Knowledge and preventive practices related to Monkey pox among medical doctors in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: For effective control of Monkey pox (Mpox), clinicians need to have adequate knowledge of the disease and adopt appropriate practices to contain it. This study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of medical doctors regarding Monkey pox. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized for the study and using a two stage sampling method, 210 medical doctors working in Sokoto metropolis were recruited into the study. Aset of structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the study participants. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23 with level of statistical significance set at p<0.05 Results: All the respondents were aware of Mpox with more than half (52.3%) having the internet as their commonest source of information. The majority, ((72%) of the clinicians had good knowledge and only years of working experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the disease. Preventive practices were well exhibited by all the respondents with the majority (73%) having appropriate preventive practices. Conclusion and recommendation: This study has demonstrated good knowledge towards Mpox by clinicians in Sokoto metropolis, with a greater majority exhibiting appropriate preventive practices. Sustained awareness and retraining of health care workers in general is necessary to maintain the tempo of high index of suspicion for outbreaks of Mpox and other potential epidemics and also regular use of personal protective equipment

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria ­ A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Correlation Of Safety Perceptions And Safety Behavior In University Teaching Laboratory

@#Chemicals usage has been reported as the cause of accidents in a laboratory. Those accidents have caused many injuries, even fatality in many sectors, one of which happened in the University Teaching Laboratory. Accidents usually happen because of unsafe behavior, while unsafe behavior is caused by bad safety perceptions. This paper investigates the correlation of perceptions and behavior in University Teaching Laboratory. The result measured by regression analysis to find out the relationship between two variables showed that there is a strong relationship between perceptions and behavior. Therefore, safe behavior can be created through creating good perception.

In vitro Antibacterial Activity and In vivo Acute Toxicological Studies of Nelsonia campestris Aqueous Leaf Exrtact.

Aim: To investigate In vitro antibacterial activity and in vivo toxicological studies of aqueous extract of Nelsonia campestris. Study Design: Experimental design. Methodology: Standard laboratory procedures were used. Results and Discussion: The extract was highly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia and moderately active against Bacillus subtilis and Shigella dysenteriae with inhibition diameters in the range of (20 mm-30 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) recorded for the extract ranges between (80-90) mg/ml, and (70-90) mg/ml respectively. 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight of the extract were orally administered to rats in their respective groups, while 0.5 ml of normal saline was administered to the rats in the control group for a period of one week. At the end of the experiment, the animals were anaesthetized under chloroform, and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture and used for the analyses of biochemical and haematological parameters. The packed cell volume (PCV) in 100 mg/kg bodyweight group increased (38.0±1.00) in reference to other groups. Red blood cell, and white blood cell also increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared with the control group. Total protein decreased (p>0.05) in all the treated groups in reference to the control. Activities of Aspartate transaminase (AST) increased in all groups in a dose dependent manner while that of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased but showing increase in the same dose dependent fashion. Triglyceride increased significantly (p<0.05) in all groups, while cholesterol decreased in all groups. Urea increased significantly in a dose dependent manner when compared to the control group while creatinine decreased in the same way. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Nelsonia campestris has activity against the microbes resulting from the suppression of immunity by morbillivirus, but with mild toxicity to kidney, and liver.

comparison between estimates of glomerular filtration rate using technetium-99m-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid clearance and modification of diet in renal disease equation

Background: More than half of cancer patients have unrecognized renal insufficiency, which is a reduced glomerular filtration rate [GFR] and is a disease complication factor

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the present study is to compare the accuracy of GFR with two methods, i.e., GFR by Gates' method [gamma camera uptake method with technetium-99m-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid [Tc-99m-DTPA] and GFR by modification of diet in renal disease [MDRD] equation in cancer patients

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 cancer patients with abnormal serum creatinine were included in the study. 50 age matched cancer patients with normal creatinine, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum albumin were taken as controls. History of patients including site of cancer, chemotherapy regime and dose of chemotherapy was recorded. Serum creatinine was estimated by auto analyzer using Jaffe's method. Glomerular filtration rate [GFR] was calculated using camera based modified gates method with [99mTc-DPTA] and MDRD equation

Results: Mean age of patients was 50 year. Level of serum creatinine and BUN were significantly increased [P < 0.001] in patients when compared to controls. Level of serum albumin was non-significantly [P > 0.05] decreased in cancer patients and body surface area also increased, but differences were non-significant [P > 0.05] in cancer patients when compared to controls. Mean GFR was estimated by camera based modified gates method which increased in cancer patients as compared to GFR by MDRD equation but differences were not significant [P > 0.05]. Cost, time duration and time for reagent preparation was very high using Renogram [Gate's method] as compared to the cost and other factors involved in estimation of GFR by MDRD equation

