Impact of Sugar on Vision

Sugar forms an integral part of the human body, and contributes to normal body function. However, sugar in high quantities can be detrimental to the body especially to the eye. In the normal concentration, sugar in the form of glucose is found in the aqueous humour, and tears, and serves to provide nourishment to the avascular cornea, and lens respectively. Sugar at this stage may also be used to determine the post mortem interval of a cadaver. However, when in excess as may be seen in patients with diabetes, sugar can cause oxidative stress to the cornea, lens, and retina resulting in cornea oedema, cataract, retinal aneurysm which can contribute significantly to the prevalence of low vision, and vision impairment

Synchronous versus asynchronous e-learning in teaching word processing: An experimental approach

Word processing is a fundamental skill for efficient computer literacy. E-learning has been introduced to ensure wide dissemination of such fundamental content and skills, even beyond school. However, best methodologies need to be identified for efficient instructional delivery. This study therefore investigated the effects of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning on students’ cognitive academic achievement and practical skills acquisition in word processing. The study adopted a quasiexperimental research design using a pre-test, post-test, and non-equivalent and non-randomized grouping of two groups of students. The study revealed that both synchronous and asynchronous e-learning significantly increased students’ achievement and skills acquisition in word processing irrespective of the gender of the students. However, students taught through the asynchronous mode displayed higher cognitive achievement while those taught through the synchronous e-learning mode displayed improved skills acquisition.Keywords: achievement; asynchronous; e-learning; skills acquisition; synchronous; word processin

RAMSWay Safe Path

RAMSWay promotes safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a series of safe walkways connecting key locations, such as classroom buildings, gyms, libraries, residence halls, and parking decks, on Virginia Commonwealth University’s sprawling urban campus. RAMSWay paths are designed to be consistent with the theoretical framework referred to as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). CPTED suggests that altering the physical design of communities or areas in which people congregate can deter criminal activity. CPTED-compliant landscaping and lighting, security features (e.g., cameras, ERTs phones), and increased police presence on the paths promote the sense of safety. Further, increased foot traffic provides safety in numbers, consistent with VCU’s current Bystander Intervention initiative. VCU branded RAMSWay aluminum signs will designate walkways on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, showing pedestrians a preferred route. When traveling on RAMSWay, members of the VCU community will have more opportunities to interface with VCU Police, pass by ERTs phones, and share the route with fellow students, faculty, and staff. By using the path, we all help do our part to promote safety on our campus. Existing organizations and communication platforms, such as VCU University Relations, Student Government Association, VCU Mobile and LiveSafe, will promote the use of RAMSWay to the VCU community. RAMSWay will be executed in coordination with VCU Police and VCU Facilities

Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Apparently Healthy Undergraduate Students of a Private University in South-West Nigeria

Background: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is frequent among Nigerians. Many people are infected without realizing it (asymptomatic) and thus provide a risk of transmission to others. Not only will early treatment prevent TB complications, but it will also help to break the infection cycle in a community. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgM and IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among apparently healthy undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. Methodology: The serum samples of 100 consenting participants were collected randomly and screened for TB antibodies using Aria TB IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (CTK Biotech Inc. Poway, CA 92064, USA). A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting students to obtain information on their bio-data (e.g, the age, sex, study level etc.), as well as clinical information regarding their health (History of TB, history of BCG vaccination, use of anti-TB medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habits etc.). Results: The outcome of this study shows that 15 (15%) out of the 100 participants screened, were positive for TB IgG antibody, while, only 1 (1%) person was positive for TB IgM antibody. There was no significant association (P>0.05) between percentage TB IgG positivity and the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (gender, age, study level and tribe), except for religion. The percentage of TB IgG positivity among the study participants was found to be significantly higher than of TB IgM positivity (P<0.05). None of the 15 participants who tested positive to TB IgG indicated any of the signs and symptoms (persistent cough, chest pain, nausea, fever, chills, loss of appetite, fatigue and night sweat) associated with TB), however the only person who tested positive for TB IgM indicated all, except night sweat. Identified risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB IgM include history of TB, lack of BCG vaccination, history of diabetes and physical unfitness. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that asymptomatic and latent tuberculosis infection exists among the study participants, and that if left untreated, it will progress to active tuberculosis with all of its associated complications, including death. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing public health education, BCG vaccination, and periodic screening to detect asymptomatic cases in the study population in order to break the infection cycle

