University of Ibadan

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990–2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), principally ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, are the leading cause of global mortality and a major contributor to disability. This paper reviews the magnitude of total CVD burden, including 13 underlying causes of cardiovascular death and 9 related risk factors, using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. GBD, an ongoing multinational collaboration to provide comparable and consistent estimates of population health over time, used all available population-level data sources on incidence, prevalence, case fatality, mortality, and health risks to produce estimates for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Prevalent cases of total CVD nearly doubled from 271 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 257 to 285 million) in 1990 to 523 million (95% UI: 497 to 550 million) in 2019, and the number of CVD deaths steadily increased from 12.1 million (95% UI:11.4 to 12.6 million) in 1990, reaching 18.6 million (95% UI: 17.1 to 19.7 million) in 2019. The global trends for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and years of life lost also increased significantly, and years lived with disability doubled from 17.7 million (95% UI: 12.9 to 22.5 million) to 34.4 million (95% UI:24.9 to 43.6 million) over that period. The total number of DALYs due to IHD has risen steadily since 1990, reaching 182 million (95% UI: 170 to 194 million) DALYs, 9.14 million (95% UI: 8.40 to 9.74 million) deaths in the year 2019, and 197 million (95% UI: 178 to 220 million) prevalent cases of IHD in 2019. The total number of DALYs due to stroke has risen steadily since 1990, reaching 143 million (95% UI: 133 to 153 million) DALYs, 6.55 million (95% UI: 6.00 to 7.02 million) deaths in the year 2019, and 101 million (95% UI: 93.2 to 111 million) prevalent cases of stroke in 2019. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of disease burden in the world. CVD burden continues its decades-long rise for almost all countries outside high-income countries, and alarmingly, the age-standardized rate of CVD has begun to rise in some locations where it was previously declining in high-income countries. There is an urgent need to focus on implementing existing cost-effective policies and interventions if the world is to meet the targets for Sustainable Development Goal 3 and achieve a 30% reduction in premature mortality due to noncommunicable diseases.

The International HapMap Project

The goal of the International HapMap Project is to determine the common patterns of DNA sequence variation in the human genome and to make this information freely available in the public domain. An international consortium is developing a map of these patterns across the genome by determining the genotypes of one million or more sequence variants, their frequencies and the degree of association between them, in DNA samples from populations with ancestry from parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. The HapMap will allow the discovery of sequence variants that affect common disease, will facilitate development of diagnostic tools, and will enhance our ability to choose targets for therapeutic intervention.

The Structure of Haplotype Blocks in the Human Genome

Haplotype-based methods offer a powerful approach to disease gene mapping, based on the association between causal mutations and the ancestral haplotypes on which they arose. As part of The SNP Consortium Allele Frequency Projects, we characterized haplotype patterns across 51 autosomal regions (spanning 13 megabases of the human genome) in samples from Africa, Europe, and Asia. We show that the human genome can be parsed objectively into haplotype blocks: sizable regions over which there is little evidence for historical recombination and within which only a few common haplotypes are observed. The boundaries of blocks and specific haplotypes they contain are highly correlated across populations. We demonstrate that such haplotype frameworks provide substantial statistical power in association studies of common genetic variation across each region. Our results provide a foundation for the construction of a haplotype map of the human genome, facilitating comprehensive genetic association studies of human disease.

Computer and internet use by first year clinical and nursing students in a Nigerian teaching hospital

BACKGROUND: The internet is an important source of up-to-date medical information. Although several studies in different countries have explored the extent to which health science students use the computer and the internet, few researches are available on this subject in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of computer and internet by health science students studying in the country. METHODS: One hundred and eighty three first year medical and nursing students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, completed a-25 item questionnaire during routine Library Orientation Program in the medical library. The EPI-Info software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages for medical students and the student nurses were 22 and 24.6 years respectively. Overall, 42.6% of the entire sample could use the computer, 57.4% could not. While more than half (58%) of the medical students are computer literate, majority (75.9%) of the student nurses are not. Slightly more than two thirds (60.7%) of the entire students had ever used the internet, 33. 9% had not. E-mail was the most popular of internet services used by the students (76.4%) and the cyber café was the common place where students had accessed these services. The students' mean scores on a 15-point perceived self-efficacy scale for internet-related tasks was 3.8 for medical and 0.7 for nursing students (p = 0.00). Students who are computer literate had superior mean scores (4.8) than those without (0.6) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: First year clinical and nursing students in Ibadan Nigeria have not fully utilised the opportunity that the use of computer and internet offer for medical education. Improved efforts such as inclusion of computer education in medical and nursing curricular and establishment of computer laboratories are required to increase the student's access to computers and internet.