Conclusions: It is concluded that the MDRD equation is more suitable, economical and time saving for the estimation of GFR as compared to Renogram using Tc-99m-DPTA. However future prospective studies are required to the estimation of GFR in those tumors, which may cause kidney damage such as cisplatin or carboplatin, methotrexate

Chronic umbilical discharge. An unusual presentation of endometriosis

Umbilical endometriosis is an important differential diagnosis of any umbilical lesion. A 35-yearold type 2 diabetic woman presented with intermittent umbilical discharge which failed to respond to various antibiotics. An ultrasound scan and MRI scan failed to show any obvious abnormality. The umbilicus was excised and histology confirmed endometriosis. Surgical excision provides a definitive diagnosis and curative treatment for isolated endometriosis

Role of some mycotoxins in inducing kidney diseases in upper Egypt

Egypt has a climate that favors the growth of fungi specially those producing mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are found all over the world in human food and blood as well as in animal blood and tissues. The most threatening effects are their nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The aim of this study was to identify the role of some mycotoxins namely; ochraloxin A [OTA] and fumonisin B[1] [FB1] in the occurrence of chronic renal disease of unknown aetiology in Upper Egypt. This study was carried out on 134 subjects who were classified as: 47 patients suffered from chronic renal failure of unknown aetiology before dialysis treatment [group A], 35 subjects who were relatives of patients in group A considering that they share them in the same environmental conditions [group B], 28 subjects working in the Middle Egypt Company [MEC] for grinding of cereals as an occupational risk group for exposure to inhalation of mycotoxins [group C] and 24 subjects with normal kidney functions as a control group. They exposed to a detailed history, their occupation, family history and kidney function tests. Indices of early kidney affection and levels of OTA and FB[1] in urine and serum for all subjects in all groups were also done. As regard group A, OTA was significantly increased while FBI was non-significantly increased in both serum and urine of patients compared to control group. There was positive correlation between the levels of OTA in both serum and urine versus the level of blood urea. It was found also that the patients with positive ochratoxicity had mild proteinuria. As regard group B, OTA and FB[1] were detected in urine and plasma, although with levels lower than that in group A but significantly higher than that of controls. As regard group C, OTA was found to be nearly equal to that in controls both in serum and urine which may indicate the low contamination levels of cereals in MEC due to good storage conditions. However, FB[1] was found in serum to be insignificantly higher than that in groups A and controls. Also FB[1] was detected in urine insignificantly lower than that in group A and insignificantly higher than that in controls. Although the results were statistically non significant but may indicate the increased risk of exposure to FB[1] in this group. We concluded that the presence of OTA and FB[1] in serum and urine of our control group may indicate the presence of these two mycotoxins as contaminants in the food in our locality. Also, these toxins may play a role in inducing chronic renal diseases in our locality. We advise a continuous follow up for all subjects exposed to these toxins, giving instructions about ways for protection and treatment as well as good storage for cereals and foods

Kuwait acute coronary syndromes registry: baseline characteristics, management practices and in-hospital outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes in Kuwait

To identify the characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndromes [ACS], their hospital management and in-hospital outcomes, through a prospective registry system in Kuwait. A registry involving all 7 general hospitals in Kuwait was set up. Consecutive patients diagnosed as having ACS over a period of 6 months were enrolled. Of 2,129 patients enrolled, 718 [34%] had ST segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], 576 [27%] non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI] and 835 [39%] unstable angina [UA]. Thrombolytic therapy was used in 556 [77%] patients with STEMI. The median time from diagnostic electrocardiogram to administration of thrombolytic therapy was 38 min. Almost all patients with ACS [2,050, 96%] received aspirin during hospitalization. Only a minority received clopidogrel, 18 [3%] STEMI, 36 [6%] NSTEMI and 96 [12%] UA patients. The use of glycoprotein llb/llla antagonists was minimal [38 patients, 2%]. beta-blockers were used in 1,473 [69%] patients, while 982 [46%] received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Coronary angiography during hospitalization was performed in 119 [17%], 120 [21%] and 126 [15%] patients with STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, respectively. In-hospital mortality occurred in 31 [4%] myocardial infarction patients and 4 [0.5%] UA patients [p < 0.0001]. This registry has enabled us to determine the incidence and characteristics of ACS patients in Kuwait. It has also enabled us to identify some barriers that we need to overcome for the full implementation of published guidelines for the management of patients with ACS

