Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas in Sub-Saharan Africa: A case report and review of literature

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare indolent malignant tumor mostly found in young women in the second and third decades of life. Only about 3000 cases have been reported in English literature, with none in the West African region. Here, we report to the best of our knowledge, the first histologically confirmed case of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas in West Africa. A 29-year-old woman with a slow-growing left upper abdominal mass of 10 months. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scans revealed a cystic-solid mass arising from the tail of the pancreas. She underwent surgical excision of the mass, with post-operative histopathology findings in keeping with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas. This case report highlights the importance of improved abdominal imaging, histopathology and the need for increased awareness as a differential diagnosis of an intra-abdominal tumor, especially in young women

Chemical composition and phyto-chemical factors of sorrel seeds (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) boiled at varying durations

This study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of sorrel seeds boiled at varying durations. Cleaned sorrel seeds were poured into three (3) litres of boiled water (at 100 C) per batch of 1kg (i.e. in ratio of 3:1) at different boiling durations of 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. The boiled sorrel seeds were sun dried by spreading on trays until well dried. Samples of the boiled sorrel seeds were analysed for chemical composition and phyto-chemical factors. The results showed that the duration of boiling significantly (p< 0.05) affected the crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract contents. Crude protein and ether extract values increased as the duration of boiling increased from 0 to 45 minutes. The lowest crude protein (28.00%) and crude fibre (12.80%) was obtained at 30 minutes duration of boiling while their respective values 29.22% and 14.50% were obtained from 45 minutes duration. Ether extract decreased with increased boiling duration. The values of anti – nutritional factor declined with increase in the duration boiling. There was also significant differences (p<0.05) in phytic acid and tannin levels. The 45 minutes duration of boiling had the lowest value for phytic acid (0.19%), tannin (1.1%) and saponin (7.65%). It is concluded that processing of sorrel seed by boiling enhanced nutrient availability of crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract, and reduced anti-nutrients (phytic acid, tannin and saponin) to a tolerable level. Keywords: Phyto-chemical factors; Boiling durations; Chemical composition; Sorrel seed

Transmission dynamics of monkeypox virus in Nigeria during the current COVID-19 pandemic and estimation of effective reproduction number

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) continues to pose severe threats to global public health, especially in non-endemic areas. Like all other regions, Africa faces potential public health crises due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks (such as Lassa fever and malaria) that have devastated the region and overwhelmed the healthcare systems. Owing to the recent surge in the MPXV and other infections, the COVID-19-control efforts could deteriorate and further worsen. This study discusses the potential emergencies of MPXV transmission during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesize some of the underlying drivers that possibly resulted in an increase in rodent-to-human interaction, such as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and other human behavioral or environmental factors. Furthermore, we estimate the MPXV time-varying effective reproduction number ([Formula: see text]) based on case notification in Nigeria. We find that [Formula: see text] reached a peak in 2022 with a mean of 1.924 (95% CrI: 1.455, 2.485) and a median of 1.921 (95% CrI: 1.450, 2.482). We argue that the real-time monitoring of [Formula: see text] is practical and can give public health authorities crucial data for circumstantial awareness and strategy recalibration. We also emphasize the need to improve awareness programs and the provision of adequate health care resources to suppress the outbreaks. These could also help to increase the reporting rate and, in turn, prevent large community transmission of the MPXV in Nigeria and beyond

Utilization of information and communication technology among undergraduate nursing students in Tanta university, Egypt

The use of ICT to enhance learning and teaching has become increasingly important. Information and communication technology in education is a modern, efficient and cost effective process which has created a need to transform how students and teachers from higher institutions learn and teach respectively. This study was conducted to assess the pattern and utilization of Information and Communication Technology among undergraduate Nursing students in Tanta University, Egypt. A descriptive cross sectional design was used for the study where 504 fourth year students enrolled in the 2015/2016 session participated in the study. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The results indicated that 80% of the surveyed students utilized ICT in performing their study assignments and research. Majority of the female students (79.0%) self reported themselves as good in computer skills while only one fifth (21.0%) of the male students rated themselves as good in computer skills. Students whose parents had secondary education and above had their total score in self-rating of computer operation skills as significantly higher than those whose parents had below secondary education. The study concluded that majority of the students had good ICT utilization with variation to residence and family income. It is therefore recommended that the university should ensure strict compliance with the rules of e-learning courses for the students and ensure proper application by each student