Instant messaging and nursing students' clinical learning experience

Nursing in the Digital Age: Harnessing telemedicine for enhanced patient care

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary healthcare, reshaping nursing practice across various specialties. This narrative review explored the role, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with telemedicine in nursing practice. Also, it emphasizes telemedicine’s impact on patient care, the evolution of nursing workflows, and future directions for implementation. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, drawing upon primary research articles, systematic reviews, and policy documents published between 2010 and 2023. The search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, employing keywords such as "telemedicine," "nursing practice," "patient care," and "ethical considerations." Eligible studies were critically appraised for relevance and rigor. Data synthesis included the identification of key themes, trends, and exemplary instances of telemedicine utilization in nursing practice. The review revealed a multifaceted role of telemedicine in nursing practice. Teletriage and remote patient monitoring were instrumental in reducing emergency department overcrowding and improving patient triage accuracy. Teleconsultations and virtual visits facilitated patient-provider interactions, while telepsychiatry addressed the growing demand for mental health support. Tele-education emerged as a vital tool for ongoing professional development among nurses. Moreover, telemedicine effectively reached rural and underserved populations, addressing healthcare disparities. Ethical considerations, such as patient privacy, informed consent, and data security, emerged as significant challenges in telemedicine. As telemedicine continues to evolve, nurses should remain adaptable, actively engaging with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary teams. Furthermore, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and nursing associations/regulatory bodies should collaborate to establish clear ethical and legal guidelines. These efforts will ensure the continued growth of telemedicine in nursing practice, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and expanding access to quality healthcare services. • Telemedicine correlates with improved patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. • Nurses are pivotal in teletriage and remote patient monitoring initiatives. • Teleconsultations streamline care delivery, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. • Telepsychiatry bridges gaps in mental health services, catering to remote patients. • Teleeducation empowers nurses through accessible and flexible professional development.

Relationship between occupational stress, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy among faculty members in faculty of nursing Zagazig University, Egypt

Background/Aim: Different studies, in international context, have linked occupational stress to emotional intelligence or self-efficacy of faculty members. However, investigating the relationship between these three constructs in this context was limited. So, the researchers investigated the relationship between occupational stress, emotional intelligence and self-efficacy among faculty members. Method: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University using a descriptive correlational design. A convenience sample of 91 faculty members working in Faculty of Nursing Zagazig University during the academic year 2011-2012 were recruited for the study. Four tools were used for data collection: Questionnaire about demographic data, Emotional Intelligence Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Occupational Stress Scale. Results: The study findings indicate that the majority of faculty members experience a high level of occupational stress, while they have a low level of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. The occupational stress was negatively related with faculty members’ emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of current study confirm that occupational stress has negative relationships with the faculty members’ emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Therefore, we suggest that the Faculty of Nursing should keep the stress level of their faculty members lower and help them to stay healthier by holding training courses on emotional intelligence improving their social skills and increase their efficiency at work. Moreover, the perceived self-efficacy can be improved among the faculty members through training programmes and courses this would help the faculty members enhance their stress bearing capacity and also improve their productivity.

A close look at the biology of SARS-CoV-2, and the potential influence of weather conditions and seasons on COVID-19 case spread

BACKGROUND: There is sufficient epidemiological and biological evidence of increased human susceptibility to viral pathogens such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and influenza virus, in cold weather. The pattern of outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China during the flu season is further proof that meteorological conditions may potentially influence the susceptibility of human populations to coronaviruses, a situation that may become increasingly evident as the current global pandemic of COVID-19 unfolds. MAIN BODY: A very rapid spread and high mortality rates have characterized the COVID-19 pandemic in countries north of the equator where air temperatures have been seasonally low. It is unclear if the currently high rates of COVID-19 infections in countries of the northern hemisphere will wane during the summer months, or if fewer people overall will become infected with COVID-19 in countries south of the equator where warmer weather conditions prevail through most of the year. However, apart from the influence of seasons, evidence based on the structural biology and biochemical properties of many enveloped viruses similar to the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 (aetiology of COVID-19), support the higher likelihood of the latter of the two outcomes. Other factors that may potentially impact the rate of virus spread include the effectiveness of infection control practices, individual and herd immunity, and emergency preparedness levels of countries. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the potential influence of weather conditions, seasons and non-climatological factors on the geographical spread of cases of COVID-19 across the globe.

