LEAD ACETATE: A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICANT THAT IS AMELIORATED BY THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF FICUS VOGELII (FV)

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of lead toxicity on the histoarchiteture of the vagina and cervix of adult female Wistar rats and the currative role of Ficus vogelii (Fv) in lead toxicity. Methods:  The experiment lasted for a period of 21 days involving 20 adult female albino Wistar rats with an average weight of 145g. The rats were divided into five (5) groups A, B, C, D and E. A is negative control group that received normal saline, B is positive group that received lead acetate solution, C received Aqueous extract of Fv (100g/kg) and lead acetate solution, D received aqueous extract of Fv (300g/kg)  and lead acetate solution group while E received aqueous extract of Fv only. Results:  Examination of the vagina and cervix histologically revealed various damages such as, necrosis, oedema and reduction is size suspected to be as a result of lead toxicity. These changes were ameliorated by the administration of Fv extract. Exposure to lead also produced significant reduction in blood supply to the vagina and cervix which caused the mucosa to necrotize. These structural changes correlated with the level of exposure in the vagina. They were mainly oedema, necrosis and denudation of the vaginal walls. These alterations can make the vagina and cervix acidic which have been implicated as one of the cause of infertility in females. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that treatment with F. vogelii has an ameliorative effect. Peer Review History: Received 21 July 2017;   Revised 22 August; Accepted 28 August, Available online 15 September 2017 Academic Editor:  Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:        Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 4.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail:  Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, [email protected] Similar Articles: TOXICITY AND ANTITRYPANOSOMAN ACTIVITY OF HEMI SYNTHESIS PRODUCTS OBTAINED FROM BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF MITRACARPUS SCABER HARVESTED SOUTH OF BENI

Predictors of Female Health Care Providers’ Knowledge on Symptoms and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer: A Tertiary Health Care Institutional Based Cross-sectional Study

Context: Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths per year than all other gynaecological cancers combined, and its overall mortality is high because of late presentation. Aims: To evaluate the predictors of knowledge of the symptoms and the risk factors of ovarian cancer among female healthcare providers in Enugu, Nigeria. Settings and Design: Cross‑sectional survey conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu from June to August 2018. Subjects and Methods: A self‑administered, structured questionnaire on symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer was given to 422 randomly selected female healthcare providers working at UNTH. Statistical Analysis: Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 for  Windows (Chicago, IL, USA). Predictors of knowledge level were determined using logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 39.22 ± 7.89 years. Less than 50% of participants know the other symptoms of ovarian cancer outside increased abdominal size (n = 268, [63.5%]). Also, <50% of participants know the other risk factors of ovarian cancer outside family history of cancer (n = 288, [68.2%]) and genetic predisposition (n = 251, [59.5%]). Female doctors are less likely not to know about the symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.011, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.004–0.024, P < 0.001) and risk factors (OR = 0.005, 95% CI = 0.002–0.013, P < 0.001) of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: Female healthcare providers had a reduced level of awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer, while  female doctors are less likely not to know about the symptoms and the risk factors. Keywords: Female health care workers, knowledge, ovarian cancer, predictors, risk factors, symptom

Assessment of community knowledge, attitude, and stigma of Buruli ulcer disease in Southern Nigeria

Background: Poor knowledge can influence timely care-seeking among persons with Buruli ulcer disease (BUD).Objectives: To assess community knowledge, attitude and stigma towards persons with BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among adult community members in four States of Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to all participants.Results: Of 491 adults who completed the survey, 315 (64.2%) belonged to the ≤40 years age group, 257 (52.3%) were males and 415 (84.5%) had some formal education. The overall mean (SD) knowledge score was 5.5±2.3 (maximum 10). Only 172 (35.0%) of the participants had a good knowledge of BUD. A total of 327 (66.6%) considered BUD as a very serious illness. Also, there was a high-level of stigma against BUD patients; 372 (75.8%) of the participants felt compassion for and desire to help them, 77 (15.7%) felt compassion but tended to stay away from them, and 53 (10.8%) feared them because they may infect them with the disease. Having a formal education and ethnicity were independent predictors of good knowledge of BUD.Conclusion: There is poor community knowledge of BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria which influenced the attitude and perceptions of community members towards persons with BUDKeywords: Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, knowledge, perceptions, practices

