A SWOT Analysis of Male and Female Students’ Performance in Chemistry: A Comparative Study

The purpose of this study was to do a SWOT analysis and compare performances of male and female students in chemistry. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study.  Two boys’, two girls’ and two co-educational schools involving 1319 males and 1831 females, were selected by a stratified, deliberate sampling technique. A descriptive survey research design, percentages and means were used for answering research questions. The  z- and t- tests were used to test hypotheses at (p<0.05).  The SWOT of male and female performances were identified. Strengths, Opportunities and Weaknesses to the performances of males were higher than that of females. Threats to female performances were higher than males’. There is a significant difference in male and female performances in Chemistry, in favour of boys, generally; in urban ; co-educational schools; Strengths; Opportunities and Weaknesses but in favour of females in single sex schools  and in Threats to performances. It was concluded that males performed better than females. Recommendations include encouraging females to attend single –sex schools. Strengths and Opportunities to female performances in chemistry should be enhanced while their Weaknesses and Treats should be drastically reduced, as there can be no national or development without females. Keywords: SWOT Analysis; Male; Female; Performance; Chemistry; Comparative study; West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)

Impact of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination on postoperative mortality in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection

There is little evidence around the potentially protective role of previous Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination on postoperative mortality in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Prior BCG vaccination did not protect SARS-CoV-2 infected patients against postoperative pulmonary complications and 30-day mortality

Traumatic subtalar joint dislocation

Although uncommon, subtalar joint dislocations remain a frequently missed orthopaedic emergency. Detailed soft tissue and neurovascular assessment is important and these should be documented as appropriate. Failure of urgent reduction might lead to increased risk of conversion to an open injury as a result of pressure necrosis of the overlying skin, risk of talar avascular necrosis and risk of neurovascular compromise. A computed tomography scan is needed in all cases following successful closed or open reduction to identify associated occult foot and ankle fractures. The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of soft tissue and neurovascular compromise and achieve a supple, painless foot. This article highlights the importance of early identification of this injury and institution of appropriate management according to the latest evidence, to reduce the risk of complications and lead to the best outcomes. </jats:p

Knee joint dislocation: overview and current concepts

Knee joint dislocation is a relatively uncommon injury but its management is important because of the associated high risk of vascular, neurological and multi-ligamentous knee injuries. Clinicians must be aware that not all knee dislocations are diagnosed on plain X-rays; a high index of suspicion is required based on clinical evaluation. Multidisciplinary specialist care is required in all cases to achieve best outcomes. Early one-stage or multiple staged ligament repair and reconstruction offer better outcomes, but most patients have some long-term functional limitation. This article provides insights into the epidemiology and management of this injury and its devastating effects. </jats:p

Arthroscopic ankle fusion in haemophilic ankle arthropathy: A report of four cases and narrative literature review

Background: The first aim of this study was to report the authors’ experience in the last 10 years, for arthroscopic ankle fusion in haemophilic ankle arthropathy. The outcome measures were the fusion rates, time to fusion, postoperative complications and revision rates. The second aim of this study was to perform a narrative literature review for the outcomes of arthroscopic ankle fusion in haemophilic ankle arthropathy. Methods: This was a single-centre, consecutive, 10-year retrospective case series of prospectively collated data for patients who had arthroscopic ankle fusion for haemophilic ankle arthropathy. All patients had perioperative clotting factor optimization. Out of the six identified patients, four ankle fusions in three patients met the eligibility criteria. All the patients were male and had haemophilia A. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 52 years. For the literature review, PubMed, Medline and Embase were searched from inception until August 5, 2024. Seven eligible studies were included. Results: Successful bony union was achieved in all the patients at 16 weeks postoperatively. One screw-related complication (pain) was seen in one ankle requiring removal of screws, while there was no surgical revision. All the patients rated their ankle fusions as excellent-to-good at the final clinic follow up. The literature review showed that the overall union rate from the seven identified studies was 100 % at 4 months, postoperatively. Postoperative complications were reported in four studies (three complications-two surgical site infections and one pseudoarthrosis requiring revision). Conclusion: Arthroscopic ankle fusion remains an effective and safe treatment option for end-stage haemophilic ankle arthritis, with good to excellent functional outcomes