The Fear of COVID-19 Infection and Its Correlates with Clinical Practice among Nigerian Dentists

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was not without its consequences like fear and effect on the economy and health care systems, with dentists being at a high risk of contracting the infection. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the fear and risk of contracting the disease among Nigerian dentists. It also assessed a self-reported economic impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 disease on dental practices in Nigeria. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nigerian dentists. The survey link was forwarded on social media platforms of Nigerian dentists. The questionnaire inquired about fear/anxiety, self-reported effect on clinic income, adequacy of knowledge on COVID-19, and use of N95 facemask, among others. The statistical level was set at 5%.  Results: A total of 314 dentists (184 males and 130 females) within the age range of 22 to 63 years responded. The majority (214; 68.2%), were confident about their knowledge of the COVID-19 disease. Almost all the participants (298; 94.9%) entertained fears of contracting the disease through practice and transmission to family members, while 54.1% strongly agreed that theN95 mask should be worn routinely. However, all (100.0%) reported an economic impact of the pandemic on dental practice. Conclusion: The fear of contracting COVID-19 infection was high among dentists. Therefore, adequate and regular use of protective and preventive measures such as N95 face mask should be a priority among dentists. Attention should be paid to constant medical evaluation to those at risk. &nbsp

Oral hygiene, dental caries and nutritional Status of in-school adolescents in Ibadan

Background: Dental caries has become a disease of public health  significance with dietary and hygiene practices being identified has major contributors. The extent of this burden is poorly explored among the adolescents in Nigeria. This study examines the association between oral hygiene, dental caries and nutritional status of in-school adolescents in Ibadan.Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 663 in-school  adolescents from two randomly selected public secondary schools in  Ibadan metropolis. Data collected include demographic data,  anthropometric indices (weight and height), oral hygiene status and dental caries. An intra-oral examination was conducted to assess oral hygiene and dental caries, while BMI-for-age was computed using WHO Anthroplus. Descriptive and inferential statistics was performed to determine the association between oral hygiene, dental caries and nutritional status.Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.6±1.6years. The prevalence of oral hygiene and dental caries were 21.3% and 14.7% respectively. Sugary drinks and chocolate beverages were commonly consumed by 59.7% and 71.3% of the respondents respectively. Majority (78.0%) had normal nutritional status while 21.0% of the respondents were underweight and about 1% were either overweight or obese. No significant association was found between oral hygiene practice and nutritional status and also between dental caries and nutritional status.Conclusion: This study has revealed poor oral hygiene and relatively high prevalence of dental caries among the adolescents. There is the need for nutrition, oral and health education programs in secondary schools targeting the improvement of oral hygiene ultimately prevention of dental caries.Key words: Oral hygiene, Dental caries, Nutritional status, Adolescent

Raffia hookeri ethanolic pulp extract ameliorated neuronal damage and brain oxidative stress following mechanical-induced traumatic brain injury in rats

Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex process resulting into structural brain damage and functional deficits as a result of an external mechanical force. This study aimed to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of Raphia hookeri ethanol extract (RHEE) on induced acute traumatic brain injury in rats. The choice of the plant was based on its reported anti-oxidative property. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. I: CONTROL - distilled water orally; II: RHEE - 100 mg/kg RHEE; III: Sharp trauma brain injury (STBI); IV: STBI+RHEE; V: Blunt trauma brain injury (BTBI); VI: BTBI+RHEE. Brain injury was inflicted using modified weight drop technique on experimental day 1 while RHEE was given orally by gavage for 7 days post-injury. Blood was collected serially 24hrs, 72hrs and 7 days post-trauma for full blood count and differentials of the white blood cells. On day nine, rats were euthanized and brain harvested for biochemical and histological analyses. Trauma significantly (p<0.05) reduced the relative brain weight of rats compared with the control. Lymphocyte count increased while neutrophils reduced in all traumatized rats compared with control group. Both BTBI and STBI significantly (p<0.05) elevated MDA and significantly (p<0.05) reduced the level of GSH, the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes compared with control group. Histologically, the extent of haemorrhage into the subarachnoid and brain parenchyma in STBI and BTBI groups was reduced in the BTBI+RHEE and STBI+RHEE groups. Administration of RHEE reduced oxidative damage and ameliorated neuronal damage in sharp and blunt brain injuries.Keywords: Raphia palm fruit, induced brain injury, oxidative stress, white blood cells, cerebral cortex, haemorrhag