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Authors:Eremi Emmanuel Ohara, Okoi Kennedy Obu, Ogar Patrick Ogar Pages: 115 - 120 Abstract: The study focused on mass media perception and utilization for accessing agricultural information among farmers in Ogoja agricultural zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study specifically identified agricultural information needs of the farmers, ascertained the mass media available in the area, determined the extent of utilization of mass media by farmers, and established the relationship between mass media perception and utilization by farmers in the area. The study was conducted in Ogoja agricultural zone, the population consisted of all the registered farmers in the area, and the 3 extension blocks used, namely Ogoja, Obudu and Yala were randomly selected. The sample comprised 200 randomly selected respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, ranking and chi square statistics. The results revealed that farmers needs information on herbicides/pesticides (ranked = 1st), transportation (ranked = 2nd) and credit facilities (ranked = 3rd) etc. The predominant mass media available were mobile phone (ranked = 1st), television (ranked 2nd) and radio (ranked = 3rd) were the most extensively utilized in the area. The study found a significant relationship between mass media perception and utilization by the farmers. A comprehensive internet network coverage in the area and ICT training were recommended among others, to enhance mass media utilization. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.1 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Eremi Emmanuel Ohara, Ogar Patrick Ogar, Okoi Kennedy Obu Pages: 121 - 126 Abstract: The study examined the perceived effect of vegetable farming on the socio-economic well-being of urban households in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of vegetable farmers, ascertain the types of vegetables cultivated in the area, and determine the perceived effect of vegetable farming on the socio-economic well-being of urban households. The study was carried out in Calabar Metropolis using a survey research design. The population consisted of all registered vegetable farmers in the area, while the sample comprised 400 vegetable farmers selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and ranking. The results revealed that 78.75% of the vegetable farmers were women, 65% were married and 49.75% of the farmers were 41years and above. It was also found that pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) (96.75%), waterleaf (Amaranthus spp) (87.25%), amaranthus (Talinum fruticosum) (53.5%) and afang/editan/atama (Gnetum africanum/Lasianthera Africana/Heinsia crinita) (50%) were the predominant vegetables cultivated in the area. The results further showed that vegetable farming brings additional income to farmers (ranked = 1st), enable them to take care of medical bills (ranked = 2nd) and enhance food supply (ranked = 3rd) etc. It was recommended that special land allocation for vegetable cultivation, credit facilities and training should be provided to urban households to enhance vegetable production in the area. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.2 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Elemi Ginini F, Eta Hilda C, Eremi Emmanuel O, Iyamah Dorathy A Pages: 127 - 131 Abstract: This study was carried out to analyse influence of gender on land tenure rights and participation among rice farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify various forms of land tenure rights existing among respondents, ascertain gender participation in rice production decision making process, determine influence of land tenure rights on level of participation, and assess strategies for enhancing access to and control over land tenure rights. Data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire from the three agricultural zones in the state using a multi-stage sampling procedure. A total of 383 respondents were selected for the study. Frequencies, percentages and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that most (60.6%) of the males had land through inheritance while majority (77.1%) of the females acquired through renting. The results also revealed that a sizeable proportion of the males (62%, 47.7% and 39%) were involved in decisions regarding: where to grow the crop, techniques to adopt and quantity to consume and sell respectively, while a smaller proportion of the females (38.4%, 30.2% and 15.6 %) were involved in decisions concerning: where to grow the crop, techniques to adopt and quantity of rice to consume and sell respectively. The results also showed that land tenure rights through inheritance and communal ownership had positive influence on the level of participation among rice farmers at 1% level of significance. The results also revealed that major strategies for enhancing land tenure rights were: abolition of certain cultures, equal participation, and promotion of adult education with percentage representation of 94.4%, 63.2% and 51.7% respectively. The study therefore recommended that women should be given equal opportunity as men to acquire land through inheritance so as to enhance their participation in rice production. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.3 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Adetitun D O, Tomilayo R B Pages: 133 - 144 Abstract: This review explores the ecological implications of bacterial degradation of alkanes in petroleum-contaminated environments, with a focus on microbial community dynamics and functional interactions. The complex interplay between alkane-degrading bacteria and other microorganisms shapes the fate and behavior of petroleum hydrocarbons, influencing ecosystem functioning and stability. The microbial community structure in petroleum-contaminated environments is characterized by a diverse assemblage of alkane-degrading bacteria (Such as Pseudomonas sp., Alcaligenes sp., Bacillus sp., Acinetobacter sp). These bacteria exhibit varying abilities to degrade different hydrocarbon fractions, leading to distinct patterns in community composition. Factors such as hydrocarbon concentration, environmental conditions, and the presence of co-contaminants influence the abundance and distribution of alkane-degrading taxa, shaping the microbial community dynamics. Functional interactions among alkane-degrading bacteria are essential for efficient degradation processes. Synergistic interactions and metabolic cooperation between different microbial species enhance the degradation capabilities of the community as a whole. Co-metabolism and cross-feeding relationships among bacteria enable the degradation of complex hydrocarbon mixtures. Furthermore, non-degrading microorganisms contribute to the overall alkane degradation process by providing essential metabolic intermediates or modulating environmental conditions. The presence of alkane-degrading bacteria affects the diversity and abundance of other microbial communities, leading to cascading effects on the broader ecosystem. Molecular tools, such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics, have advanced our understanding of microbial community structure and function. This review provides valuable insights into the ecological implications of bacterial degradation of alkanes in petroleum-contaminated environments. It highlights the importance of microbial community dynamics and functional interactions in shaping the fate of petroleum hydrocarbons and emphasizes the potential of harnessing these interactions for effective bioremediation strategies. Further research is needed to unravel the complex ecological networks involved in alkane degradation and to develop innovative approaches for sustainable environmental management. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.4 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Pukuma M S, Bobbo A A, Qadeer M A, Rufai A Pages: 145 - 152 Abstract: The Continuous use of synthetic insecticides and its toxicity problems coupled with the incidence of insect resistance calls for the need for alternative insecticide. Plants extracts a rich source of bioactive compounds can provide an alternative source of insecticide which are ecofriendly. The research evaluated the phytochemical active ingredients present in organic solvent extracts and larvicidal effect of some selected plants from Taraba state against Anopheles larvae. World Health Organisation protocol was adopted for the larvicidal bioassay. Twenty group of fourth instar Anopheles larvae were exposed to various concentrations of 200,400,600 and 800ppm, mortality was observed and recorded after 24 hours. The results of preliminary qualitative phytochemical analyses of tested plants revealed the presence of some secondary metabolite that may be responsible for the bio control potentials. Acetone extract of Hyptis suaveoleons against the fourth instant anopheles larval was observed to have the highest percentage mortality among the entire plants extracts than the aqueous. The lowest mortality was observed at 200ppm with 35.0% while the maximum was at 800ppm with 80.0%. Lc50 and Lc90 values were achieved at 438 and 866ppm with the LCL -UCL 340-540 and 722-1151 respectively. While the biological activity of Hyptis suaveolence aqueous extract had its lowest mortality at 200ppm with 36.67% while the maximum was at 800ppm with 80.0%. Lc50 and Lc90 values were achieved at 582 and 1225ppm with the LCL -UCL 449-806 and 942-2636 respectively. Ancova results showed no significance difference at p>0.05 among the mean percentage mortality of the treated doses. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.5 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Ehouman A D, Bamba A, Kouadio Y V, Kalifa M, Kouakou A R, Bamba K, Niamien P M, Yao B Pages: 153 - 163 Abstract: The objective of this work is to study the effect of synergy between halide ions (Cl-, Br- and I-) and piroxicam which is a drug molecule with anti-inflammatory properties proposed as a corrosion inhibitor copper in nitric acid medium using the gravimetric method. The experimental results show that the inhibitory efficiency increases considerably with the addition of halide ions on piroxicam. The observed inhibitory efficiency reaches more than 94 % in nitric acid medium (1 M) with the addition of iodide ions to piroxicam at 323 K. The presence of I- ions considerably improves efficiency compared to Br- and Cl- ions. So the classification of the halide ions studied, in the sense of those which could help to improve the inhibitory efficacy of piroxicam is I- > Br- > Cl-, which confirms previous studies. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.6 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Ekaete Enamekere Umoh, Peace Oluwaseyi Agbaje, Joseph Oluwaseun Akinade Pages: 165 - 174 Abstract: Well TMG-02 with the depth interval of 5058.77 to 9389.43ft of Opolo field located in the Niger delta was assessed for hydrocarbon using suite of geophysical well logs. Suite includes gamma ray (GR), formation density (RHOB), neutron porosity (NPHI), and resistivity logs. The analysis was carried out to estimate the field’s hydrocarbon prospect by identifying hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs and their properties. The quantitative and qualitative results, identified thicker units of sand than shale lithology, three reservoirs A, B, C within the depth ranges from 5058.77ft to 9389.43ft, capable of accumulating hydrocarbon based on the petrophysical parameters calculated were delineated. The effective porosity for each of the reservoir are: 27%, 24% and 19% respectively. It was observed that reservoir A, B had excellent permeability while reservoir C was low as a result of thicker shale sequence within the reservoir. The result obtained shows presence of hydrocarbon bearing gas water contact in Reservoir A at depth of 5119.70ft, gas oil contact and oil water contact at depths 7310.00ft and 7438.69ft in Reservoir B and Gas water contact at depth 9032.00ft at Reservoir C. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.7 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Emeka V I, Emeka C N, Ebong E D, Ojong R A, Chikezie P C Pages: 175 - 192 Abstract: Estuaries are important ecosystems that support biodiversity and influence the economy of the regions they occupy. Major physicochemical variables of Qua-Iboe River estuary in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were assessed for ecosystem quality. The influence of tidal current on the spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters in the estuary was examined. Physicochemical parameters, including transparency, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, density and pH were measured in-situ during the dry season. Tidal current velocities were monitored over spring and neap tidal cycles using the Langragian method and results indicated ebb dominance. The relationships between physicochemical parameters were statistically analyzed using Pearson’s correlation matrix. Based on Pearson’s correlation, density showed significant correlations (p < 0.05) with temperature, pH and salinity. Surface and bottom water temperatures significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with density, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH. Spatial distribution maps of physicochemical parameters were plotted using ArcGIS Pro. Similarities and dissimilarities of surface and bottom water parameters were interpreted using cluster analysis. Results revealed two groups reflecting distinct physicochemical characteristics in the study area. Group one, representing upper and central portions of the estuary is defined by waters which are limnetic to oligohaline, slightly acidic to neutral with low dissolved oxygen (<4mg/l) conditions. The estuary showed limnetic conditions at the upper reaches due to the strong fluvial input by the Qua-Iboe River. Group two, representing the lower estuary, is characterized by mesohaline to normal marine waters; neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and low dissolved oxygen (< 4mg/l) conditions. This study is relevant for future monitoring and assessment of the estuary and similar tidal ecosystems. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.8 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Osuchukwu E C, Chukwudi J A, Agba M, Anieche J E, Ubochi N, Asuquo E F, John Ita Pages: 193 - 202 Abstract: The discovery of vaccine against Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID – 19) was considered a breakthrough in the control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Health professionals as frontline managers of COVID -19 patients were prioritized for vaccination as they were more at risk of the infection and transmission. However, past experience on vaccine production and knowledge of vaccine may influence their perception and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine due to some misconceptions surrounding its production and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, perception and uptake of COVID - 19 vaccine among health professionals in Cross River State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted to study a sample of 344 health professionals including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists working in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. The participants were selected to complete the survey using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected through a validated and reliable questionnaire structured by the researchers. Using software from the