Rice husk silica blended fillers for engine mount application.

The functional properties of engine mounts largely depend on the rubber compound formulation. This study proposes the use of rice husk-derived silica (RHS) blended with carbon black (N772) as an effective and environmentally friendly substitute for fillers used in rubber engine mounts (REMs). CV-60 natural rubber was filled with the blended fillers at various ratios, and their compatibility for use as rubber engine mounts (REMs) was assessed. Grey Relational Analysis was utilised to determine the optimal blend loading levels for use in rubber engine mounts, resulting in 40 phr of N772 and 20 phr of RHS cured at 130 °C and 2.5 MPa for 20 min. The developed REMs and conventional REMs had low vibration data variation during the performance assessment. Their resonance transmissibility was 5.03 and 3.74, corresponding to natural frequencies of 24.27 Hz and 26.94 Hz, respectively. The RHS/N772 REMs had excellent damping characteristics and lower transmissibility in the isolation zone of the vibration isolation curve, which is outside of the resonant frequency region. The efficiency curves showed that the blended fillers are a better and more effective material for REMs at all frequencies, balancing static deflection and vibration isolation.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves extract, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures on calcium and metallothionein levels, oxidative stress, and gill histopathological changes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to sub-lethal cadmium.

Cadmium aquatic environmental pollution poses great threats to fish and their would-be consumers. The present work investigated the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (EAEMOL), vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures on calcium and metallothionein levels, oxidative stress, and gill histopathological changes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to sub-lethal cadmium (CdCl2) for 28 days. Fish were exposed to CdCl2 only (1.048 mg/L) as well as co-exposed with EAEMOL (20 mg/L), vitamin C (5 mg/L), and taurine (5 mg/L) separately. There was significant (p < 0.05) deterioration in fish water quality with increasing exposure period but no significant (p > 0.05) changes occurred between the exposed groups. However, the co-exposure of EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the CdCl2-induced fish water quality deterioration. Sub-lethal exposure to CdCl2 only caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver metallothionein (MT) levels with significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum catalase activity only. However, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the MDA, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities, as well as MT and calcium (Ca2+) levels, condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and gill histopathological changes induced by the CdCl2 exposure. Similarly, none of the present exposures, CdCl2 only or its co-exposures with EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine significantly (p > 0.05) altered the normal functioning of the gills despite the observed histopathological changes based on the degree of tissue change protocol. Therefore, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures, as administered in the present case, did not considerably alter the physicochemical parameters of the experimental fish water. However, outside significantly (p < 0.05) increasing MDA level, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the CdCl2-induced Ca2+, MT, CF, HSI, and gill histopathological alterations by sub-lethal CdCl2 exposure of C. gariepinus.

Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation and Health Risks with Associated Histopathological Changes in Clarias gariepinus from the Kado Fish Market, Abuja, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic pollution by heavy metals has become a global problem and is of great concern due to the detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and possible human uptake. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate tissue bioaccumulations of heavy metals and possible human health risks in addition to associated cellular damages in fish for sale in a fish market in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: Clarias gariepinus sold at the Kado Fish Market in Abuja, Nigeria, in March-April 2017 and March-April 2018 were randomly purchased and sampled. The heavy metal contents of the sampled fish were assayed and used to assess the extent of potential health risks to human consumers. The extent of histopathological changes associated with the bioaccumulations in the sampled fish were also evaluated according to standard procedures. RESULTS: Levels of most heavy metals were above permissible limits, except for lower levels of zinc (Zn) in liver and muscle and higher levels of lead (Pb) in muscle in the sampled fish. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) liver bioaccumulation occurred for Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) compared to their levels in muscle. The total hazard index (non-cancer risk across all metals) was 0.0415, which is very low and acceptable. The cancer risks ranged between the acceptable values of 1.98 × 10-5 - 3.71 × 10-6. Associated histopathological changes, which occurred in the sampled fish, differed between the various assayed tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the heavy metals were significantly bioaccumulated (p<0.05) and were above the permissible levels, particularly in liver samples. The levels of muscle heavy metal bioaccumulation in the sampled fish posed no apparent cancer or non-cancer health risks to human consumers. However, further efforts are needed to minimize heavy metal aquatic environmental pollution to safeguard the health of aquatic flora and fauna and human consumers because of the tendency of these pollutants to persist and bioaccumulate to toxic levels over time. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Comparison of the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone and plain bupivacaine with tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries

