Effect of climate change on human health and some adaptive strategies – a review

The impact of human-induced climate change and ozone depletion are now observed to compromise the sustainability of human development as it threatens the ecological support system on which life depends. Evidences abound to show that there is climate change and ozone layer depletion in the last 2-4 decades. The Earth is warming, the warming is accelerating, and human actions are responsible. If the current climate change and warming trends remain uncontrolled, humanity will face more injury, disease and death related to natural disasters and heat waves; higher rates of food-borne, water-borne and vector-borne illnesses; and death that is more premature and disease related to air pollution. Moreover, in many parts of the world, large populations will be displaced by rising sea level, and many others will be affected by drought and famine. As glaciers melt, the hydrological cycle shifts and the productivity of arable land will change. That is the bad news. Nevertheless, the good news is that through increased interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration, and rapid deployment of mitigation strategies to stabilize climate change as well as development of proactive adaptation programmes to minimize health impact of climate change, the global community will be better prepared to cope with the challenges of protecting health from the impact of climate change. Key Words: Climate Change, Human Health, Adaptive Strategie

Bootstrap Method for Estimating Error Rate in Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)

This paper proposes a Bootstrap algorithm for linear discriminant analysis. The apparent error rate in the Linear discriminant method and the proposed bootstrap method were compared. From the result, it is evident that the proposed Bootstrap method compares favorably with the Linear discriminant method with a reduced error rate. Keywords: bootstrap, linear discriminant, apparent error, multivariate, algorith

PREVALENCE, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND CO-INFECTIONS OF BURULI ULCER IN PARTS OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated prevalence, clinical manifestations and co-infections of buruli ulcer in parts of Imo State, Nigeria. The sampled human population was physically examined for buruli ulcer infection, in ulcerative stages wound swab samples were collected using sterile swab sticks and taken to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Microbial analysis of samples, gram staining, and identification of bacterial isolates, biochemical tests and determination of co-infections were achieved using standard methods. The analysis of results revealed moderately high prevalence rate of buruli ulcer disease in the area. The results further showed that in Oguta 58.54% of sampled individuals had clinical manifestations of the infection. Ohaji/Egbema recorded 51.46%, Oru East had 57.50% of victims with clinical manifestations, Onuimo had 61.29%, Isiala Mbano recorded 60.00%, Ikeduru 54.14% and Oru-West had 53.42 % of individuals with clinical manifestations of buruli ulcer. Prevalence of the buruli ulcer differed among the Local Government Areas studied. Study revealed variations in prevalence and clinical manifestations between males and females in the communities surveyed, with more females having ulcerative cases, too. Bacterial isolates confirmed from buruli ulcer disease were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. Candida albicans, a fungal species was also isolated. Different microbial species responsible for pus formation in buruli ulcer wounds were highlighted. The results revealed that the toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus caused dermatitis and toxic shock syndrome to the victims

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF COMMUNITIES REGARDING BURULI ULCER INFECTION IN PARTS OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Knowledge, attitude and practices of communities regarding buruli ulcer infection in parts of Imo State, Nigeria were investigated in this study. A cross-sectional design involving interview with Household Heads in twenty villages and six focus group discussions were applied in 2018. Systematic sampling technique was adopted and a semi structured interviewer-administered questionnaire (validated and reliable) was the key instrument for data collection. The residents were physically examined for buruli ulcer disease and relationships with knowledge, attitude and practices were sought. The result of the reliability test showed that the instrument for data collection was highly reliable. In the study, respondents of age 56-65 years (14.0%) were more likely to think that buruli ulcer is not a health problem; instead it was as a consequence of the gods bewitching a person. Respondents with tertiary education qualification 124 (10.33%) were likely to regard buruli ulcer as a health-related challenge. Respondents who were traders 592 (49.33%) had the highest level of awareness. It was revealed that 96.67% knew about buruli ulcer, 5.83% of them knew it through the media and 9.35% knew it through Hospital Community Members. A total of 480 respondents (40%) attributed the disease to witchcraft, 10.83% perceived it was through insect bites and 23.75% believed it occurs due to lack of hygiene. Indigenous assessment showed that the disease has local names (out-ore; acha-ere) which reflect patterns of resistance and deterioration associated with the disease. Much negative behaviour about buruli ulcer was identified in the communities during the assessment. The findings of the study further showed that many individuals had knowledge about the disease but did not know how to manage the disease, particularly, their attitudes, practices and the way to manage the wound. The study also revealed that the women had difficulties accessing healthcare and therefore, the pains associated with wound management especially during routine-dressing was a serious challenge in the communities as patients were reluctant to visit hospitals for proper management due to overwhelming pains. The attitude and practice culminated in poor clinical management of the disease and invariably was responsible for the high prevalence rate of buruli ulcer in parts of Imo State, Nigeria. Community survey revealed that not much people knew about the mode of transmission and this deficiency limited adoption of preventive measures in the localities. Our study confirmed that buruli ulcer usually affects poor people in remote rural areas with limited access to health care. Our study also confirmed that most ulcers occur on the extremities; lesions on the lower extremities are almost twice as common as those on the upper extremities. Based on the outcome of this study, there should be capacity building and infrastructural facilities for handling of buruli ulcer emergency cases in Imo State, Nigeria. Quality health care facilities should be upgraded to adequately cope with buruli ulcer. Vigorous buruli ulcer sensitisation and awareness in communities, its implications, manifestations, signs and symptoms throughout Imo State, should be conducted. There is a need for more research to be carried out as mode of transmission of buruli ulcer diseases is still unknown. Buruli ulcer cases should be referred to qualified physicians to prevent wound severe infections and deterioration. There should be health education towards the misconceptions about the disease in the communities. Concerned authorities should be used in the treatment of buruli ulcer to avoid drug resistance by the wound-infecting microorganisms