Statistical Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23) collected data were analysed, while the association between variables was achieved using Chi-square test of association at a 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that majority 256 (74.4%) of the participants had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine, while majority 214 (62.2%) had good perception of Covid-19 vaccine, and slightly above half, 196 (57.0%) of the participants had been vaccinated against COVID-19. There is a significant association between; knowledge and uptake of Covid-19 vaccine (Cal = 42.563; p=.000), as well as perception and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine (Cal = 28.204; p=.000) among the participants. The demographic variables significantly associated with uptake of COVID-19 vaccines were; age, marital status, religion, ethnicity, profession, income per month, and years of work experience (p<0.05). However, the proportion of the healthcare professionals in the hospital that have not been vaccinated was relatively high and the associated variables with uptake of the vaccine emphasize the need for intervention that would address the unique concern of each group within the healthcare professionals. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.9 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Akintunde Olusijibomi Akintomide, Samuel Archibong Efanga, Affiong Ifiop Ngaji, Simone Izuchukwu Ozomma, Samson Omini Paulinus Pages: 203 - 213 Abstract: Background: Stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality world-wide. Ischemic stroke is reversible when patients present early. With the current treatment guideline in Nigeria, most ischemic stroke patients present after the 4.5 hours treatment “time window” and are ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). However, studies with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have shown variability in the duration of tissue viability, with some remaining viable up to 24 hours and beyond. These advanced imaging are not readily available in the sub-Saharan Africa but the X-ray attenuation ratio of hypoattenuating lesions on the easily accessible nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT), have recently shown to be a valuable alternative. In late presentation, IVT and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) have proven to have reasonable degree of success in recanalization. Hence, the need for the study. Materials and method: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of ischemic stroke patients who presented between 4.5 and 24 hours for NECT. The extent of the ischemia was determined using the Alberta stroke programme early CT score (ASPECTS), while the Hounsfield unit ratio of the hypodense lesions was used to determine tissue viability. Results: Fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and had a mean age of 58.8 years. Four (7.27%) patients clearly had ASPECTS and Hounsfield unit ratio (HUr) scores suggestive of salvageable penumbral tissue, while another four (7.27%) had the probability of being reversible. Conclusion: Some patients were still eligible for treatment after the current guideline’s 4.5 hours treatment “time window” using the ASPECTS and HUr scores on NECT. PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.10 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Barth N Ekwueme Pages: 215 - 219 Abstract: A TRIBUTE TO PROF. ANTHONY C. ONYEAGOCHA PubDate: 2023-09-29 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.11 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Nseobong Godwin Akpan, Ofonime Mark Ogba, Anthony John Umoyen, Aniekan-Augusta Okon Eyo, Ubong Ekerenam Etang, Robinson Dodoru Tuemi, Anietie Effiong Moses Pages: 221 - 229 Abstract: Hematological abnormalities are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality among HIV infection. This study was aimed to determine hematological indices, abnormalities and the immune status of HIV/AIDS subjects having opportunistic pulmonary mycoses in Uyo, Nigeria. A cross sectional study was adopted using 230 subjects with pulmonary symptoms attending the Anti-retroviral clinics in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and Saint Luke’s Hosipital, Anua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The hematological parameters and CD4 counts was determined using blood and sputum was used for mycological examinations. Data was analysed using statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and was significant at p = 0.05. HIV subjects were more prevalent in female 98(68.89%) than male 56(31.11%). The most commonest fungi was Aspergillus niger (44.76%) and the least was Cryptococcus species (9.00%). The common hematological abnormality was anaemia with 86(86.9%), lymphopenia 33(33.3%) and thrombocytopenia 3(3.0%) among HIV/AIDS subjects with mycoses. The mean CD4 counts was 396.5±31.61 cells/µl (HIV) and 981.7±17.51 cells/µl (control individual). The CD4 counts below 200 cells/μl was observed in 19.4%(35) of AIDS patients. HIV/AIDS subjects with mycoses may develop hematological abnormalities such as anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia due to low immune status. PubDate: 