Background: This study was aimed at comparing the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone with plain bupivacaine and tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Method: This was a prospective randomized double blinded control study involving 74 ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Group A (n=37) received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1 ml of water for injection, while group B received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1ml (50mg) of preservative freetramadol. The duration of analgesia was from the time of epidural block to the time of rescue analgesia. While, the quality of block was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Bromage scale. Results: Thestudy ages were between 16-60years,consisting of 22(60%) male and 15(40%) female in group A, while in group B 20 (54%) were male and 17(46%) female. It showed the mean duration of analgesia were 189.05±21.92min and 254.19±32.78min in group A and B respectively with p <0.01.The intra-operative VAS scores between the two groups did not show any significant difference between study groups (P> 0.05).The differences of grades of motor block and maximum sensory block height were not statistically significant (P=0.26) among the study groups. Conclusion: The addition of 50mg (1ml) of tramadol to plain bupivacaine epidurally prolonged the duration of analgesia and improved the quality of analgesia when compared to the use of bupivacaine alone

Comparative evaluation of carotid intima media thickness in paediatric type 1 diabetic children and healthy children in Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria

Patients with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Carotid in-tima­media thickness (CIMT) measured by ultrasound is a marker of atherosclerosis and can predict future cardiovascular events.The aim of this study was to measure the CIMT in paediatric type 1 diabetes patients in Ibadan and Lagos and compare results with the CIMT of non-diabetic healthy control children. Carotid ultrasound was performed and CIMT measured in 70 subjects (35 diabetic patients and 35 non-diabetic controls matched for age and sex). Mean age was 12.8±3.2 years. A slightly higher, but non-significant mean CIMT was seen in diabetic cases: mean values in type 1 diabetes patients were 0.475±0.068 and 0.476±0.069 (right and left respectively) while in controls, mean values were 0.467±0.064 and 0.468±0.054 (p=0.618 and 0.575 respectively). The CIMT in both groups correlated positively with age and body mass index (BMI). Significantly higher mean CIMT values were seen in males with type 1 diabetes on both sides. However, there was no significant correlation between CIMT and duration of illness, insulin dosage, or blood pressure. CIMT is a safe and convenient measurement, which may be helpful in predicting an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease in children with type 1 diabetes

Factors Contributing to Non-Compliance with the Standard Antenatal Visits among Women in Nyaruguru District; Southern Province; Rwanda

Background: Non-compliance with at least four standard antenatal care (ANC) visits is a critical public health problem. In Rwanda; the proportion of pregnant women who follow the four ANC remains relatively low (43.9%) although it has relatively increased.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge of selected pregnant women on the importance of using the ANC service; to determine the proportion of pregnant women attending the four ANC and to identify factors limiting the women to the four standards ANC compliance.Design: A descriptive; cross-sectional; quantitative study.Setting: Nyaruguru District.Subject: All women on term and those with child aged one year. They were randomly selected from each village until the sample size of the study (n = 367) was attained.Results: About 13.4% of pregnant women made at least four ANC visits. The low ANC attendance was significantly associated with the long walking distance from home to the health centre (p=0.05); insufficient knowledge on the importance of the use of the ANC service (p=0.01). Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen education and awareness on the importance of ANC in that community in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nyaruguru District

Acute sigmoid volvulus in a West African population.

