Haematogram and serum iron status of malnourished Nigerian children.

Haematological parameters, total serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) concentrations were estimated in twenty protein energy malnourished (PEM) children, five kwashiorkor (K), five marasmus (M), five marasmic-kwashiorkor (MK), and five undernourished (U) aged between one and five years on admission and after 18 days hospitalisation at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. The Hospital diet for K and MK consisted of 8% protein and 802 calories per litre while that for M and U consisted of 30% protein and 1350 calories per litre. After the period of 18 days of rehabilitation there was no significant (p> 0.05) difference (Student's t-test) in the weight for age. None of the haematological parameters was significantly different after rehabilitation for all the four types of PEM. Of the four types only Kwashiorkor with mean serum iron values of 15.6+/-1.51 micrograms/100 ml and 21.17+/-0.33 micrograms/100 ml on admission and after rehabilitation respectively was significantly (P< 0.05) different. More attention by the OAUTHC authorities needs to be paid to the management, feeding and diet given to these children so that there will be a greater and more rapid improvement in their rehabilitation

Public perceptions and attitudes toward thalassaemia: Influencing factors in a multi-racial population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Thalassaemia is a common public health problem in Malaysia and about 4.5 to 6% of the Malays and Chinese are carriers of this genetic disorder. The major forms of thalassaemia result in death <it>in utero </it>of affected foetuses (α-thalassaemia) or life-long blood transfusions for survival in β-thalassaemia. This study, the first nationwide population based survey of thalassaemia in Malaysia, aimed to determine differences in public awareness, perceptions and attitudes toward thalassaemia in the multi-racial population in Malaysia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone interview survey of a representative sample of multi-racial Malaysians aged 18 years and above was conducted between July and December 2009.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of a total of 3723 responding households, 2846 (76.4%) have heard of thalassaemia. Mean knowledge score was 11.85 (SD ± 4.03), out of a maximum of 21, with higher scores indicating better knowledge. Statistically significant differences (<it>P </it>< 0.05) in total knowledge score by age groups, education attainment, employment status, and average household income were observed. Although the majority expressed very positive attitudes toward screening for thalassaemia, only 13.6% of married participants interviewed have been screened for thalassaemia. The majority (63.4%) were unsupportive of selective termination of foetuses diagnosed with thalassaemia major.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Study shows that carrier and premarital screening programs for thalassaemia may be more effective and culturally acceptable in the reduction of pregnancies with thalassaemia major. The findings provide insights into culturally congruent educational interventions to reach out diverse socio-demographic and ethnic communities to increase knowledge and cultivate positive attitudes toward prevention of thalassaemia.</p

Randomized Controlled Trials of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment in Africa: Results from the Cochrane HIV/AIDS Specialized Register

INTRODUCTION: To effectively address HIV/AIDS in Africa, evidence on preventing new infections and providing effective treatment is needed. Ideally, decisions on which interventions are effective should be based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our previous research described African RCTs of HIV/AIDS reported between 1987 and 2003. This study updates that analysis with RCTs published between 2004 and 2008. OBJECTIVES: To describe RCTs of HIV/AIDS conducted in Africa and reported between 2004 and 2008. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane HIV/AIDS Specialized Register in September 2009. Two researchers independently evaluated studies for inclusion and extracted data using standardized forms. Details included location of trials, interventions, methodological quality, location of principal investigators and funders. RESULTS: Our search identified 834 RCTs, with 68 conducted in Africa. Forty-three assessed prevention-interventions and 25 treatment-interventions. Fifteen of the 43 prevention RCTs focused on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. Thirteen of the 25 treatment trials focused on opportunistic infections. Trials were conducted in 16 countries with most in South Africa (20), Zambia (12) and Zimbabwe (9). The median sample size was 628 (range 33-9645). Methods used for the generation of the allocation sequence and allocation concealment were adequate in 38 and 32 trials, respectively, and 58 reports included a CONSORT recommended flow diagram. Twenty-nine principal investigators resided in the United States of America (USA) and 18 were from African countries. Trials were co-funded by different agencies with most of the funding obtained from USA governmental and non-governmental agencies. Nineteen pharmaceutical companies provided partial funding to 15 RCTs and African agencies co-funded 17 RCTs. Ethical approval was reported in 65 trials and informed consent in 61 trials. CONCLUSION: Prevention trials dominate the trial landscape in Africa. Of note, few principal investigators and funders are from Africa. These findings mirror our previous work and continue to indicate a need for strengthening trial research capacity in Africa

