| 1 |
Author(s):
Okareh, O.T..
Page No : 1-11
|
Extraction, Evaluation and Application of Cashew Nutshell Extract for Ambient Preservation of Meats
Abstract
Meat is a nutritious, protein-rich food which is highly perishable with a
short shelf-life unless it is adequately preserved. There is the need to
control meat spoilage using natural products rather than chemical
preservatives. The preservative efficacy of cashew nutshell extract on
beef and goat meat samples was investigated. Meat samples were cut and
preserved with the cashew nutshell extract of four different concentrations
(50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm) for five storage days alongside
the controls, without the addition of the extract under ambient condition.
The yield of cashew nutshell extract after treatment was high (86.54%) at
solute to solvent ratio 1:10. There was a statistically significant difference
between meat samples preserved with cashew nutshell extract and the
control group over the five storage days; beef (P<0.05) and goat meat
(P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in the preservative
efficacy of cashew nutshell extract between beef and goat meat up till the
third storage day. The effect of concentration on the preserved meat
samples also showed a dose response relationship; with highest and
lowest 'Total Bacterial Count' (TBC) in beef at 50 ppm and 200 ppm
respectively, while highest and lowest TBC were recorded at 100 ppm and
200 ppm respectively for goat meat. The acetone extract of cashew
nutshell has the potential of preserving meats. Therefore, due to its natural
antimicrobial food preservative properties, it will be very useful in meat
industry
| 2 |
Author(s):
Muhammad, Zainab D, Ibrahim Y..
Page No : 13-21
|
Screening of Hands of Vulnerable Pupils (Almajiri) and their Frequently Touched Surfaces for MRSA and ESBL Producing Gram Negative Bacteria
Abstract
Dissemination of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
and extended spectrum â–lactamases (ESBLs) producing Gram negative
bacteria through hands and shared surfaces is widely reported in hospitals
and communities. A study was designed to screen hands and frequently
touched surfaces of vulnerable pupils for MRSA and ESBL producing
Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A total of 400 swabs of hand
and frequently touched surfaces of bowl, floor, wall and door knobs
shared by Almajiri were collected and cultured on MacConkey and
Mannitol Salt Agar and incubated at 37?C for 24 hours. Identification of
isolates was done using biochemical tests.
Antibiotic susceptibility
pattern of the isolates was determined using Clinical Laboratory Standard
Institute method.
Isolated S. aureus were screened for methicillin
resistance using cefoxitin disc while E. coli and K. pneumoniae were
screened for ESBL production using double disc synergy test.
400 samples, 80 (20 %) yielded bacterial growth.
%) and 7
Out of the
A total of 55 (
isolates were identified as S. aureus followed by 18
E. coli
13.75 %)
K. pneumoniae (4.5
(1.75 %). About 24% isolates were recovered from bowl,
3% from door, 8% from floor, 63.75% from hands and 4% from the wall.
S. aureus was more susceptible to gentamicin 100% and was more
resistant to clindamycin 32.72%. E. coli was 100% sensitive to gentamycin,
cefepime and ceftriaxone and 71.42% was resistant to ampicillin. K.
pneumoniae was 100% sensitive to ceftriaxone and gentamycin and was
more resistant to ampicillin 66.7%.
The finding shows that
MRSA and
ESBL producing bacteria was not detected among the bacterial isolates. It
is recommended that convenient sanitary environment should be
provided for purpose of Almajiri education
| 3 |
Author(s):
Samba Camara, Buba Bah, Lamin L.F. Barrow, Modou Lamin Sanyang, Evelyn Uyamadu.
Page No : 23-31
|
Groundwater Quality and Municipal Waste Management in Brikama, The Gambia
Abstract
This paper describes groundwater quality and municipal waste management
practices in Brikama Town, The Gambia. Waste management is generally
through indiscriminate collection, open dumping, open burning without
proper waste segregation or sorting. The domestic water supplies are
entirely derived from groundwater resources. Some municipal water
boreholes that supply raw water to the water treatment plant of Brikama
for treatment are located within the main municipal waste dumpsite or
thereabout. The main municipal water treatment technique is chlorination
which cannot get rid of chemicals including nitrates and heavy metals,
especially where waste disposal is through indiscriminate dumping. In
Brikama, the waste management system has many lapses. Some of the
lapses are related to some missing components of the waste management
cycle. Such missing components include waste segregation and waste
treatment which are as important as the other components such as collection,
transportation and disposal. Other lapses are related to inadequate
political and structural arrangements for the available components of the
waste management cycle. There is felt need for more regulations to protect
the environment. Workable legislation, regulations and action plans for
groundwater resources and waste management should be put in place by
the government and corporate municipal institutions without delay for
public and environmental health protection.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Jemba, P, Nalinya, P, David Musoke, D.