The Role of Travel Medicine in Managing Future Pandemics:Lessons Learned from Global Infectious Disease Outbreaks

In an increasingly interconnected world shaped by globalization, international travel plays a significant role in facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Travel medicine plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This specialized field focuses on providing pre-travel advice, administering necessary vaccinations, promoting preventive measures during travel, and offering post-travel care. Risk assessment is essential to evaluate potential hazards associated with specific destinations. Factors such as disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, vaccination requirements, environmental, as well as cultural influences are considered. Through this process, the risks can be effectively managed by formulating appropriate strategies. Preventive measures are crucial to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases during travel. These include compulsory vaccinations based on destination-specific requirements, recommended travel restrictions when necessary, and quarantine protocols for individuals exhibiting symptoms. Enhanced surveillance efforts combined with promotion of personal hygiene practices aid further prevention. Educating travelers about safe food handling practices also serves as an effective measure against many infections. Effective pandemic management requires collaboration among countries and international organizations. Travel medicine Professionals work alongside public health authorities to provide accurate information, vaccine administration services, and increased awareness about preventive measures. This collaborative effort facilitates timely response mechanisms ensuring global protection from emerging threats like pandemics

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Advances in Biomedicine and Pharmacy (An International Journal of Biomedicine, Natural Products and Pharmacy) Comparative analysis of meat and vegetable based meals in wistar rats

From these results it was found that green leafy vegetables are rich sources of protein, fiber and many antioxidants with negligible cholesterol which associates it with a lower risk of cancer, diabetes and heart diseases, while on the other side, meat has the opposite effects of vegetables with many diseases associated with people who consume it frequently. Taken together, it can be concluded that vegetable based meals should be encouraged while excessive meat based meal consumption should be avoided

Scope of optometry practice in Trinidad and Tobago: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background and Aim To report the scope of optometry practice in Trinidad and Tobago to identify areas that need improvement. Methods A cross‐sectional study of optometrists in Trinidad and Tobago was conducted using a validated self‐structured questionnaire. Data obtained was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive analysis and Pearson χ2 were used to summarize the demographic data and determine associations, respectively. Result A total of 63 optometrists participated in the study. Majority of them were females (69.8%, n = 44), Christians (65.1%), East Indians (47.6%), and 30 years and below (66.7%). Most (87%) of them utilized routine optometric equipment in their clinical practice including autorefractors, retinoscopes, direct ophthalmoscopes, lensometers, phoropters, slit lamp biomicroscopes, trial lens boxes, and visual acuity chart projectors. A few of them have noncontact tonometer (4.8%), Volk lenses (1.6%), and perform color vision tests (1.6%). Fewer (12.7%, n = 8) practitioners provided low‐vision services. The use of pharmaceutical agents was prevalent among the participants (55.6%). Additionally, the provision of contact lenses was the most frequently practiced service among the participants (85.7%, n = 54). A significant association was observed between the provision of low‐vision services and sex (p = 0.03). Conclusion The scope of optometry practice in Trinidad and Tobago is in accordance with the basic guidelines set out by the World Council of Optometry but there is need to get more involved in the provision of low vision and other specialty services

Important Predictors of Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><strong>Background</strong>: Replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the absence of an effective immune response is central to the pathogenesis of CMV disease. Therefore, complications of CMV are primarily seen in individuals whose immune system are immature, or are suppressed by drug treatment or co-infection with pathogens like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The interplay of biological, social, economic and demographic factors have been variously described to provide fertile ground for CMV infection and its complications in the setting of HIV infection. <strong>Objectives</strong>: This study aimed to determine the predictors of CMV in the setting of HIV infection at two major treatment centres in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. <strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: A total of 268 patients with confirmed HIV infection were recruited from two large HIV treatment centers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used to obtain relevant socio-demographic information. Blood samples were also collected, the serum separated, stored at -20 oC and later analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CMV IgG/IgM. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables and CMV IgG/IgM. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of CMV infection by estimating odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at a significance level of p < 0.05. Only variables which showed significant association in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, to obtain the most significant predictors of CMV infection in HIV. <strong>Results</strong>: Of the total of 268 patients assessed, 199 were males while 69 were females. Their mean age + SD, was 38.8 + 11.9 years.  Age group (<i>χ2=13.363, df=3, P=0.004</i>) and Type of apartment (<i>χ2=9.581, df=3, P=0.022</i>), all showed significant association with CMV IgG  Age group (<i>χ2 =10.438, df=3, P=0.015</i>), Marital Status (<i>χ2=8.823, df=3, P=0.032</i>) and blood transfusion (<i>χ2=10.091, df=1, P=0.001</i>) all showed significant association with CMV IgM. Multivariate analysis revealed the strongest predictors of CMV in the setting of HIV infection to be Type of apartment; [<i>Two bedrooms flat (aOR=0.223, 95% CI=0.052-0.965, P=0.045</i>)] and Blood transfusion [No blood transfusion (<i>aOR=0.317, 95% CI=0.165-0.609, P=0.001</i>)]. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: The strongest predictors of CMV infection in the setting of HIV in our environment were the type of living apartment and blood transfusion. We recommend improved living condition and blood transfusion practice for this category of patients in addition to the current interventions to minimize CMV transmission and its complications in HIV patients.</p&gt

Important Predictors of Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><strong>Background</strong>: Replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the absence of an effective immune response is central to the pathogenesis of CMV disease. Therefore, complications of CMV are primarily seen in individuals whose immune system are immature, or are suppressed by drug treatment or co-infection with pathogens like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The interplay of biological, social, economic and demographic factors have been variously described to provide fertile ground for CMV infection and its complications in the setting of HIV infection. <strong>Objectives</strong>: This study aimed to determine the predictors of CMV in the setting of HIV infection at two major treatment centres in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. <strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: A total of 268 patients with confirmed HIV infection were recruited from two large HIV treatment centers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used to obtain relevant socio-demographic information. Blood samples were also collected, the serum separated, stored at -20 oC and later analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CMV IgG/IgM. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables and CMV IgG/IgM. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of CMV infection by estimating odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at a significance level of p < 0.05. Only variables which showed significant association in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, to obtain the most significant predictors of CMV infection in HIV. <strong>Results</strong>: Of the total of 268 patients assessed, 199 were males while 69 were females. Their mean age + SD, was 38.8 + 11.9 years.  Age group (<i>χ2=13.363, df=3, P=0.004</i>) and Type of apartment (<i>χ2=9.581, df=3, P=0.022</i>), all showed significant association with CMV IgG  Age group (<i>χ2 =10.438, df=3, P=0.015</i>), Marital Status (<i>χ2=8.823, df=3, P=0.032</i>) and blood transfusion (<i>χ2=10.091, df=1, P=0.001</i>) all showed significant association with CMV IgM. Multivariate analysis revealed the strongest predictors of CMV in the setting of HIV infection to be Type of apartment; [<i>Two bedrooms flat (aOR=0.223, 95% CI=0.052-0.965, P=0.045</i>)] and Blood transfusion [No blood transfusion (<i>aOR=0.317, 95% CI=0.165-0.609, P=0.001</i>)]. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: The strongest predictors of CMV infection in the setting of HIV in our environment were the type of living apartment and blood transfusion. We recommend improved living condition and blood transfusion practice for this category of patients in addition to the current interventions to minimize CMV transmission and its complications in HIV patients.</p&gt