Nurses’ attitude towards the care of the elderly: Implications for gerontological nursing training

Background: Nurses are in contact with the elderly at different levels of care. However, observations show that relational gaps exist resulting in negative elderly patients’ outcomes. This study aimed at exploring the attitude of nurses towards the care of the elderly in two selected hospitals (University College Hospital and Ring Road State hospital) in Ibadan, Oyo state. Methods: The study was a descriptive survey. Questionnaire was administered to randomly selected and consented 130 nurses in the two selected hospitals and was retrieved immediately after being completed. The questionnaires had five sections. Section A covered socio-demographic data. Section B, C and D consisted of questions which explored respondents’ attitude towards the care of elderly; staffing ratio and care of the elderly; factors influencing care of the elderly and Section E questions were on knowledge of aging process. The completed questionnaire was coded and analyzed using frequencies and percentages Result: This study shows that 73.0% of the respondents agreed that elderly are difficult to care for. Over 80% agreed that effective care of the elderly requires special training. Also, more than 90% believed hospitals should have special wards (geriatric ward) for effective care of the elderly. Respondents showed positive attitude towards the care of the elderly and good knowledge of aging process. Conclusion: Effective care of the elderly requires special training, provision of geriatric ward, adequate staffing to reduce stress and improve quality care. There is need for continuing education on quality care to improve nursing practice in the care of the elderly.

Floral Biology and Pollination Efficiency in Yam (Dioscorea spp.)

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a monocotyledonous herbaceous vine cultivated for its starchy underground or aerial tubers in the tropics and subtropics. It is an allogamous and polyploid species that reproduces by both sexual and asexual mechanisms. However, many of the landrace cultivars, including most of the popular varieties, reproduce exclusively by vegetative propagation (planting the tubers). These varieties are either sterile or produce sparse and irregular flowering with high flower abortion rate, low fruit and seed set. Production of crossbreed seeds for genetic improvement and for maintaining genetic diversity in yams is, therefore, mainly achieved through natural or managed pollination. Flowering in yam is mostly dioecious and, in some instances, monoecious. Flowering asynchrony, sticky nature of the pollen grains, and cross incompatibility are among the challenges in making genetic progress in yam breeding. There are many limitations in basic and applied knowledge of yam flower biology and pollination. This paper, therefore, reviews the flowering biology, pollination, and methods of improving pollination efficiency in yam breeding programs.

Some aspects of the biology of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a pest of stored groundnuts in Nigeria

Understanding the challenges of providing holistic oncology nursing care in Nigeria

This article describes the current state of cancer nursing and the various challenges that hinder the provision of effective nursing care to cancer patients in Nigeria. The major issue identified was the lack of specialized oncology nursing education which should actually form a basis for nurses to practice in the oncology setting. Other issues include poor facilities for oncology nursing care, lack of specific cancer centers resulting in the management of cancer patients in non-specialist wards. It is therefore recommended that solidified structure be put in place in order to establish and strengthen the nursing curriculum which has a strong potential for improving the knowledge and skills of nurses to care for people living with cancer in Nigeria.

Knowledge of birth defects among nursing mothers in a developing country

BACKGROUND: In the absence of established guidelines, where formal screening is unavailable for birth defects, a lot of responsibility is placed on parents in the recognition of these defects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the awareness of mothers about birth effects in a developing country and assess what they know about the prevention, detection and treatment of children with birth defects. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 714 mothers consecutively selected at two major hospitals in Nigeria between May and December, 2012. Data were collected with interviewer administered questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS and statistical significance set at p

Preliminary evaluation of some aspects of the ecology (growth pattern, condition factor and reproductive biology) of African pike, Hepsetus odoe (Bloch 1794), in Lake Eleiyele, Ibadan, Nigeria

A preliminary investigation of length-weight relationship, condition factor and reproductive ecology of African pike fish, Hepsetus odoe , was conducted between June to August 2010 in Lake Eleiyele. A total of 90 samples of the fish species were caught by fishermen using gill nets. The results obtained showed that fish species had isometric growth pattern (contrary to negative allometry expected) with the growth exponent, b value of 2.64, that is not statistically different from 3 and with high statistical power of 0.866 when tested. The mean condition factor, K , was found to be 2.6, indicating that the fish species were in good condition in the study area. For reproductive biology, mean fecundity and gonadosomatic index were found to be 1349 eggs and 3.53% respectively. This study was necessary to fill the knowledge gap and provide information for management and conservation of the investigated species in the lake system. This study recommended that further research needs to be conducted because the sampling was carried out in the rainy season period and within a quarter of a year.

