21 research outputs found
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
No full textIn October 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine (MenB-FHbp [Trumenba, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]) as a 3-dose series. In January 2015, FDA licensed a second MenB vaccine (MenB-4C [Bexsero, Novartis Vaccines]) as a 2-dose series. Both vaccines were approved for use in persons aged 10-25 years. Following outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease on two college campuses in 2013, both MenB vaccines were granted Breakthrough Therapy designations, which expedites drug development and review by FDA, and were licensed based on accelerated approval regulations. On February 26, 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of MenB vaccines among certain groups of persons aged 6510 years who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. This report summarizes information on MenB administration and provides recommendations and guidance for use of these vaccines among persons aged 6510 years in certain groups who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, and reviews the evidence considered by ACIP to make these recommendations. Recommendations for broader use of MenB vaccines in adolescents and college students will be considered separately by ACIP
Response to Shami et al. ‘Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a sequential pneumococcal vaccination compared to single dose vaccination strategy for adults in Hong Kong’ (Hum Vacc Immunother 2020)
No full textThe recently published article by Shami et al. describes a cost-effectiveness analysis of sequential pneumococcal vaccination with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), compared with a single PPSV23 dose, in adults in Hong Kong. Sequential vaccination was cost-saving versus PPSV23 alone. The model assumed vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 0% for PPSV23 against all-cause non-bacteremic pneumonia; this was based on studies with flawed methodologies and studies that did not evaluate non-bacteremic pneumococcal disease. In recent studies and meta-analyses, PPSV23 VE pneumococcal pneumonia, including against non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, ranged from 27% to 64%. In other cost-effectiveness analyses, assumptions for PPSV23 VE against non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, had dramatic effects on cost-effectiveness estimates. Future analyses must carefully consider PPSV23 VE assumptions to ensure accuracy
Management of invasive plant species in Nigeria through economic exploitation: lessons from other countries
No full textInvasive alien species, once they made entry into a region or country, often become difficult to eradicate and it appears that they have cometo stay. Worse still, their adverse effects on the native biodiversity are enormous and they are considered ecologically harmful. Agriculturaland economic losses to invasive species are comparatively high. Mechanical control is expensive and difficult in some terrains; chemicalcontrol is also expensive, requires constant application and has its environmental implications, while biological control is mirred with mixedfailures and successes. This paper reviewed that economic exploitation of some notorious invasive species in other countries – such asSudan, Ethiopia, India, Senegal, Mali and the Gambia – and how this had helped reduce the spread of these invasives and at the same time,became source of income to the poor people. It is believed that adopting this concept in Nigeria will create incentives for harvesting invasivespecies with more commitment, while it is an indirect way of controlling them. Furthermore, harvesting could be labour intensive, thuscreating jobs for people, while it provides additional means of income for rural people, which is a key adaptation strategy for climate change
Efficacy and Effectiveness of a 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine Against Invasive and Non-Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Related Outcomes: A Review of Available Evidence
No full textIntroduction: Routine pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged ≥60 or ≥65 years and those with underlying at-risk and high-risk conditions is recommended in many countries. However, studies estimating the effectiveness of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) have revealed mixed results, explained, in part, by variability in study design and endpoints used to assess outcomes.Areas covered: The authors conducted a literature review of independently randomized trials and real-world studies published from 2010-2020 that assessed the effectiveness and efficacy of PPSV23 against vaccine-type or any-serotype invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease in adults aged ≥60 years. The authors also evaluated differences in study design that may contribute to the heterogeneity of available evidence.Expert opinion: Policy decisions regarding the inclusion of vaccines into national immunization plans should be made taking the quality and limitations of studies into account. This review shows that PPSV23 is effective against vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease and vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia. It can also lower the burden of vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia. PPSV23-conferred protection may be lower in adults aged ≥75 years, those with certain underlying conditions, and individuals who were vaccinated >5 years before disease onset. This is an important finding that supports the benefit of PPSV23 vaccination for older adults.No Full Tex
Immunogenicity following revaccination or sequential vaccination with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in older adults and those at increased risk of pneumococcal disease: a review of the literature
No full textIntroduction: Immunogenicity studies evaluating sequential administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) or revaccination with PPSV23 have raised concerns that PPSV23 may not elicit higher antibody levels than those measured following PCV or first PPSV23 dose. Areas covered: Recent literature was evaluated for evidence of blunted immune response (hyporesponsiveness), focusing on studies using adequate intervals between doses in accordance with vaccination recommendations. In eight of nine studies that evaluated revaccination with PPSV23 at an interval of ≥5 years after the previous dose, immunoglobulin G geometric mean concentrations and/or opsonophagocytic assay geometric mean titers for most serotypes increased from pre- to post-repeat vaccination and were comparable between repeat and primary vaccination groups post-vaccination. In seven studies in which PPSV23 was administered after PCVs (8 weeks to 1 year apart), responses to PPSV23 were comparable to those seen after initial PCV dose for shared vaccine serotypes. Studies in which PCVs were administered after PPSV23 were not evaluated. Expert opinion: Published data suggest immune responses following repeat vaccination with PPSV23, or sequential PCV/PPSV23 vaccination, are robust, without evidence of hyporesponsiveness. PPSV23 vaccination of at-risk adults is essential to ensure broad protection against all 23 vaccine serotypes.No Full Tex