Assessment of community knowledge, attitude, and stigma of Buruli ulcer disease in Southern Nigeria

Background: Poor knowledge can influence timely care-seeking among persons with Buruli ulcer disease (BUD). Objectives: To assess community knowledge, attitude and stigma towards persons with BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among adult community members in four States of Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to all participants. Results: Of 491 adults who completed the survey, 315 (64.2%) belonged to the 6440 years age group, 257 (52.3%) were males and 415 (84.5%) had some formal education. The overall mean (SD) knowledge score was 5.5\ub12.3 (maximum 10). Only 172 (35.0%) of the participants had a good knowledge of BUD. A total of 327 (66.6%) considered BUD as a very serious illness. Also, there was a high-level of stigma against BUD patients; 372 (75.8%) of the participants felt compassion for and desire to help them, 77 (15.7%) felt compassion but tended to stay away from them, and 53 (10.8%) feared them because they may infect them with the disease. Having a formal education and ethnicity were independent predictors of good knowledge of BUD. Conclusion: There is poor community knowledge of BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria which influenced the attitude and perceptions of community members towards persons with BUD DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i2.34 Cite as: Nwafor CC, Meka A, Chukwu JN, Ekeke N, Alphonsus C, Mbah O, Madichie NO, Aduh U, Ogbeifo M, IseOluwa-Adelokiki BO, Edochie JE, Ushaka J, Ukwaja KN. Assessment of community knowledge, attitude, and stigma of Buruli ulcer disease in Southern Nigeria. Afri Health Sci.2019;19(2): 2100-2111. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i2.3

COVID-19 mortality rate and its associated factors during the first and second waves in Nigeria

COVID-19 mortality rate has not been formally assessed in Nigeria. Thus, we aimed to address this gap and identify associated mortality risk factors during the first and second waves in Nigeria. This was a retrospective analysis of national surveillance data from all 37 States in Nigeria between February 27, 2020, and April 3, 2021. The outcome variable was mortality amongst persons who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Incidence rates of COVID-19 mortality was calculated by dividing the number of deaths by total person-time (in days) contributed by the entire study population and presented per 100,000 person-days with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Adjusted negative binomial regression was used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. Findings are presented as adjusted Incidence Rate Ratios (aIRR) with 95% CI. The first wave included 65,790 COVID-19 patients, of whom 994 (1∙51%) died; the second wave included 91,089 patients, of whom 513 (0∙56%) died. The incidence rate of COVID-19 mortality was higher in the first wave [54∙25 (95% CI: 50∙98–57∙73)] than in the second wave [19∙19 (17∙60–20∙93)]. Factors independently associated with increased risk of COVID-19 mortality in both waves were: age ≥45 years, male gender [first wave aIRR 1∙65 (1∙35–2∙02) and second wave 1∙52 (1∙11–2∙06)], being symptomatic [aIRR 3∙17 (2∙59–3∙89) and 3∙04 (2∙20–4∙21)], and being hospitalised [aIRR 4∙19 (3∙26–5∙39) and 7∙84 (4∙90–12∙54)]. Relative to South-West, residency in the South-South and North-West was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality in both waves. In conclusion, the rate of COVID-19 mortality in Nigeria was higher in the first wave than in the second wave, suggesting an improvement in public health response and clinical care in the second wave. However, this needs to be interpreted with caution given the inherent limitations of the country’s surveillance system during the study

Effect of virgin coconut oil on the kidney of wistar rats exposed to toxic dose of paraquat

