Search

Introduction: The present study was conducted to obtain State diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of five routine computed tomography (CT) examinations from two CT centers in Ondo State and to identify factors responsible for dose variation and escalation in these CT centers. Material and Methods: Acquisition parameters and CT dose indices were collected from the storage drives of the two CT centers namely Federal Medical Centre, Owo and Trauma Center, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria, for six months on electronic spreadsheets for cranial, sinus, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations. In addition, dose indices for multiphase examinations were collected to analyze chest and abdominal doses. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess variations in dose distributions of the two health institutions. Results: The following diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) were obtained at 91 mGy; 1943 mGy.cm, 69 mGy; 1159 mGy.cm, 45 mGy; 1064 mGy.cm, 50 mGy; 2545 mGy.cm and 26 mGy; 622 mGy.cm in cranial, sinus, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations respectively. Conclusion: Estimated State DRLs exceed national and other DRLs indicating that there is a need to improve the quality of CT-examination for a better benefit to risk ratio. However, benchmarking DRLs to median dose levels (Achievable dose levels) instead of the upper quartile will be a good starting point in achieving the optimal dose level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the average maximum interincisal distance (MID) and its association with individual physical parameters and dietary pattern in a representative convenient sample of healthy adult Nigerians from two ethnic groups. Materials and Methods: This was a pilot cross-sectional study of healthy adults, free of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, aged 18–58 years in Ile-Ife (Southwest Nigeria) and Kano (Northwest Nigeria). MID, body weight, and height were determined using a clean wooden spatula on a transparent plastic linear gauge, calibrated body weight electronic scale, and wall-mounted height scale, respectively. Dietary habits and history were assessed using a validated structured questionnaire. MID was compared in each group and related to subjects' age, sex, height, and weight. Results: Of 853 subjects screened, 794 (93.1%), aged 18–58 years, met the inclusion criteria. About 393 (49.5%) and 401 (50.5%) subjects were from the Northwest (Kano City) and Southwest (Ile-Ife), respectively. The mean age of the subjects from the Northwest and Southwest Nigeria was 35.4 years and 26.7 years, respectively, and M:F ratio was 1:1.02. Female subjects recorded higher body mass index (BMI) and were slightly older than the males. Mean MID (SD) values in millimeters were 45.68 (6.7), 47.60 (7.73), and 46.69 (7.29) in the Southwest, Northwest, and combined groups, respectively. MID was significantly higher in males than females, peaked at age 33 years in both the sexes and, thereafter, decreased with increasing age. Conclusion: The MID vary with ethnic origin, weight, height, age, and BMI. A peak MID in adult appears to exist at about 33 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed rainfall variations in Northern part of Nigeria. To achieve this aim, the study sets out the following objectives; determine variations in rainfall characteristics in terms of extreme rainfall amounts, variability and ranges, use the time series to determine any trend in the change (upward or downward), predict values for the period; 2007 - 2030, which will also be subjected to the time series analysis and account for the causes of rainfall variability in the study area. The data for the study was collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for eleven (11) stations for a period of thirty-six (36) years. Simple statistical measures of mean, median, maximum and minimum, standard deviation, variance, skewness, kurtosis and coefficient of variability were used for discerning the patterns and distribution of rainfall. The results achieved indicate that the region could be divided into two periods on the basis of lower rainfall (1970's and 1980's) and the periods of higher rainfall (1990's and 2000's). During the predicted period; 2007 - 2030, rainfall declines until 2019 and from 2020, rainfall begins to increase until 2030. The southern part of the region has higher rainfall compared to the northern parts. There is a general increase in rainfall in the forecast period. The work recommended that more of this type of study be carried out in other regions of Nigeria. The results show that no signal has really been detected. We should devote more attention to regional studies of current climatic behaviours in various regions of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]