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Background / Aims: Functional constipation (FC) is an emerging global health problem that could be associated with psychological maladjustments in childhood. The objectives were to determine the prevalence, associated factors and predictors of FC among in-school adolescents in Sokoto. Methods: It was a cross sectional survey of apparently healthy secondary school students in Sokoto metropolis selected via multistage random sampling, using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of FC were adopted in determining FC among the subjects. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25. Results: Six hundred and three (603) adolescents were studied, majority 327 (54.2%) were males, their ages ranged between 10 and 19 years with mean (±SD) of 15.2 ± 2.6 years, with majority 246 (40.8%) belonging to age category 10-14 years. Most 383(63.5%) of the respondents attended public schools and 326(54.1%) were CC –BY 4.0 senior secondary class category. Their parents were mainly 483 (80.1%) Hausa by tribe, graduates of tertiary institution 227 (37.6%),civil servants 268 (44.4%), and majority 272(45.1%) belonged to the middle social class. There was family history of constipation among 64(10.6%) of the subjects. Of the 603 adolescents that were studied, 123 of them had FC giving a prevalence of 20.4%. Gender (p=0.001), school type (p

With the gradual rise in human population, an increasing demand for poultry meat/egg as a source of protein is expected in the nearest future. This and increasing cost of antibiotics and other drugs in addition to their residual effects when used as feed additives have necessitated need to research into natural herbal plants that could serve as cheap and good alternative to commercial (synthetic) antibiotics. The study aimed to determine if there is any beneficial effect in hematological profile of broilers fed low levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa). One hundred and twenty (120) one-day-old broiler birds (Cobb 500) were raised for seven (7) weeks at the Aliyu Jodi Veterinary Clinic farm in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria. The birds were randomly assigned to four (4) treatments groups (TC, T1, T2, and T3) of thirty (30) birds each and were fed turmeric powder at levels of 0g per 25 kg of feed, 50g per 25 kg of feed, 100 g per 25 kg of feed, and 150 g per 25kg feed respectively. Each of the four (4) treatment-groups was further sub-grouped into three (3) replicas of ten (10) birds each. At seven (7) weeks old, one (1) bird was randomly selected from each of the replicas for hematological profile. The results indicated that, turmeric powder had no significant (P> 0.05) effect on hematological profile (RBC, PVC, and WBC) of the broilers. Feeding broiler birds with low levels of turmeric powder had no statistical significance on hematology parameters evaluated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen capable of causing life threatening disease conditions in humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the presence of MRSA in both pet and stray dogs within the Sokoto metropolis. A total of 100 oral swabs comprising 50 each from pet and stray dogs were collected and analyzed using routine bacteriological cultures and molecular identifications. Out of the 100 samples examined, 15 % (15/100) were positive for MRSA with varying detection rates of 9/50 (18 %) and 6/50 (12 %) for the pet and stray dogs respectively. The statistical analysis showed no significant association between the occurrence of MRSA and the dogs (P = 0.401). The study revealed the presence of MRSA in dogs within the Sokoto metropolis, which presents health risks to pet dog owners, veterinarians, dog catchers and other individuals who may come into close contact with these dogs.

Introduction: psychoactive substance use (PSU) is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or methods which are harmful to themselves or others. Psychoactive substance use takes a considerable toll on financial status, academic achievement and health status of addicts. In Nigeria, PSU is on the increase, one of the most disturbing health-related problems and a leading cause of premature death among school aged population worldwide. We therefore, determined the knowledge of health effects and determinants of psychoactive substance use among secondary school students in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study among 430 secondary school students that were selected using multistage sampling in Sokoto, Northwestern, Nigeria from April to May 2019. We collected data using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. We calculated proportions and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in a binary logistic regression model. Results: knowledge of health effects of PSU was good in 38.1% of the respondents with a mean score of 19.6 ± 10.0. The overall prevalence of PSU was high among current users (16.3%), male participants (78.6%) and those aged 17-years or more (68.6%). Independent predictors of current use of psychoactive substances were poor knowledge of health effects (aOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.7-10.0) and father's use of psychoactive substances (aOR: 10.3, 95% CI= 1.9-57.1). Conclusion: knowledge of health effects of psychoactive substances was generally poor among the participants with an associated high prevalence among current users. Poor knowledge of its health effects determines the use of psychoactive substances. We conducted awareness campaigns and health talk on health effects of PSU to secondary school students in the State. The Federal Ministry of Education should ensure that PSU-related topics are incorporated in the secondary school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nigeria, the last endemic country in the WHO African Region, was certified free of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in 2020. However, due to low immunity in some communities in Sokoto, outbreaks of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (cVDPV) occur. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance indicators in Sokoto state, Nigeria.Methods: This retrospective study was an analysis of routinely collected AFP surveillance data between 2012 and 2019 by the Sokoto state surveillance network. We assessed the Sokoto state AFP surveillance system using the AFP surveillance performance indicators. We performed all analyses using Microsoft Excel 2019.Results: Cumulatively, 3001 Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases were reported over the evaluation period, out of which 1692 (56.4%) were males, and 2478 (82.4%) were below five years. More than half, 1773 (59.1%), had a fever at the beginning of the disease, and 1911 (63.7%) had asymmetric paralysis. The non-polio AFP rate (9.1 to 23.5% per 100,000 children < 15 years old) and stool adequacy rate (92.5 to 100%) indicate high sensitivity. The proportion of cases that had stool samples collected early, timely transported to the laboratory and arrived at the laboratory in optimal condition were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) minimum standard of 80%. There was inadequate profile documentation of some suspected cases.Conclusions: Sokoto State has exceeded the WHO minimum standards in most of the AFP surveillance indicators. The performance of the system is sufficient enough to detect any reintroduction of WPV into the state. However, there is a need for improvement in data quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: bullying affects up to 85% of in-school adolescents in Nigeria. It presents a potentially serious threat to healthy adolescent development. Bullying has not been extensively studied in Nigeria and more so in northern Nigeria. Therefore, we investigated the types and predictors of bullying perpetration among adolescents in secondary schools. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study between January and March 2019. Using a multistage sampling technique, we recruited 390 adolescents. We estimated the prevalence and types of bullying perpetration, and we examined the predictors of bullying among the participants using chi-square and binary logistic regression at a 5% level of significance. Results: the mean age of adolescents was 15.2 ± 1.9 years. Majority of the participants 234 (60.0%) were in late adolescence (15-19 years), and 205 (52.6%) were males. The most prevalent type of bullying perpetrated was verbal [69.7%; 95% CI = 64.9-74.3%]. Overall, 307 [78.7%; 95% CI = 74.3-82.6%] had perpetrated at least one type of bullying. Male gender (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.70; 95%CI = 1.43 - 5.10), attending a boarding school (aOR: 7.93, 95% CI = 2.91 - 21.58) and frequent parental conflicts (aOR: 5.23, 95% CI = 2.15 - 12.71) were independent predictors of bullying perpetration. Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of bullying perpetration among adolescents in Sokoto metropolis, especially among males, those in boarding schools and those who experience frequent parental conflicts. We recommend that school principals should pay close attention to this behaviour and parents should be sensitized on the consequences of their domestic actions on their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Muslim West Africa it is common practice for scholars to make a note of their teachers and the books they studied with them. Such bibliographical records both certify academic credentials and, in the nineteenth century, were a vital part of political legitimacy as a series of scholar-warriors took power across the Sahel region. Muhammad Bello, who ruled Sokoto between 1817 and his death in 1837, is one such example. However, a precise record of Bello's education is not widely known. This article features the first English translation and critical edition of Bello's own bibliography, Ḥāshiya ʿalā muqaddimat Īdāʿ al-nusūkh (A Commentary to the Preface of the Repository of Texts), as well a second, later account he gave in a text entitled Shifāʾ al-asqām. These documents add to our understanding of educational practices in nineteenth century West Africa, while shedding light on several important events in Sokoto's early history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encephalocele is a common congenital malformation of the central nervous system; however, giant encephaloceles are rare. The use of folic acid supplementation and termination of pregnancies, which are prenatally diagnosed with encephaloceles and other congenital malformation of the central nervous system, has significantly reduced the occurrence of this type of congenital malformation, especially in developed countries. This was a retrospective review over a 5-year period from January 2006 to December 2010 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Regional Centre for Neurosurgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The records of patients with giant encephalocele were retrieved from the case notes of patients who had excision and repair for encephalocele. Seventy-three patients had excision and repair of encephalocele over the study period. However, the records of only 50 patients were retrieved. Fourteen (28%) of the 50 whose records were retrieved had giant encephalocele. There were 4 male and 10 female patients (1:2.5). Thirteen (92.9%) had the lesion located in the occipital region, whereas in 1 patient (7.1%) the lesion was at the vertex. Three (21%) of the cases had microcephaly, 1 (7.1%) had macrocephaly, and 1 (7.1%) developed postoperative hydrocephalus. The average size of defect was 2.43 cm, and the size of the lesion ranged from 12 × 6 cm to 40 × 50 cm. The average maternal age was 20.3 years (n = 6), and the paternal age was 29 years (n = 4). Four out of 7 (57%) mothers had febrile illness in early pregnancy. Seven out of 10 patients (70%) did not have antenatal care. This condition is more common in children conceived during the period when farm products are yet to be harvested, and whose mothers did not attend antenatal care visits. It is recommended that mothers should be educated on the necessity of preconception folic acid. Implementation of a national strategy on food fortification is also advised. We recommend surgery after the first month of life to reduce poor early postoperative outcomes. In developing countries and centers with suboptimal pediatric intensive care units, surgical intervention is preferred after the first month of life with good temperature control, adequate fluid replacement following rupture of the sac, blood transfusion availability, and, only if necessary, complex cranial reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy is a major contributor to adverse maternal and prenatal outcome. In hyper endemic areas like ours, it is a common cause of anaemia in pregnancy and is aggravated by poor socioeconomic circumstance. This study evaluated the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time of malaria parasitized pregnant women. METHOD: A total of 90 pregnant women participated in the study, 60 of which were malaria positive and 30 of which were malaria negative. Participants were recruited from the antenatal Clinic of Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain some socio-demographic characteristics of subjects. Blood samples were collected in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid and examined for malaria parasite and platelet count while citrated samples were used for the determination of some haemostatic parameters (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time). Data generated was analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical package. A p -value ⩽ 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical comparisons. RESULT: There was a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.000) in the platelet counts of the parasitized subjects compared to the non-parasitized controls. We observed a significant prolongation on both the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time among the parasitized subjects compared to the non-parasitized controls (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that malaria in pregnancy causes a significant decrease in the platelet count and prolongation in the prothrombin (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). There is need for the malaria and haemostatic parameters to be assayed routinely on pregnant women particularly those presenting to antenatal clinic with febrile illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging pathogen responsible for multiple disease conditions in man. Animals especially livestock are reservoirs of the bacteria and could infect humans through contact and consumption of infected or contaminated animal products. A survey was conducted to determine the presence of MRSA in some animal products sold within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria, using culture and molecular identification. The prevalence rates of pathogen were 12%, 22%, 6% and 4% respectively in fresh milk, fermented milk, grilled beef and roasted beef. The organism was found to be significantly associated with fermented milk (χ2 = 10.01, p = 0.018). The study revealed an alarming presence of MRSA in animal products sold within the study area. Emergence of the pathogen could be attributed to the misuse of antibiotics in animals, free border crossing of pastoral nomads across West African States and inappropriate prescription of drugs in humans. Shedding of the pathogen in milk and direct contamination during processing and handling are believed to be responsible in the contamination of the food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The menstrual cycle is the cycle of natural variations that occurs in the uterus and ovary as an essential part of making sexual reproduction possible. It is characterized by hormonal changes but the changes that occur in some active phase reactants (APR) parameters have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the serum albumin, ESR, and C-reactive protein levels in follicular and luteal phases of menstruation. METHODS: A total of 90 healthy regularly menstruating women where used for this study. Forty-five of the study participants were in their follicular phase while the other 45 where in their luteal phase. Four milliliters of blood were withdrawn from each patient under aseptic condition and two milliliters was dispensed into EDTA container while the other two milliliters were dispensed into a plane container. The EDTA anticoagulated blood was used for ESR and full blood count while the serum from the plain tubes was used for analysis of C-reactive protein and Serum Albumin. Sysmex K-3 auto-analyser (Sysmex, Kobe Japan) was used for te determination of full blood count, the Westergren method was used for ESR estimation, Bromo Cresyl Green method was used for serum albumin and ELISA method was used for CRP determination. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: This study showed a statistically significant difference in the ESR (p = 0.03) among menstruating women in the follicular and luteal phases of menstruation. Sociodemographic factors had no statistically significant effect on the APR parameters of menstruating women in the follicular and luteal phases of menstruation (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between acute phase proteins of menstruating women in the follicular phase and luteal phases (p > 0.05). Also, age and marital status did not affect the acute phase proteins among menstruating women in the follicular phase and luteal phases (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is need to generate data on menstrual disorders and their impact on women's health status, quality of life and social integration. It is vital that evaluation and treatment of menstrual complaints should be given a higher priority in primary care programs. There is need to invest in public enlightenment program to increase awareness in secondary schools to increase the level of awareness among adolescents as well as young females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or foetus in a woman's uterus. Pregnancy is a critical stage of development during which maternal nutrition can strongly influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on the full blood count parameters of pregnant women of African descent residing in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. This case-control study investigated 74 pregnant subjects and 22 non-pregnant controls. The mean age and income of the subjects were 28.00 ± 8.295 and 2760.42 ± 7975.178 respectively. Haematological parameters were determined using a fully automated 5-part differential haematology analyzer (Model Mythic 22-CT, Orpheee, Switzerland). Results obtained of pregnant subjects were compared with that of non-pregnant controls. The prevalence of anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (Platelet count < 140 × 10 9 /L) was 58.11% and 6.75% respectively among the pregnant subjects. The mean haemoglobin, PCV, platelet and red cell count were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects (10.7 ± 0.13 g/dl and 31.4 ± 0.38%, 252.7 ± 14.35 × 10 9 /L and 3.7 ± 0.04) compared to the non-pregnant controls (12.2 ± 0.44 g/dl, 36.2 ± 1.17 %, 362.7 ± 36.51 × 10 9 /L and 4.3 ± 0.11) (p = 0.004, 0.001, 0.009 and 0.000) respectively. There were no significant differences in the total white blood cell count between the pregnant subjects (5.3 ± 0.22) and non-pregnant controls (4.6 ± 0.59) (p = 0.267). The Neutrophils count was significantly higher among the pregnant subjects (42.6 ± 3.06) compared to the non-pregnant controls (20.0 ± 2.33) (p = 0.000). This study has shown that pregnancy has a significant effect on some haematological parameters of women of African descent. The results of this research work indicates the need to routinely monitor the full blood count, anaemia and thrombocytopenia among pregnant women of African descent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization statistics identifies that there are about 150 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide and suggest that this figure may double by 2025. OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine the status of full blood count, zinc and manganese levels among Diabetic patients attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. METHODS: The participants were divided into two groups; 58 diabetic subjects and 29 non-diabetic controls. Five milliliters of blood were collected into EDTA and plain containers for full blood count, serum zinc and manganese analysis. The FBC investigation was carried out using automated Mythic Haematology analyzer (Orphee, Switzerland) while Zn and Mn investigations were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The FBC, Zn and Mn status of both control and subjects were compared statistically. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study showed a significant increase in RBC, PCV, Hb, Basophils, Eosinophil, Lymphocyte count and Manganese levels of diabetic subjects (p ⩽ 0.05) when compared with controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the other FBC parameters and Zinc levels between diabetic subjects and non-diabetic controls (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the Hb, PCV and lymphocyte of diabetic patients based on gender (p < 0.05). FBC, Manganese and Zinc have no effect based on age group, while other socio-demographic factors also have no effect on the FBC, Manganese and Zinc parameters of diabetic patients. The study also showed no statistical difference in the FBC, Manganese and Zinc of smokers and non-smokers (p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, this research shows that some haematological parameters (RBC count, Basophils, Eosinophil, Lymphocyte, Hb and Manganese) of the diabetic patients are significantly higher compared to non-diabetic controls. Marital status had a significant effect on the Hb, PCV and Lymphocyte of the diabetic patients (p < 0.05). The age group had no significant effect on the Hb, PCV and Lymphocyte of diabetic subjects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is need to routinely monitor the full blood count, zinc and manganese levels among diabetic subjects in the area to optimize the care offered to these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To determine the prevalence of the use of stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria; to also explore their knowledge on the harmful effects of these psychoactive substances. Methods: this study surveyed a crosssection of 280 long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria. The study tool was a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 Software. Results: All the subjects, 280 (100%), were males with the mean age (±SD) of 40.63 (±10.09) years. Majority, 265 (94.6%), of them were Muslims while most of them (90.4%) were married. Only a fraction of the subjects knew that marijuana (57.5%), local stimulant tea (47.1%), codeine (40.0%), and amphetamine (37.1%) can cause mental illness. Less than one-third of them knew that stimulant, hallucinogen, and narcotic use can cause headache, hand tremor, renal and hepatic diseases, oral cancer, depression, and/or emotional problems. Less than half of the subjects consumed cigarette (47.9%), kola nut (41.8%), and local stimulant tea (gadagi) (27.1%) two weeks prior to their participation in this study. Conclusion: This study showed that stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens are commonly used substances among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria. Many of the drivers surveyed in this study were not knowledgeable about the harmful effects associated with the use of these substances. There is a need to educate this population group on the need to abstain from substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and viability of Campylobacter species isolates from different species of poultry and humans in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the live birds markets, humans on admission and at outpatient clinics in the randomly selected hospitals in Sokoto State. Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter species were performed using standard culture isolation techniques and biochemical characterization. A total of 798 (506 cloacal and 292 fecal) swabs from poultry and humans, respectively, were collected and analyzed. The viability of 307 isolates stored in 15% glycerol and 85% tryptone broth at −20°C was determined after 7-13 months. Results: A total of 312 (39%) were positive for Campylobacter species which comprises 119 (30%), 20 (30%), 3 (14%), 9 (56%), 1 (50%), and 160 (55%) in chicken, guinea fowls, pigeons, ducks, turkey, and humans, respectively. The total of 38 (24%), 63 (39%), and 59 (37%) humans and 29 (19%), 79 (52%), and 44 (29%) poultry isolates were positive for Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter Coli, and Campylobacter Lari, respectively. A total of 261 (85%) of the stored isolates were still viable on re-isolation with the viability rates of 41 (95%), 67 (85%), and 17 (59%) at 7, 9, and 13 months of storage, respectively. There was a negative correlation between months of storage and viability rates. However, there was no significant statistical association (p>0.05) between prevalence rate and species of poultry. Conclusion: Campylobacter species have been detected with varying degree of prevalence in both poultry and humans and their ability to survive freezing at −20°C (95%) for up to 7 months has been revealed in the study. This is not only a concern to food and livestock industries but also a concern to the public health at large, especially, in view of the study area being considered one of the largest livestock producers in Nigeria. Campylobacteriosis is known to be associated with the cost of gastroenteritis management, antimicrobial resistance, food contamination, and complications such as a paralytic condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease in which all the four pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium instead of the left. Without surgical intervention, 80% of the patients die before the age of 1 year. We report a 9-year-old girl with unrepaired supracardiac TAPVC complicated by severe pulmonary artery hypertension. The patient was managed conservatively including the use of pulmonary antihypertensive (sildenafil), with significant improvement. She is currently on follow-up at our pediatric cardiology clinic. TAPVC requires surgical intervention in early infancy to prevent the onset of pulmonary hypertension, which may contraindicate surgery. High index of suspicion and improved diagnostic skill will enhance early diagnosis and enable timely intervention.

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is employed when vaginal delivery is not feasible or hazardous to the mother and/or her baby. The procedure, however, is not without risk. We determined the maternal and early neonatal outcomes of CS in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a 2-year cross-sectional study of all CS deliveries performed at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria, from July 01, 2009, to June 30, 2011. All patients who had CS at any time within the 24 h period were noted and followed up until discharge. The sociodemographic data, types of CS, anesthesia, indications, cadre of a surgeon, and feto-maternal outcomes were documented in a proforma. Statistical analysis was carried out using the EPI INFO 3.5.1 (CDC Atlanta Georgia, USA). Results: There were 4462 deliveries out of which 504 (11.3%) were by CS. The age range of the subjects was between 15 and 50 years, and the mean age was 28.7 (3.05) years. Most of the subjects 75.2% (379/504) were multigravida while the primigravida constituted 3.1% (16/504). CS was performed for emergency reasons in 57.1% (288/504) while elective CS constituted 42.9% (216/504) of cases. The most frequent indication for emergency CS was obstructed labor 25.7% (30/288) and previous CS 39.8% (86/216) for elective CS. There were 514 babies delivered during the study of which 98.1% (504/514) were singletons while 1.9% (10/514) was multiple gestations. The maternal complication rate was 13.3% (67/504), and the main complication was hemorrhage 59.7% (40/67). Complications were more frequent with emergency CS compared to elective surgery (Chi-square test [χ2 ] =6.633, df = 1, P < 0.01) and with junior compared to senior residents (χ2 = 15.9, df = 1, P < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between the fetal Apgar scores and the type of CS. The low 1 st and 5 th min Apgar scores were more frequent with emergency cases compared to elective CS (χ2 = 30.60, df = 1, P < 0.001; χ2 = 4.62.df = 1, P < 0.003). There were 10 maternal and 60 perinatal deaths. Conclusion: The CS rate in this study was 11.3%. Obstructed labor and previous CS among multigravida were the most frequent indications. Maternal and perinatal complications were more frequent with emergency CS and in the referred cases.

