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

Metabolic effect of mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) enriched diet on some organs of albino rats

No Abstract. Animal Production Research Avancees Vol. 3 (3) 2007: pp. 205-20

Factors Affecting Agricultural Productivity among Arable Crop Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

The main objectives of the study were to examine and identify the factors that affect agricultural productivity in Imo State, Nigeria. The method of proportionate random sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of 99 farmers who were interviewed using validated, structured questionnaire. Primary data collected were analyzed using frequencies, means, and the Ordinary Least Squares multiple regression analysis technique. The results of the analysis show that the marginal value products estimated for farmland, planting materials, chemical fertilizer and labour are 0.0654, 0.0615, 0.0871 and 0.0831 respectively. Yam/cassava/maize/vegetable/melon combination was identified as the main crop combination practiced by the farmers in the state. Analysis of resource use efficiency shows that the farmers are highly efficient in the use of planting materials but highly inefficient in the use of land and chemical fertilizer. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis on the determinants of agricultural productivity show that age, level of education, years of farming experience, farm size, extension contact, fertilizer use, planting materials and labour use are the main determinants of agricultural productivity in the state. It is recommended that extension agents should teach farmers to use the right quality and quantity of chemical fertilizers, and the use of high yielding planting materials to enhance farmers’ productivity

Anti-nutrient Content, and in vitro Protein Digestibility (IVPD) of Infant Food Produced from African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis sternnocarpa), and Bambara Groundnuts (Voandezela subterranean)

Abstract. African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and bambara groundnut (BG) (Voadzeia subterranean) are some of the pulses with unutilized high nutritional value. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-nutrient content of raw and processed AYB and BG, and infant weaning diets formulated from flour processed from both crops, using a Nestle Infant formula (Nutrend) as standard. Reduction of anti-nutrient content was carried out using soaking and germination procedures, followed by oven drying at 105 o C. After germination there was 92.13% tannin, 82.01% phytate, 60.14% cyanate and 80.36% oxalate reductions in AYB. There was 84.34% tannin, 82.34% phytate, 50.04% cyanate and 82.14% oxalate decreases in BG. Anti-nutrient contents of diets ranged from 14.31±0.75 -15.20± 0.61 mg/g for tannin, 17.02±0.81 -24.82±1.65 mg/g for phytate, 1.34±0.01 -1.43±0.01 mg/g for cyanate and 0.14±0.02 -0.55±0.05 mg/g for oxalate. These values compared well with those of the standard formula which gave 15.20±0.52 mg/g, 26.01±1.64 mg/g, 1.56±0.03 mg/g and 0.82±0.05 mg/g anti-nutrient contents of tannin, phytate, cyanate and oxalate. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in digestibility values of diet 1 (87.60%), diet 2 (85.65%), and diet 3 (84.35%), while the standard diet 4 gave 85.31% digestibility value. Protein concentration (Pe%) of diets were 25.97%, 24.27% and 22.96%, for diets 1, 2 and 3, compared to 18.03% obtained for standard diet 4. The PE% profile and low antinutritional contents in test diets suggest that the diet formulas may serve as alternative infant weaning formulations. Thus, AYB and BG may serve as alternative infant weaning food and bridge in food security gap for weaning formulas