Investigation of Some Biochemical Parameters in Subject with HbSC and HbSS in Saki West Local Government -a Rural Community in Nigeria Corresponding Author
No full textAbstract Background: HbSS and HbSC are a group of genetic blood disorders. They are examples of sickle cell diseases.The complication of sickle cell disease could affect spleen, brain, eyes, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, penis, joints, bones, or skin. Aim and Objective: This work was designed to measure plasma ALT, AST, Albumin,Se, Zn and Uric acid in HbSS and HbSC patients in Saki-West Local Government area of Oyo state-Nigeria. Materials and Methods: HbSS and HbSC patients in crisis and in non-crisis steady state classified into HbSC (n=25) and HbSS (n=25) aged 10 to 31 years were recruited as test subjects for the study. Apparently healthy 50 HbAA volunteers classified into female (n=25) and male (n=25) aged 10 -50 years were also studied as control. Subjects residing in Saki-West for not less than 5 years were recruited as test and control subjects. Plasma Albumin, Uric acid, ALT(Alanine Transaminase), AST(Aspartate Trans aminase) were determined biochemically bt spectrophotometry.Plasma Zn (Zinc) and Se (Selenium) were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results: The result obtained showed a significantly higher mean value of plasma ALT and AST in HbSC and HbSS than HbAA with p<0.05. The result also showed a significantly lower plasma selenium mean value in HbSC and HbSS than HbAA with p<0.05 This biochemical alterations including plasma Zn was more in crisis than in non-crisis steady state. Conclusion and Recommendation: Decreased plasma level of Selenium and increased plasma AST and ALT were found in HbSS and HbSC patients. This biochemical alterations including plasma Zn was more in crisis than in non-crisis steady state
Social work practice in Nigeria: an empowering tool for mass participation in basic education
No full textThe paper presents social work in the presents arrangement with the aim of re-examining and rediscovering its purpose. This effort is being made to reposition social work in Nigeria so as to meet global standards, global challenges and best practices. Some definitions of social work are reviewed, highlighting major comparisons and contrasts. Core purpose and mission statements of social work in Nigeria are examined with particular reference to the Nigeria Association of Social Workers as the professional body, the academic/professional programme of the institution's training social workers and the welfare programme of federal, state and local government as the major employers of social workers in Nigeria. A brief historical survey of social welfare in pre-colonial period was done to enable us know where we were coming from, how we arrived at the present state and consequently prepare for future challenges in social work in Nigeria. This author, is observed that some African social values have been found dispensable in addressing modem social problems and the infusion of these values into the training of social workers in Nigerian cannot be overemphasized. Thereafter, the strengths and limitations of the values are examined with the hope of building on the strengths and diminishing the weaknesses. Finally, the author suggested some steps to be taken by both government and the appropriate bodies in the rediscovering process while preparing to face future challenges
Women Empowerment as a Determinant of Investments in Children in Selected Rural Communities in Nigeria
No full textThe study established the influence of women empowerment on investments in children in selected rural communities in Nigeria. A total of two hundred and fifty rural women from Ile-Ife and its environs constituted the sample for the study. Their ages ranged from 15years to 39years with a mean age of 26.7years and standard deviation of 7.08. The two instruments used were author-constructed interview guide questionnaires with 0.69 and 0.74 reliability coefficient respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, chi-square, and multiple regression statistics. The results obtained from the study indicated that, a combination of the six independent variables significantly predicted the dependent variable. The result also indicated that, significant relationship existed between each of the variables and children schooling, health and survival. Based on the results of these findings, it was recommended that those in the helping professions should take cognizance of those variables that have been found to influence investing in children schooling, health and survival. The result also recommended intervention strategy to help families, couples and the individuals for modifying attitudes and behaviours on gender issues.Key words: Decision-making autonomy, Access to economic resources, Freedom from fear and coercion, Schooling, health and survival
Socio-Economic Benefits of Iroko Trees (Milicia excelsa Welw C.C. Berg) in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textA complete survey of Iroko trees in Ibadan metropolis was carried out with the view to determining their distribution and status. The entire of Ibadan City was considered for the study. The city was divided into sections and a reconnaissance survey was conducted to confirm existence of the tree species within each of the section. Direct observation of the already identified Iroko trees was then carried out during the actual data collection stage of the study. Permissions were sought before data collection was carried out on the identified trees. A total of 62 Iroko trees were surveyed; out of these, 33 (53.2%) stands were accessible while the remaining 29 stands (46.8%) were inaccessible. Many of the trees that could not be accessed were a result of restriction into the location where they exist. The most frequently observed benefit obtained trees are shade from direct sunlight and cool breeze it creates. Other uses of trees include peeling of the tree bark and used in preparation of local medicine, fetish activities on and around the tree, and use of the fallen branches as firewood. There is urgent need for appropriate protection strategies of these remaining indigenous tree species where they exist. Keywords: Milicia excelsa, endangered species, urban forest, bark slashing, medicines, restriction, Ibada
