85 research outputs found
Evaluation of the Haematological Profile of Children Under Five (5) Years Infected with Malaria Attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano-Nigeria
No full textMalaria is a serious public health concern worldwide, particularly in hyper endemic areas of tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. This study investigated haematological profile of children under five (5) years infected with malaria attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano-Nigeria. Venous blood was aseptically collected from the ante-cubital vein. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and viewed under a light microscope to identify and quantify the malaria parasites. The study involved 160 children randomly selected: comprising of 80 malaria positive and 80 negative children. Full blood count was estimated using SYSMEX auto-hematology analyzer (Lincolnshire, Illinois U.S.A.). The results showed that red blood cells were statistically lower in malaria infected (3.64±1.09×10⁶/µL) compared to the controls (4.16±0.86×10⁶/µL). Haemoglobin concentration (HGB) of malaria infected children was also lower (8.78±3.14g/dl) than that of the control group (10.56±2.33g/dl). Similarly, hematocrit percentage of the infected children was significantly lower (25.58±6.28%) compared to the controls of (27.03±7.35%). The platelet count (PLT) of the malaria children were also lower in the case group (172.27±120.65×10³/µL) compared to the controls with (240.73±143.23×10³/µL), (P>0.05). While the total White Blood Cell counts (WBC) and its differentials did not show any statistically significant difference between the malaria infected and the controls (p>0.05). This study clearly demonstrated that malaria significantly affects the haematological profile of children under five years of age leading to anemia and thrombocytopenia, with no effects on the white blood cells and differentials
The role of TLR-4 in the immunomodulatory effects of recombinant BCG expressing MSP-1C of Plasmodium falciparum
No full textIntroduction: An earlier constructed recombinant BCG expressing the MSP-1C of Plasmodium falciparum, induced inflammatory responses leading to significant production of nitric oxide (NO) alongside higher expression of the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and significant production of the regulatory cytokine, IL-10, indicating significant immunomodulatory effects of the construct. The mechanism of these responses had not been established but is thought to involve toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4).
Methodology: The present study was carried out to determine the role of TLR-4 on eliciting the immunomodulatory effects of recombinant BCG expressing MSP-1C of Plasmodium falciparum leading to the production of NO and IL-10, as well as the expression of iNOS. Six groups of mice (n = 6 per group) were immunised thrice, three weeks apart with intraperitoneal phosphate buffered saline T80 (PBS-T80), BCG or rBCG in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK-242, given one hour prior to each immunisation. Peritoneal macrophages were harvested from the mice and cultured for the determination of NO, iNOS and IL-10 via Griess assay, ELISA and Western blot respectively.
Results: The results showed significant inhibition of the production of NO and IL-10 and the expression of iNOS in all groups of mice in the presence of TAK-242.
Conclusions: These results presented evidence of the role of TLR-4/rBCG attachment mechanism in modulating the production of NO and IL-10 and the expression of iNOS in response to our rBCG-based malaria vaccine candidate expressing MSP-1C of P. falciparum
The Role of TLR-4 on the Mapkinases Signaling Pathways of Inflammatory Responses against Recombinant BCG Malaria Vaccine Candidate
No full textMalaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which have developed resistance to all anti-malaria drugs on the background resistance of the mosquito vector to insecticides, necessitates a more intense search for an effective vaccine. A recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccine candidate expressing the merozoite surface protein 1C (MSP-1C) of Plasmodium falciparum was developed in our laboratory, which generated robust innate and adaptive immune responses that pointed to the likelihood of the role of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). This study analysed the role TLR-4 attachment of the rBCG to macrophages in eliciting the observed immune responses. Mice (n = 6 per group) were immunised with PBS-T80, parent BCG, or rBCG in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK-242, and the effects of TLR-4 on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK1/2) and extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), which are involved in the signalling pathway, were analysed through western blot on macrophages harvested from the mice peritoneum. The results obtained showed a significant increase in the expression of the MAPKinases in the group immunised with rBCG compared to BCG and PBS-T80 immunised groups. There was significant inhibition of the JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 expression in the presence of TAK-242, signifying, for the first time, the role of TLR-4 in the phosphorylation of both JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 in the immune response against the vaccine candidate expressing the MSP-1C of P. falciparum. This study highlighted the role of TLR-4 in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 in the immune response against recombinant BCG malaria vaccine candidate
Activation of the MyD88 Pathway of Innate Immune Response to Recombinant BCG Malaria Vaccine Candidate: The Role of TLR-4