Biology ofEpidinocarsis [=Apoanagyrus] lopezi [Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae] an exotic parasite of cassava mealybug,Phenacoccus manihoti [Homoptera: Pseudococcidae] in Nigeria

Observations on the biology and nutritive value of the African giant snail <i>Archachatina marginata</i>

Summary Food habits, growth rate, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics and nutritive value of the giant snail were investigated in the field and with captive snails. Food consumed included fresh plant material, livestock faeces and dead animals. Clutch sizes varied from six to twelve and incubation periods from 30 to 45 days. Weight gains of young snails of average weight 20 g fed on diets of single plant species ranged from 18% on Talinum triangulare leaves to 200% on pawpaw fruit. Best growth was shown on leaves of cassava and cocoyam, grain chaff of maize and fruit of pawpaw. Dressing‐out percentage of snails of 200 g weight was 37.8%. Nutrient composition of the edible portion compared closely with that of domestic livestock. Nitrogen‐free extractive content was high at 5% and fat low at 1.3%. Mineral analysis revealed a high iron content of 12.2 mg/100 g in the edible carcass. The experiments showed that the snail could thrive in captivity on a variety of locally produced feeds, many of them rejected as waste products. It shows great promise as a domestic animal capable of being reared with negligible capital outlay.

Effect of standardized nursing language continuing education programme on nurses' documentation of care at University College Hospital, Ibadan

Aim: The study assessed the documentation of nursing care before, during and after the Standardized Nursing Language Continuing Education Programme (SNLCEP). It evaluates the differences in documentation of nursing care in different nursing specialty areas and assessed the influence of work experience on the quality of documentation of nursing care with a view to provide information on documentation of nursing care. The instrument used was an adapted scoring guide for nursing diagnosis, nursing intervention and nursing outcome (Q-DIO). Design: Retrospective record reviews design was used. Methods: A total of 270 nursing process booklets formed the sample size. From each ward, 90 booklets were selected in this order: 30 booklets before the SNLCEP, 30 booklets during SNLCEP and 30 booklets after SNLCEP. Results: Overall, the study concluded that the SNLCEP had a significant effect on the quality of documentation of nursing care using Standardized Nursing Languages.

Nursing documentation: Experience of the use of the nursing process model in selected hospitals in<scp>I</scp>badan,<scp>O</scp>yo<scp>S</scp>tate,<scp>N</scp>igeria

The descriptive study was conducted to determine the extent of utilization of the nursing process for documentation of nursing care in three selected hospitals, Ibadan, Nigeria. One hundred fifty nurses and 115 discharged clients' records were selected from the hospitals. Questionnaires and checklists were used to collect data. Utilization of nursing process for care was 100%, 73.6% and 34.8% in the three hospitals. Nurses encountered difficulties in history taking, formulation of nursing diagnoses, objectives, nursing orders and evaluation. Most nurses disagreed or were undecided with the use of authorized abbreviations and symbols (34.3%, 40.3% and 69.5%), recording errors that occurred during care (37.1%, 56.1% and 52.2%) and inclusion of change in clients' condition (54.3%, 56.1% and 73.8%). Most nurses appreciated the significance of documentation. Lack of time, knowledge and need for extensive writing are the major barriers against documentation. Seventy-seven point four per cent of the 115 clients' records from one hospital showed evidence of documentation, no evidence from the other two. Study findings have implications for continuing professional education, practice and supervision.

Stressors and Counseling Needs of Undergraduate Nursing Students in Ibadan, Nigeria

Existing evidence suggests that nursing students have high levels of stress and that counseling and other support services should be made available to them. However, the stressors and counseling needs of undergraduate nursing students in Nigeria have yet to be explored. This study used a questionnaire to investigate the stressors, counseling needs, and desired counseling facilities of undergraduate nursing students at the University of Ibadan. Common stressors included excessive schoolwork, financial problems, inadequate recreational facilities, and overcrowded accommodations. There was an association between reporting inconsiderate, insensitive lecturers as stressors and evidence of psychological distress. Nearly 60% of the respondents felt counseling would help them, and most desired counseling for academics, finances, and relationships. Most (78%) of the respondents preferred an independent facility with trained counselors. Desired characteristics for the services included accessibility, affordability, confidentiality, and a friendly atmosphere. Educators and administrators should use this information to design counseling facilities for students.

