Serum Immunoglobulin E Level and Its Relationship with Eosinophil Count among Patients with Allergic Rhinitis in Tertiary Hospital in Bauchi, Northeastern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity disease of the mucous membrane of the nasal airway. There is a paucity of information regarding serum immunoglobulin E level and its relationship with eosinophil count among patients with allergic rhinitis in our facility and Northeastern Nigeria. AIM: To determine serum immunoglobulin E level and its relationship with eosinophil count among patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis that were recruited from the ear, nose, and throat surgery and respiratory medicine clinics of ATBUTH, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria, from January 01, 2022, to May 31, 2023. Five milliliters of blood were analyzed for immunoglobulin E estimation using an immunoglobulin E ELISA kit and determination of eosinophil count using pack five hematologic autoanalyzer. Extracted data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 software. RESULT: There were 61 patients studied comprising 22 (36.1%) males and 39 (63.9%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.7. Their ages range from 18 to 77 years old. The mean age, serum IgE level, and eosinophil counts of all three patients were 38.65 ± 14.34 years, 371.24 ± 82.63 IU/ml, and 3.35 ± 2.87%, respectively. All (100%) participants had raised serum IgE levels, and 88.5% had normal eosinophil count. There was no significant correlation between the serum IgE level and eosinophil counts (r = -0.206; P = 0.112). CONCLUSION: All of the participants had a high serum IgE level. There was no significant association between serum IgE and eosinophil count.

Unlocking Efficiency in Radio-Frequency Heating: Eigenfrequency Analysis for Resonance Identification and Propagation Enhancement in Nigerian Tar Sands.

Nigerian bituminous tar sands are among the world's largest deposits of bitumen and heavy oil. They are estimated to contain 38-40 billion barrels of heavy oil and bitumen, spanning approximately 120 km in length and 4-6 km in breadth. With global commitments to net zero emissions and various energy transition plans, improvements in the recovery methods for heavy oil and bitumen are being sought. To address this, renewable energy electrothermal enhanced oil recovery is considered an eco-friendly alternative. In our study, we introduce a novel Reservoir-Waveguide-Debye model. This model explores the enhancement of penetration for radio-frequency electromagnetic (EM) waves, which can be generated from renewable energy sources. These waves facilitate the viscosity reduction of heavy oil and bitumen. Through a comprehensive 2D numerical simulation employing the bulk properties of bituminous tar sands, we assess the propagation of EM fields within porous media. We utilize the industrial heating radio-frequency bandwidth of 1-60 MHz to conduct frequency domain investigations. Our analysis delves into propagation modes using eigenfrequency analysis, pinpointing the EM resonance of the tar sands. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of mesh refinement on the EM eigenfrequencies of porous media at both the microscale (400 µm) and macroscale (100 m in radial distance). Our results demonstrate the occurrence of resonance phenomena at complex eigenfrequencies around 27.12 and 54.24 MHz in both the microscale and macroscale models of the bituminous sands. This breakthrough research offers promising insights into harnessing renewable energy-driven EM waves for efficient thermal recovery processes in the Nigerian bituminous tar sands, thus fostering sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Effects of EBN on embryo implantation, plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones, and uterine expressions of genes of PCNA, steroids, growth factors and their receptors in rats.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplement on uterine function and embryo-implantation rate. A total of 24 adult female rats, divided equally into four groups, were treated with different doses of EBN for 8 weeks. In the last week of treatment, intact fertile male rats were introduced into each group (three per group) for overnight for mating. On day 7 post-mating (post-implantation), blood samples were collected from the hearts of anaesthetised rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for assessment of embryo implantation rate, histological and electron microscopic examination, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results showed that as the concentration of EBN supplemented increased, the pregnancy and embryo implantation rates were also increased in the treated groups; significantly at G3 and G4. Although histological evaluation did not show much difference among the groups, scanning electron microscopic examination showed enhanced development of elongated microvilli and pinopods in G4. Results also revealed up-regulated expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nulear antigen (PCNA), and progesterone and estrogen receptors (P4R, E2R) in the uteri of treated groups. Moreover, plasma E2, P4, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (P) levels were higher (p < 0.05) in G3 and G4. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities (TAC) and reduced oxidative stress (OS) levels in pregnant rats. In conclusion, findings of this study revealed that EBN enhances fertility and embryo implantation rate via promoting proliferation and differentiation of uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors, EGF, EGFR, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus. Furthermore, observations of improved growth of ultrastructural pinopods that assist in embryo attachment with uterine epithelium, increased concentrations of E2, P4, GH and P levels, as well as increased AO capacities with reduced OS levels in the treated groups might reflect additional possible mechanisms by which EBN enhances embryo implantation rate and pregnancy success.