BACKGROUND: Acute sigmoid volvulus is one of the commonest causes of benign large bowel obstruction. Its incidence varies considerably from one geographic area to another. OBJECTIVE: To review the management of acute sigmoid volvulus in a relatively high prevalence area. METHODS: All adult patients with acute sigmoid volvulus seen at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) Banjul, between September 2000 and January 2005 were studied. Information obtained for analysis from the records included age, sex, clinical features, test results, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients, 45 (93.8%) males and three (6.3%) females, with a male: female ratio of 14.3:1, age range of 19 to 78 years and mean age of 45.8 +17.6 years, underwent treatment for acute sigmoid volvulus. Twenty-one (43.8%) of the patients were aged 40 to 59 years. Two (4.2%) had rectal tube detortion followed by elective sigmoidectomy and primary anastomosis on the same admission, while 24 (50%) had emergency laparotomy at which bowel decompression, one-stage resection and primary anastomosis without on-table lavage was done. The rest of the patients, 22 (45.8%) had gangrenous sigmoid colons at laparotomy and consequently had Hartmann's procedure done. Fourteen patients (29.1%) developed wound infection and five (10.4%) had prolonged ileus that was managed conservatively. There was no anastomotic leak. The mean hospital stay was 11.1 days. There were five deaths giving a mortality rate of 10.4%. CONCLUSION: Acute sigmoid volvulus in the Gambia is almost exclusively a male disease. Sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis can be carried out safely in those with viable colon without on-table colonic lavage.

Acute Sigmoid Volvulus in a West African Population

BACKGROUND: Acute sigmoid volvulus is one of the commonest causes of benign large bowel obstruction. Its incidence varies considerably from one geographic area to another. OBJECTIVE: To review the management of acute sigmoid volvulus in a relatively high prevalence area. METHODS: All adult patients with acute sigmoid volvulus seen at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) Banjul; between September 2000 and January 2005 were studied. Information obtained for analysis from the records included age; sex; clinical features; test results; and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients; 45 (93.8) males and three (6.3) females; with a male: female ratio of 14.3:1; age range of 19 to 78 years and mean age of 45.8 +17.6 years; underwent treatment for acute sigmoid volvulus. Twenty-one (43.8) of the patients were aged 40 to 59 years. Two (4.2) had rectal tube detortion followed by elective sigmoidectomy and primary anastomosis on the same admission; while 24 (50) had emergency laparotomy at which bowel decompression; onestage resection and primary anastomosis without on-table lavage was done. The rest of the patients; 22 (45.8) had gangrenous sigmoid colons at laparotomy and consequently had Hartmann's procedure done. Fourteen patients (29.1) developed wound infection and five (10.4) had prolonged ileus that was managed conservatively. There was no anastomotic leak. The mean hospital stay was 11.1 days. There were five deaths giving a mortality rate of 10.4. CONCLUSION: Acute sigmoid volvulus in the Gambia is almost exclusively a male disease. Sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis can be carried out safely in those with viable colon without on-table colonic lavage

Day case haemorrhoidectomy in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomies are usually done on inpatient basis. Over the years however, there has been an increase in the numbers done on outpatient basis. This retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the results of day case haemorrhoidectomy in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty three consecutive patients, who met the criteria for day case surgery, had ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy, between January 2004 and September 2005 at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) Banjul with the intention of same-day discharge from hospital. For each patient, data collected included age, sex, duration of symptoms, degree of haemorrhoids, and duration of rest after the procedure in minutes or hours, whether the patient was discharged same day or needed admission for complications. Local anaesthesia, 1% lignocaine was used for all the patients. RESULTS: Forty three patients comprising 28 males (65.1%) and 15 females (34.9%), with a male female ratio of 1.87:1 underwent planned day case haemorrhoidectomy. Their mean age was 36.27 +/- 10.26 years and range was 25 to 56 years. Forty patients (93%) were discharged on the same day of surgery after a rest period in the day care theatre ranging between 25 minutes and 60 minutes with a mean of 41.2 +/- 11.08 minutes. Three (7%) of the patients required admission, two for acute urinary retention and control of excessive pain and the other 5 days postoperative on account of secondary haemorrhage. Pain control was achieved by oral non steroidal antiinflammatory agents. There were no deaths and majority of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Ligation excision (Milligan-Morgan) haemorrhoidectomy is safe and can be performed successfully on out patient basis, saving inpatient health care costs. This is suitable for developing country.

Penile gangrene due to strangulation by a metallic nut: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Penile entrapment and subsequent strangulation is a serious injury that requires a prompt treatment to avoid gangrene. OBJECTIVE: We report our experience dealing with a case of penile gangrene following strangulation by a metallic nut in a middle aged Nigerian. METHODS: We summarise the case history, physical findings, investigations and operative treatment of a middle aged man who slipped a round metallic nut over his penis, entrapping it for five days causing strangulation and subsequent gangrene. The literature on penile entrapment, strangulation and gangrene is also reviewed. RESULTS: The patient presented with acute urinary retention and had complete gangrene of the penis. Suprapubic cystostomy was done and he had total penile amputation and perineal urethrostomy CONCLUSION: Entrapment of the penis leading to strangulation is a rare condition that needs urgent relief, otherwise penile gangrene sets in, the treatment of which has very serious consequences.

Acute perforated duodenal ulcer in Maiduguri: experience with simple closure and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Effective medical management of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has reduced the incidence of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) as a complication, but perforation especially in the elderly remains unchanged and is in fact on the increase. There is a changing trend in emergency surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) from definitive anti ulcer surgery to simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in managing PDU with simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. METHODS: This was a chart review of patients managed for PDU over a nine year period (Jan 1999 to Dec 2007) using information obtained from ward admission registers, theatre operation registers, and patients case files from the medical records department. The patients biodata, clinical, and operative findings as well as treatment outcome were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Of 55 patients eligible for analysis, 44 (80%) were males and 11(20%) females (M to F, 4:1). Their ages ranged between 18 and 65 years with a mean(SD) of 39.9 (13.5) years. Most of the patients, 34 (61.8%), were below 40 years of age and majority 39(71.0%) had a history suggestive of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Twenty six (47.3%) patients presented within 24 hours of perforation, while nine (16.4%) presented more than 72 hours afterwards. The latter group accounted for most, five(55.6%), of the mortality. All the perforations were anterior pyloroduodenal and all except one had simple closure with omental patch followed by a course of a proton pump inhibitor and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. CONCLUSION: Simple closure with omental patch followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication is effective in managing PDU with low morbidity and mortality despite patients late presentation in our center. This technique is recommended in place of a definitive ulcer surgery.

Experience with acute perforated duodenal ulcer in a West African population.

BACKGROUND: The advent of proton pump inhibitors and helicobacter pylori eradication in the management of chronic peptic ulcer disease has reduced the operative treatment of this condition to its complications. Perforated duodenal ulcer remains a major life threatening complication of chronic peptic ulcer disease. This retrospective study reviews our experience at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital. METHODS: All patients with clinical diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer seen in this hospital between June 2003 and October 2005 were included in this study. Data extracted from their hospital records were analyzed for age, sex, duration of symptoms, previous history of peptic ulcer disease, use of NSAIDS, main presenting features, investigations, resuscitative measures, time of surgery, operative findings, and type of surgery offered, complications and mortality. After resuscitation, laparotomy followed by simple closure or definitive ulcer surgery and helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was given to all the patients. Duration of follow up ranged 8 to 12 months with endoscopy in some patients. RESULTS: There were 41 patients with intraoperative diagnosis of acute perforated duodenal ulcer seen over the study period, comprising 34 males (82.9%) and 7 females (17.1%), a male female ratio of 4.8:1, age range of 18-77 years and a mean age of 45.49 +/- 14.46 years. Previous history of peptic ulcer disease was found in 32 (78.6%) of the patient and the main presenting features were sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in 95.1% of cases and fever in 65.8%. Features of frank peritonitis were demonstrable in all the patients and 11 (26.8%) presented in shock. Plain chest x-rays demonstrated gas under the diaphragm in 21(65.6%) of the patients. After adequate resuscitation, all the patients underwent laparotomy where the abdomen was explored, the diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer was confirmed and 29 (70.7%) had simple closure of the perforation with omentum (after Graham). The average time between presentation and surgery was 9 hours (range 6-11 hours). The mean size of perforation was 10.5 mm (range 5-15 mm). Definitive peptic ulcer surgery was done in 12 (29.3%) patients. 8 had truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty. The major complications included wound infection in 14 (34.1%), postoperative fever in 16 (39.0%) and prolonged ileus in 15 (36.6%) There were 7 deaths, mortality rate of 17.1% and the causes of death included severe electrolyte imbalance in 1 and gram negative septicaemia and shock in 6. The average duration of hospital stay was 10 days (range 8-36). CONCLUSION: Perforated duodenal ulcer is a major complication of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Simple omental patch by open method and helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is sufficient to prevent reperforation.

