Madu AJ, Okoye HC, Muoghalu EA
… +5 more, Ugwu AO, Duru AN, Nonyelu CE, Anigbogu IO, Ezekekwu CA
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321800
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BACKGROUND: Most of the predictive tools put up to prognosticate treatment outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are not easily available and affordable in our resource-constrained environment. AI...BACKGROUND: Most of the predictive tools put up to prognosticate treatment outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are not easily available and affordable in our resource-constrained environment. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of staging and some tumour bulk on treatment outcomes of persons with CLL, Enugu, Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a 10-year review of the CLL data from the haemato-oncology unit of a Nigerian tertiary hospital to evaluate the impact of staging and tumour bulk indicators. Data were retrieved from the case notes of 102 patients with CLL receiving care at the facility. Data of interest include basic demographic variables, clinical features including spleen size and disease staging and blood counts. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was 108.05 (confidence interval [CI] = 50.8-201.3, interquartile range [IQR] = 124.4) ×109/L, and duration of survival for the study cohort was 5.5 (CI = 3.5-31.9, IQR = 27) months. Majority (69, 79.3%) were in Stage C. The Binet stage showed a significant association with the ALC (r = 0.338; P = 0.002) but not with spleen size (r = 0.198; P = 0.056). The duration of survival only showed a significant inverse relationship with the ALC (r = 0.35, P = 0.006) but with neither the Binet stage (r = 0.103, P = 0.431) nor spleen size (r = 0.184, P = 0.116). CONCLUSION: In CLL patients, ALC at presentation correlates with the duration of survival. We recommend that the ALC at presentation be used as a prognostic marker in our clime.
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321799
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the Foetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm in routine practice for early pre-eclampsia (PE) screening in Libreville. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cohort study on pregnant wo...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the Foetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm in routine practice for early pre-eclampsia (PE) screening in Libreville. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cohort study on pregnant women within their 11-13 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG). We had measured mean blood pressure (MBP), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UtA-PI) and resistance index (UtA-RI). Statistical analyses were considered significant for P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 30 participants. At the first quarter (T1), 36.7% of them were at high risk of PE according to the FMF algorithm and were consequently prescribed aspirin (100 mg/d). By the end of the observation period, we have found a 13% incidence of PE. MBP was higher in the higher risk PE group than in the lower risk group as early as the T1 (90 ± 6 vs. 81 ± 6 mmHg; P = 0.0007, threshold is >86 mmHg/area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86; P = 0.0012). It was the same for PlGF (58 ± 24 vs. 88 ± 38 pg/ml; P = 0.03; threshold is <71.98 pg/ml/AUC = 0.73; P = 0.03). At the second quarter (20-27 WG), biochemical markers did not change between the two groups. UtA-RI, UtA-PI and notch were unconclusive individually, but they are still very important for FMF algorithm application. CONCLUSION: Early detection of PE using the FMF algorithm is possible in routine practice in Gabon. MBP and PlGF levels at T1 seem to be very significant. However, the present study must continue to obtain the larger cohorts that would achieve more conclusive statistical analyses.
Ekomy HM, Abogo JM, Begouabe H
… +5 more, Kinga A, Eboue BA, Ekouaghe LPA, Karmakar J, Obiang CS
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321798
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THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe the clinical and non-clinical characteristics of Gabon footballers in the Haut-Ogooue Polyclinic in Franceville, Gabon, during visits, to assess whether they are not contraceptive to spo...THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe the clinical and non-clinical characteristics of Gabon footballers in the Haut-Ogooue Polyclinic in Franceville, Gabon, during visits, to assess whether they are not contraceptive to sports. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Franceville, Gabon, in May 2022. The first and second divisions of footballers were subjected to medical examinations to determine whether they had any contraindications for playing sports, including clinical examinations, rest electrocardiograms (ECG), rest cardiac ultrasounds, chest X-rays, Rick-Dickson and biological checks. RESULTS: The average age of 88 footballers (22-25 years) was 23 years. Blood pressure (BP) is abnormal in 19% of players, and alcohol and tobacco consumption is reported in 70% and 30%, respectively. Exercise adaptation was also closely associated with age (P = 0.00137724; P = 0.008974301), football position (P = 0.009957548; P = 0.006646182) and alcohol consumption (P = 0.000531971). Electrical and biological changes were 16% and 86.79%, respectively. Sinus bradycardia and first-degree atrioventricular block are the most common ECG abnormalities. Metabolic, inflammatory, infectious, electrolyte and anaemia syndromes were found in 22.64%, 24.53%, 19.81%, 7.55% and 12.26%, respectively. Midfielders and defenders have shown the greatest changes in biological parameters. CONCLUSION: Medical checks are essential to determine if sports are contraindicated, as they can help identify physiological and pathological conditions and improve the monitoring of athletes.