Page No : 33-43
|
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Healthcare Workers in Private Clinics on Healthcare Waste Management in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, Uganda
Abstract
Healthcare waste poses great risks to healthcare workers, waste handlers,
communities and the environment if not properly managed. The study
assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices on healthcare waste management
among healthcare workers in private clinics in Kawempe Division,
Kampala, Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study employing both
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was conducted. A
self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data in
137 private clinics among different cadres including doctors, nurses,
midwives, clinical officers, laboratory technicians, and dentists, while an
observational checklist was used in 20 clinics to establish practices.
Quantitative data was entered and cleaned in EPI DATA 3.0 and analysed
in STATA 13. An interview guide was used to collect qualitative data
among eight key informants from private clinics, local authority practitioners,
and health care waste researchers which was analysed thematically. All
the 137 healthcare workers (100%) knew about healthcare waste
management, and agreed that healthcare waste management was not only
important but was, their responsibility. Among the respondents, 73.0%
and 69.3% agreed that burying and burning healthcare waste respectively
could cause harm. In addition, 47.4% of the respondents reported injuries
due to healthcare waste particularly from needle sticks (64.6%). Lastly,
74.5% of the respondents reported using personal protective equipment
during work activities. Most private clinics were limited by space, and
poor enforcement of waste management guidelines by authorities was
identified. Strategies to improve practices among healthcare workers in
private clinics are needed for proper management of healthcare waste.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Shade, J. Akinsete, IbukunOluwa, A. Oluwadare.
Page No : 45-56
|
Soil Ingestion Prevalence among School-Age Children in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Soil ingestion is an important pathway of children's exposure to environmental
contaminants. School-Age Children (SAC) behaviours and activities
promote direct contact with soil leading to soil ingestion. However,
limited studies have addressed soil ingestion among SAC in Africa. The
study therefore assessed soil ingestion prevalence by age, gender and
associated behaviours as well as activities among SAC. A cross-sectional
study was conducted on 204 SAC aged 6 to 11 years old in Ibadan, Nigeria,
using a semi-structured questionnaire. Fifty-four percent were females
and children aged 9 – 10 years represented 51% of the population. Overall,
previous prevalence of soil ingestion was high (74%) among the children.
About 20% SAC, (6 – 8 and 9 – 11 years), 16% males and 14% females
ingest soil often (generally when playing). SAC, 9 – 11 than 6 – 8 years
had greater awareness (87% versus 72%) of harmful substances in the soil
when consumed. Behaviours and activities involving direct contact with
soil revealed: >50% SAC 6 – 8 years, males and females alike played with
soil; males (83%) than females (65%) kicked soil during play; 5% (6 – 8
years); 7% (9 – 11 years); 2% (males) and 8% (females) picked dropped
food all the time from any floor type with 33% females picking from bare
soil. School playgrounds (61%) and compounds (83%) were bare soil.
Proximity of schools to roads (87%) and heavy traffic (86%) was high.
These school-age children practised soil ingestion. Age and gender
influenced children's soil contact activities. Studies on soil ingestion
among children is necessary to improve risks assessment from soil-borne
contaminants.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Olatunde, K.A., Azeez, K.R.
Page No : 57-65
|
Knowledge and Practices of Pesticides Use among Beans Traders within Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria
Abstract
Adequate knowledge and adoption of best practices is important to avoid
pesticide poisoning and ensure food safety. Therefore, knowledge and
practices of pesticides use was investigated among bean traders within
Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered
to bean traders to collect data such as trader knowledge about pesticide
toxicity, practices and self-reported clinical effects following exposure.
Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. The pesticides
products used by traders contained organophosphates (62%), pyrethroids
(26%) and inorganic compounds all of which are moderately hazardous.
Data from the Likert scale on knowledge of pesticides showed that 78% of
traders had reasonable knowledge of the toxicity of pesticides. Traders
however failed to adopt best practices on the use of pesticides. The major
self-reported clinical symptoms following pesticide use were skin irritation
(76%), vomiting (78%), sneezing (73%), back pain (80%) and nausea
(48%). Majority of the traders also neither sought medical help at
hospitals nor took medication to relieve symptoms of pesticide poisoning.
Therefore, training and sensitization of bean traders is recommended to
promote pesticide knowledge and safer practices
| 7 |
Author(s):
Asen, J. M., Ekpenyong, B. N, Okon, A. J..
Page No : 67-78
|
Housing Conditions and Health Implications on Residents of Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
Human health status is determined by several factors one of which is
housing conditions. Features of housing may determine the physical,
social and mental well-being of residents. More than 100 million people
globally are without homes while over a billion live in homes that are not
only inadequate but are also harmful to health. This study determined the
health implications of housing conditions on residents of Makurdi Town,
Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study design was
adopted for the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select
400 respondents. Primary data were obtained using semi-structured, self
administered questionnaire. Chi-square analysis was used to express
relationships between housing conditions and reported health problems.