No full textMalaria, a highly devastating disease caused by Plasmodium spp., puts half the world’s population at risk and has defied the ever-enhanced treatment, control, and elimination strategies, necessitating the search for vaccine alternatives. A recombinant BCG (rBCG) expressing the merozoite surface protein 1C (MSP-1C) of Plasmodium falciparum was developed in our laboratory, which exhibited some immunomodulatory effects through undefined mechanisms likely activated by Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). This study tested the hypothesis that TLR-4 mediates the attachment between rBCG and macrophages eliciting an immune response through the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway. In this study, mice (n = 6 per group) were injected with PBS-T80, parent BCG, or rBCG in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK-242, and western blot analysis was carried out on the macrophages obtained to determine the role of TLR-4 in the activation of MyD88. The results obtained showed a significant increase in the expression of the proteins in favor of the rBCG construct compared to the parent BCG and PBS-T80. These increases were significantly inhibited in the presence of TAK-242, signifying the role of TLR-4 in the activation of the MyD88 pathway of innate immune responses against recombinant BCG malaria vaccine candidate, presenting for the first time an empirical evidence of the importance of TLR-4/macrophage attachment mechanism and its effects as a fore-runner in the MyD88 pathway of immune response to our rBCG expressing the MSP-1C of P. falciparum
De-mystifying the Muslimah: Exploring Different Perceptions of Selected Young Muslim Women in Britain
No full textIn this research I argue that although Islam as a faith is inherently emancipatory, Muslim
women are doubly marginalised: by patriarchal interpretations of their faith within Muslim
communities and by pluralist society that often does not understand the faith-based values
and practices of Muslim women. The empowerment of Muslim women is crucial not just for
the women themselves but also for socio-political dynamics within the Muslim community
and its relationships in pluralist society. It is from this context, and acknowledging the paucity
of academic literature written by Muslim women, that I set out to give voice to them, so that
their opinions may be heard in discourses that they think are relevant to their lives. By
encouraging Muslim women to take voice and by facilitating mechanisms for these voices to
be heard, this research presents alternate narratives of Muslim women that challenge
dominant media imagery of the oppressed and subjugated Muslim woman. These narratives,
which are by and for Muslim women, portray instead the inherent diversity in the category
'Muslim woman' and thus add more facets to the category 'woman'.
I used an ethnographic methodology that involved participants as contributors in the creation
of new knowledge. Semi-structured interviews with 45 young university-educated Muslim
women and 7 group discussions were used as initial data-gathering tools. The penultimate
ethnographic stage involved Muslim women creating 3-minute long self-representational
digital stories (DSTs), which consist of an autobiographical narrative accompanied by still
pictures. This was a process of self-reflection for the women and an opportunity to take voice
and to be heard. The subsequent screening of these DSTs to audiences who were not
Muslim resulted in discussion and active debate about the reasons for prevalent
(mis)understandings of Muslim women and stereotypes were challenged. In its initiation of
more balanced representations of Muslim women this research empowers Muslim women,
and by contributing to dialogue and cohesion it also empowers pluralist society as a whole.
This research clarifies the overlapping priorities and identities of young British Muslim
women and initiates new discourses, as narrated by the women, on subjects including
religious interpretation and practice, feminism, media representation and social cohesion. In
the research findings I propose an evolving British-Muslim identity among Muslim youth (in
this case young women) which is distinct from that of their parents; a theological articulation
of a 'feminist' struggle for women's rights; and the need to engage with the media and others
to create positive representations of Muslim women. Experiences with DSTs indicate the
potential of personal narratives and interaction for the purposes of inter-community dialogue
EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY FIRMS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe inability of Nigerian IT firms to expand operations and gain competitive advantage, especially in the face of foreign competition, has remained a thing of concern to many stakeholders, and hence, this research, which examines the effect of organisational learning proxied by knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing on the performance of selected IT firms in Nigeria. A structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used in a survey design to gather primary data from a sample of 464 IT firms selected using the census sampling technique. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the data. The study found that knowledge acquisition has a positive and significant effect on performance, while knowledge sharing has a negative and significant effect on performance. Therefore, the study recommends that IT firms intensify efforts to identify and collate internal and external knowledge information and ideas relevant to improving performance. Similarly, IT firms should make deliberate efforts to ensure a smooth transfer of ideas, information and relationships, especially from departing employees to existing ones. Employees should be encouraged to attend training sessions to acquire new knowledge and store their professional knowledge and experience, which will benefit the organizatio
Storyline structure in Hausa home videos : an analysis of Mai Kudi, Sanafahna, and Albashi
No full textThis study analyzes storyline structure in three Hausa home videos; Mai Kudi (The Rich Man), Sanafahna (with time truth shall dawn) and Albashi (Salary). The study measures storyline structure in these films against a Hollywood film industry model of story writing “the Hero's Journey”. It uses narrative analysis as its analytical tool, and narrative theory as its framework. After analyzing these videos, the study found that the major elements of storyline structure in Vogler's model formed the framework of the storyline structure in Hausa home videos analyzed. However, in spite of the preponderance of these elements within the storyline structure, there are significant variations to Vogler's model. Specifically, Vogler's model has some twelve stages spread on the universal structure of storytelling, i.e. beginning, middle and end. Few of these stages were found to exist in Hausa narrative structure, perhaps due to cultural differences between Western, Indian and Hausa cultures. The study therefore recommends screenwriters and producers to be aware of the existence of standard models of scriptwriting. It also recommends more training for script writers in the Hausa film industry
