Hormonal Profile of Women Attending Fertility Clinic in Zaria, North-west, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Infertility affects approximately 186 million people worldwide and 8-12% of couples of reproductive age worldwide. Female infertility remains the commonest gynaecological case attended to in many fertility centres across Nigeria with a national prevalence of infertility between 10-23.6%. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of hormonal interplay and organ sensitivity account for about 19% of the cause of infertility in females in Nigeria and the laboratory assessment of the hormones of this axis have been a significant goal standard in the diagnosis as well as treatment. OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the pattern of the HPG hormones seen in infertile women in a Nigerian fertility treatment centre to identify and classify the causes. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional randomized study of 125 participants was selected and stratified into 47 primary and 78 secondary infertility participants respectively, conducted between Oct 2016 and August 2017. The control participants consisted of apparently healthy women, age-matched. Serum levels of four hormones [luteinizing hormones (LH), follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), prolactin, and oestradiol] were assayed using the ELISA technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of infertile women was 30.4±5.8 years. Serum levels of prolactin (10.6±9.3) and oestradiol (301±157.9) were significantly (p= ≤ 0.05) higher among the participants. However, the levels of LH and FSH were similar among the participants and controls (p = ≤0.77 and ≤0.07 respectively). CONCLUSION: Hyperprolactinaemia and oestradiolaemia are characteristics of secondary female infertility in Nigeria. Laboratory evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with thyroid hormones cannot be over- emphasized for a proper diagnosis and impact on the treatment of infertility.

CONTEXTE: L'infertilité touche environ 186 millions de personnes dans le monde et 8 à 12 % des couples en âge de procréer. L'infertilité féminine reste le cas gynécologique le plus fréquent dans de nombreux centres de fertilité au Nigeria, avec une prévalence nationale de l'infertilité comprise entre 10 et 23,6 %. L'axe hypothalamohypophyso- gonadique (HPG) de l'interaction hormonale et de la sensibilité des organes représente environ 19 % des causes d'infertilité chez les femmes au Nigeria et l'évaluation en laboratoire des hormones de cet axe a été une norme importante dans le diagnostic et le traitement. OBJECTIFS DE L'ÉTUDE: L'étude a examiné le profil des hormones HPG observées chez les femmes infertiles dans un centre Nigérian de traitement de la fertilité afin d'identifier et de classer les causes. MÉTHODES: Une étude descriptive transversale randomisée de 125 participants a été sélectionnée et stratifiée en 47 participants d'infertilité primaire et 78 participants d'infertilité secondaire respectivement menée entre octobre 2016 et août 2017. Les participants de contrôle étaient des femmes apparemment en bonne santé appariées par l'âge. Les niveaux sériques de quatre hormones (hormones lutéinisantes (LH), hormones folliculo-stimulantes (FSH), prolactine et oestradiol) ont été dosés en utilisant la technique ELISA. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 20, la valeur p d"0,05 a été considérée comme significative. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des femmes infertiles était de 30,4±5,8. Les niveaux sériques de prolactine (10,6±9,3) et d'oestradiol (301±157,9) étaient significativement (p= ≤ 0.05) plus élevés chez les participantes. Cependant, les niveaux de LH et de FSH étaient similaires chez les participants et les témoins (p = ≤ 0.77 and ≤ 0.07 respectivement). CONCLUSION: L'hyperprolactinémie et l'oestradiolémie sont des caractéristiques de l'infertilité féminine secondaire au Nigeria. L'évaluation en laboratoire de l'axe hypothalamo-hypophysogonadique avec les hormones thyroïdiennes ne peut pas être trop soulignée pour un diagnostic approprié et un impact sur le traitement de l'infertilité. Mots clés: Profil, Hormones de reproduction, Infertilité.

Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Severity of Asthmatic Attack in Children.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the number of diagnosed asthma has increased by 4.3 million from 2001 to 2009.The prevalence of asthma in Africa has increased from 64.9 million (11.8%)to 102.9 million (13.8%) over the past two decades among children less than 15 years. The burden of this consequence is the exacerbations of attacks with resultant absence from school by children, loss of man hour by parents who stay with them while on admission as well as increased healthcare expenditures. The association between the serum level of vitamin D with the severity of the asthmatic attack and its control has been reported in respect of its role as a significant immunomodulator and inhibition in the pathogenesis of allergies. The aim of the study was to correlate serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D with the severity of Asthmatic attack in children and possibly provide a rationale for clinical supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between November 2016and August 2017 involving 128 participants. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the participants based on control a level using the GINA classification of asthma control levels. Serum vitamin D level was determined by CalbiotechInc, kit and Pearson correlation was carried out to determine relationship. RESULTS: The uncontrolled (22.4±2.9ng/mL) and partly controlled (25.6±3.9ng/mL) groups had low serum vitamin D levels as compared to the well-controlled group (35.1±4.9ng/mL) which had vitamin D within the reference interval. There was a strong negative correlation (p-value < 0.001) between serum vitamin D levels and all the criteria (GINA) of asthma control. CONCLUSION: The serum vitamin D levels correlated well with the severity of an asthmatic attack as well as its control (GINA).

CONTEXTE: À l'échelle mondiale, le nombre de cas d'asthmes diagnostiqués a augmenté de 4,3 millions de 2001 à 2009. La prévalence de l'asthme en Afrique est passé de 64,9 millions (11,8%) à 102,9 millions(13,8 %) au cours des deux dernières décennies chez les enfants de moins de 15 ans.Le fardeau de cette conséquence est l'exacerbation des attaques avec absence de l'école des enfants qui en résulte, perte d'heure de travail par les parents qui restent avec eux pendant leur admission ainsi que des soins de santé accrus dépenses. L'association entre le taux sérique de vitamine D avec la gravité de la crise d'asthme et son contrôle a été fait rapport en ce qui concerne son rôle en tant qu'immunomodulateur important et inhibition de la pathogenèse des allergies. L'objectif de l'étude était de corréler la 25-hydroxy-vitamine D sérique avec la gravité de Crise d'asthme chez les enfants et éventuellement fournir une justification pour supplémentation clinique. MATÉRIAUX ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive et transversale menée entre novembre 2016 et août 2017 impliquant 128 participants. Une méthode d'échantillonnage aléatoire stratifiée a été utilisé pour sélectionner les participants en fonction du contrôle d'un niveau à l'aide de l'Classification GINA des niveaux de contrôle de l'asthme. Le taux sérique de vitamine D a été déterminée par CalbiotechInc, la corrélation entre kit et Pearson était effectué pour déterminer la relation. RÉSULTATS: Les non contrôlés (22,4±2,9 ng/mL) et partiellement contrôlés(25,6 ±3,9 ng / mL) avaient de faibles taux sériques de vitamine D par rapport au groupe bien contrôlé (35,1±4,9 ng/mL) qui avait de la vitamine D dans l'intervalle de référence. Il y avait une forte corrélation négative(valeur p < 0,001) entre les taux sériques de vitamine D et tous les critères(GINA) de contrôle de l'asthme. CONCLUSION: Les niveaux de vitamine D de Theserum étaient bien corrélés avec la gravité d'une crise d'asthme ainsi que son contrôle (GINA). Mots-clés: Contrôle de l'asthme, Vitamine D sérique, Enfants.

Distribution of cesarean delivery by Robson classification and predictors of postspinal anesthesia hypotension in Windhoek referral hospitals: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are concerns that high cesarean section (CS) rates are driven by nonmedical indications and unmitigated maternal hypotension following spinal anesthesia (SA) has materno fetal effects. AIMS: Our objective was to investigate CS rates using Robson classification, identify patient groups for focused intervention as well as assess the incidence and predictors of maternal hypotension following SA for cesarean delivery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional design was employed over 3 months (February-April, 2019). Data about total deliveries (vaginal and operative) were obtained from the hospital medical records. For parturients who had CS, variables which covered maternal characteristics, conduct of anesthesia, and the index pregnancy according to Robson classification system were entered into a proforma designed for the study. RESULTS: The total deliveries were 3031, of which 556 were CSs, giving a CS rate of 18.3%. Twenty one nonconsenting parturients were excluded, so 535 responded. Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 combined contributed 75% [401/535] to the overall CS. Two or more previous CS, 29.7% [159/535], was the main indication for performing CS, followed by maternal request 12.9% [69/535]. The incidence of maternal hypotension was 62.6% (293/468); the independent predictors were elective CS and having comorbidities. CONCLUSION: We found a low CS rate and Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 were the major contributors - previous CS (≥2) and maternal request were the predominant indications for performing CS. The independent predictors of SA induced hypotension were presence of comorbidities and elective CS.

An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. In spite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.

CONTEXTE: Dans certaines parties de l'Afrique, les patients et ceux qui qui ont survécu au COVID-19 sont stigmatisés et cela a entravé les les activités de réponse mises en place pour contrôler la pandémie. Malgré cela, la plupart des efforts de prévention du COVID-19 ont été orientés vers l'utilisation de mesures non-pharmacologiques sans mesures correspondantes pour dissiper la stigmatisation au sein de la communauté. Par conséquent, cette étude a évalué les facteurs associé à la stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 parmi les résidents du gouvernement local d'Agege, État de Lagos, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé une enquête transversale auprès de 333 résidents consentants recrutés dans la zone de gouvernement locale (LGA) d'Agege en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Un questionnaire semi-structuré, administré par un intervieweur, adapté de l'indice de stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (PVVIH). L'index stigmate a été utilisé pour collecter des données sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, la connaissance de COVID-19 et la stigmatisation perçue. Une analyse bivariée a été réalisée à l'aide de l'outil Chi-square et une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour identifier lesdéterminants de la stigmatisation perçue au niveau de signification de 5%. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des répondants était de 35,7 ± 13,6 ans. La sensibilisation à l'épidémie de COVID-19 était de 95,2%. La television (43,5 %) et la radio (36,9 %) étaient les deux principales sources d'information sur l'infection et sa prévention. Les proportions des répondants qui avaient une mauvaise connaissance et stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 étaient respectivement de 50,0% et de 47,7 % respectivement. Une probabilité plus élevée de perception de stigmatisation perçue a été constatée chez les personnes âgées de 25 à 49 ans (aOR=3,1, IC à 95% = 1,4 - 6,7), > 50 ans (aOR= 2,1, IC à 95% = 1,1 - 3,9)et les répondants mariés (aOR= 1,8, IC 95 % = 1,1 - 2,9). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence le manque de connaissances sur le COVID-19 et un niveau élevé de stigmatisation. Par conséquent, Il est donc urgent de mettre en place des interventions éducatives pour les résidents d'Agege, en particulier parmi les répondants mariés ainsi que les adultes. MOTS CLÉS: Perception, stigmatisation, COVID-19, autodéclaration, Nigeria.

THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: LABORATORY PROTOCOL FOR INFERTILITY EVALUATION.

Background: Infertility in developing counties worldwide is associated with many social, financial, and medical challenges. With a prevalence rate of between 10 - 14 % and biochemical etiology of about 80% of the cases among Nigerian women, laboratory diagnosis has gradually assumed an important role in improved diagnosis. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in infertility and need to evaluate. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional case study of one hundred and twenty-five (125) women selected by stratified random sampling method into two groups of primary and secondary infertility. A total of 125 healthy fertile women served as the control group. Serum freeT3 (fT3), feeT4 (fT4), and TSH were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and the p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty participants (16%) were observed to have associated thyroid dysfunction with infertility. The commonest thyroid dysfunction was overt hypothyroidism (9.6%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (4.0%) respectively and this was found to be commoner in secondary infertility (21.8%). Conclusion: Thyroid function evaluation (especially serum TSH) should be included as a routine assessment in infertility protocol, especially in secondary infertility cases.

Gas sensing materials roadmap.

Gas sensor technology is widely utilized in various areas ranging from home security, environment and air pollution, to industrial production. It also hold great promise in non-invasive exhaled breath detection and an essential device in future internet of things. The past decade has witnessed giant advance in both fundamental research and industrial development of gas sensors, yet current efforts are being explored to achieve better selectivity, higher sensitivity and lower power consumption. The sensing layer in gas sensors have attracted dominant attention in the past research. In addition to the conventional metal oxide semiconductors, emerging nanocomposites and graphene-like two-dimensional materials also have drawn considerable research interest. This inspires us to organize this comprehensive 2020 gas sensing materials roadmap to discuss the current status, state-of-the-art progress, and present and future challenges in various materials that is potentially useful for gas sensors.