Background and objective: Paraquat toxicity to bodily organs is a public health concern, especially in climes where there no safe remedies. This study investigated the effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on the kidney of wistar rats exposed to toxic dose of paraquat. Materials and Methods: Four groups (A, B, C and D) of six adult wistar rats were used. Group A is the normal control. Group B rats received oral dose of 12.75mg/kg b.wt of paraquat without treatment. Groups C and D were pre-treated respectively with 5 and 10 ml/kg b.w.t of VCO before exposure to paraquat. The experiment lasted for 24 days. At the end of administration, the rats were sacrificed. The kidney was harvested for routine histology and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results: Group B had a significant (p≤0.05) increase in mean values of potassium (5.41±0.16), urea (5.15±0.07), creatinine (59.00±8.34) and MDA (2.94±0.07) levels when compared to group A. Group D shows a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in these parameters. Except for potassium, group C also showed a decrease in the afore mentioned parameters when compared to group B. In comparison to groups B and D, C had a significant decrease in SOD (4.85±2.05). VCO preserved the kidney cortex. Conclusion: The finding of this study has shown that the toxic effects of paraquat on kidney function could be moderately reversed by phyto-oxidants present in virgin coconut oil. Thus, virgin coconut oil has anti-oxidative and nephroprotective benefits against paraquat nephrotoxicity. However, this may be dose dependent

Case Report: Median nerve formation; an unusual position in the right upper extremity with clinical relevance

There was no direct relationship between its formation and the axillary artery. Hence, it may be not be readily compromised. The site of MN formation was in proximal relation to the insertion of the coracobrahialis. This is clinically important as it may give a reinforced innervation to the muscle and proprioceptive impulses to medial fibres of the brachialis muscle. Conversely, the MN may be compressed by the tendon of the coracobrahialis, affecting its sympathetic filaments to the brachial artery. Furthermore, when present, it may be severed during reconstructive surgeries around the mid arm as the medial intermuscular septum fades out above the insertion of the coracobrachialis muscle. This report highlights the presence of a significant anatomical variation of the median nerve with regards to its site of formation, roots morphology and distribution, as well as its arterial relations for proper planning of surgeries.Key Words: Median nerve, arterial relations, right upper extremity, Morphology

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018-2021.

BackgroundLassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic in Nigeria. Improved surveillance and testing capacity have revealed in an increased number of reported cases and apparent geographic spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria. We described the recent four-year trend of Lassa fever in Nigeria to improve understanding of its epidemiology and inform the design of appropriate interventions.MethodsWe analysed the national surveillance data on Lassa fever maintained by the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) and described trends, sociodemographic, geographic distribution, and clinical outcomes. We compared cases, positivity, and clinical outcomes in the period January 2018 to December 2021.ResultsWe found Lassa fever to be reported throughout the year with more than half the cases reported within the first quarter of the year, a recent increase in numbers and geographic spread of the virus, and male and adult (>18 years) preponderance. Case fatality rates were worse in males, the under-five and elderly, during off-peak periods, and among low reporting states.ConclusionLassa fever is endemic in Nigeria with a recent increase in numbers and geographical distribution. Sustaining improved surveillance, enhanced laboratory diagnosis and improved case management capacity during off-peak periods should remain a priority. Attention should be paid to the very young and elderly during outbreaks. Further research efforts should identify and address specific factors that determine poor clinical outcomes

Secondary bacterial isolates from previously untreated Buruli ulcer lesions and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Southern Nigeria

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Mycolactones, secreted by Mycobacterium ulcerans, were previously believed to prevent super infection in Buruli ulcer lesions. However, little is known about secondary bacterial infections in these lesions. This study evaluated contaminating bacterial flora and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in cases of previously untreated Buruli ulcer disease from three states in Southern Nigeria. METHODS A prospective analysis was conducted between January and June of 2015 using wound swabs from eligible patients with Buruli ulcer disease, confirmed by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction, with active ulcers. Microbiological analyses including isolation of bacteria, species identification of isolates, and drug susceptibility tests were performed. RESULTS Of 51 patients, 27 (52.9%) were female. One or more bacterial species of clinical importance was isolated from each patient. A total of 17 different microbial species were isolated; 76.4% were Gram-negative and 23.6% were Gram-positive isolates. The most common bacterial species detected was Staphylococcus aureus (24%), followed by Aeromonas hydrophila (13%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%). Drug susceptibility tests showed a particularly high frequency of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials in Nigeria for Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS Super bacterial infections occur in Buruli ulcer lesions in Nigeria, and these infections are associated with high rates of resistance to commonly used antibiotics in the country