Background: The maxillary sinus is characterized by a significant inter-individual variation. Computed tomography (CT) measurement of sinus dimensions using provides a satisfactory assessment of the maxillary sinus and its conditions. Aim of the Study: To determine the size of the maxillary antrum and compare the depth, width, and height of the maxillary sinus between sexes and to establish a baseline for values in our environment using CT. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty subjects (79 males, 51 females), between 20 and 80 years, with normal maxillary sinus CT anatomy, from head CT scans done at the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, were studied. Measurements were taken between the widest points of the sinuses, antero-posterior (AP) and transverse diameters from axial images, craniocaudal diameter from coronal and sagittal images, and volumes were determined by the product of these three-dimensional and slice thickness. Results: In males, the mean craniocaudal, transverse, AP diameters and volume on the right were: 32.21 ± 5.56 mm, 24.18 ± 5.80 mm, 36.94 ± 4.73 mm, and 14.98 ± 6.53 cm 3. On the left, it was 32.38 ± 5.33 mm, 24.12 ± 5.81 mm, 36.84 ± 5.31 mm, and 15.08 ± 6.66 cm 3 respectively. Similarly in females, values on the right were: 30.93 ± 6.09 mm, 23.14 ± 4.70 mm, 36.29 ± 4.71 mm and 13.26 ± 5.04 cm 3, and left was, 31.14 ± 6.00 mm, 23.69 ± 5.50 mm, 36.43 ± 4.64 mm and 16.06 ± 17.96 cm 3 respectively. Conclusions: CT measurements of the maxillary sinus dimensions are larger in males; however, females had higher left sinus volume.

The presence of single and also of married British women in overseas colonies, especially those employed by or married to men in the Colonial Service in the later colonial period, has been the subject of scholarly enquiry. Their lives, roles and values and their distinctive contribution, if any, to the development of empire and of its ending have been debated. Their gendered roles were usually subordinate in a masculine culture of empire, and especially as wives they are commonly regarded as marginalised. The archived records left by Lady Margaret Field reveal her commitment as a single woman to a colonial mission and her sense of achievement as a school teacher and educational administrator, while also acknowledging the independence and career satisfactions she subsequently lost when she married a senior Colonial Service officer who rose to be a governor. But it is also apparent that, though incorporated and subordinate as a governor's wife to her husband's career, she was not marginalised to a separate sphere. As is evident from this case study, governors’ wives had important and demanding political duties, and such responsibilities need to be acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods other than breast milk are introduced gradually into the baby's diet, first to complement breast feeding and progressively to replace it and get the child used to adult diet. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing complementary and weaning practices among women in rural communities of Sokoto state, Nigeria. METHODS: it was a cross-sectional study. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, 296 mothers of children 6-24 months were recruited. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Chi square test was used to test associations between categorical variables. Binary logistic and multinomial regression was used to compute the determinants of complementary and weaning practices. The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the State Ethical Committee. RESULTS: timely introduction of complementary feeds was commenced in 54% of the children. Only 6.2% weaned their children at 6 months; 90.5% weaned their children gradually and 63.5% bottle fed. Factors influencing complementary and weaning practices was found to be child's age; maternal age and family setting. CONCLUSION: the respect of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on complementary and weaning practices was suboptimal. It was also evident from this study that complementary and weaning practices were influenced by maternal and house-hold factors. It is therefore important to develop interventions aimed at bridging the gap between these practices in rural settings and WHO recommendations

Prevalence and molecular identification of Campylobacter species isolates from poultry and humans were conducted using culture, biochemical reaction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. A total of 798 (506 poultry and 292 human) samples were identified biochemically, out of which 312(39.1%) were positive for Campylobacter species. Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari had 38 (23.8%) out of 160, 63(39.4%) out of 160, 59(36.9%) out of 160 prevalence rates, respectively in humans while 29(19.1%) out of 152, 79(52.0%) out of 152 and 44(28.9%) out of 152 were the rates for the species in the same order in poultry. Campylobacter isolates were kept at -20oC in 15% glycerol and 85% tryptone broth until used while some were identified 24hrs post isolation. Single and multiplex PCR were used to confirm the genus Campylobacter and three Campylobacter species, respectively. All the 130(100 stored and 30 fresh) isolates were members of the genus Campylobacter. The single PCR band view of stored isolates also revealed other bands in addition to 439 bp which is specific for the genus Campylobacter, while the fresh isolates had distinct bands at 439bp only. Multiplex PCR revealed 2(6.7%) out of 30 were positive for stored isolates out of 30, 1(50%) each for C. jejuni and C. Coli. However, 1 of the stored isolate was positive for both spp. On the other hand, 6(20.0%) of out 60 fresh isolates were positive, with 5(83.3%) and 1(16.7%) for C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively. The possibilities of improper identification using conventional method have been revealed in the study. PCR can identify Campylobacter species more accurately than biochemical method, though storage of isolates, integrity of extracted DNA and PCR conditions can affect result. However, the use of both methods should be encouraged in regular and effective surveillance of Campylobacter species in poultry and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods other than breast milk are introduced gradually into the baby's diet, first to complement breast feeding and progressively to replace it and get the child used to adult diet. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing complementary and weaning practices among women in rural communities of Sokoto state, Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, 296 mothers of children 6-24 months were recruited. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Chi square test was used to test associations between categorical variables. Binary logistic and multinomial regression was used to compute the determinants of complementary and weaning practices. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the State Ethical Committee. Results: Timely introduction of complementary feeds was commenced in 54% of the children. Only 6.2% weaned their children at 6 months; 90.5% weaned their children gradually and 63.5% bottle fed. Factors influencing complementary and weaning practices was found to be child's age; maternal age and family setting. Conclusion: The respect of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on complementary and weaning practices was suboptimal. It was also evident from this study that complementary and weaning practices were influenced by maternal and house-hold factors. It is therefore important to develop interventions aimed at bridging the gap between these practices in rural settings and WHO recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Nigeria, from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number, 156 (61.9%) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1%) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant, P = 0.0209 < (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle.

The study was conducted among apparently healthy birds brought from different local government areas, neighbouring states and across international boundaries to the Sokoto central live bird market between October 2008 and March 2009. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from 221 apparently healthy birds comprising 182 chickens, 3 turkeys, 11 guineafowl, 17 ducks and 8 pigeons. These samples were analysed using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to check for the presence of avian influenza virus. An overall prevalence of 1.4% (3 positive cases) was detected with two cases observed in chickens and one in a pigeon. The findings indicate the circulation of avian influenza in the study area. This raises concern for human and animal health due to zoonotic and economic implications of this virus.

Background: The aim of this study is to retrospectively assess spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in patients with sign and symptoms of radiculopathy in Sokoto and its environs. MRI is generally more sensitive for depicting intrathecal pathology and soft tissue changes than plain radiography and computed tomography. Method: We retrospectively retrieved the biodata, clinical information, MRI images and the radiologists' reports of 133 (one hundred and thirty three patients) from June 2010 to May 2011. The patients' age ranged from 8-70 years (mean age 42.4±SD12.7). The sex distribution of the patients was 76(57.1%) males and 57(42.9%) females. All the patients were referred from Neurosurgical, Neurology and Orthopedic units of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto and other Tertiary institutions. They presented with signs and symptoms of spinal pathologies. The patients had MRI of the spine using 0.2Tesla MRI machine by GE (General Electric). The data geerated was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: The patients' age ranged from 8-70 years (mean age 42.4±SD12.7) 76(57.1%) males and 57(42.9%) females. The commonest spinal MRI finding in this study was disc prolapse in 87(63%) patients. 19(14.3%) of the patients had normal spine. Pott's disease and spinal cord involvement following trauma were noted in 7(5.3%) each. Spinal meningioma was also documented in 1(0.8%) patient in this study. Spinal fracture from trauma and cases of spondylosis were noted in 6(4.5%) patients each. Conclusion: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of patients with signs and symptoms of spinal disease revealed a high prevalence of spinal abnormalities. In view of the high yield from MRI examination, we suggest MRI as the first imaging modality for the assessment of suspected spinal pathologies

Background: Cancer of the cervix, a preventable disease, is the second most common cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in women in the developing world. Experience of the disease in Sokoto is lacking in the literature. The aim of this study is to determine the demographic characteristics, clinical features, stage of the disease at presentation and outcome in cases of carcinoma of the cervix in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital(UDUTH), Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix between January 1998 and December 2003 at UDUTH, Sokoto. Results: There were 100 cases of carcinoma of the cervix during the 6-year study period. The peak age incidence was in the 50-59 year age group(30%), and mean age was 48 years. Parity ranged from 0 to 13. Sixty-seven percent(67%) of patients were Para 5 and above. The main clinical features were irregular vaginal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, offensive vaginal discharge and abdominal/pelvic pain. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of patients presented in advanced stages of the disease(Stage IIb to IV). Most patients were not able to receive radiotherapy and were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Carcinoma of the cervix in Sokoto is a disease of grandmultiparous women who usually present at the advanced stages. Prognosis is poor due to late presentation and inability to afford the cost of radiotherapy. It is recommended that measures to prevent carcinoma of the Cervix must be put in place, chief amongst which is the implementation of a population-based screening programme.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HB) is a serious global public health problem that put health professionals particularly at risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among Biomedical Students of African descent attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto in North-Western Nigeria. METHODS: The Onsite HBsAg (CTK Biotech, USA) was used to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen. RESULTS:We tested 186 consecutively-recruited students consisting of 147 males and 39 females aged 18-35 years (mean age 26 ± 2.0 years). Of the 186 students tested, 25 (13.4%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher among students in the 21-25 years age group. Hepatitis B vaccination uptake among students was 7%.Majority of subjects were single 173(93.1%) compared to married 13 (6.9%). Ethnic distribution of the subjects indicated that 104(55.9%) were Hausa compared to Yoruba 32 (17.2%), other ethnic groups 21(11.3%), Fulani 20(10.8%) and Igbo 9(4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among Biomedical students in Sokoto, NorthWestern, Nigeria. Finding fromthis study is enough justification for the implementation of a policy to routinely test students entering into the biomedical professions for Hepatitis B virus infection. There is the need to provide hepatitis B vaccination universally to all those who are found negative prior to commencement of their biomedical training. There is also need to educate students entering biomedical professions and healthcare workers on the modes of transmission and prevention, importance of being compliant with protective vaccination as well as the need to observe universal precaution and infection control guidelines during their training and future professional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at the development of the Nigerian Islamic militant group Boko Haram from an historical perspective and attempts to locate Boko Haram within an historical pattern of dissent and factionalism in Northern Nigerian Islam. It argues that the nineteenth-century jihadist legacy of Uthman dan Fodio, and its rejection of things non-Islamic, accusations ofbidʿaandmuwālātand the invocation oftakfīr, continues to appeal to the present-day generation of Muslims. Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, who viewed himself as a reformer in the tradition of dan Fodio, and his Wahhabi-inspired anti-Sufi views, and the activism of the Izala movement, which is an outgrowth of Gumi's religious and ideological views, have perpetuated the separatist tradition. From limited reliable data, the article goes on to construct the rise of Boko Haram (itself an outgrowth of the Izala movement) and its ideology from within the ranks of the Salafi-Wahhabi trends in Northern Nigeria, arguing that Boko Haram, with its militancy against things non-Islamic, is firmly rooted and best explained within the broader Northern Nigerian context of Islamic factionalism and absolutism fostered by a romanticized jihadist legacy and disillusionment arising from failed experiments with Salafi-Wahhabi idealism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To determine the causes of blindness and the barriers to accessing rehabilitation services (RS) among blind street beggars (bsb) in Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 202 bsb (VA < 3/60) using interviewer administered questionnaire. The causes of blindness were diagnosed by clinical ophthalmic examination. Results: There were 107 (53%) males and 95 (47%) females with a mean age of 49 years (SD 12.2). Most bsb 191 (94.6%) had non-formal education. Of 190 (94.1%) irreversibly bsb, 180/190 (94.7%) had no light perception (NPL) bilaterally. The major causes of blindness were non-trachomatous corneal opacity (60.8%) and trachoma corneal opacity (12.8%). There were 166 (82%) blind from avoidable causes and 190 (94.1%) were irreversibly blind with 76.1% due to avoidable causes. The available sub-standard RS were educational, vocational and financial support. The barriers to RS in the past included non-availability 151 (87.8%), inability to afford 2 (1.2%), unfelt need 4 (2.3%), family refusal 1 (0.6), ignorance 6 (3.5%) and being not linked 8 (4.7%). The barriers to RS during the study period included inability of 72 subjects (35.6%) to access RS and 59 (81.9%) were due to lack of linkage to the existing services. Conclusion: Corneal opacification was the major cause of blindness among bsb. The main challenges to RS include the inadequate services available, societal and users factors. Renewed efforts are warranted toward the prevention of avoidable causes of blindness especially corneal opacities. The quality of life of the blind street beggar should be improved through available, accessible and affordable well-maintained and sustained rehabilitation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information about diabetes mellitus (DM) from the rural populations in Nigeria, particularly among the rural Fulanis is limited. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two rural districts of Sokoto State in Northern Nigeria. Using a modification of the WHO STEP wise approach to surveillance (STEPS) instrument, information on sociodemographic and anthropometric data was obtained. Either a casual or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was obtained in all subjects while oral glucose tolerance test was performed in a randomly selected group of 50 of the study participants. Results: Three hundred and ninety-three subjects participated in the study. The prevalence rates of DM, impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were 0.8, 6.9, and 8%, respectively. The mean (SD) FPG was higher in males (5.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L) than in females (4.9 ± 0.6 mmol/l), but not statistically significantly (P = 0.20). The major risk factors for DM among the rural Fulani were obesity and increasing age. Conclusion: The prevalence rates of DM and its principal risk factor obesity are low among the rural Nigerian Fulani. However, the prevalence of prediabetes is relatively high, a factor that may predispose to the future development of DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common human enzyme deficiencies in the world. It is particularly common in populations living in malaria-endemic areas, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. This present study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children visiting the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for pediatric-related care. The study included 118 children, made up of 77 (65.3%) males and 41 (34.7%) females aged ⩽5 years with mean age of 3.26 ± 1.90 years. Randox G6PD quantitative in vitro test screening was used for the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. Of the 118 children tested, 17 (14.4%) were G6PD-deficient. Prevalence of G6PD deficiency was concentrated predominantly among male children (22.1%). Male sex was significantly correlated with G6PD deficiency among the children studied (r = 7.85, P = 0.01). The highest prevalence occurred among children in the 2- to 5-year age-group. Of the 17 G6PD-deficient children, twelve (70.2%) were moderately deficient, while five (29.4%) were severely deficient. Blood film from G6PD-deficient children indicated the following morphological changes; Heinz bodies, schistocytes, target cells, nucleated red cells, spherocytes, and polychromasia. This present study has shown a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children residing in Sokoto in the northwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study indicated a male sex bias in the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the children studied. There is a need for the routine screening of children for G6PD deficiency in our environment, to allow for evidence-based management of these children and to ensure the avoidance of food, drugs, and infective agents that can potentially predispose these children to oxidative stress as well as diseases that deplete micronutrients that protect against oxidative stress. There is need to build capacity