Infection prevention and control during COVID-19 pandemic: realities from health care workers in a north central state in Nigeria.

Health care workers (HCWs) are vulnerable to the risk of infections and could become vectors of onward transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Little is known about the factors which could contribute to increased COVID-19 infection among HCWs in Nigeria. We aimed at assessing the causes of COVID-19 infection among HCWs. We used a qualitative study design to conduct in-depth interview among 16 frontline HCWs participating in the COVID-19 response in Kwara State, Nigeria. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used in the qualitative analysis of data. We found that HCWs were aware of their vulnerability to the COVID-19 infection, and the reasons attributed included poor knowledge of IPC measures for COVID-19, inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), poor political will and inadequate health facilities (HFs) management support. Improved political will and better involvement of HFs management teams in infection prevention and control (IPC) systems are needed to reduce the risk for COVID-19 infection among HCWs. We recommend scale-up training on IPC measures particularly hand washing and use of PPE as well as the development of effective points of care risk assessment with a high index of suspicion in HFs.

Biochemical Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Associated with the Duration of Antipsychotic Therapy in Patients with Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia accounts for 78% of cases managed in Behavioural Sciences in Nigeria, and treatments with antipsychotic drugs may contribute to the onset of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to dyslipidaemia - associated complications. The prevention of CHD is preferable and less expensive than its management; thus, early identification and treatment may offer the possibility of reducing the devastating sequel. The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular risk (CVR) associated with duration of antipsychotic therapy inorder to improve awareness on early diagnosis, treatment and CVR reduction. METHODS: This was a longitudinal (prospective) study involving 44 participants recruited through systematic random sampling. Each participant served as their own control. Four blood samples were obtained from each participant, starting with a baseline before the onset of antipsychotic therapy and subsequently at monthly intervals for three consecutive months from commencement of therapy. Parameters of routine and advanced lipid profiles were assayed and the atherogenic indices were calculated. RESULTS: Both the routine and advanced lipid profiles werewithin reference limits at baseline. A significant increase in monthly levels was observed with dyslipidaemia noticed by the second month of antipsychotic therapy. There was an association established between the duration of therapy and a high CVR. The TC/HDL-C ratio performed better than apo B-100 and individual routine lipid profile fractions in the evaluation of CVR. CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidaemia associated with high CVR may develop with antipsychotic therapy. Calculation of atherogenic indices was a good indicator of CVR.

CONTEXTE ET OBJECTIFS: La schizophrénie représente pour 78 % des cas pris en charge en sciences du comportement au Nigeria, et les traitements par antipsychotiques peuvent contribuer à l'apparition de l'apparition de maladies coronariennes dues à la dyslipidémie et à ses complications. complications associées. La prévention des maladies coronariennes est préférable et moins coûteuse que leur gestion alors l'identification et le traitement précoces peuvent offrir la possibilité de réduire les séquelles dévastatrices. L'objectif de cette étude était d'examiner les caractéristiques de la dyslipidémie et du risque cardiovasculaire (CVR) associés à la durée du traitement antipsychotique afin d'améliorer la sensibilisation au antipsychotique afin de sensibiliser au diagnostic précoce, au traitement et à la à un stade précoce. MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude longitudinale (prospective) impliquant 44 participants recrutés par échantillonnage aléatoire systématique. Chaque participant a servi comme une charge Quatre échantillons de sang ont été prélevés chez chaque participant, en commençant par une ligne de base avant le début du traitement. de référence avant le début du traitement antipsychotique, puis à intervalles puis à intervalles mensuels pendant trois mois consécutifs à partir du début du traitement. Les paramètres des profils lipidiques de routine et et avancés ont été analysés et les indices athérogènes ont été calculés. ont été calculés. RÉSULTATS: Les profils lipidiques de routine et avancés étaient tous deux dans les limites de référence au début du traitement. Une augmentation significative des Une augmentation significative des niveaux mensuels a été observée avec une dyslipidémie remarquée audeuxième mois de traitement antipsychotique. Une association a été établie établie entre la durée du traitement et un CVR élevé. Le rapport TC/HDL-C s'est révélé plus performant que l'apo B-100 et les les fractions individuelles du profil lipidique de routine dans l'évaluation de la CVR. CONCLUSIONS: Une dyslipidémie associée à une CVR élevée peut se se développer avec un traitement antipsychotique. Le calculdes indices athérogènes est un bon indicateur du CVR. MOTS CLÉS: Risque cardiovasculaire, Dyslipidémie, Antipsychotiques, Schizophrénie.

