| 1 |
Author(s):
Asma Mehdi, Salma Ghalloussi, Eya Seghir, Linda Messaoud, Ahlem Trifi, Sami Abdellatif.
Page No : 1-12
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The Relationship between Vaccination Status, Clinical Manifestations and Outcome in Critical COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Abstract
Background: The resurgence of COVID-19 cases has led to the administration of repeated vaccine doses. Our study aims to investigate the association between the vaccination status and clinical presentation, amount of oxygen support needed and outcome among patients admitted in ICU for critical SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 01 January 2021 to 30 August 2022. Patients admitted for severe/critical SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into four groups according to their vaccination status: unvaccinated, receiving one dose, two doses and three doses or more. Data were compared according to the vaccination status. Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven (237) patients were included. Age > 60 years and most co-morbidities were more reported among vaccinated patients with 3 doses or more. Arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio was correlated to the dose received (p<10.-3). Severe ARDS (p<10-3), mechanical ventilation (p=0.003) and mortality (p=0.04) were lower among patients receiving 3 doses or more. Conclusion: Vaccination with 3 doses or more was associated with less severe symptoms, biological disorders, CT scan lesions extent, critical forms and need for mechanical ventilation.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Niokhor Ngobe Sene, Assane Dieng, Souleymane Aidara, Aissatou Sow Ndoye, Mba Elhadji Bambo Diakh, Dianké Samate, Serigne Mbaye Lo Ndiaye, Sény Ndiaye.
Page No : 13-20
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Genital Infections in Couple Infertility in Dakar
Abstract
Background: Couple infertility is a real public health problem affecting 8–15% of couples worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate genital infections in infertile couples in Dakar. Methodology: This was an 8-month prospective study of infertile couples followed up in 3 health facilities in the Dakar region. Standard bacteriology was performed on genital swabs and Triplex PCR for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium. Data analysis was performed using SPSS IBM 25 software. Results: A total of 98 women (65.3%) and 52 men (34.7%) with an average age of 34 years and extremes ranging from 18 to 56 years were included. In men, the prevalence of genital infections was 17.3% (n=9), with a predominance of Mycoplasma hominis (5.8%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (5.8%) and Escherichia coli (3. 8%). In women, 70.3% (n=59) had an infection, and the most frequently isolated germs were G. vaginalis (19%), U. urealyticum (17%) and Candida albicans (17%). Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium were absent in all patients. Chlamydia trachomatis, on the other hand, was positive in 10 patients using antigenic tests, with confirmation in just one patient by PCR. Conclusion: The prevalence of genital infections in infertile couples was very high in our study. Good medical management of these infections necessarily requires good laboratory diagnosis.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Mohammad Salim.
Page No : 21-47
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Physiological and Biochemical Alterations during the Germination of Aspergillus Niger Conidia
Abstract
The provided analytical data pertains to the germination of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem spores, focusing on various components measured by dry weight. These components include sugars, organic acids, amino acids, proteins, and lipids. Additionally, indicators of spore activity, such as respiration and permeability changes, were assessed. It is noteworthy that A. niger spores do not initiate germination utilizing their internal reserves. The introduction of glucose triggers heightened oxygen consumption and an increase in the overall concentration of organic acids. The initial 3-hour germination period is characterized by an augmentation in protein synthesis, along with a reduction in free amino acid concentration, which suggests the synthesis of proteins to facilitate germination. Furthermore, changes in permeability are observed to influence the release of various substances from the germinating spores. Significant alterations occur in the concentration of free sterols and the sterol-to-lipid ratio in germinating A. niger spores. During the early stages of germination, there is extensive degradation of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and their lyso-derivatives. However, these phospholipids are subsequently resynthesized in the later stages of germination. Regarding nonpolar lipids in A. niger spores, they consist primarily of hydrocarbons, triglycerides, fatty acids, sterol esters, and free sterols. Notably, the content of free sterols increases while the content of hydrocarbons decreases during the germination process in A. niger spores.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Osuji-Kalu Nnenna Chinenyenwa, Ene Aloysius Chinedu, Chukwudoruo Chieme Sunday.
