An Icon Exits the Ivory Tower

Prof. Oladosu Akanbi Ojengbede has taken a glorious exit out of the University of Ibadan having attained the age of 70 years creating a huge vacuum that may be difficult to fil

Prevalence of food sensitization and helminth infection among primary school children in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria

Background: Food allergy is a problem of the western world, however, cases of food allergy have also been found in developing countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence of food allergy is scarce while the association of food sensitization with helminthiasis is unknown. Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of sensitization to food among Nigerian school children and its relation to intestinal helminthiasis. Methods: A total of 128 participants were recruited from CAC Primary School, Sango, Ibadan, Nigeria. Skin Prick Test using freshly prepared food allergens was carried out. Stool samples were collected from them to screen for ova of parasites using concentration method. Results: A total of 26 (20.3%) out of 128 participants were SPT positive for various food allergens, while 16 (12.5%) had helminthic infection. There was however an equal distribution of helminthic infection among students who were food allergen SPT positive and negative. There was also no association between gender and susceptibility to food allergy. Conclusion: Sensitization to food is common in school children, and intestinal helminthiasis seems to have no influence on its prevalence.Keywords: MPO, inflammatory response, neonates, sepsis

Oxidative stress factors in Nigerians with rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetric erosive synovitis and sometimes with multi-system involvement. But the exact mechanism of the disease is not fully understood. In the light of above explanation, the present study measured the plasma levels of total peroxide potential (TPP), total antioxidant potential (TAP), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI) and nitric oxide (NO) in relation to the titer of rheumatoid factor among RA patients compared with controls.Methods: This study included 28 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 28 apparently healthy subjects as controls who were matched for age (50-60 years), sex, and socioeconomic status. Rheumatoid factor was estimated using latex method as described by manufacturer. Anthropometric parameters and plasma levels of TPP, TAP, OSI, MDA and NO were determined using standard techniques.Results: The result indicated that with the exception of mean body weight which was significantly (p<0.001) higher among RA patients (90.61±2.02 years) as compared with controls (77.91±2.51 years), mean age, height and body mass index of RA patients (55.68±1.05kg, 1.65±0.01m and 33.40±0.83 kg/m2 respectively) were not significantly different compared with controls (54.07±1.04kg, 1.61±0.02m and 30.44±1.28 kg/m2 respectively). Plasma TPP, NO, OSI and MDA were significantly (p<0.01; p<0.001) higher while, plasma TAP is significantly lower among RA patients compared with controls. Plasma MDA was positively correlated with titer of rheumatoid factor in the RA patients.Conclusions: Our findings therefore may raise the concept that there are some yet unknown key events in the pathogenesis of RA determination of sex of the skull along with other parameters

The effects of etonorgestrel implant (ImplanonR) on the lipid profile of Nigerian women

Background: Provision of contraceptive methods with minimal side effects will enhance uptake of contraception particularly in Nigeria where contraceptive prevalence rate remains low. The safety profile of ImplanonR, a long‑acting hormonal subdermal contraceptive containing etonogestrel, has not been adequately evaluated among Nigerian women.Objective: To assess the effects of etonogestrel subdermal implant (ImplanonR) on lipid profile among Nigerian women.Materials and Methods: The study was a longitudinal follow‑up of 54 consenting women selected over a 6‑month period at the Family Planning Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. After ImplanonR insertion, each woman was followed‑up monthly for a period of 12 months. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for quantification of serum lipids prior to insertion of the implant, then at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of follow‑up.Results: The mean age of the women was 34.4 ± 5.6 with a range of 22–47 years. The modal number of children was 2 ranging from 1 to 6. Total cholesterol (TC) levels showed a general tendency toward a rise. The rise was, however, only significant in the 3rd and 12th months of use. Serum triglycerides showed a tendency toward reduced levels, which were only significant at the 6th and 9th months of use. High‑density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were consistently and significantly elevated above baseline levels. Beyond the 3rd month, low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were lower but not significantly compared with baseline levels. HDL/TC and HDL/LDL ratios were consistently and significantly elevated in comparison with baseline values.Conclusion: Etonogestrel implant seems to cause significant effects on the lipid profile of Nigerian women. The increases were mainly in the HDL fraction, which suggests that the atherogenic and cardiovascular disease risks are reduced. We recommend larger studies to confirm our findings.Keywords: Implanon; laevonorgestrel; subdermal implan

IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) AND LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN NIGERIAN CEMENT FACTORY WORKERS

Abstract: Crystalline silica has recently been reported to act as an adjuvant which increases inflammation and antibody production. On the basis of new knowledge, it is possible that cement dust may have effects on the immune functions of cement factory workers. Previous studies on Nigerian cement factory workers were concentrated on the pulmonary function tests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prevalence of chest infections and liver function tests neglecting the immune parameters of the cement workers. The present study determines the levels of serum immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgM, IgG &amp; IgE) and Alanine aminotransaminase, Alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase in 45 male cement factory workers that are occupationally exposed to cement dust compared with 30, age and sex-matched, office workers that were not resident in the town of study. Immunodiffusion method was used to determine serum IgA, IgM, IgG while ELISA method was used to determine serum IgE. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), alanine amino transferase(ALT), bilirubin were determined using Hitachi 902 auto analyser while gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT) was determined using colorimetric method. The levels of IgM and IgA were not statistically different in cement factory workers compared with control (p&gt;0.05) while IgG and IgE were significantly higher in cement factory workers (p&lt;0.05) when compared with corresponding levels in the controls. Also, ALP and bilirubin were higher in the test subjects than in control group (p&lt;0.05). Though the mean levels of ALT and GGT were not statistically significantly higher cement factory workers when compared with control group (p&gt;0.05). This study demonstrated that higher level of IgG may be a mechanism to block anaphylaxis reaction of IgE in Nigerian cement factory workers. The raised ALP and bilirubin levels may suggest hepatotoxic effects of cement dust

Contributions of malaria, helminths, HIV and iron deficiency to anaemia in pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic in SouthWest Nigeria

Background: Iron deficiency is a dominant source of anaemia in many settings. To evaluate the key cause of anaemia in the study area, the prevalence of anaemia due to major public health diseases was compared with anaemia due to iron deficiency. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited from ante-natal (n=490) and HIV clinics (n=217) with their personal data documented using a questionnaire. Microscopy of Giemsa-stained thick smears was used for detection of malaria parasites while helminths in stools were detected using direct smear method. Haematocrit values were determined by capillary method. Serum ferritin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The mean age of the recruited women was 28.6\ub15.4 years old. There were 68.1% cases of anaemia of which 35.5% was due to infections only predominantly HIV and malaria, 14.9% from unknown sources while anaemia due to iron deficiency only was 7.1%. Conclusion: It can safely be inferred that malaria and HIV predispose to anaemia than iron deficiency in the study area. Although pregnant women are dewormed and given IPTp for helminths and malaria treatment respectively, there should be complementary routine malaria screening at ANC visits for those with HCT values &lt;33% and those infected with HIV

Development and Validation of an RP-HPLC Method for the Quantitative Analysis of Triclosan in Human Urine

Triclosan (TCS), a synthesized chlorinated phenolic compound, is commonly utilized in consumable products as an antimicrobial agent. TCS has sparked widespread awareness because of its toxicity and possible negative effect on public health in recent years. In this study, a highly sensitive, fast, and cost-effective isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method coupled with solid-phase extraction for analysis of triclosan in human urine samples was developed. The method utilized methanol and water in a ratio of 90 : 10 as the mobile phase on a Phenomenex Luna 3 µm C18(2) 100 Å, 150 × 4.60 mm stationary phase, with a runtime of 5 minutes. The method showed good resolution of triclosan in the presence of the sample matrix. Validation of the method was performed according to the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). Linearity was tested over a range of 0.00625 µg/mL to 6.4 µg/mL, as accuracy recorded a recovery of 89.25%, 91.0%, and 92.75%. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were obtained to be 0.0173 µg/mL and 0.0525 µg/mL, respectively. The method proved to be robust over a temperature range of 26°C, 30°C, and 35°C and a flow rate of 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 1.5 ml. The developed method was employed to detect and quantify triclosan in 153 urine samples, comprising 60 samples from Ibadan, Nigeria, and 93 samples from Kumasi, Ghana. Triclosan was detected in a total of 52 samples with an average content of 0.054588 µg/ml. This method can therefore be used for the routine analysis of triclosan in urine samples

Lifestyle management of hypertension: International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension

Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools

Lifestyle management of hypertension: International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension

Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) &gt;140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools

Defining the causes of sporadic Parkinson's disease in the global Parkinson's genetics program (GP2)

The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) will genotype over 150,000 participants from around the world, and integrate genetic and clinical data for use in large-scale analyses to dramatically expand our understanding of the genetic architecture of PD. This report details the workflow for cohort integration into the complex arm of GP2, and together with our outline of the monogenic hub in a companion paper, provides a generalizable blueprint for establishing large scale collaborative research consortia