Sero-Detection of Avian Influenza A/H7 in Nigerian Live-Bird Markets in Plateau State

Avian influenza has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria since 2006 and subtype H5 of the Gs/Gg lineage has continued to be detected up till date. It has been suggested that waterfowls and local birds sold in live-bird markets may be natural reservoir and source of reinfection of different subtype of avian influenza in poultry farms. This study aims at serodetection of avian influenza virus in waterfowls and local birds at live-bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of three hundred and nine (309) blood samples were  collected over a period of three months and two hundred and ninety-two (292) sera were analysed by c-ELISA for influenza A nucleoprotein using standard protocols. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) specific for subtypes H5, H9, and H7 was also carried out using standard protocols on ELISA positive samples. The results showed seroprevalence of 5.14% (n=15) for influenza A. Serotype H7 was thereafter detected by HI in 5 of the 15 influenza A positive samples. The H7 positive sera also reacted with H7N3, H7N4, H7N1 and H7N7 virus strains with HI titre ranging between 1:32 to 1:512. This investigation for the first time showed serological evidence of influenza A subtype H7 in local birds and waterfowls sold at the live bird market in Nigeria. Further virological surveillance to isolate the virus is important in order to better understand influenza virus epidemiology in Nigeria and the potential risk that other subtypesof influenza poses to poultry production and public health. Keywords: Influenza A, subtype H7, serological detection, live bird market, Nigeria

A study of the relationship between maternal alcohol consumption and pregnancy outcome

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D170957 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Group OSCE (GOSCE) as a formative clinical assessment tool for pre-clerkship medical students at the University of Sharjah

Objectives: Continuous formative assessment with appropriate feedback is the pillar of effective clinical teaching and learning. Group Objective Structured Clinical Examination (GOSCE) has been reported as a resource-effective method of formative assessment. The present study aims to describe the development and evaluation of GOSCE as a formative assessment for pre-clerkship medical students. Methods: At the University of Sharjah, GOSCE was introduced to medical students in Years 1, 2, and 3. The GOSCE was conducted as a formative assessment in which groups of 4?5 students were observed while they performed various clinical skills, followed by structured feedback from clinical tutors and peers. GOSCE was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively and appropriate statistical analysis was applied to evaluate their responses. Results: A total of 232 students who attended the GOSCE responded to the questionnaires. Most of the students and clinical tutors preferred formative GOSCE over individual feedback. Both students and clinical tutors valued the experience as it helped students to identify gaps and to share knowledge and skills among group members. Conclusion: This study found that formative GOSCE provided a valuable and feasible educational opportunity for students to receive feedback about their clinical skills

Nalp3 Inflammasome Activation in Neutrophilic Asthma

Introduction Non-cystic fi brosis (CF) bronchiectasis is an important cause of respiratory morbidity in both developing and developed countries. Antibiotics are considered standard therapy in the treatment of this condition. In this Cochrane review, we examined the evidence for the effi cacy of short courses (4 weeks or less) for non-CF bronchiectasis in children and adults. Methods The Cochrane Airways Group performed a literature search, in accordance with Cochrane methodology. This included the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and clinical trial registers. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing outcomes with use of antibiotics (intravenous, oral or inhaled) versus placebo or usual care (control), for periods of ≤4 weeks, in non-cystic fi brosis bronchiectasis. Results 187 abstracts were reviewed. A single eligible study showed a small benefi t, when compared to placebo, of 4 weeks of inhaled antibiotic therapy in adults with bronchiectasis and pseudomonas in their sputum. There were no studies in children and no studies on oral or intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion There is insuffi cient evidence in the current literature to make reasonable conclusions about the effi cacy of short course antibiotics in the management of adults and children with non-CF bronchiectasis. Until further evidence is available, adherence to current treatment guidelines is recommended

Effects on birthweight of alcohol and caffeine consumption in smoking women

STUDY OBJECTIVE--Previous work found no effect on birthweight of alcohol and caffeine consumption in non-smokers but such an effect was found in smokers. This report investigates further the effects on birthweight of alcohol and caffeine at three stages of pregnancy in smoking women. DESIGN--This was a prospective population study. SETTING--District general hospital in inner London. PARTICIPANTS--Out of 1309 women who completed all pregnancy interviews, 895 were excluded because they did not smoke, leaving a sample of 414 smokers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--Number and brand of cigarettes smoked, and quantity of alcohol and caffeine consumed were obtained by interview at booking, 28, and 36 weeks gestation. Birthweight was corrected for gestation and adjusted for maternal height, sex of infant and parity. The effect on birthweight of alcohol consumption was not explained by the amount smoked in terms of quantity and yield. Similarly the effect of caffeine was independent of smoking. When alcohol, caffeine, and smoking were analysed together, alcohol and caffeine were both associated with reductions in birthweight. Alcohol was associated with a reduction of up to 8% after adjusting for tobacco and caffeine intake, and caffeine was associated with a reduction of up to 6.5% after adjusting for tobacco and alcohol intake. Women who at booking were heavy smokers (greater than or equal to 13 cigarettes/day or greater than or equal to 15 mg carbon monoxide/cigarette), heavy drinkers (greater than or equal to 100 g/week alcohol), and had high caffeine intake (greater than or equal to 2801 mg/week) had a predicted reduction in mean birthweight of 18% (95% CI 11% to 24%). CONCLUSIONS--It is well known that women who smoke in pregnancy have smaller babies than non-smokers. Our study suggests that if these women also drink alcohol and high quantities of caffeine then the risk of poor fetal growth is increased even further