Page No : 48-58
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Profiling of the bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum from Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study aimed to access the bioactive compounds and functional groups present in Solanum aethiopicum using the Gas Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The GCMS showed Solanum aethiopicum showed a total of thirty-seven bioactive compound with the highest abundance being Squalene (21.13%), Palmitoleic acid (16.63%), 13-Octadecenal (16.63%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (17.62%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Solanum aethiopicum showed the presence of functional groups which include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, primary (10) and secondary (20) amines, amides, imino, epoxy, peroxides, carboxylic esters, ethers, primary (10), secondary (20) and Tertiary (30) alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, thiols, cyanate, isoyanates and alkylhalides. These bioactive compounds with reference to literature revealed a variety of biological functions spanning across antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, antimalarial, antifungal, anti-tumour, neuroprotective, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, anti-seizure, anti-allergy, anti beta-amyloid protein aggregation.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Olorunniyi Shola Blessing, Olanrewaju Motunrayo Florence (Prof.), Ogo Chidiebere Ndukwe.
Page No : 59-74
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Coping Mechanisms and Illness Perception Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients in Ogun State
Abstract
Background: The second most common malignancy in men globally is prostate cancer. Moreover, one of the regions with the highest estimated death rates from prostate cancer is sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among Nigerian men is prostate cancer. However, negative illness perceptions, including worry about the disease and the severity of symptoms, have been linked to poorer prognosis among cancer patients. Generally, cancer patients adopt various coping mechanisms to deal with these stressors. Meanwhile, little is known about the health-related quality of life of prostate cancer patients in this region, regarding their coping mechanisms and illness perception. Therefore, this study examined, coping mechanisms and illness perceptions associated with health-related quality of life among prostate cancer patients in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study employed the Purposive sampling technique. Correlation analysis was used to determine the association between coping mechanisms, illness perception, and the health-related quality of life of participants.
Results: The association between illness perception and health-related quality of life was positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.547, p=.000). However, in the association between coping mechanism and health-related quality of life; problem-focused coping and health-related quality of life were found to be positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.228, p=.000); emotion-focused coping and health-related quality of life were found to be positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.388, p=.000); while avoidant coping and health-related quality of life were found to be negatively correlated (r= -0.192, p=.000).
Conclusion: This study found that a higher illness perception score correlated with a higher health-related quality of life score. Also, a higher problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanism score correlated with a higher health-related quality of life score. While a higher avoidant coping score inversely correlated to a lower health-related quality of life score.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Possible O. Popoola, Adnan Musa, Ayomide D. Faloye, Emmanuel O. Ojediran, Titus T. Olaniran, Iyanuoluwa D. Ayodele, Kabirat A. Adeyemi, Esther T. Adebayo.
Page No : 75-96
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A Review Diagnosing Male Infertility: Beyond Conventional Semen Analysis
Abstract
Infertility, defined as the inability of couples to conceive after one year of consistent, unprotected sexual contact, is a widespread concern affecting a significant portion of the population. Notably, between 14 to 17% of couples may encounter infertility at some point during their reproductive journey. This review delves into the realm of diagnosing male infertility beyond conventional semen analysis. Conventional semen analysis, which is a globally accepted tool for male infertility, primarily focuses on assessing sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology, leaving certain aspects of sperm functionality unexplored. These limitations necessitate the integration of advanced semen analysis techniques to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Advanced semen analysis encompasses a range of sophisticated tests that probe deeper into the intricacies of male fertility. These tests include assessing sperm penetration capabilities, acrosomal discharge, and spermatozoa Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. Moreover, advanced semen analysis encompasses tests like sperm chromatin structure assay, DNA damage assessment, sperm proteomics, sperm metabolomics, and high sperm magnification microscopy, all of which shed light on various facets of sperm function and quality. While advanced semen analysis techniques offer a more comprehensive understanding of male infertility, their uptake and utilization in clinical practice have been limited. This review aims to elucidate the roles, merits, and drawbacks of both conventional and advanced semen analysis in diagnosing male infertility. This review sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, it promotes a more nuanced approach to male infertility diagnosis, enhancing the prospects of successful conception for infertility challenged couples.