2023-11-09 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.12 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Princewill Chigoziri Chikwe, Obiageli Fidelia Emelumadu, Christian C Ibeh, Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama, Grace Nandi Kuyahar Pages: 231 - 243 Abstract: Improper sewage and solid waste disposal lead to environmental pollution and increased risk of communicable diseases. This study compared the sanitation and solid waste disposal facilities utilized in selected rural and urban local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1310 households and data was collected from household heads or a designated adult representative using of quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (KII) data collection methods. The independent variables in this study are the sociodemographic variables and the geographical location of the respondents while the dependent variables are the toilet facilities and solid waste disposal methods. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using the SPSS version 23 and the hypotheses were tested with the inferential statistics of Chi square at 0.05 level of significance. Most respondents lie between the age group of 31-50 years. Most of the respondents in both the urban (84.4%) and rural(65.0%) areas had secondary education and above but a higher proportion in the urban compared to rural have tertiary education(41.9% versus 22.1%). The difference in educational status was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). There were more business men (46.6%) and civil servants (38.8%) in the urban area than the rural area. Most rural respondents were farmers(41.5%). Many urban household use toilet with sewer connection 152(11.7%) while pit latrine with slab is the most commonly used toilet facility 242 (18.6%). Burning was more commonly used by the rural households (n = 266, 20.5%). Open dumping of refuse and disposal into gullies and water ways were commonly done by the urban households. The gaps that exist between rural and urban areas of Anambra state may present serious health risk and environmental degradation .This issues can be addressed through health education, building more sanitary infrastructure to include the rural areas and enforcing sanitation laws. PubDate: 2023-11-09 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.13 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Austin D Amoako, Seth Y Ahiabor, Ernest Adzim, Isaac Adjokatse, Prosper Adiku, John Machator, Felix Amofa, Forgive Awo Norvivor Pages: 245 - 254 Abstract: The study evaluated liquid waste management in the Hohoe Township in the Hohoe Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. Knowledge level of the respondents on liquid waste management as well as health effects of poor liquid waste management were addressed in detail. The study was also geared towards the improvement of liquid waste management and disposal at the community and household levels by way of encouraging modern system of disposal and treatment facilities as well as providing awareness about existing disposal systems in the area. The significance of the study was to create awareness in Hohoe township on the relationship between liquid waste and disease associated with its poor management. The targeted premises of one hundred (100) respondents were selected in the study area by which simple and accidental sampling procedures were used based on the views and comments of the respondents. Results from the study indicates that majority of respondents 87(87%) confirmed that, the latrines are not regularly dislodged while 13(13%) of the respondents stated that the latrines are dislodged regularly whiles majority of the responds (55%) dispose domestic liquid waste on to the ground to avoid dust. It was concluded that environmental sanitation management is not only about solid and hazardous waste management but requires Integrated Waste Management approach. Individual households and the Environmental and Heath department of the Hohoe municipal Assemble must pay attention to the management of liquid waste in the municipality. The study revealed lack of commitment in dealing with the problem including the introduction of scientific and engineered methods of liquid waste disposal. PubDate: 2023-11-09 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.14 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:R E Eworo, N A Ntamu, U A Fabian, C C Thomas, M C Nsonwu, O U Egom, R U Basake, A R Essien, I M Ekam-Ukere, A C Nsonwu-Anyanwu Pages: 255 - 265 Abstract: The performance of non-invasive models in the diagnosis and prediction of liver fibrosis have not been evaluated in all populations. This study evaluated the accuracy of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelets ratio index (GPRI), and S-index in the diagnosis and prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHBV). Fifty patients with CHBV and 40 control were recruited into this case-control study. Albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and platelet count (PLT) were determined by colorimetric methods and Sysmex XS-10000 haematology automated analyzer respectively. GPRI and S-index were computed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and ROC curve at p<0.05. ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPRI and S-Index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB was lower (p<0.05) in patients with liver fibrosis (LF), compared to patients with CHBV. ALP, GGT, GPRI and S-index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB and PLT were lower (p<0.05) in patients with CHBV compared to the controls. ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPRI and S-index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB was lower (p=0.000) in patients with LF compared to the controls. The area under the curve (AUROC) for S-index and GPRI were (AUC=0.835, P=0.000), GPRI (AUC=0.778, P=0.003). This study shows that both S-index and GPRI are good test instruments for evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. S-index was a better marker than GPRI for predicting liver fibrosis. PubDate: 2023-11-09 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.15 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:R E Eworo, U A Fabian, N A Ntamu, C C Thomas, U O Egom, M C Nsonwu, R U Basake, A R Essien, I M Ekam-Ukere, A C Nsonwu-Anyanwu Pages: 267 - 279 Abstract: Gut microbiota dysbiosis and lipopolysaccharide-mediated immune response has been linked with pathogenesis of complications and liver injuries in subjects with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), serum protein, platelet count (PLT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and the performance of non-invasive models globulin to-platelet index (GPI), C-reactive protein to-albumin ratio (CAR), and aspartate to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in assessing fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHBV) were assessed in this case-control study. The study enrolled 60 subjects with CHBV and 40 healthy controls. Platelet count was determined by a 5 parts Sysmex XS-1000 haematology automated analyzer, lipopolysaccharide was determined by sandwich-ELISA method, CRP was determined by latex Reagent agglutination method, AST, ALB, TP, were determined by commercial colorimetric methods, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR), globulin-platelet index (GPI), aspartate-platelet ratio index (APRI), were computed. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance, Pearson’s and DeLong’s test to compare the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the noninvasive markers, at α=0.05. Subjects with liver fibrosis (LF) had significantly higher LPS, CRP, AST, GLO, CAR, GPI and APRI and lower PLT, ALB, when compared with CHBV and control subjects. Log10 CAR correlated positively with Log10 GPI r= 0.464, P=0.000) respectively, CRP correlated positively with LPS and negatively with PLT (r=0.626, P=0.000 and r= -0.393, P=0.002) respectively, in the test subjects. The area under the curve for GPI, CAR and APRI were 0.923, 0.940, and 1.000 respectively. This study has shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and LPS-mediated immune activation may underlie the pathogenesis of liver damage in subjects with chronic hepatitis B virus. The GPI, CAR and APRI models are good test instruments in predicting significant fibrosis and their use may represent simple and low-cost options in assessing liver injury in patients where FibroScan, transient elastography or liver biopsy is not accessible. PubDate: 2023-11-09 DOI: 10.4314/gjpas.v29i2.16 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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Authors:Adah E I , Eta E E, Ubi S E, Nwigwe E E, Antia N S Pages: 281 - 287 Abstract: The aim of this study was to formulate a new design stress equation for the analysis of two-dimensional plane elements using the maximum shear stress yield criterion known as the Tresca yield criterion. The existing Tresca yield equation was modified for a two-dimensional plane element to obtain a new general applied stress equation in terms of yield stress and stress factor. To get the specific applied stress equation for the twelve plate types considered, the polynomial shape parameters were solved to obtain the specific stress factor equation. To get the numerical value of the stress factor, a 1m by 1m mild steel of yield stress 250MPa, with deflection values taken at the point of maximum deflection, was analyzed. The numerical values of the stress factor for each plate type obtained were observed to be all less than unity, giving rise to a very high applied stress for plate types with no free edge and a moderately high stress for plate types with one free edge. This revealed the weakness of the existing yield criterion that may lead to failure. To improve this, a correction factor to take care of this limitation was introduced to the stress factor to have a factor of safety that will result in a design stress which is less than the yield stress of the material, by so doing ensuring safety. Therefore, the new design stress equation was found appropriate for predicting stress for the design of plane rectangular plates with one free edge, while this yield criterion is not advisable for use with plates without a free edge. PubDate: 2023-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)