Floral biology in relation to hand pollination of white yam

Some aspects of the biology of Dermestes maculatus Degeer (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) in dried fish

Studies on the Biology of the Grasshopper Pest Zonocerus Variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in Nigeria: 1911–1981

Psychiatric disorders in Nigerian nursing home residents

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in nursing homes, which has not been studied before in Nigeria, is the subject of this cross-sectional study. METHOD: Psychiatric disorders were assessed in 23 of the 29 residents of the two nursing homes in Lagos and diagnoses based on DSM-III-R criteria (APA, 1987) and AGECAT (Copeland et al., 1986) were made independently. RESULTS: The commonest diagnoses were dementia in 11 out of 23 residents and depression in four residents. Overall prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders was 74%. CONCLUSION: The present prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders is similar to those reported in similar institutions in the industrialized societies. This has implications for the care of the elderly in a non-industrialized society.

Studies on the reproductive biology of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.)

Gene-Environment Interactions and Epigenetic Regulation in Autism Etiology through Multi-Omics Integration and Computational Biology Approaches

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition characterized by substantial genetic heterogeneity and complex environmental influences. Emerging evidence suggests that gene-environment interactions, mediated through dynamic epigenetic mechanisms, play a critical role in modulating neurodevelopmental trajectories implicated in ASD. This review synthesizes current advances in understanding the etiological interplay between genetic variants, environmental exposures, and epigenetic regulation, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. We explore how these layers of molecular control intersect to dysregulate neurodevelopmental gene networks and contribute to ASD pathophysiology. Central to this investigation is the integration of multi-omics platforms— encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—supported by computational biology, machine learning, and systems-level modeling frameworks. These technologies facilitate the identification of molecular subtypes, predictive biomarkers, and regulatory circuits associated with ASD. Furthermore, we examine the translational implications of these findings in the context of precision medicine, including early diagnosis, patient stratification, and individualized therapeutic development. Despite the challenges of data heterogeneity, scalability, and interpretability, the integration of high-dimensional biological data holds transformative potential for elucidating ASD etiology and advancing targeted interventions.

University students’ knowledge and readiness to practice genomic nursing in Nigeria

Genetic nursing education provides knowledge of traits and inherited diseases. This has not been well integrated into nursing practice in Nigeria. This study evaluated university nursing students’ knowledge of genomic concepts and readiness to practice genomic nursing in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Three universities were purposively selected in Nigeria. A total of 136 participants were recruited using convenient sampling technique. A modified Genetic Nursing Concept Inventory questionnaire was distributed to participants in their classrooms. Data were analyzed with SPSS (23); descriptive data were presented in tables and figures with their mean and standard deviations. Chi-square test and multivariate analysis were used to ascertain association between variables at p < 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that participants have poor knowledge (89%) and lack readiness (66%) to practice genomic nursing in Nigeria. Their knowledge influenced their readiness (χ2 = 21.033, df = 1, p = 0.001). Institution type was the most consistent predictor of knowledge (χ2 = 48.586, df = 2, p = 0.001) and readiness (OR = 14.817, p = 0.326, C.I. = 3.190, 319.57) as those in federal institution were more knowledgeable and prepared to practice genetic nursing. Participants perceived that poor funding, lack of trained personnel, and social/environmental factors could affect their readiness to practice genetic nursing. The study has brought to the fore that nursing students have low knowledge and were not ready to practice genetic nursing, efforts should be made to look into the adequacy of nursing training on genetic nursing and strategies needed for its integration in education and practice.

Measles antibodies in the breast milk of nursing mothers.

A total of 216 breast milk samples collected from nursing mothers and corresponding numbers of finger prick sera from their suckling babies were tested for measles antibodies. Fifty (22.1%) of the nursing mothers had antibody while 38 (16.8%) of the sera were positive for measles haemagglutinating (HI) antibodies. Forty-one (18.9%) breast milk samples were found to contain measles complement fixing (CF) antibody while none of the serum samples from the suckling babies had CF antibody. Only 12 of the positive sera were from HI positive mothers. Our result suggests that very little level of measles antibody is passed through the breast milk.

Observations on the biology of three species of Nigerian millipedes

Investigations have been carried out, both in the field and in the laboratory, into certain aspects of the biology of three species of millipede ( Spirostreptus assiniensis, Oxydesmus sp., and Habrodesmus falx ) which commonly occur during the rainy season in the Ibadan area of Western Nigeria. The feeding, mating, egg‐laying, and moulting habits of the three species are described. A detailed description is given of the nest‐building habit of the larvae of Oxydesmus sp. The elaborate nests which are built primarily for moulting also protect the larvae during the dry season when moisture conditions become unfavourable. Swarming behaviour, uncommon in millipedes, is shown by the larvae of H. falx . This behaviour which appears to be of survival value to the species is described.

