Evaluation of some trace elements (zinc, chromium, cadmium and manganese) in patients with active tuberculosis attending central hospital Benin city, Edo state

Throughout the world, tuberculosis (TB) infection is on the increase and it has remained one of the most important causes of death among adults in developing countries. This study evaluated the serum concentrations of some trace elements -Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd), in 100 blood samples; comprising sixty (60) active TB patients (test subjects) and forty (40) apparently healthy individuals (control). Serum concentrations of the elements were determined with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, and the results showed significantly (P<0.05) lower concentrations of Zn, Mn and Cr, but significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of Cd in patients with TB than those of the control. In relation to sex, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Zn and Mn concentrations in TB patients, but a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed for Cr and Cd in the male and female subjects studied. On age, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentrations of Mn and Cd across the age groups studied, but an age dependent decrease in Cr and increase in Cd, was observed in both gender. Our results suggest that Zn, Mn and Cr concentrations are reduced in TB patients, while serum Cd level is increased.Key words: Infectious disease, Serum concentration, Tuberculosis, Trace element

Intestinal helminthes infestation in relation to some haematological parameters among pregnant women attending antenantal clinics in Ekpoma,

This study assessedintestinal helminthes infection in relation to some haematological parameters among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ekpoma, Southern Nigeria, over a period of 3 months. Two hundred and thirty (230) subjects comprising of 180 pregnant women and 50 controls (non-pregnant women) were examined.Their stool samples were examined using direct saline and iodine preparation, while the blood samples were analyzed for full blood count (Packed Cell Volume, Heamoglobin concentration, White Blood Cell count and Differential White Blood Cell count). Twenty-three (23; 10%) of the total examined subjects were infected with intestinal parasites, 15 (8.3%) out of the 180 pregnant women were infected, while 8 (16%) of the non-pregnant women were infected with intestinal helminthes. Ascaris lumbricoides was the only intestinal helminth seen in this study and pregnant women in the first trimester were mostly infected with intestinal helminthes. The mean and standard deviation of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and total white blood cells count in the infected and non-infected pregnant women was 33.00 + 26 and 34.17 + 2.86 and 5.3 + 0.97 (109/L) and 9.7 + 0.97 (109L) respectively. It was observed that there was a significant difference in the total white blood cell values and eosinophil count between intestinal helminthes infected pregnant women and those that were not infected. These findings show that total white blood cell values and eosinophil count was more elevated in those that were infected than those that were not infected.Key words: Pregnant, women, intestinal, infection, helmint

CD4 and CD8 counts of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccinated neonates in parts of Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

This study examines the cellular immune factors responsible for combating infections by assessing CD4 and CD8 counts of neonates (pre and post BCG vaccination). A total of 373 blood samples were collected from neonates that visited the immunization clinics at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Nigeria. CD4 and CD8 easy count kit (Partec, Germany) was used for the determination of CD4 and CD8  count respectively, while the samples were analysed using SL-blue Cyflow. At ISTH Irrua, 191 samples were analyzed (130:60; pre and post vaccination), while at Asaba, 182 samples were analysed (120:62; pre and post vaccination). The results showed that CD4 count was significantly higher for Pre vaccination than Post vaccination at both locations. At FMC Asaba, the CD4 count for females was significantly higher than in males (pre-BCG vaccination), while CD4 count was not significantly affected by gender at Irrua, ISTH. CD8 increases in both locations but was not significantly affected by gender. The findings of this study therefore suggests that there is a cell mediated immune response to BCG vaccine by both the male and female neonates and this is associated with a decrease in CD4 count (post vaccination).Keywords: Edo, Delta, Male, Female, Neonates, BCG, CD4, CD

Assessment of the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ekpoma, South-south Nigeria