Causes and treatment outcome of mechanical bowel obstruction in north eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical bowel obstruction is one of the commonest surgical emergencies in the tropics. There has been a recent change in its commonest aetiology from external abdominal hernias to adhesions however data on the subject from this environment are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To establish the aetiological factors, clinical presentation, treatment methods and outcome of mechanical bowel obstruction (MBO) in Maiduguri. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of MBO that presented to the surgical services of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) between Jan 1994 and March 2004 was under taken. RESULTS: There were 372 patients ranging between ages five days and 90 years with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1. The mean age was 34.5 years. Patients below 10 years and those between the third and fifth decades accounted for 227(60%) of the cases. Abdominal pain 330 (88.7%), vomiting 316 (84.8%), and constipation 293 (78.8%) were the main symptoms while tenderness and abdominal masses were common signs. Obstructed external hernias, 131 (35.0%) were the commonest cause of MBO; with indirect inguinal hernia 105, (80.1%) accounting for most hernias. Intraperitoneal adhesions 99, accounted for 26.61% of cases. Other causes in descending order were intussusception 80 (21.5%), malignant colonic obstruction 34 (9.14%) and sigmoid volvulus 11 (2.95%). There were no cases of MBO due to Ascaris worms. Adhesiolysis and bowel resection were the commonest operative procedures performed. Common postoperative complications included wound infection 57 (15.3%) and pneumonia 35 (9.4%). There were 34 deaths; giving a mortality rate of 9.14%. CONCLUSION: Strangulated external hernias remain the main cause of MBO though its incidence appears to be falling. The pattern of MBO seems to be affected by changing attitude to and availability of elective operations for external abdominal hernias.

Experience with Acute Perforated Duodenal Ulcer in a West African Population

Background: The advent of proton pump inhibitors and helicobacter pylori eradication in the management of chronic peptic ulcer disease has reduced the operative treatment of this condition to its complications. Perforated duodenal ulcer remains a major life threatening complication of chronic peptic ulcer disease. This retrospective study reviews our experience at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital . Methods: All patients with clinical diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer seen in this hospital between June 2003 and October 2005 were included in this study. Data extracted from their hospital records were analyzed for age; sex; duration of symptoms; previous history of peptic ulcer disease; use of NSAIDS; main presenting features; investigations; resuscitative measures; time of surgery; operative findings; and type of surgery offered; complications and mortality. After resuscitation; laparotomy followed by simple closure or definitive ulcer surgery and helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was given to all the patients. Duration of follow up ranged 8 to 12 months with endoscopy in some patients. Results: There were 41 patients with intraoperative diagnosis of acute perforated duodenal ulcer seen over the study period; comprising 34 males (82.9) and 7 females (17.1); a male female ratio of 4.8:1; age range of 18-77 years and a mean age of 45.49+/-14.46 years. Previous history of peptic ulcer disease was found in 32 (78.6) of the patient and the main presenting features were sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in 95.1of cases and fever in 65.8. Features of frank peritonitis were demonstrable in all the patients and 11(26.8) presented in shock. Plain chest x-rays demonstrated gas under the diaphragm in 21(65.6) of the patients. After adequate resuscitation; all the patients underwent laparotomy where the abdomen was explored; the diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer was confirmed and 29(70.7) had simple closure of the perforation with omentum (after Graham). The average time between presentation and surgery was 9 hours (range 6-11hours). The mean size of perforation was 10.5mm (range 5- 15mm). Definitive peptic ulcer surgery was done in 12 (29.3) patients. 8 had truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty. The major complications included wound infection in 14 (34.1); postoperative fever in 16 (39.0) and prolonged ileus in 15 (36.6) There were 7 deaths; mortality rate of 17.1and the causes of death included severe electrolyte imbalance in 1 and gram negative septicaemia and shock in 6. The average duration of hospital stay was 10 days (range 8 36). Conclusion: Perforated duodenal ulcer is a major complication of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Simple omental patch by open method and helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is sufficient to prevent reperforation

Effects of Cassia occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract on Biochemical Markers of Tissue Damage in Rats