Perceived risk of infection and death from COVID-19 among community members of low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional study [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: Risk perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are considered important as they impact community health behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the perceived risk of infection and death due to COVID-19 and to assess the factors associated with such risk perceptions among community members in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa, Asia, and South America. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 LMICs in Africa, Asia, and South America from February to May 2021. A questionnaire was utilized to assess the perceived risk of infection and death from COVID-19 and its plausible determinants. A logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with such risk perceptions. Results: A total of 1,646 responses were included in the analysis of the perceived risk of becoming infected and dying from COVID-19. Our data suggested that 36.4% of participants had a high perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, while only 22.4% had a perceived risk of dying from COVID-19. Being a woman, working in healthcare-related sectors, contracting pulmonary disease, knowing people in the immediate social environment who are or have been infected with COVID-19, as well as seeing or reading about individuals infected with COVID-19 on social media or TV were all associated with a higher perceived risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. In addition, being a woman, elderly, having heart disease and pulmonary disease, knowing people in the immediate social environment who are or have been infected with COVID-19, and seeing or reading about individuals infected with COVID-19 on social media or TV had a higher perceived risk of dying from COVID-19. Conclusions: The perceived risk of infection and death due to COVID-19 are relatively low among respondents; this suggests the need to conduct health campaigns to disseminate knowledge and information on the ongoing pandemic

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a-twenty-years experience and problems in Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria

Aim: To investigate the usefulness of some clinical and laboratory parameters in assessing the prognosis and survival of CLL in a resource-limited setting. Methods: Between September 1986 and March 2007, 79 consecutive patients were retrospectively studied. Diagnosis was based on clinical and haematological findings.Results: A total of 79 patients, aged 30 to 81 (median = 60) years were managed. There were 34 males and 45 females (ratio = 0.8:1). About 86.1% were aged above 50 years. Massive splenomegaly and  hepatomegaly were recorded in 70.9% and 29.1% of patients, respectively. More than 63% presented in stage C. Anaemia was recorded in 74.7%. Haematocrit correlated negatively with WBC but positively with platelet count. The spleen correlated positively with liver. The overall survival at 2 years was 70.2%. Logistic regression showed that younger age, male sex, higher haematocrit, and lower platelet count improved survival, while lower WBC, moderate hepatomegaly and splenomegaly conferred survival advantage.Conclusion: It could be concluded that massive splenomegaly is a common finding in the majority of our patients. Non availability of immunophenotyping facility is a major constraint.Keywords: CLL, diagnostic problems, resource-limited settin

Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 in Hodgkin's lymphoma in Nigerians

Background: The burden of lymphomas on the health care system in Nigeria is enormous. Correct diagnosis and identification of aetiological factor are important steps in reducing this burden. Methods: Eight cases diagnosed as HL within a period of six years at the Obafemi Awolowo University teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria by haematoxylin and eosin (Hand E) only were immunophenotyped using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), CD15 and CD30 immunohistochemistry was also performed. The clinical characteristics of each patient were documented. Objectives: To document the frequency of involvement of Epstein-Barr virus in cases of HL seen in a university hospital in Nigeria. Results: Out of the eight cases diagnosed by H&E as HL immunophenotyping showed only five were HL. The rest were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2 diffuse large B-cell and 1 null cell ALCL). All were cases of classical HL with 60% being of the mixed cellularity (MC) subtype. There were 2 males and 3 females with ages ranging from 7 years to 40 years. All presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and three had splenomegaly in addition. 60% of the tumour was EBV positive, all of the MC subtype. Three patients had chemotherapy. Eventually all were lost to follow-up. There was no case of the nodular lymphocyte predominance variant. Conclusion: Mixed cellularity is the most common subtype and is the only subtype associated with EBV positivity in this study. Epstein-Barr virus probably plays an important role in the aetiology of HL in Nigerians.Running title: Epstein-Barr virus, Hodgkin's lymphoma in Nigerians.African Health Sciences 2009; 9(3): 174-17

Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 in Hodgkin&apos;s lymphoma in Nigerians

Background: The burden of lymphomas on the health care system in Nigeria is enormous. Correct diagnosis and identification of aetiological factor are important steps in reducing this burden. Methods: Eight cases diagnosed as HL within a period of six years at the Obafemi Awolowo University teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria by haematoxylin and eosin (Hand E) only were immunophenotyped using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), CD15 and CD30 immunohistochemistry was also performed. The clinical characteristics of each patient were documented. Objectives: To document the frequency of involvement of Epstein-Barr virus in cases of HL seen in a university hospital in Nigeria. Results: Out of the eight cases diagnosed by H&E as HL immunophenotyping showed only five were HL. The rest were non-Hodgkin&apos;s lymphoma (2 diffuse large B-cell and 1 null cell ALCL). All were cases of classical HL with 60% being of the mixed cellularity (MC) subtype. There were 2 males and 3 females with ages ranging from 7 years to 40 years. All presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and three had splenomegaly in addition. 60% of the tumour was EBV positive, all of the MC subtype. Three patients had chemotherapy. Eventually all were lost to follow-up. There was no case of the nodular lymphocyte predominance variant. Conclusion: Mixed cellularity is the most common subtype and is the only subtype associated with EBV positivity in this study. Epstein-Barr virus probably plays an important role in the aetiology of HL in Nigerians