Applications and complications of polyurethane stenting in urology

As surgeons working in a developing country, we decided to review our experience with polyurethane stents instead of the more expensive ones on common urological procedures and analyzing our experience with respect to their usefulness versus their problems and outcome. This stusy was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi and Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Cantonment, Pakistan through March 2002 through May 2004. During this period 342 of patients were operated requiring stent and 220 patients out of these had polyurethane as stent material for different urological operations. Among the 220 patients who underwent polyurethane stenting, early complications included fever, infection, voiding symptoms while stent migration, encrustation and stent stiffness was encountered as later complications. The benefits of Polyurethane stents are its strength, versatility and low cost. Poor biodurability and biocompatibility only limit its use; these are reasonably effective in our setup but should only be used for short duration

Squamous cell carcinoma of colon and rectum

Primary squamous cell carcinoma SCC of the colon and rectum is a rare malignancy. Less than 100 cases have been reported in literature. We report 2 cases of pure SCC involving the rectum and sigmoid colon. A review of literature has been made starting from the first report in 1919 to the present. We have examined the theories regarding the etiology, available treatment modalities, and prognosis for this variant of colorectal carcinoma. We conclude that this tumor presents later than adenocarcinoma and follows an aggressive course. With a greater awareness among surgeons and pathologists, more cases may become known leading to a better estimation of prevalence and clinicopathological behavior of this tumor

Surgical incidence of cholelithiasis in Hyderabad and adjoining areas [Pakistan]

To determine the surgical incidence of cholelithiasis in Hyderabad and adjoining areas. Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Surgical Units of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro; Memon Charitable Hospital; Wali Bhai Rajputana Hospital; Naseem Medical Center; and Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. Patients: 483 male and 1583 female patients of 10 to 80 years age surgically treated for gallstones during the years 1999 to 2001. Measurements: The surgical incidence of cholelithiasis for the period January 1999 to December 2001 was studied with the help of a questionnaire designed to know the dietary habits, age, sex and month of presentation of gallstone cases. Of the gallstone patients treated, the surgical incidence in mates was found to be 4.0% [95% CI, 3.6 - 4.5] and in females 14.2% [CI, 14.1 - 15.7], constituting male to female ratio 1:3.3. May and November were the peak months for the presentation of gallstone cases. The age range for male gallstone patients was 10 to 78 years and for females 11 to 80. The peak age group for the occurrence of gallstones in males was 45-59 years and in females 30-44. Females between the ages 30 - 44 years were seen to be more prone to develop gallstones than the females of any other age group. Conclusions: Overall surgical incidence for chotelithiasis was found to be 9.03% [95% CI, 8.6 - 9.4], with females being 3.3 times more prone to develop gallstones than the males

study of airways reactivity to inhaled histamine in a chemical mill employees working on a chlorine treatment plant

The workers on chemical plant are exposed to occupational hazards. Leakage of gases like chlorine produced as a byproduct in a soda ash plant, may cause airway damage. There may not be any clinical abnormality in respiratory system in early stages of exposure. Provocation with inhaled histamine in such workers may show an exaggerated response. This study was carried out to observe airway sensitivity pattern to inhaled histamine in workers exposed to chlorine leakage. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty workers on a chemical plant at 33 km on Sheikhupura Road, Faisalabad were selected as experimental and 30 asymptomatic adult from urban area of Lahore served as a control group. Forced vital capacity [FVC], Forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1], forced expiratory flow at 25% of flow volume loop [FEF25], Mean Mid expiratory flow rate [FEF 25-75] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] were measured before and after inhalation of maximum 8.00 [micro] moles of histamine diphosphate. PERIOD OF STUDY: July 1995-September 1995. Seven out of thirty [23.33%] mill workers had bronchial hyperresponsiveness [BHR] while in control group only one person exhibited BHR [3.38%]. There was a significantly more decrease [P<0.01] in FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, FEF25 in chemical mill workers in comparison to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness can be present in asymptomatic subjects exposed to sensitizing agents like chlorine. Routine screening for BHR in such subjects is recommended to avoid development of chronic airway diseases and a longitudinal study should be carried out in order to evaluate this