Tuberculosis infection and disease in people living with HIV in countries with low tuberculosis incidence.

In countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence, TB is concentrated in vulnerable populations, including people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), who have a substantially greater risk of TB than people without HIV. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies evaluating the risk factors for latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) or active TB in PLHIV in countries with TB incidence 10 per 100 000 population. Due to the number of risk factors evaluated and heterogeneity in study designs, we present summary data and a narrative synthesis. We included 45 studies: 17 reported data on the risk factors for LTBI and 32 on active TB. Black, Asian or Hispanic ethnicity, birth or long-term residence in a country with high TB incidence, and HIV acquisition via injecting drug use (IDU) or heterosexual sex were strong predictors of both LTBI and active TB. History of contact, a greater degree of immunosuppression at diagnosis or higher viral load increased the TB risk. Early HIV diagnosis to allow timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy is essential for the prevention of TB in PLHIV. Screening and treating PLHIV for LTBI to reduce the risk of progression to active TB disease should also be considered to further reduce the burden of active TB in low TB incidence settings. Research to support the expansion of TB and HIV prevention and treatment globally is essential to eliminate TB in low-incidence settings.

A retroperitoneal extra-renal wilms' tumour: A case report.

Wilms' tumour originates predominantly in the renal tissue; in rare cases it can also arise from extra-renal sites accounting for 0.5-1% of cases of Wilms' tumours seen. A diagnosis of extra-renal Wilms' cannot be easily established with clinical and radiological features except when the histological facts are provided. Wilms' tumours arising from extra-renal sites may not be different in clinical features, protocol of treatment and outcome from a typical intra renal Wilms' tumour. A 2-year-old boy presented with an asymptomatic abdominal swelling for 3 months. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans revealed an extra-renal mass. Intravenous urogram (IVU) showed prompt excretion bilaterally. Post excision histology of the tumour confirmed a Wilms' tumour.

Palliative care in patients who receive whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.

Background: Brain Metastases is a devastating complication of Cancer affecting 10-50% of patients with systemic disease. It by far outnumbers primary Brain tumor in a 10:1 ratio. Aims and Objective: To determine the age distribution, gender distribution, tumor of origin, commonest radiotherapy regimen and median survival of patients who received Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases. Materials and Methods: Between May 2006-May 2015 patients who received Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases for confirmed Brain Metastases were studied in a Retrospective study and evaluated with respect to age, gender, tumor of origin and radiotherapy regimen. Patients Case files and treatment files were reviewed and results were analyzed using SPSS version 20th Edition. Results: A total of 30 cases were reviewed. The age range of patients was between 16-70 years with a mean age of 43.5 years. Median age of 41.5 years. 83.4% of patients were female with remaining 16.7% males. The commonest tumor of origin was Breast Cancer (76.7%) followed by Lymphoma (6.7%),Lung (3.3%), Colon(3.3%), Endometrium(3.3%), Pancrease (3.3%), Paranasal Sinus (3.3%). Majority of patients 73.3% received 30Gy in 10# over 2 weeks. Median Survival is 3 months. The most common clinical presentation is Headache (46.6%). Conclusion: Most Patients presented at advanced stages of their diseases. The mean age of patients that received Whole Brain Radiotherapy were in the fifth decade of life. More Females than Males received Whole Brain Radiotherapy.