Comparative study of malaria parasite diagnosis: Microscopy and rapid diagnostic-testing
No full textThe conventional microscopy is the gold standard in laboratory diagnosis of malaria but time-consuming and requires a lot of training and expertise. However, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) could be considered in endemic regions especially in poor settings, where there is shortage of power supply and less qualified personnel. This is a comparative study between Microscopy and RDTs. The study was carried out in two health facilities in Kano metropolis; Sir, Muhammad Sunusi Specialist hospital (SMSSH) and Bayero University Health Clinic (BUHC). A retrospective analysis was carried out in which the capacities of facilities for malaria parasites (MP) microscopy and RDT were assessed for the previous year. Later a prospective analysis was carried out by implementing a modified Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) model over a period of 3 months. Giemsa stained Slides for Malaria Parasite Microscopy were sampled giving a total Slides of 432 and their corresponding blood specimens also sampled for the respective RDTs using SD Bioline Kits. The specificity of MP slide microscopy and RDTs in SMSSH and BUHC were 84% and 94% respectively while that of RDTs were 95% and 94% respectively. However, the sensitivity of MP microscopy in SMSSH and BUHC was found to be 95% and 94% and that of RDT was 72% and 78% respectively. Result showed that microscopic examination of malaria parasite is still the method of choice and also gold standard especially for confirmation of clinical diagnosis.Keywords: Malaria; microscopy; RDTs; sensitivity and specificit
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of One Health among multisectoral stakeholders in Kano state, Northwest Nigeria
No full textAbstract Background A substantial proportion of human infectious diseases originate from animals (zoonoses), with environmental factors significantly contributing to their transmission. This underscores the need for the One Health (OH) approach as a comprehensive, integrated framework to address these challenges. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the OH concept among multisectoral stakeholders in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey that utilized a two stage sampling technique was conducted among 359 stakeholders from the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and Health at both state and Local Government Area (LGA) levels. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22. A p-value set at ≤ 0.05. Results Most stakeholders demonstrated above-average knowledge (87.7%), attitudes (80.2%), and practices (77.4%) concerning OH. Stakeholders from LGAs where a multisectoral Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (EPRC) was known to be present had significantly higher odds of possessing above-average knowledge of OH (adjusted odds ratio = 137; 95% confidence interval = 9.3–2045). Stakeholders who had received prior training on OH were more likely to exhibit above-average attitudes toward the OH approach (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.0–12.9). Furthermore, those who indicated the existence of a functional disease reporting system to higher authorities were 17 times more likely to practice OH, compared to those uncertain about the availability of such a system (adjusted odds ratio = 17.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.5–198.6). Conclusion The study showed that stakeholders demonstrated relatively high levels of knowledge, favorable attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding the OH approach. Knowledge of OH was found to have a positive correlation with both attitudes and practices. Key factors contributing to these outcomes included prior training in OH and active participation in multisectoral collaboration. To strengthen and sustain the implementation of the OH approach in the region, we recommend reinforcing government-led coordination and cross-sectoral collaboration
EFFECT OF IRRIGATION INTERVAL ON GROWTH AND ARTEMISININ CONTENT OF WORMWOOD (Artemisia annua L.) CHEN YOUNG VARIETY IN SOKOTO
No full textArtemisinin is the main antimalarial compound in Artemisia annua, used in the formulation of artemisinin-based combined therapies (ACT) to treat malaria. Artemisinin is largely obtained from A. annua plant but the content is very low and its production commercially is not cost effective worldwide. In view of the importance of this phytomolecule and plants being the only source of its production, this study evaluated the effect of irrigation interval on the growth and artemisinin content of A. annua. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Botanical Garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with 4 replications. The two factors examined were: (1) irrigation interval at different growth stage and (2) artemisinin content of A. annua. Irrigation interval (W) was taken at four levels (W1, W2, W4, and W6 days interval) while growth stage at three levels: early vegetative stage (EVS), mid vegetative stage (MVS) and late vegetative stage (LVD) and artemisinin were determined and quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The calibration curve was constructed by plotting the peak area against the concentration by the external standard method on five concentration levels of artemisinin standard (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 µg/ml), with three injections per level. Linear regression was used to establish the calibration curve. Results were calculated using the peak areas with determination coefficient (R2) of 0.951. Results revealed that W2 days irrigation interval had significantly (p0.05) effect on plant height and number of branches but significantly reduces stem diameter. During the late vegetative stage (LVD), irrigation intervals have no significant effect on all parameters evaluated. Artemisinin content was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by irrigation intervals during the EVS but significantly affected at mid and late vegetative stage and our result demonstrated that prolong mild irrigation interval (W2) could significantly enhanced artemisinin content in A. annua
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