AN ASSESSMENT OF PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

In the current National Policy on Education (NPE, 2004) Pre-primary education or early childhood education has taken a centre stage as a process of educating young children in educational institutions prior to their entry into primary schools. This study thus assesses Preprimary schools programme activities across Kwara State, Nigeria. The objective is to determine the extent to which the programme on the ground has met with the stipulated policy statement as contained in the National Policy on Education. The study used a descriptive survey design and used researchers’ design questionnaire (design along likert-type) to collect its data. Using a simple random technique, the study sampled responses from 265 teachers (males and females) drawn from the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria. It answered four (4) research questions. The findings revealed the jeopardy due to: the lack of government adherence to the objectives of the policy in respect of adequate funding, infrastructural development, material and non – material resources and standard curriculum guidelines as stipulated in the policy statement. It thus recommended that the Federal, State and Local governments should be more committed and proactive to contribute positively to the implementation and enforcement of the policy in Kwara State, Nigeria. The findings in this study would thus serve as a yardstick for success or otherwise of the policy statement as contained in the National Policy on Pre-primary education which would serve in facilitating actions toward improving Pre-primary education in Kwara State and in Nigeria in general

Cervicofacial Purpura as Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Complication

WOS: 000396410400026

Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

WOS: 000383354000003PubMed ID: 27009549Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease causing systemic inflammation, which may also affect the cardiovascular system, as well as other organ systems. The aim of the current study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) mechanical functions and duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) with echocardiography in patients with UC. Method: A total of 91 patients, 45 with UC (Group 1) and 46 healthy individuals as control (Group 2) were included in the study. The demographic and laboratory data were recorded, and echocardiographic measurements were taken for all patients. Results: In the evaluation of basal clinical and laboratory findings, no difference was detected between the two groups, except for white blood cell count (WBC) (8.26 +/- 2.71 vs. 7.06 +/- 1.70, P = 0.013) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP; 3.4 +/- 1.7 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.8, P < 0.001). The echocardiographic assessment revealed that the diastolic parameters such as E-, E/A-, and E-waves decreased in the UC group when compared to the control group. LA mechanical functions were different between groups, except for left atrial (LA) maximal volume: LA minimum volume (22.2 +/- 12.9 vs. 15.3 +/- 4.7, P = 0.001), LA volume before atrial systole (29.9 +/- 14.2 vs. 24.2 +/- 4.9, P = 0.021), LA ejection fraction (27.4 +/- 16.5 vs. 38.6 +/- 10.1, P < 0.001), LA total emptying volume (17.9 +/- 6.9 vs. 21.9 +/- 5.9, P = 0.004), LA active emptying fraction (27.4 +/- 16.5 vs. 38.6 +/- 10.1, P < 0.001), LA active emptying volume (7.7 +/- 3.6 vs. 9.4 +/- 2.9, P = 0.013), LA passive emptying fraction (26.8 +/- 10.2 vs. 33.2 +/- 9.2, P = 0.002), and LA passive emptying volume (10.3 +/- 4.9 vs. 12.5 +/- 4.5, P = 0.029). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of AEMD durations, except time interval from the onset of the P-wave on the surface ECG to the peak of the late diastolic wave (PA) of the tricuspid valve. The correlation analysis revealed that age and duration of disease were correlated with AEMD. Conclusion: The current study reported that LA volume and mechanical functions degenerated and AEMD increased in patients with UC when compared to the control group. These findings demonstrate that UC may have effects on LA electromechanical functions related to duration of disease

A RARE CASE OF ISCHEMIC COLITIS: CEFUROXIME-RELATED ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

WOS: 000501816300008PubMed: 31574074

The Colonic Tissue Levels of Tlr2, Tlr4 And Nitric Oxide in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and debilitating functional disorder. The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pathogen-recognition receptors in the innate immune system. In the present study we aimed to investigate the TLR2, TLR4 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with IBS. Methods Fifty-one IBS patients and 15 healthy controls were included in the present study. Colonic tissue levels of TLR2, TLR4 and NO were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and through biochemical methods. Results The colonic tissue levels of TLR4 and NO were significantly higher in IBS patients than in healthy controls. A subgroup analysis, which was based on the presence of diarrhea and constipation, showed that TLR2 levels were significantly higher among individuals with diarrhea-predominant IBS than among constipation-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. The TLR4 levels were significantly higher in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and constipation-predominant IBS patients than in comparison healthy controls. The colonic tissue levels of NO were higher in the constipation-predominant IBS patients than in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion In the present study we found that the colonic tissue levels of TLR and NO were elevated in IBS patients. Our results support the presence of a degree of immune dysregulation and oxidative stress in patients with IBS.Wo

Achalasia case detected during endoscopy application accompanied by anaesthesia

WOS: 000390680400014PubMed ID: 28053688

Is the Probiotic Mixture Effective in the Treatment of TNBS-induced Experimental Colitis?