Helicobacter pylori infection in Nigerians with dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection, and a significant aetiological factor in acid peptic diseases and gastric cancer. Dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and the most common indication for gastroscopy. Detection of this organism during endoscopy has become standard clinical practice. We determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among dyspeptic patients using serology and histology. METHODS: Patients with dyspepsia underwent gastroscopy, and biopsies were taken from the antral portions of their stomach and processed. Their serum samples were tested for H. pylori infection using ELISA to detect anti-bodies. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five patients, comprising 49 (39.2%) males and 76 (60.8%) females were studied. A prevalence rate of 93.6% for H. pylori was found by serology while a rate of 80.0% was found by histology. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia; and a high percentage of detection by serological and histological tests.

The effect of health education on the knowledge, attitude, and uptake of free Pap smear among female teachers in Birnin-Kebbi, North-Western Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The Routine Pap smear test has successfully reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the presence of a proper structure for its implementation. This study was designed to assess the effect of health education on the knowledge, attitude, and uptake of Pap smear among female teachers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a quasi-experimental, controlled study with a pre-test, post-test design. A total of 100 respondents were recruited for each of the intervention and control groups, by the multistage sampling technique. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score of cervical cancer was low in both the interventions (25.5% ± 10.5) and control groups (18.9% ± 10.0) at baseline; a significant rise to 57.2% ± 20.7 was recorded after the intervention in the Intervention group (P<0.0001). The baseline mean attitude score was also low in the intervention and control groups (17.1% ± 6.3 and 14.1% ± 6.4, respectively); post intervention there was a significant rise of up to 28.0% ± 12.8 in the Intervention group (P<0.0001). The proportion of respondents with a reported practice of Pap smear was low and similar in both the groups at baseline (1.1 and 4.9% in the intervention and control groups, respectively, P=0.16). Uptake of free Pap smear was poor at the post-intervention phase in both the groups (P=0.45). Reported reasons for poor uptake included the respondents' dislike for the test (38.4%) and the belief that the test was not necessary (24.4%). About 20% of the respondents did not have any reason at all. CONCLUSION: Health education had no significant effect on the uptake of a free Pap smear among teachers. Despite the significant improvement in the attitude toward the test, many respondents did not like the test after than before the intervention. Sociocultural issues such as the gender of the sample collector, and system factors like few service delivery points, and the time required to access the service could have contributed to the poor uptake recorded in this study. A program designed to improve routine cervical cancer screening by Pap smear should therefore address not only the knowledge and cost, but also the sociocultural and systemic factors.

The Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation, validation and reliability of the Hausa language version in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of physical activity is important in determining the risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity. The absence of culturally relevant measures in indigenous languages could pose challenges to epidemiological studies on physical activity in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) to the Hausa language, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Hausa version of IPAQ-SF in Nigeria. METHODS: The English IPAQ-SF was translated into the Hausa language, synthesized, back translated, and subsequently subjected to expert committee review and pre-testing. The final product (Hausa IPAQ-SF) was tested in a cross-sectional study for concurrent (correlation with the English version) and construct validity, and test-retest reliability in a sample of 102 apparently healthy adults. RESULTS: The Hausa IPAQ-SF has good concurrent validity with Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) ranging from 0.78 for vigorous activity (Min Week-1) to 0.92 for total physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent of Task [MET]-Min Week-1), but poor construct validity, with cardiorespiratory fitness (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.01) and body mass index (ρ = 0.22, p = 0.04) significantly correlated with only moderate activity and sitting time (Min Week-1), respectively. Reliability was good for vigorous (ICC = 0.73, 95% C.I = 0.55-0.84) and total physical activity (ICC = 0.61, 95% C.I = 0.47-0.72), but fair for moderate activity (ICC = 0.33, 95% C.I = 0.12-0.51), and few meaningful differences were found in the gender and socioeconomic status specific analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The Hausa IPAQ-SF has acceptable concurrent validity and test-retest reliability for vigorous-intensity activity, walking, sitting and total physical activity, but demonstrated only fair construct validity for moderate and sitting activities. The Hausa IPAQ-SF can be used for physical activity measurements in Nigeria, but further construct validity testing with objective measures such as an accelerometer is needed.

