| 1 |
Author(s):
Ama Valérie Bonouman Ira, Reine Mboh, Fréderic Roger, Donika Krasteva, Virginie Bellet, David Koffi, Julie Noell, Cyrille Pottier, Pascal Drakulovski, Hervé Menan, Offianan Toure, Mireille Dosso, Stéphane Ranque, Sébastien Bertout.
Page No : 1-16
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Identification, Prevalence and Susceptibility Profile of Candida Isolates at the Pasteur Institute in Côte D’ivoire from 2017 to 2019
Abstract
This study was conducted in Côte d’Ivoire to determine the respective prevalence of Candida species and to study their susceptibility profile to antifungal agents to identify the emergence of resistance.This retrospective study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 at the Institute Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire on patients with fungal disease. The yeasts isolated and identified in Côte d’Ivoire were subcultured on a chromogenic medium and identified with MALDI-TOF-MS. Sensitivity tests were performed using the CLSI method and evaluated by the M27. In total, 227 Candida spp. were isolated from 1941 patients. Most of the samples were vaginal swabs (120/228). Using the conventional method, C. albicans was prevalent (52.6%). There were mixtures of 2 to 4 species in 36.8% of the samples. Thus MALDI-TOF-MS identified in 315 isolates 13 distinct species, C. tropicalis was prevalent at 35.2%, and the species in both C. albicans and C. parapsilosis complexes were differentiated. This study highlights the hurdle of correct yeast identification in developing countries. The transition from conventional to modern MALDI-TOF based identification of these life-threatening opportunistic pathogens is mandatory and should be emphasised as a public health priority.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Okesiji Idowu Omotunde, Prof. Amosu Ademola Mufutau, Dr. Okesiji Wuraola Kehinde.
Page No : 17-28
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Knowledge Level of Hypertension among Pre-Hypertensive Market Traders in Lagos State
Abstract
Pre-hypertension means borderline hypertension and if unchecked can lead to hypertension and its other consequences. Stressful occupations such as market trading can predispose persons to hypertension disorders due to long work hours, little or no rest and this raised concern for pre-hypertensive traders’ routine and their health status. Studies have shown benefits of health-education intervention in enhancing appropriate hypertension prevention information. However, this is limited in Nigeria. Therefore, this research assessed knowledge level of hypertension among pre-hypertensive market traders in Lagos State. Two major markets were surveyed to obtain sample size of 140 traders. By voluntary participation, the pre-hypertensive traders were grouped per market into Intervention Group (IG: 70) and Control Group (CG: 70). The IG was assigned to 6-weeks health education modules on hypertension once weekly for 15 minutes and CG had placebo for same duration. Research instrument with reliability coefficient (0.79) was used to collect data. Response rate was 98.6%. Data were analysed at 5% level of significance. Findings showed the baseline, mean score of knowledge in the IG was 15.37 ± 5.20, and for CG was 15.33 ± 3.93. Comparing the baseline and immediate post-intervention, there was a significant difference in the knowledge mean scores of participants in the IG (20.04 ± 1.54), but, there was a slight decline in the CG 15.32 ± 3.88 at p > 0.05. In conclusion, health-education intervention had positive influence on hypertension-related knowledge of pre-hypertensive traders in Lagos State. It was recommended that health workers should adopt regular market-based health-education programs to promote hypertension prevention
| 3 |
Author(s):
Okwudishu Marian Ngozi, Ilo Ifeyinwa Clementine.