Varicocelectomy: inguinal versus suprainguinal approach

To compare the results of suprainguinal with the inguinal approach for treating varicocele. Design: A prospective randomized study of 80 cases of varicocele operated from January 1993 to December 1994.Setting: Surgical Unit IV, Liaquat Medical College Hospital, Jamshoro, Hyderabad. Subjects: 80 patients of varicocele. Main outcome measures: Complications and results of inguinal and suprainguinal approach for varicocelelectomy. The mean age was 22.4 years. The swelling was left sided in 98.75% and bilateral in 1.25% of cases. The clinical presentation was dragging sensation in 63 [78.75%] of cases and infertility in 17 [21.25%] of case. The postoperative complication of wound infection was 2.5% in both groups. Wound haematoma was 5% in inguinal and 2.5% in suprainguinal. Hydrocele formation and testicular atrophy was 2.5% each in inguinal group. Persistent dragging sensation was 2.5% in each group and pregnancy rate was 28.5% in inguinal and 30% in suprainguinal group. Suprainguinal approach is better than inguinal as it causes decreased recurrence, decreased complications and better impregnation rate

Analytical study of the safety records of a leading seaport in the GCC

The pertinent records of the year 1411 H [1990/1991] for a leading seaport of a member state of GCC were examined for appraising safety performance there. The recorded accidents during this year included 270 accidents without injuries, 58 first-aid accidents and 138 work injuries [leading to absence off work] and 4 fatalities. The injury frequency rate there [3.41] is comparable with similar agencies, while the Severity rate [725.2] is considerably higher. Collision of transport, lifting and material handling equipment represents the major type of work accident [58.9%], while the highest injury rates occurred in maintenance and Operation of marine equipment, followed by loading and unloading, then housekeeping Meanwhile, the rate of accidents showed considerable increase :a- during summer months, b- during the peak months of the Gulf. war followed by re-export of war equipment, c- in the middle days of the week, d- during the 4th and 8th hours of shift, with a sharp decrease during and after lunch hours, and, e- among workers performing highly technical jobs; however, decreased by gaining experience with the long duration of employment. Most of the accidents could be prevented by proper training of workers and appropriate supervision, since their cause was unsafe acts due to lack of attention and/or of supervision

Interferon production in patients with recurrent hereditary polyserositis

Peripheral blood cells, obtained from patients with recurrent hereditary polyserositis [RHP] during attack-free intervals, were found to produce less interferon-gamma than cells from healthy controls when stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin. A similar, although less pronounced hyporesponsiveness was observed for interferon-alpha, produced after stimulation with Sendai virus. Treatment of the patients with colchicine appeared to restore, or partly restore, the interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma responsiveness, although neither interferon could be demonstrated in sera from the patients. However, the RHP patients displayed significantly raised serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin, a substance whose synthesis is stimulated by interferon. The interferon abnormality in RHP may be a secondary phenomenon, but it cannot be excluded that it has a pathogenetic role in the development of the disease

role of serum creatine phosphokinase levels in schizophrenia

Thirty [first episode] schizophrenics, thirty chronic schizophrenics and fifteen normal healthy controls were randomly selected for the study. The first episode schizophrenics had not received any medication especially neuroleptics during their illness, the chronic schizophrenics, were on a stable dose of neuroleptic raedication ant normal controls were free from any physical and mental illness. Schizophrenics were diagnosed according to Schneider's diagnostic criteria of first rank symptoms. Serum creative phosphokinase levels were 10.46, 7.73 and 4.2 Sigma units/ml in first episode schizophrer: chronic schizophrenics and controls respectively. The levels were significantly raised in first episode schizophrenics, compared to controls [P<0.01]. While the difference between chronic schizophrenics with first episode and controls was not significant. In this study the CPK levels were raised above the normal range in 12 patients [40%] of first epi s schizophrenics and 7 patients, [23%] of chronic schizophrenics. These findings suggest that the schizophrenics in this part of the country show the same pattern of elevation as observed in the West. The interpretation of these findings remains to be explored

Glaucoma in relation to trauma

Traumatic glaucoma may follow blunt and penetrating injuries of the eye. The glaucoma following injury can be early or may develop after some interval. Ocular inflammations, intraocular haemorrhage and other tissue damage may cause and accompany traumatic glaucoma following ocular injuries. Early or acute glaucoma is usually related to intraocular haemorrhages and acute inflammatory response of ocular tissue leading to peripheral anterior synechiae. Traumatic lens damage may result in rupture of the lens capsule releasing lens material into the enaterior chamber. The released lens material is engulfed by macrophages which block the trabecular meshwork producing phacolytic glaucoma. Traumatic recession of the angle of anterior chamber, traumatic vitreous haemorrhage, luxation and sub- luxation of the lens and retained intraocular foreign bodies are the main cause of late traumatic glaucoma. The treatment of traumatic glaucoma, early or late, requires detailed and careful study of the involved eye for correct evaluation of the cause of increased intraocular pressure and for choosing the appropriate medical or surgical therapy