Studies on the traditional methods of production of maize tuwo (a Nigerian non-fermented maize dumpling).

This study was carried out in order to identify the critical areas that could have potential influence on the quality characteristics of maize tuwo (a Nigerian nonfermented maize dumpling) and which might also serve as a basis for any technological improvement effort with respect to the product quality. Commercial producers of maize tuwo were interviewed and their production processes evaluated while samples (maize flour and tuwo) collected from them were respectively analyzed. The investigation revealed that white maize grains of different varieties were commonly being used for tuwo preparation and this has a potential of influencing product quality. The quality factors being used for assessing maize tuwo by the consumers were colour, texture (mouldability and swallowability) and taste.Other critical areas with potential influence on product quality were variation in flour production methods which are grit soaking and grit non-soaking methods and variation in particle size distribution of flour being used in tuwo preparation. Grit nonsoaking method was generally being adopted by most maize tuwo producers while the flour from grit soaking method was generally believed to give a better tuwo quality. Variation in the colour indices of maize flour samples was another critical area thatcould influence product quality. The lightness index (L*-value) of the flour ranged between 88.2 and 88.9 while the chroma (C-value) ranged between 13.3 and 15. There was also a variation in the softness index (textural quality) of maize tuwo. The softness index ranged between 17.8mm and 18.7mm immediately after cooling but ranged between 16.2mm and 17.5mm about nine hours after production. Another critical area that could influence tuwo quality was variation in flour/water ratiosinvolved in product preparation. The ratio ranged between 1:3.3 and 1:3.8. The conclusion made from the ingredient standardization effort was that the overall flour/water ratio for maize tuwo preparation should be 1:3.5. The sequential mixing of flour and water during maize tuwo preparation should also be as follows: initial slurry preparation (20 and 25% of the desired total flour quantity and water volume, respectively), water used in initial boiling (60% of total volume), flour added to thepap-like consistency (80% of total) and water added to the gel- like consistency (15% of total volume)

Role of TSH and excess Heart Age in Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Post-Ablation

Background: The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and thyroid disease as defined by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is established in literature. However, the relationship between TSH and recurrence of AF post ablation has not been established. Methods: We studied 207 patients (60.54±9.39yrs, 35.7% female) with persistent or paroxysmal AF who underwent either Cryo or RFA ablation between April 2011 and Jan 2015 at our center. Patients were stratified into hypothyroid (TSH \u3e \u3e4.5 U/mL), euthyroid (TSH 0.5-4.5 U/mL) and hyperthyroid (TSH \u3c 0.5 U/mL) based on pre procedure testing. Heart age was computed based on Framingham risk factors. Excess heart age was defined as the difference between actual age and heart age. Logistic regression and cox-proportional hazards model were implemented using R statistical software (v3.2.0). Results: There was a statistically significant lower rate of AF recurrence among male patients (OR 2.92, p=0.003). In univariate analysis, there was no statistically significant relationship between TSH and incidence of AF recurrence (OR 1.05, p=0.74). Cox proportional hazards models did not show an association between recurrence and TSH states (HR 0.85, p=0.74 for hypothyroid and HR 0.75, p=0.56 for hyperthyroid). Conclusions: This exploratory showed that TSH may not play a role in AF recurrence. While there is a tendency towards an association between TSH and AF recurrence, this was not statistically significant. We hypothesize that overt hyperthyroidism prior to ablation will not increase chance of recurrence. This was true after adjustment for Framingham risk factors. The limitation of this study was the small sample size of the patients with TSH in the hyperthyroid range. Further analysis using larger dataset is indicated

Predictors of Cardiac Mortality in the CCU: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Center

Background: Although prior studies have linked troponin I (TnI) elevation, serum sodium (Na) fluctuation, and reduced ejection fraction (EF) with an increased mortality in the medical/surgical critical care units, this has not been validated in the CCU. We aim to identify clinical and laboratory factors to predict cardiac related length of survival (LOS) in the CCU. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 134 consecutive patients who were admitted to the CCU from December 2012 to March 2015, and who died during that admission. We used student T-test, correlation matrices, and Framingham risk factors adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to examine the role of TnI, serum Na, EF and other clinical covariates on LOS in cardiac death (CD) and non- cardiac death (NCD) group. Results: The average age of the study population was 70.0 ±14.3 (39.0% women). The prevalence of CD and NCD were 63% and 59%. LOS was statistically shorter in the CD vs. NCD group (5.3 days vs. 8.2 days, p=0.012). LOS negatively correlated with initial TnI (p= 0.05). LOS was not statistically affected by EF or Na level. Our regression models identified BMI and diabetes mellitus (DM) as strong predictors of CD (p= 0.04 and p=0.01). Conclusion: Our results validate prior studies showing that TnI, BMI, and DM are predictors of cardiac related mortality in the CCU. Patients with a cardiac etiology had a higher mortality rate and a shorter LOS. Future studies are needed to develop a scoring system specific for predicting mortality in the CCU

Effect of Left Atrial Function Index on Late Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Background: Although the rates of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) are rapidly increasing, there are few predictors of outcome to help inform appropriate patient selection for this procedure. Traditional echocardiographic measures of atrial structure do not significantly reclassify risk of AF recurrence over and above the clinical risk factors. Left Atrial Function Index (LAFI) is a rhythm-independent measure of atrial function. We hypothesized that baseline LAFI would relate to AF recurrence after CA. Methods: Pre-procedural echocardiograms from 170 participants, who underwent CA for AF and were enrolled in the UMMC AF Treatment Registry, were analyzed. LAFI was calculated by a previously validated formula. Primary outcome was late or clinically significant AF recurrence 3-12 months after CA. Baseline clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic variables were compared between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Results: Study participants were middle aged (60+/10 years) and had a moderate-to-severe burden of cardiovascular comorbidities. 78 participants (46%) experienced late AF recurrence. Mean LAFI was 0.26+/-0.18. In multivariate analysis, lower LAFI was independently associated with the risk of recurrence (0.23 in recurrence group vs 0.29 in non-recurrence group, p \u3c 0.01). Predictive value of LAFI for AF recurrence was similar to CHADS2 score (c-statistic 0.60 vs 0.58, p 0.76). In subgroup of patients with persistent AF, LAFI predicted AF recurrence more strongly than CHADS2 score (c-statistic: 0.79 vs 0.58, p 0.02). Conclusions: In our cohort of 170 participants with AF undergoing index CA ablation, we observed that LAFI related to late AF recurrence after CA, independent of the traditional risk factors. Since LAFI can be calculated from almost any traditional echocardiographic recording, our findings suggest that LAFI may help guide therapeutic decision-making regarding application of CA, particularly among challenging patients with symptomatic persistent AF

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. ‘Diabetes’ and ‘Nigeria’ were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then ‘Plant name – accepted or synonyms’, ‘Constituents’, ‘Drug interaction’ and/or ‘Toxicity’ for the secondary searches. Results: The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs. Conclusion: This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb–drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

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 &lt;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&lt;0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p&lt;0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p&lt;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