Liver function tests profile in cancer patients on cytotoxic chemotherapy: a preliminary report.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess liver function in Nigerian cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, with a view to contributing to the existing literature and possibly making recommendations for better management of the affected patients in Nigerian hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum levels of total bilirubin (TB), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT) were determined in 50 cancer patients both before and after chemotherapy and 50 age- and sex-matched control individuals. The data obtained were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003. Two-tailed student's t- test for matched samples and Pearson's linear correlation statistical methods were employed for the analyses. RESULTS: The levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP and TB, ALB, TP and AST/ALT were significantly higher in cancer patients than in controls both before and after chemotherapy, with more pronounced elevations after chemotherapy. There were positive and significant correlations between cycles of chemotherapy and the serum liver function tests. CONCLUSION: The findings from the present study conclude that there is slight difference when compared to controls in liver function test profile in cancer patients even before commencement of chemotherapy with a worsening of the profile of patients after chemotherapy. This difference in liver function also increases with the cycles of chemotherapy.

Waiting time for emergency abdominal surgery in Zaria, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Management of surgical emergencies in Nigeria is characterised by mismatch between supply of facilities and demand for care. This study aimed to evaluate the waiting time between presentation at hospital with acute abdominal disease and operative intervention. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We prospectively studied adult patients with abdominal diseases requiring emergency operation. The interval between presentation and first contact with emergency room doctors was defined as T1; time from contact to decision to operate as T2; time taken to resuscitate patient T3 and to commencement of operation T4. Causes of delay and its impact on outcome of treatment were noted. RESULTS: There were 488 patients, mean age 32 +/-1.7 SD years. TT ranged between 0.8 and 79.0 hours, mean 22.3 +/- 10.0 hours. In 81.6% operative intervention was delayed beyond 6 hours of which financial constraints accounted for 53.8%. T3 accounted for the longest delay (0.5 -53.0 hours). Patients of lower socio-economic class had longer T3 (p<0.005). Waiting for complementary investigations caused delay in 22.1%. Post-operative complications (p=0.0001) and their severity were higher in patients with longer TT. Prolonged TT (p<0.001), ASA grade (0.005) and time from onset of symptoms to admission (p=0.009) were associated with mortality. Patients whose operations were delayed beyond 24 hours had a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Emergency abdominal operations were delayed in our patients mainly because of scarce financial resources. Delayed interventions were associated with higher morbidity and mortality.

Surgical pathology of schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis remains an important health problem in many tropical countries and is being seen with increasing frequency in immigrant populations and tourists in developed countries. The pattern of organ involvement and clinical presentation of schistosomiasis in 80 patients (male: female, 9:1) during a five-year period (2001-2005) was examined from archival histopathology records. The urinary bladder was the most common organ affected [50 (62.5%)]. Gastrointestinal, male and female genital schistosomiasis were detected in 12 (15%), eight (10%) and five (6.1%) cases, respectively. Hematuria was the most common presenting symptom [34 (42.5%)], and bladder cancer was the only malignancy found to be associated with the infection. A high clinical index of suspicion usually allows for a preoperative diagnosis where indicated and avoidance of radical surgery. While research for the development of an effective vaccine continues, a plea is made for the expansion of multinational control programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

AIDS mortality in a tertiary health institution: A four-year review.

Africa contains 70% of adults and 80% of children living with AIDS in the world and has buried 75% of the 21.8 million worldwide who have died of AIDS since the epidemic began. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has 5.8% of her adult population having HIV infection at the end of 2003. We reviewed the causes of death among AIDS patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria over four years. Four-hundred-fifty-five (9.9%) of the 4,574 adult medical admissions were due to HIV/AIDS-related diagnosis. HIV/AIDS admissions increased progressively from 45 cases in 2001 to 174 in 2004. HIV/AIDS caused 176 deaths over the period giving an HIV-related mortality of 38.7%. This also showed a gradual increase from 24 deaths in 2001 to 61 deaths in 2004. The most common causes of death were tuberculosis (33.4%), septicemia (23.8%), advanced HIV disease (9.1%), meningitis (7.4%), other pulmonary infections (5.1%) and Kaposi's sarcoma (4.5%). The present dismal situation of patients living with HIV/AIDS calls for enhanced strategies to decrease the mortality trend observed. With the introduction of affordable highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in several centers in Nigeria, it is hoped that infected patients can be made to live longer.