Page No : 29-42
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Knowledge of the Risk Factors and Prevention of Deep Vein Thromboembolism Among Adults Attending Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State
Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant public health issue affecting thousands of patients globally and is accountable for a high number of hospitalizations annually. This study assessed the knowledge of the risk factors and prevention of deep vein thromboembolism among adults attending Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A sample size of 420 respondents was involved in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Research questions were answered using frequencies and percentages. Hypotheses were tested using X2 test. Results showed that only 31.9% of participants had previous knowledge of DVT. Obesity/overweight (72.4%), long travel for more than 6 hours whether by car or plane (66.6%), and excess duration of sitting (55.7%) were the most well-known risk factors. Only about 37 (8.8%) of the respondents knew that DVT occurs when the patient relaxes most of the time in bed, and the most known symptoms were: pain and discomfort 272 (64.7%), local pain in the leg 244 (58.1%), or redness of the affected skin 213 (50.7%). The overall knowledge level of the risk factors of DVT among the respondents showed that only 2% had good knowledge, 30% had fair knowledge and 68% had no knowledge. Most of the respondents 217 (51.6%) knew that DVT is dangerous and may lead to death. The level of knowledge of the risk factors of DVT is highest among the younger aged, individuals who were employed and those who had higher level of education. Poor knowledge necessitates community education programmes about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and squeal of deep vein thromboembolism.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Christopher J. Pritchard, George A. Lacey, Amon B. Hackney, Michelle Henshaw, Alicia J. Kulbicki, Manveer S. Saund, Alexius Akubueze, Anwar R. Baydoun, Naomi Martin.
Page No : 43-70
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Ethnic Minority Microparticles have Distinct Pro-Thrombotic and Pro-Oxidative Phenotypes and Interact Differentially with Endothelial Cells in vitro: Implications for Risk to Cardiovascular Disease
Abstract
Ethnic minority individuals are disproportionately susceptible to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Microparticles (MP) are biologically active membrane-bound nanovesicles released from cells that act as biomolecular shuttles. Plasma MP was isolated from healthy White, Black African, and South Asian individuals and analysed using flow cytometry. Their effects and interactions were assessed using fluorescence, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. Total MP and a sub-population of smaller MP associated with dysfunction and disease progression were significantly increased in Black African individuals. Pro-thrombotic and pro-oxidant MP were substantially more numerous in Black African individuals. The tissue factor activity of ethnic minority MP was significantly greater than White MP. Ethnic minority MP induced significantly greater functional changes and morphology to an endothelial cell line in vitro and integrated into endothelial cells noticeably more than White MP. These data imply distinct differences in ethnic minority MP, suggesting a role in CVD susceptibility.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Madu A.N., Iwu I.C., Edeh E.C., Joseph E.E..
Page No : 71-83
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The Extraction and GC-MS Characterization of Leaf Extract of Piper guineense (Uziza Leaf)
Abstract
The extraction and GC-MS characterisation of leaf extract of Piper guineense (uziza leaf) were carried out. The leaves were collected, washed, shade dried and powdered. N-hexane extracts were prepared using the soxhlet extraction method. All the extracts were concentrated and analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy for the identification of biochemical components present in the leaves of Piper guineense and the results showed these results: alkaloids (+), flavonoids (+), cardiac glycosides (+), steroids (+), saponins (+) and tannins (-). In the GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds, more than twenty-eight (28) bioactive compounds were discovered in the leaf extract of P. guineense. These compounds according to studies have medicinal values, which include β-sitosterol (C29H50O), MW(414), RT(9.404), Stigmasterol (C29H48O), MW(412), RT(9.542), Vitamin E (C29H50O2), MW (430), RT(10.095), Phytol (C20H40O), MW(296), RT(16.079), Cis-α-bisabolene (C15H24), MW (204), RT (18.863), 1- Heptatriacotanol (C37H76O), MW (536) and RT(8.128) among others, which are some of the essential bioactive compounds found in the GC-MS leaf extract. Consequently, the above bioactive compounds and others give the leaf a high potency of nutrients with some medicinal benefits, which make it good for consumption.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Felix Chikereuba Akanno, Chidera Chisom Obasi, Uchechukwu Madukaku Chukwuocha, Ugomma Winnie Dozie, Chinenye Linda Uche Ori, George Inda-Obanyi Sule, Agatha Ijeoma-Ogu, David Chinaecherem Innocent.
