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A survey of public perception, knowledge and factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptability in five communities in Ghana
Full text linkObjective: The present study assessed the public’s perception and Knowledge about COVID-19 and factors that could affect vaccine acceptability in Ghana.Design: We carried out a cross-sectional population-based study. A structured questionnaire was used to capture data on socio-demographic information, knowledge, and the public’s perception of COVID-19 infection, as well as COVID-19 vaccine acceptability from consented participants. Factors affecting vaccine acceptability in Ghana were explored. Robust ordinary least square linear regression analysis was adopted to assess factors associated with vaccine acceptability.Setting: Five communities (Labone, Lartebiorkoshie, Old Fadama, Chorkor, and Ashiyie) in Accra in the Greater Accra district were selected.Participants: WHO modified cluster-sampling method was applied to select households of 997 participants in the five communities.Results: Most respondents were males (57.6%), and the median age of participants was 30 years. The study participants demonstrated a good knowledge of COVID-19 and had high perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that the highest educational level, marital status, self-rated Knowledge of COVID-19, Knowledge of COVID-19 definition, Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with vaccine acceptability. Self-reported impact of COVID-19 lockdown/movement restrictions on agriculture and job as a source of livelihood was associated with vaccine acceptability.Conclusion: Higher subjective and objective knowledge of COVID-19 increases vaccine acceptability scores significantly thus, education on COVID-19 and the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection must be intensified to improve vaccine acceptability in Ghana, especially among those with lower educational backgrounds
Comparison of Intramuscular Diclofenac and Paracervical Block during and after Hysterosalpingography in Women with Infertility in South‑South Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Full text linkBackground: Tubal patency testing is essential in the evaluation of infertile women, and the preferred investigation for determining tubal patency is hysterosalpingography (HSG). Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of intramuscular diclofenac and paracervical block for pain alleviation during and after HSG. Patients, Materials and Methods: This research was carried out at the Infertility and Radiology Units of four health facilities, from January 2021 to April 2022. The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry received this trial’s registration (PACTR202203726718710). Through simple randomization, 520 women billed for HSG were assigned into Groups I (control) and II (study). Group I had 75 mg of intramuscular diclofenac, while Group II had paracervical block with 2% lignocaine hydrochloride. At various stages of HSG, pain scores were obtained. Statistical Product and Service Solutions for Windows® version 25 (SPSS Inc.; Chicago, USA). The Chi‑square test was used to examine the number of women in Groups I and II who experienced pain at the various stages of HSG, while the Student’s t‑test was used to compare sample means. Results: The step that caused the most pain was injection of contrast media, with a mean pain score of 3.85 ± 1.43 in Group I, and 5.00 ± 0.63 in Group II. Group I reported considerably lesser pain during speculum insertion, contrast media injection, and 24 h after the surgery (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Intramuscular diclofenac is more effective than paracervical block (with lignocaine) for pain alleviation, both during and after HSG
The Spectrum of Radiological Findings of Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis with Endoscopic and Histopathological Features in Patients with COVID 19: A Descriptive Study
Full text linkBackground: There had been an increasing incidence of mucormycosis during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Aim: This study evaluates the pattern of radiological imaging, endoscopic and histopathological features of rhino‑orbital cerebral mucormycosis in patients with COVID‑19 infection. Materials and Methods: The study included 31 patients with culture/biopsy‑proven mucormycosis and COVID‑19 infection from November 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, in a single tertiary care centre. This study was approved by institutional ethics committee. Computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, endoscopic, and histopathological findings were retrospectively analyzed to look for the extent and pattern of disease. Statistical analysis was performed through descriptive statistics. Results: The imaging spectrum showed paranasal sinus involvement (n = 31; 100%), nasal involvement (n = 14; 45.16%), oral and palatal involvement (n = 6; 19.3%), deep neck/face space involvement (n = 25; 80.6%), orbital involvement (n = 20; 64.5%), vascular complications (n = 9; 29%), skull base involvement (n = 12; 38.7%), and cerebral involvement (n = 10; 32.2%). Endoscopy showed black necrotic tissue and slough mostly affecting middle turbinate, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses. CT showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for the detection of sinonasal osseous erosion. Histopathology examination revealed mucormycosis as broad aseptate, predominantly 90° branching hyphae with macrophage and neutrophilic infiltration in 93.5%, granuloma in 61.3%, cavity formation in 48.4%, and angioinvasion in 77.4%. Diabetes mellitus was the predominant coexisting morbidity for mucormycosis. The mean time interval between COVID‑19 diagnosis and mucormycosis was 18 days. Conclusion: CT revealed hyperdense contents within sinuses with osseous erosion; while MRI showed T2 hypointense, heterogeneously enhancing lesions with adjacent structural infiltration, orbital inflammation, cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery thrombosis, and intracranial complications such as infarct, hemorrhage, meningitis, and abscess. Neutrophilic infiltration and angioinvasion were predominant histopathological characteristics while necrosis with eschar formation was demonstrated through endoscopy
Microbial Quality of Fresh Beef from Different Slaughter Facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria
Full text linkThis study was done to assess the microbial quality of fresh beef samples, water and contact surfaces from selected slaughter facilities in Oyo state, Nigeria. In a completely randomized design, a total of 127 samples were collected from three different slaughter facilities. They were analyzed for microbial load using standard procedures. Parameters measured were Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Fungal Count (TFC), Total Escherichia coli Count (TEC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSLC). The results showed no significant differences (P<0.05) between the mean TVC and TFC of the fresh meat samples collected from the slaughter facilities. However, significant differences existed (P<0.05) between the means of the TCC (log CFU/g) of the beef. The values were 2.30, 1.82 and 10 1.91 for Akinyele central abattoir, Kara Sawmill slaughter slab and Atenda slaughter slab respectively. The TVC, TFC, TCC values recorded for this study were below the standard threshold levels. The presence of Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp on contact surfaces indicates that the hygienic practices of butchers and general sanitary conditions of the slaughter house facilities are poor, therefore stricter hygiene practices are recommended in Nigerian slaughter houses and abattoirs to safeguard public health
Prevalence of Antimalaria-Drug-Resistant-Plasmodium-falciparum Mutant Genes in Out-Patients from a Malaria Endemic Region in Southwest, Nigeria
No full textThe research identified, ipso facto, Pfcrt gene SNP at codons 72&76 and Pfmdr1 gene SNPs at codons 86 &184 and 1034,1042 &1246 from malaria patients in Ifedore Local Government Area (LGA) in Ondo State, Nigeria. Thick blood film microscopy was used to examine blood samples from 2,063 febrile malaria patients within the study area. Four hundred positive samples were used to make Dry Blood Spots (DBS) on Whatman No.3 paper. The parasite DNAwas extracted from the DBS samples using spin column-based DNA purification kit. Identification and genotyping of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes of the parasite were done using Nested PCR method. Molecular analysis of the 400 positive samples yielded 352 positive results after testing with various plasmodia markers with only Plasmodium falciparum detected in the study area. Results obtained from genotyping the mutant genes showed that of all the 352 P. falciparum isolates examined, Pfmdr1 SNP at codons 86&184 recorded the highest prevalence (11.08%), followed by Pfmdr1 SNP at codon 1034,1042&1246 (7.95%) while Pfcrt SNPat codon 72&76 recorded the lowest prevalence (3.41%). A prevalence of 19.32% coexistence of the three SNPs of the mutant genes was observed among the study population (p<0.05). The existence of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes suggests resistance of P. falciparum to most malaria drugs used in the treatment of malaria in the study area. Therefore, it is important to monitor resistance to treatment regimens and therapeutics to aid the management of malaria in endemic areas. 
Parasitological and Molecular Studies of Intestinal Helminths among Women in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria
No full textThe parasitological and molecular studies of intestinal helminth among women in Obi and Oju LGAs, Benue State were investigated. Stool samples were analysed using the formal-ether concentration technique for the detection of parasites. Well-structured questionnaires were used to elicit socio- demographic data as well as knowledge of the women towards helminth infection. Representative samples were afterwards processed molecularly using PCR technology. The parasites recovered were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichiura and Trichomonas vaginalis. An overall prevalence of 9.93% was obtained for helminth infection. Women within the age group of 15-20 years recorded the highest prevalence (27.77%). Civil servants and single women recorded the highest infection rates (19.52% and 23.82% respectively) while in terms of education, those with no formal education recorded the highest rate of infection (27.52%). Furthermore, the majority of the women were unaware of intestinal helminths and the specific types (85.53%). There was also a significant relationship between education, age, and rate of infection (P<0.05). It was therefore concluded that helminth infection among women in Oju and Obi LGAis comparatively low. The amplification of genes confirms the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica. The detection of T. vaginalis by the polymerase chain reaction buttresses the sensitivity of PCR as a diagnostic tool. There is a need for enlightenment campaigns against helminth infections in Oju and Obi. Efforts of the government are needed to ensure the provision of efficient molecular facilities for accurate diagnosis of infection
BAY 11-7082: An Anti-inflammatory Drug for COVID-19
Full text linkThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new coronavirus named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. COVID-19 patients have high mortality due to respiratory failure from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by SARS-CoV-2. The abnormal activation of P21-activated kinase (PAK1, RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1) is reported in COVID-19. The PAK1 induces nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation as well as inflammatory pathways through its stimulation. BAY 11-7082 {(E) 3-[(4-methylphenyl)-sulfonyl]-2-propenenitrile is one of the therapies that inhibit inflammation via mentioned signaling pathway, therefore, we suggest that this drug can potentially be effective in treating COVID-19
EDITORIAL: University education and the growing influence of professional bodies in Nigeria
No full textNo Abstract
Gender differences in the clinical profile and sociodemographic characteristics of dilated cardiomyopathy in Ibadan, Nigeria
Full text linkBackground: Cardiomyopathies contribute about 18.2-40.2% (average- 21.4%) to the global burden of heart failure of which dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause. DCM is the second commonest cause of heart failure in Ibadan. The gender differences in the clinical profile has not been described in our setting.Objective: In this study, we set out to describe the gender differences in the pattern and presentation of DCM at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods: This was an analysis of a prospectively collected data over a period of 5 years (August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2021).Results: A total of 117 subjects, 88 males (75.3%) and 29 females (24.8%) aged 50.30 ± 14.7 years (range, 17 to 86 years). Males had significantly achieved a higher educational level than females (p = 0.004). Males were more likely to be employed and had more monthly income compared to females. Males were significantly more likely to use alcohol and smoke cigarette (p = 0.0001 and 0.001 respectively). Females were more likely to be in NYHA class III/IV. Therewas no statistically significant difference in the relationship between any medication and gender of participants (p > 0.05).Conclusions: DCM is a disease of young and middle-aged adults in our population. The commonest age group was 20-39 years and there was male preponderance. There were some gender differences in the clinical profile of the disease in our environment