Purpose: Among the Hausas of Northern Nigeria; it is claimed by local (traditional) healers that the infusion of C. occidentalis leaves is used as a cure for hepatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the possible negative effects of the aqueous extract of this herb on serum total proteins; albumin; bilirubin; alanine amino transferase (ALT); aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); as part of a larger study undertaken by these authors to ascertain the hepatoprotective potential of the plant extract. Methods: Fresh leaves of C. occidentalis were extracted with water and screened for phytochemical components. The extract was used for the treatment of 18 albino rats. Serum from these animals was used for the determination of the test parameters. Results: The extract showed hypoproteinaemic effect. ALT; AST and ALP levels were significantly elevated (P 0.05). Conclusion: Hypoproteinaemic effects; and increase in ALT; AST and ALP are indications that the crude extract of C. occidentalis leaves may be slightly toxic as a concoction for liver ailments

Cutaneous metastasis of gestational choriocarcinoma.

A 40-year-old woman presented with subcutaneous masses on her chest wall, abnormal vaginal bleeding and an enlarged uterus. Chest X-ray and liver ultrasound revealed metastatic disease to these sites, respectively. A urine human chorionic gonadotrophin assay was positive. A biopsy of the chest wall lesion and endometrium revealed choriocarcinoma. Treatment with methotrexate, actinomycin-D and cyclophosphamide led to complete resolution of the disease on examination, X-ray and ultrasound scans. The urinary pregnancy test became negative.

The use of legume trap crops for control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in northern Nigeria.

Two different field trials (one trial on sorghum intercropped with groundnut [Arachis hypogaea L.], and another trial on sorghum intercropped with bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.]) were conducted during the 1995 and 1996 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11 degrees 51' N; 13 degrees 15' E) to evaluate the effect of intercropping resistant and susceptible sorghum varieties with the two legume crops for the control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth, in sorghum. The sorghum varieties used for both trials were ICSV 1002, ICSV 1007 (resistant varieties) and War-warabashi (susceptible). Ex-Dakar variety of groundnut was used for the sorghum-groundnut trial, while a creamed brown eyed local bambara groundnut was used for the sorghum-bambara groundnut trial. There were six treatments with the groundnut trial and nine treatments with the bambara trial and all were laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. In the sorghum-groundnut trial, the results show that the intercropping of sorghum with groundnut significantly reduced Striga infestation up to 50% in sorghum in both years. Both resistant varieties supported significantly fewer number of Striga on sorghum when intercropped with groundnut compared with the sole sown susceptible variety. In both years and the combined analyses of 1995 and 1996 data, however, there was no significant difference in grain yield of sorghum due to the treatments. In the sorghum-bambara groundnut trial, the results show that Striga shoot count at harvest in sole sown ICSV 1007 was significantly lower than the ICSV 1002 variety, while the susceptible variety supported significantly higher Striga shoot count than the resistant varieties in both years and the combined analyses. Alternating stands of sorghum and bambara groundnut within the same row, in general, reduced Striga shoot count in all the varieties with a range of 56%-91% reduction than intercropping with sorghum varieties in alternate rows with bambara groundnut with a range of 45%-96% reduction, or sole sorghum of each variety. This resulted in significantly higher grain yield of ICSV 1002 (1175.0 kg ha-1 in 1995, 814.8 kg ha-1 in 1996, and 994.9 kg ha-1 in the combined data) than ICSV 1007 (892.6 kg ha-1 in 1995, 666.7 kg ha-1 in 1996, and 779.6 kg ha-1 in the combined data) when both were planted in alternate stands in the same row with bambara groundnut. This studies have confirmed the potentials of groundnut and bambara groundnut as trap crops in the management of S. hermonthica in sorghum under a dried environment.

AIDS blamed for increase in Tanzanian tuberculosis cases.

AIDS: A rising case load of tuberculosis (TB) in Tanzania is being blamed on HIV/AIDS, according to the manager of the country's TB and leprosy control program. Tanzania's Health Ministry estimates that 1.5 million Tanzanians are HIV-positive, a figure expected to double by the year 2000. The increase in TB cases is now eroding achievements gained in the national campaign to combat the disease. A greater effort is required to erase the information gap that has developed, particularly in the semi-literate rural population, about AIDS and TB.^ieng