WOS: 000530895000009Objective: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic disease associated with changes in the immune system and in the intestinal microbiota. The most accepted hypothesis of IBD pathogenesis is thought to be the abnormal immunological response and chronic intestinal inflammation, which is caused by the complex interactions between genetic, environmental factors and the host immune system. Microbial flora is important in the maturation of the immune system. Dysbiosis is defined as changes in intestinal microbiota composition and function. Clinical and experimental studies support that dysbiosis plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of IBD. Probiotics are useful live microorganisms that provide the intestinal balance in the host. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum bacteria in the experimental colitis model. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar-Albino rats and 30 mg 0.5 mL trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol which induced colitis by intrarectal installation. Rats were divided into four groups; healthy control (sham: group A), TNBS colitis (group B), (TNBS + methylprednisolone: group C) and probiotic (TNBS + P: group D). The rats were sacrificed on the 8th day. Macroscopic and microscopic scores, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. Results: Macroscopic and microscopic scores levels in group A were significantly lower than in group B, C and D. Macroscopic and microscopic scores levels in group C were significantly lower than in group B. Macroscopic scores were statistically similar between group C and D. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of median MDA levels and median SOD levels (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of median MPO levels (p=0.114). Median MPO levels were 0.27 (0.15-0.30) in group A, 0.44 (0.22-0.61) in group B, 0.28 (0.25-0.50) in group C, and 0.30 (0.25-0.37) in group D (p=0.114). Median MDA levels were 1.1 (1.0-2.8) in group A, 4.3 (3.1-5.5) in group B, 3.8 (3.2-4.2) in group C, and 3.9 (3.1-4.2) in group D (p<0.001). Median SOD levels were 160.7 (150.1-161.7) in group A, 141.6 (137.9-147.3) in group B, 157.6 (155.2-167.7) in group C, and 164.7 (160.3-168.3) in group D (p<0.001). MDA levels were statistically significantly different between each group. These levels were significantly higher in group B, C and D than in group A; statistically similar in group C and D; and statistically higher in group B than in group C and D (p<0.001 & p=0.047). SOD levels were statistically significantly different between each group. They were significantly lower in group B, C and D than in group B; statistically significantly different in group A, C and D; and statistically higher in group D than in group A and C. Conclusion: Our study showed that probiotics regulate the balance between anti-oxidant and oxidant systems. Therefore, probiotics can be used as a supportive treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases if promoted by clinical trials

The Role of Resolvin D1 in the Differential Diagnosis of the Cholangiocarcinoma and Benign Biliary Diseases

WOS:000545456000025PubMed: 32390401Background: The discrimination of malignant biliary strictures from benign biliary diseases (BBDs) is challenging and complicated. We aimed to investigate whether Resolvin D1 (RvD1) would aid in the discrimination of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) from BBDs. Methods: Thirty-one patients with CCA, 27 patients with BBD, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this crosssectional study. The diagnosis of CCA was based on results obtained from abdominal USG, MRCP, abdominal CT, endosonography, and tumor markers, including CEA and CA 19-9. Histopathological evaluation was performed in the majority of patients, and the final diagnosis was based on surgery or biopsy results. RvD1, CEA, and CA 19-9 were analyzed in all patients with CCA and BBD. Results: RvD1 was significantly lower in those with CCA compared to patients with BBD and healthy controls. In addition, CEA and Ca 19-9 levels were significantly higher in the CCA group than the BBD group (p 94.5 U/mL (AUC: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.898 - 0.998, p < 0.001) could be used to discriminate patients with CCA from those with BBD. Conclusions: Resolvin D1 and CA 19-9 levels might be used to effectively discriminate between BBD and CCA. Moreover, both RvD1 and CA 19-9 levels are associated with the stage of CCA, indicating that they may also be used in assessing disease progression

Serum Toll-Like Receptor-2, Toll-Like Receptor-4 Levels In Patients With Hbeag-Negative Chronic Viral Hepatitis B

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play an important role in hepatitis-B pathogenesis. However, serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels and their association with serum liver enzymes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, quantitative HBsAg levels, and liver biopsy findings, are unknown. A total of naive 40 HBeAg (-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited in this study. Liver tests, HBV DNA, serum TLR2 and TLR-4, and quantitative HBsAg levels were evaluated among all groups. The relationship among TLR-2, TLR-4, quantitative HBsAg levels and liver tests, and liver histological findings were investigated with correlation analysis. Serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels in HBeAg (-) CHB patients were higher than in the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TLR-2, TLR-4, and HBV DNA and ALT levels. We have further demonstrated that serum TLR-2 levels are correlated with AST and quantitative HBsAg levels. However, TLRs levels were not linked to the liver biopsy findings. TLR can have an important role in hepatitis B pathogenesis. Liver injury in CHB may cause elevated TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels.Wo

Celiac disease prevalence in a large series of patients with Behcet's disease

WOS: 000456873700015PubMed ID: 28397343Aim There are common findings between Behcet's disease (BD) and celiac disease (CD) based on similar immunological pathogenesis and there is only limited data available investigating the link between these two diseases. Furthermore, documented gastrointestinal (GI) involvement with marked upper GI symptoms in BD has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CD and to evaluate endoscopic findings in Turkish BD patients. Methods A total of 210 BD patients were included in the study. All patients underwent serological testing for anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Endoscopic examinations were performed in 190 patients who accepted upper GI system endoscopy. Multiple biopsies were taken from the second portion of the duodenum in patients with positive serological assessment for CD. Results A total of 4.2% of patients with BD had positive anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibodies. The prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CD was 1.05% in Turkish BD patients. The most common endoscopic findings of patients with BD were found to be antral gastritis, duodenitis and esophagitis. Conclusion Although BD and CD share many similar clinical manifestations, our results did not support a possible association between these two diseases