Studies on the biology of <i>Acanthomia tomentosicollis</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) in the field and insectary

Abstract Studies on the biology of Acanthomia tomentosicollis (Stål) at Ibadan, Nigeria, showed that the periods of development in the field and the insectary averaged 17 and 18 days, respectively. The hemispherical, hexagonally sculptured eggs were laid in batches of 2.99 (mean=7 eggs per batch in the insectary and 20 in the field). Preoviposition periods were 11–22 days in unmated and 6–9 days in mated females. The mean number of eggs deposited by mated females (202) was significantly higher than that deposited by unmated females (135), although the average oviposition period of 16 weeks in unmated females was three weeks longer than in mated females. Unmated males and females were longer-lived than their mated counterparts, and females generally lived longer than males. These results and other observations on 'the biology of A. tomentosicollis are discussed in the context of its seasonal biology and the pattern of infestation of pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajari ), its main host plant.

Impact of an Educational Program on the Use of Standardized Nursing Languages for Nursing Documentation Among Public Health Nurses in Nigeria

PURPOSE: To measure the effect of an educational package on documentation of care among public health nurses (PHNs). METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Forty PHNs working in primary healthcare settings were selected. Education was given through a 5-day workshop. Documentation of care was assessed using a modified "Muller-Staub Q-DIO instrument." Data were analyzed using t test third and twelfth months postintervention. FINDINGS: There was a significant improvement on documentation of care at p = .0001. CONCLUSION: Educating PHNs and providing them with standardized nursing care plans enhance documentation of care. IMPLICATION TO PRACTICE: A combination of education on the use of standardized nursing languages and standardized nursing care plans can enhance documentation of care. There is a need for more research on the use of standardized nursing languages in developing nations.

Some aspects of the biology of two common species of Nigerian scorpions

An account is given of the occurrence of Pandinus imperator imperator (C. L. Koch) and Buthus hottentotta hottentotta Fabricius which are two common species of scorpions in Nigeria. P. imperator is essentially a forest species commonly found in the lowland rain forest zone, while B. hottentotta typically lives in the savannah and has a much wider distribution stretching from the derived savannah to the Sudan zone. During aktograph experiments, P. imperator showed greater locomotory activity during the daytime than at night. In contrast, B. hottentotta was markedly nocturnal. The normal rhythm of locomotory activity of B. hottentotta was greatly affected by constant artificial illumination (20 foot candles) and constant darkness. The rate of water‐loss of P. imperator in dry air was greater than that of B. hottentotta. The experimental results are discussed in relation to the behaviour of the scorpions in their natural habitats.

Observations on the biology of <i>Hemimems talpoides</i> (Insecta: Dermaptera)

The little known ectoparasitic insects of the genus Hemimerus lived and bred on a captive giant rat Cricetomys , allowing prolonged observation of their habits. They never normally left the host for more than a few seconds and never fed elsewhere than on the host. Food was taken from the skin, ears, eyes and mouth but the rat never showed serious irritation. Breeding was slow and possibly closely controlled by temperature. The position in copulation was quite different from that of typical Dermaptera.

Notes on the biology of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) in Sierra Leone

An account is given of the habitat, seasonal occurrence, breeding biology and food of 103 species of Acridoidea in Sierra Leone. Some comparisons are made between East African and Sierra Leone populations, a relation is indicated between size and number of annual generations and food is considered in relation to habitat and head length.

Influence of Health Education and Healthy Lifestyle on Students' Academic Achievement in Biology in Nigeria

The positive effects of health education and healthy lifestyle on adolescent academic achievement cannot be over emphasized as learning experiences to help students accurately assess the level of risk-taking behaviour among their peers, emphasis on the value of good health that reinforces health-enhancing attitudes and beliefs are paramount. Little effort had been made by researchers to examine the influence of health education and healthy lifestyle on students' academic achievement. This study examined the influence of health education and healthy lifestyle on students' academic achievement in Biology. Seven hundred and twenty (720) students of both sexes participated in the study. Three instruments used in the study are Health Education Efficiency Questionnaire (α=0.89), Adolescent Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (α=0.94) and Biology Achievement Test (r=0.88). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of Multiple Regression at p