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT SAMPLING METHODS USED FOR MOSQUITO CATCHES IN IKEDURU L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Mosquitoes are obnoxious and notorious blood-sucking insects that devastate human population through malaria attack. This study was carried out in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria in year 2020 with the aim of identifying the most effective method of mosquito sampling. Collection sites were randomly selected based on areas where human activities that aid the breeding of mosquitoes were observed. Mosquitoes were collected using four methods for the adult stage and one method for the larval stage. The methods applied and compared were the pyrethrum knock down/ spray sheet mosquito sampling method, the human bait/ human landing catch technique, the sweep net collection method, the mosquito net-light trap technique and the dipper technique. Sampled mosquitoes were identified using standard methods. The results of the comparative performance evaluations of the different mosquito sampling methods revealed that sweep net and pyrethrum knock down/ spray sheets had the highest occurrence of mosquito species while the dipper mosquito sampling method showed the least performance. This implies that the most effective way for mosquito vector catch from their breeding sites is through the use of sweep net and pyrethrum knock down/ spray sheets. The two effective sampling techniques permit mosquitoes to be picked intact without dismembering them for easy identification

Epidemiological Assessment of Vesical Schistosomiasis in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

A survey was carried out between January and July 2002 to determine the prevalence of vesical schistosomiasis in Bende Local government area of Abia State. A total of 2406 persons in eleven communities aged between 6 and 60 years were examined. Prevalence rates in the eleven communities ranged between 25.5% and 52.3% with an overall prevalence of 41.5%. More males (42.6%) than females (39.4%) were infected in all the age groups, and high rate of haematuria (78.2%) was observed among the infected subjects. Infection prevalence was significantly higher (65.3%) among those in the age group of 11 - 20 years (P < 0.05) than those above 60 years. More than 70% of those infected excreted above 50 eggs/10ml urine. Malacological studies conducted along water bodies in the study area indicated that infection was localised. Bulinus globosus is implicated as the potential disease intermediate host. @JASE

INVESTIGATIONS ON THE INHERENT RESISTANCE OF TWENTY-ONE MAIZE VARIETIES TO MAIZE WEEVIL, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky AT F2 GENERATION

It has been internationally accented that use of resistant variety is a key strategy to save maize (Zea mays L.) grains from the pernicious activities of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Therefore, twenty improved varieties and one local maize variety were studied in the laboratory using standard methods. The test varieties were selected because they are palatable, good-yielding and survive early season planting. Patterns of S. zeamais susceptibility index and adult mortality were plotted. Association between susceptibility index and adult mortality revealed that the two are connected in an inverse relationship. Eight varieties (38%) were resistant to S. zeamais attack. Aside allowing significantly minimal support for the survival and the development of S. zeamais, the varieties were consistently least damaged and lost. The cultivation and use of the resistant varieties identified will permit the postharvest storage of maize for long duration and reduce other problems associated with S. zeamais infestation. Thirteen moderately resistant maize varieties (62%) were revealed and their use under long storage condition should come with caution. The local maize variety had equivalent inherent moderate resistance with 57% of the varieties investigated. Most of the resistant maize varieties showed high viability when planted in the laboratory. This is an added advantage

Effects Of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Datura Alba Nees On Haematological Parameters In Male Wistar Rats

Haematological parameters are essential parameters that need to be assessed periodically to ascertain the levels and ensure that it is within the normal values in other to maintain good health. Blood cells are important because they have specific role as: RBC is for oxygen, and nutrient transportation, WBC is for body defense and platelet is for coagulation. Decrease in any of these formed elements may affects the body system and it must be within limits. The aim of the study is to evaluate the Effects of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Datura alba nees on Haematological Parameters in Male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) rats were randomly selected and placed into four groups with five rats per group. The control group was fed with rodent chow and water, the low dose group was given 500mg/kg/bwt of the extract, medium dose group was given 1000mg/kg/bwtof the extract, the high dose group was given 2000mg/kg/bwt of the extract. All the extracts were given orally. Administration lasted for 21 days and on the 22nd day, animals were weighed and sacrifice, blood samples were collected for haematological analysis. Data were analysed using ANOVA and SPSS version 25 were used and p < 0.05 was said to be significant. The results shows significant decrease in the white blood cells of the animals administered with both low and medium dose of the extract. Result also shows significant decrease in the red blood cells of the rats administered with medium dose of the extract. No significant difference in platelet counts. There is no significant difference is the haematological indices and differentials (neutrophils, monocytes, leucocytes and eosinophil of the rats administered with the extract. The result showed that, this extract induced dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats

Improving onchocerciasis elimination surveillance: trials of odour baited esperanza window traps to collect black fly vectors and real-time qPCR detection of onchocerca volvulus in black fly pools

Background: Entomological data for onchocerciasis surveillance relies on sampling blackflies through human landing collectors in the field and laboratory testing of the flies for infection using pool screening O-150 PCR-ELISA assay. Both techniques require improvements. This study sought to take promising Esperanza Window Traps (EWT) for blackfly collections and test and optimize them to find alternative carbon dioxide (CO2) mimics, and to test new qPCR methods using mitochondrial DNA targets that have been suggested to improve sensitivity and specificity for Onchocerca volvulus infection in flies.  Methods: Traps baited with low, medium and high release rates of either 2-butanone or cyclopentanone as CO2 mimics were field tested against traps baited with organically generated CO2 in Guinea savannah, derived savannah, rainforest and montane forest ecological zones in Nigeria. The performance of EWTs baited with CO2 or in combination with 2-butanone (low release) were subsequently evaluated against the human landing collection (HLC). Trap scaling was also pilot tested by comparing double traps to single HLCs. Collected blackflies were used to test detection of O. volvulus in blackflies using Ov ND5 real time PCR (qPCR) in comparison to the conventional pool screening O-150 PCR. Results: EWTs baited with 2-butanone caught similar numbers of blackflies to those baited with CO2, while cyclopentanone collected significantly fewer flies in all locations. The low release of 2-butanone was the most effective overall, although HLCs collected higher numbers of blackflies than EWT baited with CO2 either singly or in combination with low release 2-butanone. The combination of two EWTs baited with CO2 and deployed 100 m apart to each other collected similar numbers of flies as one HLC. More black y pools were positive for O. volvulus by Ov ND5 qPCR as compared with O-150 PCR in derived savannah (31.15% vs 15.57%), montane forest (11.54% vs 0%) and rainforest (23.08% vs 2.56%), with only one positive pool in Guinea savannah detected by both methods. Conclusion: 2-butanone has potential to be used in xenomonitoring as a standardized replacement to organically generated CO2. The positive pools found in foci hitherto considered to have interrupted/eliminated onchocerciasis highlights the need for more sensitive and specific methods that support programmatic assessments that can identify and combat recrudescence

Malaria knowledge and agricultural practices that promote mosquito breeding in two rural farming communities in Oyo State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Agricultural practices such as the use of irrigation during rice cultivation, the use of ponds for fish farming and the storage of water in tanks for livestock provide suitable breeding grounds for anthropophylic mosquitoes. The most common anthropophylic mosquito in Nigeria which causes much of the morbidity and mortality associated with malaria is the anopheles mosquito. Farmers are therefore at high risk of malaria - a disease which seriously impacts on agricultural productivity. Unfortunately information relating to agricultural practices and farmers' behavioural antecedent factors that could assist malaria programmers plan and implement interventions to reduce risk of infections among farmers is scanty. Farmers' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which favour the breeding of mosquitoes in Fashola and Soku, two rural farming communities in Oyo State were therefore assessed in two rural farming communities in Oyo State.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This descriptive cross-sectional study involved the collection of data through the use of eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and the interview of 403 randomly selected farmers using semi-structured questionnaires. These sets of information were supplemented with observations of agricultural practices made in 40 randomly selected farms. The FGD data were recorded on audio-tapes, transcribed and subjected to content analysis while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most respondents in the two communities had low level of knowledge of malaria causation as only 12.4% stated that mosquito bite could transmit the disease. Less than half (46.7%) correctly mentioned the signs and symptoms of malaria as high body temperature, body pains, headache, body weakness and cold/fever. The reported main methods for preventing mosquito bites in the farming communities included removal of heaps of cassava tuber peelings (62.3%), bush burning/clearing (54.6%) and clearing of ditches (33.7%). The dumping of cassava tuber peelings which allows the collection of pools of water in the farms storage of peeled cassava tubers soaked in water in uncovered plastic containers, digging of trenches, irrigation of farms and the presence of fish ponds were the observed major agricultural practices that favoured mosquito breeding on the farms. A significant association was observed between respondents' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which promote mosquito breeding. Respondents' wealth quintile level was also seen to be associated with respondents' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which promote mosquito breeding.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Farmers' knowledge of malaria causation and signs and symptoms was low, while agricultural practices which favour mosquito breeding in the farming communities were common. There is an urgent need to engage farmers in meaningful dialogue on malaria reduction initiatives including the modification of agricultural practices which favour mosquito breeding. Multiple intervention strategies are needed to tackle the factors related to malaria prevalence and mosquito abundance in the communities.</p