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) is an enzyme in the  pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) which reduces NADP to NADPH while oxidizing glucose-6-phosphate. In turn, NADPH then provides reducing equivalents needed for the conversion of oxidized glutathione to reduced glutathione, which protects against oxidant injury. The activity of G-6-PD was determined in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and control subjects using enzymatic colourimetric method. A total of one hundred (100) subjects consisting of sixty (60) diabetes mellitus patients (test) and forty (40) apparently healthy subjects (control) were involved in the study. The mean ± standard deviation of G-6-PD activity in type 2 diabetic patients was 2.53±1.34ì/g Hb while the control was 14.44±3.27µ/g Hb. The resultsshowed that G-6-PD activity in type 2 diabetic patients was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to the control subjects. This finding therefore suggests that there is a decrease in G-6-PD activity in type 2 diabetic patients. For that reason, monitoring of G-6-PD activity may be an  important tool in preventing diabetic injury due to inappropriate  antioxidation process.Keywords: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione, diabetes mellitus, oxidant, oxidative stres

Assessment of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of postmenopausal women in Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria

Ina bid to investigate the influence of menopausal on coronary heart disease, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were analysed on a prospective cohort of 100 women attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua,  Edo state-Nigeria. They were divided into two groups; postmenopausal women (n = 50) which serve as the test group and the premenopausal women (n = 50) which serves as the control group. The control group were aged 25-40 with a mean age of 34 years, while the postmenopausal women were aged 45 years and above with a mean age of 58 years. Information on menopausal status and other risk factors were obtained while venous blood samples were collected for the analysis of enzyme activities herein studied using standard laboratory procedures. Results which are presented as mean ± standard deviation showed significantly higher (P<0.05) CK and LDH activities in  postmenopausal women (82.88 ± 23.63; 174.28 ± 76.63 respectively)compared to those of premenopausal women (48.40±50.76; 126.44 ± 50.76 respectively). These findings therefore confirmed increase incidence of coronary heart diseases associated with menopause.keywords: Menopause, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, artherosclerosi

Hepatic Potentials of Xylopia Aethiopica Leaves in Adult Wistar Rats

This study investigates the possible toxic effect of Xylopia aethiopica on liver function via the evaluation of someserum biochemical parameters. The study involved 24 adult rats with weight ranging from 150 to 300g and dividedinto four groups of 6 rats each (A, B, C and D). For 21 days, varying doses of 1.2g/kg, 3.0g/kg and 6.0g/kg per body weight of Xylopia aethiopica  leaves powder were administered daily to test groups B, C and D respectively. Group A however served as control that received normal feed and water only. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia to obtain blood samples for the estimation of liver enzyme activities. The results showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the activities of Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphates (ALP) but a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of total protein, albumin and globulin levels in the test groups as compared to the control. On the other hand, the activities of Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) of the test groups were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of the control.  Therefore,  the observed changes in the parameters accessed, signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves.Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, hepatoxicity, Herbs, Nigeria

Plasma Renal Functions amongst 'Petrol Station' Attendants in Owerri, South-East Nigeria

This study assesses the renal function of individuals who are occupationally exposed to ‘petrol’ vapour. It is a cohortstudy of 100 individuals comprising 50 ‘petrol station’ attendants (test) in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, and 50 apparently healthy individuals who are ‘non-petrol station’ attendants (control). Information on demographic and health profiles were obtained, and venous blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma creatinine, Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3 using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that plasma creatinine (1.17±0.30), K+ (3.77 ± 0.55) and HCO3 - (28.52±2.72) concentrations amongst ‘petrol station’ attendants to be significantly higher  (P<0.05) compared to those of the control (0.87±0.18; 3.64±0.21 and 26.92±2.46 respectively). On the other hand,  plasma Na+ (131.70±4.16) and Cl- (97.43±3.48) amongst ‘petrol station’ attendants were significantly lower compared to the control subjects (136.70±4.86 and 100.28±2.24 respectively). There was also a significant increase   (p<0.05) in plasma creatinine, K+ and HCO3 - , and a significantly lower Na+ and Cl- amongst ‘petrol station’ with 3– 6 years exposure when compared with those exposed for <1-2 years. These findings therefore, suggests that renal function impairment and nephrotoxicity, are associated with exposure to ‘petroleum’ vapours and its impact is time dependent.Keywords: Renal/Kidney failure, Nephrotoxicity, Petroleum vapour, Owerri

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer