sexual intercourse while one-third (33%) ever had deliberate abortion. Over 70% of respondents have their first child at the age of 15-20 years; 55% of them have co-wives, about half of them have 1-4 children while about 30% have 5-12 children per woman. Early marriage and early motherhood has cultural and religious origin that can be influenced by education and awareness. This study found a low contraceptive uptake corresponding with high sexual activity, low birth interval, high parity and polygyny.
Design and Performance Analysis of Log Periodic Dipole Antenna at Uhf Band.
(IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE), 2012-10) Ogherohwo E. P.; Adeniran A. O.
Abstract: The paper described the design and performance analysis of log periodic dipole antenna at frequency 1800MHz -2500MHz (Ultra High Frequency Band), the antenna has been modeled using ADS layout and the S parameter was presented. A good impedance match in a wide frequency range has been achieved by a suitable choice of the antenna feeder impedance. The radiation pattern, Directivity, Return loss, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) and Gain are in accordance with the desired valuesare presented.
DESIGN OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY OUTPUT PREDICTION SYSTEM FOR 1000mW SOLAR-WIND HYBRID POWER PLANT.
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT, 2015) Ogherohwo E.P; Barnabas.B; Alemika.T.E
Problems associated with non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels make it necessary to move to cleaner renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. But the wind and sun are both intermittent sources of energy therefore accurate forecasts of wind and solar power are necessary to ensure the safety, stability and economy of utilizing these resources in large scale power generation. In this study, five meteorological parameters namely Temperature, Rainfall, Dew Point, Relative Humidity and Cloud Cover were collected for the year 2012 and used to predict wind and solar power output in Jos, Nigeria. The study used prediction algorithms such as Regression techniques and Artificial Neural Networks to predict the output of a 1000mW Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plant over a period of one year. Individual prediction techniques were compared and Isotonic Regression was found to have the highest accuracy with errors of 40.5% in predicting solar power generation and 35.4% in predicting wind power generation. The relatively high levels of error are attributed to several limitations of the research work.
Development and validation of instrument for assessing patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on uncomplicated malaria management
(Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2019-06) Jimam Nanloh S.; Nahlah E. Ismail; Dapar Maxwell L. P.
Objectives: To develop and validate patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice instrument for uncomplicated malaria (PKAPIUM). Material and Methods: A draft PKAPIUM scale was developed after the review of relevant literature and malaria treatment guidelines, and six experts validated its content. Monte Carlo simulation principle was followed in arriving at 300 patients populations whose data were used to reduce the items based on “Kaiser’s eigenevalue-greater-than-one rule.” This was followed by the test of validity and reliability to assess the psychometric properties of the instrument. Results: The items content validity indices (I-CVI) and the scale CVI (S-CVI) using universal agreement (UA) within experts (S-CVI/UA) and average CVI (S-CVI/Ave) approaches were good (0.8–1.00), with absence of items’ floor or ceiling effects. Twenty-one items were retained in the new scale arranged under four factors with average varianc extracted (AVE) and square root AVE values of 0.58–0.70 and 0.76–0.84, respectively, suggesting convergent and discriminant validities. The goodness-of-fit results [Chi-square (CMIN/DF) = 3.07, p = 0.00], standardized root mean square residual = 0.070, root mean square error approximation = 0.08 confirmed the hypothesized factor structures of the scale whose internal consistency of Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability values were 0.74 and 0.82, respectively, and stability of ICC = 0.92 [95% confidence interval : 0.87–0.95, F = 43 (p = 0.51)].Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the PKAPIUM were in acceptable ranges.
Growth assessment and amylase production by Aspergillus niger and A. terreus isolated from soils of Artemisia annua l. Plantation
(European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience, 2015) Abigail I. Ogbonna; Isaac A. Onyimba; Aleruchi Chuku; Patience O. Nwadiaro; Chike I. C. Ogbonna; Festus C. Onwuliri
Fungi associated with soils of decomposing Artemisia annua L. process waste in an A. annua Plantation were studied. Two of the isolates, A. niger and A. terreus which had high frequencies of occurrence were assessed for their growth rates over an incubation period of 168hrs using Czapek Dox and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media. Their abilities to produce glucoamylase of biotechnological importance using submerged fermentation (SmF) were studied. The two isolates grown in basal medium containing starch as sole source of carbon and were harvested at 24 hour intervals over a period of 168hours. A. niger and A. terreus were found to have colony diameters of 5.2cm and 5cm after the 7th day of incubation. The highest glucoamylase potential at pH 5.03 was demonstrated by A. terreus, with peak enzyme activity of 0.375mmol-L while that of A. niger was 0.281mmol-L on the 6th day of incubation. These two fungal species could be useful in the degradation of biological wastes.
HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS AND HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF THE RESIDENTS OF JOS AND ENVIRONS
(World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2015-06-03) Jimam Nanloh. S.; Teyiremi Jude A.
Aim: To investigate the health information needs and health information seeking behaviour of the people of Jos and environs. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study design; with a study population consisting of individuals of both sexes living within the metropolis of Jos, cutting across people between the age of 10 years and above. The purpose of the study was explained to the target population and their consent individually obtained before a semi structured interviewer questionnaire was administered to all the eligible participants in the survey. Results: The result shows that majority (90.5%) of the respondents said that health workers are the common source of health information, followed by television (70%), and radio (48.5%) in their areas; with 88.5% of them admitting that health workers are the appropriate source for seeking health information. When asked of their reasons for seeking health information; 87.6% of the respondents said it was for treatment of diseases. This is not unconnected with the levels of education of the respondents in which about 57.6% of them had secondary education. Similarly, 81.7% of the respondents perceived environment as a factor influencing their health information needs and information seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The study shows that the respondents had good knowledge of the sources/formats of health information and reasons for seeking health information, with majority of them agreeing that environmental factors influences their health information needs and health information seeking behaviours. There is therefore need for proper information dissemination to the respondents in order to preserve their own health and the healthy environment of their surroundings which will help in solving some of the health needs as well as promoting good health among the citizens. KEYWORDS: Health, Information needs, Information seeking, Behaviours, Education.
Impact of prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole on malaria parasitaemia, PCV and CD4+ count in HIV-infected pregnant women in Jos, Nigeria
(Trends in Medicine, 2017) Ali M..A.; Agbo E.B.; Suleiman M.M.; Oguche S.; Musa J.; Okojokwu O.J.; Anejo-Okopi J.A.; Lar P.M.
The effect of prophylaxis with Cotrimoxazole (CTX) against malaria parasitaemia and other pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women in Jos was investigated. Peripheral blood from study women was used to prepare thin and thick blood smears for the identification and estimation of malaria parasitaemia as well as immunological and haematological investigations. Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) was used as control, being the standard used for prophylaxis against malaria in pregnant women. Result shows that Prevalence of malaria infection was reduced from 34.1-7.2% and from 25-10% among group A and B respectively. Mean parasitaemia was reduced from 1984.76 asp/µ to 1000.00 asp/µl and from 1960.38 asp/µ to 1118.18 asp/µ for CTX an SP respectively. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) was reduced from 33.09-33.02% with CTX and from 33.11-32.90% with SP. Mean CD4+ count increased from 223.55 cells/µl to 300.54 cells/µl with CTX but decreased from 570 cells/µl to 536.4 cells/µl with SP. Prophylaxis with CTX is associated with 89% reduction in parasitaemia, with immunological but no haematological benefits, while prophylaxis with standard Sp is associated with 76% reduction in malaria parasitaemia with neither immunological nor haematological benefits. There was no statistical difference between the two drugs throughout the study. The use of cotrimoxazole for antimalarial prophylaxis among HIV-infected pregnant women is strongly supported but with close monitoring of their PCV so as to detect and treat any possible anaemia.
Impact of Prophylaxis with Cotrimoxazole on Malaria Parasitaemia, PCV and CD4+ count in HIV-infected Pregnant Women in Jos, Nigeria
(Trends in Medicine, 2017-12-08) Ali MA; Agbo EB; Suleiman MM; Oguche S; Musa J; Okojokwu OJ; Anejo-Okopi JA; Lar PM
The effect of prophylaxis with Cotrimoxazole (CTX) against malaria parasitaemia and other pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women in Jos was investigated. Peripheral blood from study women was used to prepare thin and thick blood smears for the identification and estimation of malaria parasitaemia as well as immunological and haematological investigations. Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) was used as control, being the standard used for prophylaxis against malaria in pregnant women. Result shows that Prevalence of malaria infection was reduced from 34.1-7.2% and from 25-10% among group A and B respectively. Mean parasitaemia was reduced from 1984.76 asp/µ to 1000.00 asp/µl and from 1960.38 asp/µ to 1118.18 asp/µ for CTX an SP respectively. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) was reduced from 33.09-33.02% with CTX and from 33.11-32.90% with SP. Mean CD4+ count increased from 223.55 cells/µl to 300.54 cells/µl with CTX but decreased from 570 cells/µl to 536.4 cells/µl with SP. Prophylaxis with CTX is associated with 89% reduction in parasitaemia, with immunological but no haematological benefits, while prophylaxis with standard Sp is associated with 76% reduction in malaria parasitaemia with neither immunological nor haematological benefits. There was no statistical difference between the two drugs throughout the study. The use of cotrimoxazole for antimalarial prophylaxis among HIV-infected pregnant women is strongly supported but with close monitoring of their PCV so as to detect and treat any possible anaemia.