in our setting among pediatricians to ensure the effective management of children with G6PD deficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of obstetric hemorrhage on the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet count (PLC). Women with obstetric hemorrhage were divided into two categories, women with antepartum hemorrhage (APH) and those with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Pregnant women without hemorrhage were included as controls. Eighty-six pregnant women aged 18-45 years (mean age 36.25 ± 10.50 years) were presented to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria with history of obstetric hemorrhage. Forty-three age-matched nonhemorrhaging parturient women were included as controls. The determination of PT and APTT was done by manual methods using commercially prepared Diagen reagent kits, whereas PLC was done by manual methods using a hemocytometer. The results of PT and APTT were significantly higher among women with APH (20.7 ± 4.226 seconds and 46.04 ± 8.689 seconds, respectively) and among women with PPH (23.17 ± 2.708 seconds and 53.78 ± 4.089 seconds, respectively) compared to normal pregnant women (15.85 ± 0.8930 seconds and 36.225 ± 5.010 seconds, respectively) (P = 0.0001). Similarly, the PLC was significantly higher among normal pregnant women compared to those with APH and PPH (291.425 ± 75.980 × 109 compared to 154.83 ± 47.019 × 109 and 136.43 ± 43.894 × 109, respectively) (P = 0.0001). The PT and APTT of women who presented with PPH were significantly higher compared to those who presented with APH (23.17 ± 2.708 seconds and 53.78 ± 4.089 seconds versus 20.7 ± 4.226 seconds and 46.04 ± 8.689 seconds, respectively) (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). The PLC was significantly higher among women who presented with APH compared to those who presented with PPH (P = 0.01). The PT and APTT values were higher in the third trimester among women with APH (24.38 ± 2.33 seconds and 52.25 ± 6.71 seconds, respectively), PPH (24.75 ± 2.63 seconds and 58.25 ± 2.53 seconds, respectively), and control women (16.00 ± 0.82 seconds and 34.42 ± 5.59 seconds, respectively) compared to those in first and second trimester. The PLC was significantly lower in the third trimester among APH, PPH, and normal pregnant women (131 ± 23.02 × 109, 99 ± 21.46 × 109, and 192.86 ± 25.44 × 109, respectively). PT and APTT values correlated positively and significantly with trimester (r = 0.52 and 0.65, respectively; P = 0.01). The PLC of women with APH, PPH, and normal control women correlated negatively with trimester (r = -0.36, -0.54, and -0.28, respectively; P = 0.05). Obstetrics hemorrhage compounded the hemostatic status of pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria. There is need for the provision of rapid diagnosis of coagulopathy to guide the provision of best therapeutic management options [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study is concerned with what specific materials are used in fabricating the inks used in the surviving, largely undated Northern Nigerian manuscripts written in Arabic script. These manuscripts belong to the West African tradition of Islamic culture and scholarship, of which Timbuktu, Mali, was a key center. The manuscripts themselves, and 4500 km of road travel throughout Northern Nigeria, suggest a local tradition of dye, ink and pigment fabrication rather than one derived from the Mediterranean and the Islamic heartlands. Technical materials analysis, recipes from ethno-cultural studies, and replicative experiments revealed a reliance on local plants and materials. Botanical research uncovered a possible linkage between inks and medical treatments through the creation of charms in which ink was washed from the paper and drunk, or used as a body wash. They reflect a sustainable, durable and flexible tradition that overcame challenges of execution, using indigenous materials, astute observation, trial and error-a tradition documenting that people traveled as well as goods and ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined food safety issues and willingness to pay for the safety of kilishi in Sokoto, Nigeria. Using simple random sampling, 232 kilishi consumers were selected and interviewed with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis. A majority (73.7%) of consumers perceived kilishi as unsafe for consumption and were willing to pay a premium for its safety. Income and education positively affected willingness to pay among kilishi consumers. Public enlightenment campaigns and enforcement of food safety laws are recommended to raise safety awareness among consumers and compliance by marketers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on northern Nigerian ‘enclaves’ of northern resistance to the 19th century Sokoto Caliphate, including Kari-Kari, Ningi, Gwari, Kebbi and Zuru. Firstly, the Kari-Kari (Keri-Keri) people of north-eastern Nigeria are considered in some detail. They live in and around a heartland area between Jalam, Dambam and Potiskum, characterised by a cluster of unusual circular and ovoid earthwork enclosures in a zone otherwise featuring rectilinear town walls, many oriented towards Mecca. These ovoid ‘ganuwa’ underpin the integrity of much of the account presented here of Kari-Kari history. The people speak a distinct Chadic language, implying northern origins. A few centuries ago, they migrated north into the present heartland area, a migration which may have brought with it the two cultural characteristics anomalous to this area: shoulder load carrying and the ovoid/circular enclosures. This paper enumerates several of the characteristics of Kari-Kari material culture including the village plans, house construction methods, the clan system of social organisation, use of decorated calabashes, and the use of iron and iron smelting. The 19th-century history of other ‘enclaves’ is described, and relevant archaeological sites described, in particular the fortified settlements such as Birnin Gwari, Amina Banga and Katsina. The historical basis of the diversity evident amongst these ‘enclaves’ is examined, with particular reference to ironworking in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]