The findings of this study indicated that most (65.5%) of the respondents
did not renovate their houses. Pour flush toilets were the prevalent faecal
disposal facility (58.6%) of the respondents. Major source of water for
household use was hand dug wells (51.2%). Most (59.3%) of the respondents
practised open dumping of refuse. Malaria fever (66.5%) was the
prevailing health challenge among the residents. Statistically significant
associations existed between variables such as common vectors, occupancy
per room, sources of water, place where food is cooked and sources of heat
for cooking and reported common health problems at P= 0.000, 0.013,
0.003, 0.022, and 0.002 respectively at significant level of P<0.05. This
study concludes that housing conditions have health implications on the
residents. Routine public enlightenment on the health implications of
housing conditions on health is thus encouraged.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Umeh, S.I., Uwakwe, F.E.,, Onyimah, E. O, Opara, M.C..
Page No : 87-98
|
Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Nigeria Current Situation and Way Forward A Review
Abstract
Antimicrobial agents are used to prevent, control and treat infectious
diseases caused by microorganisms. This survey reviewed the antimicrobial
resistance (AMR) situation in Nigeria. An increasing rate of resistance
among different microorganisms to various antimicrobial agents was found.
The reasons for this include: inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in
humans, animals and plants, poor infectious disease prevention, control
and treatment, poor surveillance, lack of access to clean water, sanitation
and hygiene (WASH), poor access to quality and affordable medicines,
vaccines and diagnosis, ignorance, poverty and lack of enforcement of
legislations. The implications include difficulty in treating infectious
diseases, higher risk of disease spreading, reduced efficacy of drugs, long
hospital stay, higher cost of treatment as well as greater disability and
mortality. To curb antimicrobial resistance and its effects, Nigeria
developed her National Action Plan for AMR in 2017 with the Nigeria
Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the coordinating body. Currently,
there exists two tuberculosis national reference laboratories, six zonal
laboratories in tertiary hospitals, PCR equipment called Genexpert for
molecular-based anti-TB resistance testing in several health centers and
an AMR standing committee in tertiary institutions. However, there are
no existing surveillance system, laboratory information system and
coordinating unit, making AMR surveillance ineffective. As resistance to
new antimicrobials emerged and spread, the need for comprehensive
resistance surveillance programmes that provide timely information to
enable public health interventions and prevent emergence and spread of
antimicrobial resistance. Manpower development, public enlightenment,
adequate funding, one health approach, collaborative action, building more
diagnostic laboratories, effective waste management system as well as
greater research and innovation are therefore recommended for improved
AMR surveillance.
La Surveillance de la Résistance Antimicrobienne au Nigeria :
Situation Actuelle et Voie a Suivre
| 9 |
Author(s):
Oyeleye, E. T., Lateef, S.A.
Page No : 99-109
|
Benthic Algae and Banana (Musa spp.) as Bio-monitors of Heavy Metals Pollution in Alaro River, Oluyole Industrial Estate
Abstract
Alaro River is the main receiving water body for industrial effluents from
Oluyole Industrial Estate. Previously, studies on environmental monitoring
of heavy metals pollution in Alaro River have focused on the levels of
heavy metals in sediment samples, water samples and fishes. However,
studies on bio indicators of heavy metal pollution such as algae and
banana (Musa spp.) plant, which are commonly found within/around the
river, are still lacking. This study was therefore conducted to determine the
concentrations of selected heavy metals in algal biomass and banana plant
in order to establish the feasibility of using the two indicators in
phytoextraction and bio-monitoring of environmental quality. Algae
samples, banana leaves and roots, and soil samples were collected at
different sampling points along the course of the river and analysed for
heavy metals. Translocation factor for banana and pollution index for soil
samples were determined. Analysis of algal biomass showed that zinc
was the most accumulated with values ranging from 133.27 ± 6.36 to
299.98 ± 130.13 mg/kg. Copper, lead and chromium were also detected in
varying concentrations while cadmium was not detected in all the
samples. Similarly, copper (10.90 ± 3.22 - 11.96 ± 1.98 mg/kg), zinc
(50.59 ± 15.14 - 88.52 ± 32.73 mg/kg) and chromium (10.28 ± 5.98 - 12.13
± 6.32 mg/kg) were detected in the roots of banana while only zinc (17.69
± 2.92 - 29.02 ± 10.01 mg/kg) and copper (5.07 ± 0.86 - 10.10 ± 5.98
mg/kg) were detected in the leaves. Copper (0.49) was the most translocated
metal for banana plant. The potential to bio-concentrate metals were in the
order of zinc (1.24), copper (1.12) and chromium (0.44). The mean soil
pollution load index was determined to be 0.62. From the results of the
study, it can be concluded that algae and banana (Musa spp.) plant have
potential as aquatic bio-filter plants for phytoextraction and bio-monitoring
of heavy metals pollution in Alaro River