Evaluation of Emergency Obstetric Care Services in Primary Health Care Facilities in Niger State: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Primary health care (PHC) is built on the principles of equity in the distribution of quality health care, active community participation in health care programmes and emphasis on prevention of illnesses rather than cure. The main objectives of maternal health services in the primary health care programme are to ensure that every expectant mother maintains good health throughout the maternity cycle. Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the provision of emergency obstetrics care (EmOC) in Primary Health Care facilities. Materials and Methods: Utilizing the mixed research design, data were collected from 887 women, 69 male participants and 24 healthcare providers across 24 PHC facilities in Niger State selected through the multistage sampling technique using the questionnaire, focus group discussion, indepth interview and facility assessment. Ethical approval and all necessary permission were obtained from the Niger State Primary Health Care Agency, stakeholders and the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and transcription. Results: Findings from the study revealed that prolonged/obstructed labour, hypertension in pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, anaemia, retained placenta and breech presentation of the baby during childbirth were among the maternal health problems occurring in the study locations. Also, there were no facilities for the provision of EmOC services in the PHC facilities. Conclusion: Although prolonged/obstructed labour, hypertension in pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, anaemia, postpartum haemorrhage and retained placenta were among the frequently occurring maternal health problems, EmOC services were not provided in almost all the PHC facilities visited. It is therefore recommended that efforts should be made to improve the state of the PHC facilities.&nbsp

Nutritional and Antinutritional Profile of Borassus aethiopum Mart (African Palmyra Palm) Shoots

Borassus aethiopum (African palmyrah palm) shoots was analysed for its nutritional and antinutritional compositions. The proximate composition showed 56.33%w/w moisture, 11.2%DW crude fibre, 6.9%DW crude protein and 81%DW available carbohydrate. Mineral content (per 100g dried sample) indicates the presence Mg (640mg), Ca (433.3mg), K (236.7mg), Mn (12.85mg), Zn (12.74) and Fe (11.5mg/100gDW) as the most abundant. The level of toxic Pb and Cd in the shoot is of great concern considering their health effect. Amino acids analyses showed that the shoot is not a good protein source when compared to WHO/FAO/UNU reference standard for school children. Nevertheless, the shoot contains an appreciable amount of essential amino acids (lysine, threonine, phenylalanine and tyrosine) above the reference standard for adult. The concentrations of hydrocyanic acid, nitrate, oxalate and phytate were lower than the reference toxic standard level. The results indicate that the B. aethiopum shoot is a food stuff with appreciable levels of both macro and micro nutrients as well as safe levels of antinutritional factors

Friction coefficient of carbon nanotube reinforced aluminium nano-composite

The frictional behaviour of three different nano-composites such as 1.5 wt %, 2.0 wt % and 2.5 wt % CNT –Al nano-composite materials developed by powder metallurgy process has been studied with pin-on-disc tribometer, sliding against AISI52100 steel disc. The tribological properties of pure aluminium and carbon nanotube reinforce d aluminium nano-composite were investigated and compared in this current study. Experiments were conducted using different sliding velocities of 0.5, 0.65 a nd 0.8 m/s and a normal load of 5, 7.5 and 10 N. Variations of coefficient of friction with the dur ation of rubbing at different normal loads and sliding velocities are investigated. It was revealed from the results that, coefficient of friction varies with the duration of rubbing, normal load and sliding velocities. It was clearly observed that, coeffi cient of friction increases for a certain duration of rubbing and after that it remains constant for the rest of the experimental time. Furthermore, the result shows that, coefficient of friction decreases with the increase in normal loads for aluminium wh ile for the nano material it decreases slightly for certain operating condition and remains constant in some cases. It is also observed that coefficient of friction decreased with the increased in sliding velocities for aluminium and almost remain the same for the nano material. It was further confirmed that, the developed nano material has a very high resistance to friction with low and stable coefficien t of friction which is within the range of 0.0050 - 0.01835. Further work has been recommended to be conducted on the developed material and check on the possibility of using it as a cladding material in the nuclear reactor chamber

Subjective reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic predictors of vaccination in Nigeria: an online survey

The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective reasons for hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccination and the sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination uptake. An online social media survey was conducted among the general Nigerian population using a self-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression with crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p value of less than 0.05. A total of 576 participants with a mean age of 31.86 years participated in the study. 28% (n = 158) received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Teachers were significantly less likely than health professionals to be vaccinated (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.16–0.69). In addition, unemployed people (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.89) were less likely to be vaccinated than government employees, and those of intermediate socioeconomic status (AOR = 0.47 95% CI 0.26–0.88) were less likely to be vaccinated than were those of high socioeconomic status. Five main themes emerged regarding participants’ subjective reasons for hesitating to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: fear related to vaccine content (e.g., efficacy), negative effects on the body (e.g., blood clots), distrust of the system/government (e.g., politics), psychological concerns (e.g., anxiety), and misconceptions. Sociodemographic variables and vaccine misconceptions were found to play an important role in COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Nigeria