Journal of Business Administration and Management Sciences Research
(2021-07-27) Adamu Daniel
The management of Institution of learning is very paramount to the development of a country from the local government to state and to federal. Doing this, we cannot erase the fact that human relation management will play vital role in achieving it is in this light that this work delved into looking at the implication of the existing management practices embarked on, for the successful achievement of the goals attached. The study looked at education and human relation movement as it concerns management and employee’s increased satisfaction and improvement in performance as stemmed up from Hawthorne studies.
Microbiological Quality of Pre-cut Fruits on Sale in Retail Outlets in Nigeria
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2010-09-04) Chukwu C. O. C.; Chukwu I. D.; Onyimba I. A.; Umoh E. G.; Olarubofin F.; Olabode A. O.
Microbiological quality of pre-cut fruits sold in retail outlets in Kano metropolis in Nigeria was evaluated. One hundred and fifty pre-cut fruit samples comprising pineapples (50), paw-paw (50) and watermelon (50) at the point of stand retail outlets were tested by standard microbiological methods to determine bacterial and parasite contamination. Out of these, 136 (90.67%) were contaminated with bacteria. Parasites were absent in all samples. The general distribution of the bacterial contaminations were; Escherichia coli 69 (46.00%), Staphylococcus aureus 29 (19.33%), Salmonella species 13 (8.67%), Proteus species 18 (12.00%), Enterobacter aerogenes 3 (2.00%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 2 (1.33%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 (1.33%). Among the 50 pineapple cuts - E. coli 26, S. aureus 6, Salmonella species 7, Proteus species 9, P. aeruginosa 2; the 50 watermelon had E. coli 22, S. aureus 13, Salmonella species 3, Proteus species 5, E. aerogenes 2 and K. species 2. From 50 paw-paw cuts E. coli 21, S. aureus 10, Salmonella species 3, Proteus species 4 and E. aerogenes 1 were isolated. These findings demonstrate that microbiological quality of pre-cut fruits sampled, suggest that the risk of foodborne illness from pre-cut fruits is high. There is a need to enforce good food hygiene practices to avoid contamination of pre-cut fruits.
OCCURRENCE OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FUNGI IN EXPOSED BREWERY SPENT SORGHUM GRAINS
(European scientific journal, 2014-03) Isaac A. Onyimba; Chike I. C. Ogbonna; Chukwu, O. O. Chukwu; Collins C. E. Odu
Samples of environmentally exposed spent sorghum grains (SSG), commonly used as feedstuff in Nigeria, were obtained from the Jos International Brewery and screened for potentially harzardous fungi associated with them. A total of three samples, one per week, were used in the study. Truly colonizing fungi of the SSG were further determined by assessing the abilities of the fungal isolates to grow on specially formulated spent sorghum grain agar (SSGA). Fourteen fungal species belonging to nine genera were isolated from the SSG. Frequently occurring fungi included Aspergillus niger (89%), A. fumigatus (56%), A. flavus (78%), Rhizopus, oryzae (78%) and R. stolonifer (56%). The genus Aspergillus had the highest number of species (28.6%) among the isolates. The true fungal colonizers of SSG were found to include A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Curvularia lunata, Geotrichum candidum, Humicola grisea, Penicillium sp, R. oryzae, R. stolonifer and Trichoderma harzianum. Among the fungal isolates were species that have been known to contain either pathogenic or toxigenic strains. The findings from the experiments showed that exposed SSG can be colonized by potentially hazardous fungi and as such, caution should be exercised in its use as a feedstuff.
Pharmaceutical care and medication adherence in management of psychosis in a Nigerian tertiary hospital
(Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice, 2019-09-03) Jonathan Danladi1 , Kakjing D. Falang2 , Raymond A. Barde1 , Nanlok S. Jimam3 , Dauda A. Dangiwa3 , Hafsat O. Jimoh
Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine the medication adherence levels (as a function of pharmaceutical care) and its contributing factors in schizophrenic patients receiving antipsychotic drugs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study administering a structured questionnaire to 231 patients. Adherence was measured through patient self-reporting. Association between independent variables and adherence to antipsychotics were measured through odds ratios (OR) in the univariate analysis while the best predictors of adherence were determined through the multiple logistic regressions. Findings: Adherence level was found to be 65.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.3-71.9%). The following factors were identified to be associated with adherence in the univariate analysis: age (OR 1.088), sex (OR 1.231), employment (OR 0.366), marital status (singles, OR 0.022), drug adherence counseling (OR 11.641), twice a day frequency (OR 8.434), alcohol non-intake (OR 1.469), educational level (primary OR 1.9312, secondary OR 11.022, tertiary OR 4.771), occupation (public servant 6.273). In the multivariate analysis, age, three times a day frequency of drug intake, singles and educational levels such as primary, secondary or tertiary school, strongly affected adherence (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although patients adherence level was high (65.8%), there is a need to emphasize that pharmacists spend more time in counseling and educating patients, especially younger ones on drug adherence before any antipsychotic medications are dispensed. Furthermore, patients should be taught the use of adherence devices such as reminders so that adherence to antipsychotic medications can be optimized.