An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. Inspite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.

CONTEXTE: Dans certaines parties de l'Afrique, les patients et ceux qui qui ont survécu au COVID-19 sont stigmatisés et cela a entravé les les activités de réponse mises en place pour contrôler la pandémie. Malgré cela, la plupart des efforts de prévention du COVID-19 ont été orientés vers l'utilisation de mesures non-pharmacologiques sans mesures correspondantes pour dissiper la stigmatisation au sein de la communauté. Par conséquent, cette étude a évalué les facteurs associé à la stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 parmi les résidents du gouvernement local d'Agege, État de Lagos, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé une enquête transversale auprès de 333 résidents consentants recrutés dans la zone de gouvernement locale (LGA) d'Agege en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Un questionnaire semi-structuré, administré par un intervieweur, adapté de l'indice de stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (PVVIH). L'index stigmate a été utilisé pour collecter des données sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, la connaissance de COVID-19 et la stigmatisation perçue. Une analyse bivariée a été réalisée à l'aide de l'outil Chi-square et une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour identifier lesdéterminants de la stigmatisation perçue au niveau de signification de 5%. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des répondants était de 35,7 ± 13,6 ans. La sensibilisation à l'épidémie de COVID-19 était de 95,2%. La television (43,5 %) et la radio (36,9 %) étaient les deux principales sources d'information sur l'infection et sa prévention. Les proportions des répondants qui avaient une mauvaise connaissance et stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 étaient respectivement de 50,0% et de 47,7 % respectivement. Une probabilité plus élevée de perception de stigmatisation perçue a été constatée chez les personnes âgées de 25 à 49 ans (aOR=3,1, IC à 95% = 1,4 - 6,7), > 50 ans (aOR= 2,1, IC à 95% = 1,1 - 3,9)et les répondants mariés (aOR= 1,8, IC 95 % = 1,1 - 2,9). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence le manque de connaissances sur le COVID-19 et un niveau élevé de stigmatisation. Par conséquent, Il est donc urgent de mettre en place des interventions éducatives pour les résidents d'Agege, en particulier parmi les répondants mariés ainsi que les adultes. MOTS CLÉS: Perception, stigmatisation, COVID-19, autodéclaration, Nigeria.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INDICATORS IN NIGERIA.

The impact of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic cuts across all sectors and has brought to the fore the true realities and status of health systems globally, revealing the gaps and cracks even in seemingly perfect health systems. The fragile and weak health system in the country is also riddled with a lot of sub-optimal health indicators including reproductive health. It is important to anticipate and look out for these effects in order to plan for and ensure early detection and necessary intervention to mitigate such. This paper discusses the potential effect of COVID-19 on reproductive health indicators in Nigeria. The reproductive health indices of a population have far and wide reaching impact on the health status of the population. However, reproductive health indicators are usually among the worst hit during health emergencies or disasters as seen in the Ebola pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Interventions must be put in place so that the pandemic does not set Nigeria back from the marginal gains made in reproductive health over the years.

Draft Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma arginini Strain NGR_2017.

We present the draft genome of Mycoplasma arginini strain NGR_2017. This strain was recovered in Nigeria from cell culture in 2017. The assembly contains 620,555 bp in 12 contigs. It contains 561 coding sequences, 34 RNAs (29 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA [tmRNA]), and a >26-kb integrative and conjugative element.

Aflatoxin awareness and Aflasafe adoption potential of Nigerian smallholder maize farmers: OPEN ACCESS.

Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin that can cause cancer and death and is associated with stunted growth. Prevalence of aflatoxin is widespread in Africa negatively impacting health and trade. Aflasafe is a biological control product that can be applied to maize or groundnut fields to reduce aflatoxin contamination. This study examines the levels of aflatoxin and Aflasafe awareness and understanding among smallholder maize farmers in Nigeria. In addition, the factors affecting Aflasafe purchase patterns and sustained usage over multiple growing seasons by farmers were evaluated. In-person surveys of 902 Nigerian smallholder farmers were conducted during October and November of 2016. This work contributes to the existing literature by documenting awareness levels of aflatoxin and use of Aflasafe as a control in Nigeria. Results suggest that the level of awareness of aflatoxin was very high in states where Aflasafe was promoted as an intervention for aflatoxin management. In Kaduna state, the region with the longest intervention, there was a consistent increase in the usage of Aflasafe since its introduction in 2010. Furthermore, farmers who purchase Aflasafe bundled (combined) with other inputs were more likely to persist in using the product. Education was found to significantly and positively impact continued usage of Aflasafe. Continued interventions, promotion and general education of the public are recommended for increased awareness, trial, and adoption of Aflasafe in Nigeria.

A Survey of Plants used in Treatment of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus have emerged as the leading non-communicable disease worldwide, thus, the increasing need to continuously explore more and better ways of treating these diseases.Objectives: To carry out a survey of plants used in the treatment of hypertension and Diabetes mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Interview was conducted among respondents using semi-structured questionnaires and asking open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Result: A total of 30 respondents comprising of 60.0% male and 40.0% female with the highest distribution of age range at above 50 years old (50.0%) was reported. Forty (40) medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-one (31) plant families were cited with the Apocynaceae family having the highest number of medicinal plants, followed by Asteraceae. For hypertension, 32 plant species were reported of which the most cited were Allium sativum (4) and Ficus asperifolia (2) while for Diabetes mellitus, 20 plant species were mentioned, of which the most cited were Hunteria umbellata (10) and Vernonia amygdalina (9). Of particular interest in this study were the plants that appeared for both hypertension and Diabetes treatment.Conclusion: This survey has helped to increase available medicinal plants knowledge and documentation in the management of hypertension and Diabetes. However, further work on the pharmacological activity of these plants as well as formulation in proper dosage form is recommended

Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission, making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. STUDY DESIGN: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (P-values <0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and co-infected patients with CD4 count<200/µl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/µl. (p-value of <0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co-infected patients and all patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µl were higher than the normal reference range. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Co-infection and CD4 count <200 cells/µl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend that co-infected patients and those with CD4 count <200 cells/µl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.

Effects of the novel BK (KCa 1.1) channel opener GoSlo-SR-5-130 are dependent on the presence of BKß subunits.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: GoSlo-SR compounds are efficacious BK (KCa 1.1) channel openers, but little is known about their mechanism of action or effect on bladder contractility. We examined the effects of two closely related compounds on BK currents and bladder contractions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A combination of electrophysiology, molecular biology and synthetic chemistry was used to examine the effects of two novel channel agonists on BK channels from bladder smooth muscle cells and in HEK cells expressing BKα alone or in combination with either ß1 or ß4 subunits. KEY RESULTS: GoSlo-SR-5-6 shifted the voltage required for half maximal activation (V1/2 ) of BK channels approximately -100 mV, irrespective of the presence of regulatory ß subunits. The deaminated derivative, GoSlo-SR-5-130, also shifted the activation V1/2 in smooth muscle cells by approximately -100 mV; however, this was reduced by ∼80% in HEK cells expressing only BKα subunits. When ß1 or ß4 subunits were co-expressed with BKα, efficacy was restored. GoSlo-SR-5-130 caused a concentration-dependent reduction in spontaneous bladder contraction amplitude and this was abolished by iberiotoxin, consistent with an effect on BK channels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: GoSlo-SR-5-130 required ß1 or ß4 subunits to mediate its full effects, whereas GoSlo-SR-5-6 worked equally well in the absence or presence of ß subunits. GoSlo-SR-5-130 inhibited spontaneous bladder contractions by activating BK channels. The novel BK channel opener, GoSlo-SR-5-130, is approximately fivefold more efficacious on BK channels with regulatory ß subunits and may be a useful scaffold in the development of drugs to treat diseases such as overactive bladder.

Effect of hepatitis-B virus co-infection on CD4 cell count and liver function of HIV infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. STUDY DESIGN: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen. Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co-infected patients (P-values <0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and coinfected patients with CD4 count<200/µl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/µl. (p-value of <0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co infected patients and all patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µl were higher than the normal reference range. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Co-infection and CD4 count <200 cells/µl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend those co-infected patients and those with CD4 count <200 cells/µl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.

Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission; making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naive patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. Study design: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Serum albumin; total Protein; and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. Results:The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (Pvalues 0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT; AST and ALP of mono and co-infected patients with CD4 count200/?l were significantly higher than those with count ? 200 cells/?l. (p-value of 0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co -infected patients and all patients with CD4 count 200 cells/?l were higher than the normal reference range. Conclusion : Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Coinfection and CD4 count 200 cells/?l are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend that co-infected patients and those with CD4 count 200 cells/?l should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug

Persistent current and Drude weight for the one-dimensional Hubbard model from current lattice density functional theory.

The Bethe ansatz local density approximation (LDA) to lattice density functional theory (LDFT) for the one-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model is extended to current-LDFT (CLDFT). The transport properties of mesoscopic Hubbard rings threaded by a magnetic flux are then systematically investigated by this scheme. In particular we present calculations of ground state energies, persistent currents and Drude weights for both a repulsive homogeneous and a single impurity Hubbard model. Our results for the ground state energies in the metallic phase compare favorably well with those obtained with numerically accurate many-body techniques. Also the dependence of the persistent currents on the Coulomb and the impurity interaction strength, and on the ring size are all well captured by LDA-CLDFT. Our study demonstrates the value of CLDFT in describing the transport properties of one-dimensional correlated electron systems. As its computational overheads are rather modest, we propose this method as a tool for studying problems where both disorder and interaction are present.

Serum lipids and glucose abnormalities in HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapies.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the outlook of HIV/AIDS has changed from a killer disease to a treatable chronic infectious one. However HAART is associated with some metabolic disorders some of which are now being seen in people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWHA) accessing care from our centre. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidaemia and dysglycaemia amongst Nigerian HIV/AIDS patients on HAART. METHODS: PLWHA who were regular on ART for at least three months and had pre-treatment CD4+ count, fasting lipid and glucose profiles were grouped into two treatment regimens: protease inhibitor, (PI) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Pre and post-exposure metabolic and non-metabolic variables were compared for each regimen as well as within regimen comparison of the differences between post exposure metabolic variables. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-seven patients; [male = 134 (41%), female = 193 (59%)] met the study criteria in the two groups: PI = 94 (29%) and NNRTI = 233 (71%). The pretreatment metabolic changes in both groups (PI vs. NNRTI) were low HDL-C; 29 (31%) vs. 77 (33%), followed by hypertriglyceridaemia; 16 (17%) vs. 38 (16%) and hypercholesterolaemia; 6 (6%) vs. 10 (4%). After exposure to two different HAART regimens hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia became more prevalent especially with Pi based therapy than NNRTI; 74 (79%) vs. 108 (54%) and 58 (51%) vs.72 (31%) respectively. These relative higher risks of a PI containing regimen to induce hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia were about three times more than that of NNRTI, both risks were statistically significant; p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Low HDL-C, hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia are common in untreated HIV/AIDS patients. HAART especially those including protease inhibitors worsens this dyslipidaemia.

Biochemical infertility among females attending University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical laboratory investigations potentially contribute to the diagnosis of over 50-75% of couples being investigated for infertility. Both hormonal and anti-hormonal treatments have achieved great successes in the treatment of infertility. Our aim therefore was to investigate the pattern of biochemical abnormalities in females diagnosed as infertile form anovulation. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty women diagnosed clinically as primary or secondary infertility from anovulation referred from the gynecological clinic of UITH and private hospitals in Ilorin were investigated by routine fertility test profile. RESULT: The age ranged between 20-40 years (mean = 32.9, sd +/- 4.7) for the primary infertility and 23-47 years (mean = 34.4, sd +/- 5.4) for the secondary infertility groups respectively. Ninety six (80%) subjects were found to have hormonal abnormalities. Pattern of biochemical diagnosis amongst the 33 (34.4%) primary infertility subjects included hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism 21 (63.6%), hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism 9 (27.3%), and hyperprolactinemia 3 (9.1%). Among the 63 (65.6%) cases of secondary infertility, there were 31 (49.2%) cases of hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, 30 (47.6%) hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, and 2 (3.2%) hyperprolactinemia. There was no statistical difference in the mean values in the various biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Hormonal profile should be a goal standard in the diagnosis of anovulation.