Immuno-Haematological Characteristics Of Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients In Asymptomatic Steady State

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate some immuno-haematological characteristics of Nigerian sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in asymptomatic steady state. Material and Methods: Thirty asymptomatic SCD patients and 30 apparently healthy age- and sex-matched non-sickle cell dis-ease individuals were investigated. The packed cell volume, white blood cells and differentials, and platelet counts were done on automated blood cells counter, while the ESR was determined by Westergren′s technique. C3 activator, C1-INH, IgA, IgG and IgM were estimated by the single radial immuno-diffusion method. Results: The SCD patients had elevated ESR and a significantly higher total leukocyte count compared to the controls (t= 5.22, p= 0.000). A positive correlation was found between ESR and C3 activator (r= +0.449, p= 0.047), and between ESR and serum IgM levels (r= +0.531, p= 0.016). Serum levels of IgA and C3 activator were significantly higher in SCD subjects (IgA: t= 2.47, p= 0.019; C3 activator: t= 2.79, p= 0.009), while the levels of C1-INH and 1gM, though higher in SCD subjects, were not significant. Conclusions: It could be concluded from this study that immune dysfunction are evident in Nigerian SCD patients

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of heteroleptic metal chelates of isoniazid and 2,2’-bipyridine

The Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of isoniazid (L1) mixed with 2,2-bipyridine (L2) were synthesized and characterized by solubility studies, percentage metal analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, conductivity measurements and magnetic moment measurements. The IR spectra revealed that the isoniazid coordinated as a bidentate ligand. In Co(II) and Ni(II) complex it coordinated&nbsp; via the carbonyl oxygen (C=O) and the amide nitrogen, while in the Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) complexes it coordinated using the amide and carbonyl oxygen via enolization. Bipyridine also bonded to the metals as a bidentate ligand through the pyridinic nitrogen atoms. The magnetic data showed that all the complexes were paramagnetic with values ranging from 1.70 to 5.0 B.M., except [Zn(Is)(Bipy)(H2O)Cl2] which was diamagnetic. The conductivity results revealed that the Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II) complexes were 1:1 electrolytes while Co(II) was 1:2 electrolyte and [Ni(Is)(Bipy)Cl2] was non-electrolytic in nature. The antibacterial activities of the ligands and the complexes as evaluated via the agar diffusion method showed that the complexes displayed moderately high antimicrobial activity in comparison with the free ligands when tested against ten strains of bacteria. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KEY WORDS: Isoniazid, Electronic structure, Geometry, Antimicrobial activity, Electrolytic nature, Magnetic moment &nbsp; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(3), 471-478. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i3.

Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 in Hodgkin's lymphoma in Nigerians

Background: The burden of lymphomas on the health care system in Nigeria is enormous. Correct diagnosis and identification of aetiological factor are important steps in reducing this burden. Methods: Eight cases diagnosed as HL within a period of six years at the Obafemi Awolowo University teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria by haematoxylin and eosin (Hand E) only were immunophenotyped using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), CD15 and CD30 immunohistochemistry was also performed. The clinical characteristics of each patient were documented. Objectives: To document the frequency of involvement of Epstein-Barr virus in cases of HL seen in a university hospital in Nigeria. Results: Out of the eight cases diagnosed by H&E as HL immunophenotyping showed only five were HL. The rest were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2 diffuse large B-cell and 1 null cell ALCL). All were cases of classical HL with 60% being of the mixed cellularity (MC) subtype. There were 2 males and 3 females with ages ranging from 7 years to 40 years. All presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and three had splenomegaly in addition. 60% of the tumour was EBV positive, all of the MC subtype. Three patients had chemotherapy. Eventually all were lost to follow-up. There was no case of the nodular lymphocyte predominance variant. Conclusion: Mixed cellularity is the most common subtype and is the only subtype associated with EBV positivity in this study. Epstein-Barr virus probably plays an important role in the aetiology of HL in Nigerians.Running title: Epstein-Barr virus, Hodgkin's lymphoma in Nigerians.African Health Sciences 2009; 9(3): 174-17