Page No : 84-97
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Survival Times of Breast Cancer Patients in Nigeria: Application of Cox and Parametric Survival Models
Abstract
In this study, we modeled the survival time of breast cancer patients in Nigeria using five survival models, namely the Cox model, the exponential model, the lognormal model, the logistic model, and the Weibull model. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used as performance metrics for the selection of the best-fit model. The Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model was the best model for the cancer data. We also noted that the median patient survival time was 295 days. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare the survival curves. The CPH model was used to model the data. We observed that the neoadjuvant therapy covariate had a significant effect on the survival time of the breast cancer patients (p < 0.05). This suggests that it has a considerable impact on Nigerian breast cancer patients' survival rates. This study could result in more efficient cancer treatments and has substantial implications for the management and care of breast cancer patients in Nigeria. It further extends the work of Awodutire et al. (2017).
| 7 |
Author(s):
Bigwan Emmanuel Isa, Alexander Roger Nanna, Jurbe Delmwa Florence, Banda Jim Monday, Sheyin Zakka.
Page No : 98-107
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Serological Evidence of Hepatitis B Virus among Secondary School Students in a Community in Plateau State, Nigeria
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is among the common viral infectious agents of global public health concern because it increases the risk of hepatocellular cancer, liver fibrosis, and mortality from liver disease. The study's objectives were to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood samples of students of Government Secondary School, Bet, Pankshin, Plateau State. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between October and November 2018. Blood samples were collected from 168 participants which were analysed for HBsAg using a One-step Rapid Strip (Royal Care) and HBeAg by Combo Test Device (Skytech USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (USA). P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. An overall 7.1% of the 168 samples analysed were seropositive for HBsAg and 6.7% for HBeAg. Males had a seropositivity of 11.6%, whereas females had a seropositivity of 4.0% (p = 0.061). The distribution of HBsAg in relation to age group was higher in the age group 13-19 years with 7.3% and the lowest in the age group 6-12 years with 6.7%. Those with history of sexual exposures had a seropositivity of 14.3% (p = 0.174; OR = 0.371, those with history of exposure to sharp objects had 7.3% (p = 0.869; OR = 0.876), those with the history of blood transfusion had none (p = 0.319; OR = 1.00), participants without history of ever screened for the virus had a seropositivity of 7.4% (p = 0.529; OR = 1.00) while the alcoholics had 13.6% (p = 0.205; OR = 0.416. It is imperative to act quickly to prevent liver disease morbidity and mortality given the seropositivity of 7.1% of HBV, which is of considerable public health concern. There is need to intensify campaign awareness and vaccination against HBV among all unvaccinated age groups.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ibrahim M., Ibrahim H.Y., Abu Rimi T..
Page No : 108-118
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Analysis of Covid-19 Knowledge and Vaccine Acceptance Among Agricultural Extension Workers in Katsina State, Nigeria
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines were developed for the prevention and control of COVID-19 globally and strong immunity will be developed if most of the world’s population accept and get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. However, vaccine hesitancy is a major threat to the control and prevention of COVID-19 in most countries especially the developing countries. The study was carried out to determine COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception and vaccine hesitancy among extension agents in Katsina State, North Central Nigeria. Due to insecurity, 23 local government areas in the state were purposively sampled across the three agricultural zones in the state. Furthermore, all the five village extension agents and one block extension supervisor in each LGA selected was considered to give a total of one hundred and thirty-eight (138) respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and mean, risk perception score, COVID-19 knowledge scale and a Logit regression model were used to achieve the study objectives. Results show that extension agents in Katsina State have a good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine and a high-risk perception towards COVID-19. However, due to trust and safety concerns, majority of the extension workers (73.2%) are still hesitant and yet to get a shot of the vaccine. The major determinants of COVID-19 acceptance include age of the extension worker, years of work experience and knowing a person infected by the virus. It can be concluded from the study that the older and more experienced extension workers can be used as a good starting point for launching a program aimed at reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among extension workers in Katsina State. The electronic media such as the Radio and Television should be used to produce jingles and skits for educating extension workers on the COVID-19 vaccine. Community and religious leaders should be empowered by the government to help clarify the misconceptions about vaccines that have pervaded communities especially in Northern Nigeria.
