Coronavirus Disease 2019 Virus among Ophthalmologists in Nigeria: Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions

Background: Globally, there is still much to learn about the evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) virus, its transmission, prevention, and treatment. Therefore, this study investigates the knowledge, perception, and screening practices of COVID‑19 infection in the ophthalmology practice in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This survey was a descriptive, cross‑sectional survey conducted among practising ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists in training in Nigeria in an online survey. Data compiled were then analyzed using the IBM SPSS software version 22.0 with two‑tailed P < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: A total of 206 ophthalmologists/ophthalmologists in training were recruited for this study. Most of the respondents, 97 (47.1%), practiced in centres in South‑West Nigeria and were board‑certified ophthalmologists 96 (46.6%). In general, the majority of the respondents, 182 (88.3%), had good knowledge regarding the COVID‑19 virus, its transmission, prevention as it regards the ophthalmic practice, 134 (74.8%) either agreed or strongly agreed that the ophthalmologist is at a higher risk of contracting the virus from infected patients even if the patient is asymptomatic. COVID‑19 infection was perceived as very serious by the majority of the respondents, 135 (65.5%), although 128 (62.1%) felt that all routine cases should be seen only following a low‑risk assessment. Conclusion: As the world races toward complete vaccination of the population against this fatal infection, continued training is required to ensure the best practices among ophthalmologists to bridge the present knowledge gaps, corrects myths, misconceptions, and ensure the safety of both the patient and the ophthalmologist

Nutritional properties of ogi powder and sensory perception of ogi porridge made from synthetic provitamin: a maize genotype

Open Access Journal; Published online: 25 Jun 2021Provitamin-A maize (PVA) with increased carotenoid content obtained through conventional breeding techniques has been largely successful in sub-Saharan Africa. This resulted in a need to evaluate their susceptibility, retention, and nutritional content during processing into local foods. This study evaluated the chemical, carotenoid composition, and retention of PVA, the phytic acid content in ogi powder, and the sensory perception of ogi porridge produced traditionally from the three novel PVA maize genotypes (PVA SYN HGAC0 Maize 1; PVA SYN HGBC0 Maize 2; and PVA SYN HGBC1 Maize 3) and one yellow maize variety (control). Chemical composition analyses showed significant differences (p 19 years), 6.2 and 7.7%, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that the ogi 3 porridge (Maize 3) was the most acceptable, followed by Maize 2. In conclusion, Maize 2 had the highest PVA, true retention of carotenoid, vitamin A contributions, and the second most acceptable ogi porridge with the lowest phytate content

Monitoring the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines into West Africa: design and implementation of a population-based surveillance system.

Routine use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in developing countries is expected to lead to a significant reduction in childhood deaths. However, PCVs have been associated with replacement disease with non-vaccine serotypes. We established a population-based surveillance system to document the direct and indirect impact of PCVs on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and radiological pneumonia in those aged 2 months and older in The Gambia, and to monitor changes in serotype-specific IPD. Here we describe how this surveillance system was set up and is being operated as a partnership between the Medical Research Council Unit and the Gambian Government. This surveillance system is expected to provide crucial information for immunisation policy and serves as a potential model for those introducing routine PCV vaccination in diverse settings

Clinicopathologic study of sickle cell-associated kidney disease: A Nigerian experience

Background: Improvements in sickle cell disease (SCD) care have resulted in the survival of many patients into adulthood, although this is accompanied by the increased incidence of end-organ damage, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and predictors of renal dysfunction in SCD patients and investigated the associated renal histopathologic changes. Methods: We evaluated 105 patients with SCD, for proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and tubular dysfunction. Renal biopsy was conducted on 22 patients who qualified. Data were analysed using SPSS package version 23. Results: Thirty-seven (35.2%) of the 105 patients had CKD, as defined by an eGFR of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. The fractional excretion of potassium (FEK) was elevated in all patients, whereas the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) was elevated in 98.1%. Glomerular filtration rate was negatively correlated with irreversible percentage sickle cell count (r = −0.616, P = 0.0001), FEK (r = −0.448, P = 0.0001) and FENa (r = −0.336, P = 0.004). Age, irreversible percentage sickle cell count, haemoglobin levels and FENa were the major predictors of CKD. The histological pattern in the 22 patients who had biopsies was consistent with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis 11 (50%), minimal change disease 6 (27.3%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 3 (13.6%) and interstitial nephritis 2 (9.1%). Conclusions: CKD was prevalent in SCD patients, and it was characterised by tubular dysfunction and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. The main predictors of CKD were increased age, severity of vaso-occlusive crisis, worsening anaemia and tubular dysfunction

Project management for the establishment of the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system: major dependency relationships.

<p>Project management for the establishment of the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system: major dependency relationships.</p

Case definitions for pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia.

<p>Case definitions for pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia.</p

Criteria developed for nurses to identify patients who should be referred to a clinician for assessment of suspected pneumonia, meningitis, or septicaemia.

a<p>To be referred for further assessment if one or more of the following are present for 14 days or less.</p>b<p>Raised respiratory rate for age is defined as greater than 50 breaths per minute for children at least 2 months but less than 12 months, and as greater than 40 breaths per minute for children at least 12 months but less than 60 months.</p>c<p>Impaired consciousness is defined as V, P, or U on the AVPU score, where A is if the patient is alert, V if responsive to verbal stimulus, P if responsive to pain stimulus, and U if unresponsive.</p>d<p>Prostration is defined as inability to drink or breast feed, or to remain sitting in a child otherwise able to sit.</p

Performance indicators for the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system and the methods for measuring them.

<p>Performance indicators for the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system and the methods for measuring them.</p

Flow chart for the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system.

<p>Flow chart for the Gambian pneumococcal surveillance system.</p

Clinical criteria for suspected pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia.

a<p>Raised respiratory rate for age is defined as greater than 50 breaths per minute for children at least 2 months but less than 12 months, and as greater than 40 breaths per minute for children at least 12 months but less than 60 months.</p>b<p>Impaired consciousness is defined as V, P, or U on the AVPU score, where A is if the patient is alert, V if responsive to verbal stimulus, P if responsive to pain stimulus, and U if unresponsive.</p>c<p>Prostration is defined as inability to drink or breast feed, or to remain in a seated position in a child otherwise able to do so.</p>d<p>Severe malnutrition is defined according to the WHO definition.</p