Hassan MO, Arogundade FA, Osasan SA
… +7 more, Gbadegesin BA, Omotoso BA, Okunola OO, Sanusi AA, Adelusola KA, Akinola NO, Akinsola A
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321797
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BACKGROUND: Improvements in sickle cell disease (SCD) care have resulted in the survival of many patients into adulthood, although this is accompanied by the increased incidence of end-organ damage, including chronic kid...BACKGROUND: Improvements in sickle cell disease (SCD) care have resulted in the survival of many patients into adulthood, although this is accompanied by the increased incidence of end-organ damage, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and predictors of renal dysfunction in SCD patients and investigated the associated renal histopathologic changes. METHODS: We evaluated 105 patients with SCD, for proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and tubular dysfunction. Renal biopsy was conducted on 22 patients who qualified. Data were analysed using SPSS package version 23. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (35.2%) of the 105 patients had CKD, as defined by an eGFR of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. The fractional excretion of potassium (FEK) was elevated in all patients, whereas the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) was elevated in 98.1%. Glomerular filtration rate was negatively correlated with irreversible percentage sickle cell count (r = -0.616, P = 0.0001), FEK (r = -0.448, P = 0.0001) and FENa (r = -0.336, P = 0.004). Age, irreversible percentage sickle cell count, haemoglobin levels and FENa were the major predictors of CKD. The histological pattern in the 22 patients who had biopsies was consistent with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis 11 (50%), minimal change disease 6 (27.3%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 3 (13.6%) and interstitial nephritis 2 (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS: CKD was prevalent in SCD patients, and it was characterised by tubular dysfunction and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. The main predictors of CKD were increased age, severity of vaso-occlusive crisis, worsening anaemia and tubular dysfunction.
Odukoya OO, Isikekpei BC, Nwaneri SC
… +4 more, Akodu B, Odeniyi I, Oluwole EO, Osuntoki A
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321796
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BACKGROUND: Diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk can be reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors. The objectives of this study were to assess the modi...BACKGROUND: Diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk can be reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors. The objectives of this study were to assess the modifiable risks for CVD amongst persons with diabetes and identify the factors associated with multiple risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 357 diabetic patients attending a large tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria. Eligible patients were recruited consecutively on clinic days till the minimum sample size was reached. An interviewer-administered survey tool adapted from the World Health Organization STEPS was used to obtain information from study participants. The following risk factors were assessed: tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, physical activity, sedentary time and hours of sleep. Data were analysed using the STATA version 15.0 (Stata Corp.) statistical programme. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 61.7 ± 12.6 years, and they were mostly females (63.9%). Of the risk factors assessed, the most prevalent modifiable risk factors amongst the respondents were inadequate sleep - <8 h on average (91.6%), abdominal obesity (82.6%) and high blood pressure (72%). Others were inadequate physical activity (56%) and lifetime tobacco use (21%). Up to 40.3% of the diabetic persons had three or more co-existing CVD risk factors. Age, gender, work and marital status (P ≤ 0.01) were statistically associated with multiple CVD risk factors. Being male, unmarried and increasing age were predictors of multiple CVD risk factors amongst the diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the diabetic patients have multiple co-existing modifiable CVD risks. Abdominal obesity and poor sleep were the most prevalent. Older men who are unmarried were more likely to have multiple risks. Primary and secondary preventive measures to address CVD risks amongst diabetic patients are warranted and should target older unmarried men.
Aderibigbe AA, Aderibigbe SA, Akande TM
… +4 more, Belabo D, Abiodun J, Alabi SB, Ahmed A
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321795
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INTRODUCTION: The burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Nigeria remains one of the highest in the world, with the country having the highest number of people living with the i...INTRODUCTION: The burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Nigeria remains one of the highest in the world, with the country having the highest number of people living with the infection in the West African subregion. Recent estimates put the HIV prevalence rate in Nigeria at 1.9%. In the early years of the HIV epidemic, attention on the reproductive preferences of people living with HIV was not really considered because of the high risk of mortality and few options to reduce mother-to-child transmission. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in November 2018 using quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 400 participants were recruited for the quantitative part of the study and 10 respondents for each of the focus group discussion (FGD) sessions. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a FGD guide. Frequencies and percentages were determined using descriptive analysis. Univariate analysis was used to explore the association between the outcome variables and the independent variables. The independent variables which showed a significant association in the univariate analysis were further subjected to multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The desire to have children since their HIV diagnosis had been mooted by 255 (63.8%) respondents in the past and 64.5% of the respondents admitted to wanting to have children at some point in the future. More than half of the respondents (61%) currently wanted more children while a significant proportion of the respondents who wanted children (68.4%) wanted more than one child. CONCLUSION: The study observed that the desire to have children had largely not been affected by the HIV infection as respondents still had a fairly strong desire to continue to have more children in spite of the risks of transmission involved. The study recommended that government and HIV policymakers need to ensure that HIV prevention messages and programmes adopt cultural and socio-economic considerations when designing and planning HIV prevention programmes.
Sanni TA, Adewoye KR, Durowade KA
… +3 more, Elegbede OE, Ipinnimo TM, Aderinwale OA
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321794
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BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is an increasing health problem amongst children, especially in developing countries. This study assessed and compared the feeding pattern, prevalence and determinants of malnutrition amongst pri...BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is an increasing health problem amongst children, especially in developing countries. This study assessed and compared the feeding pattern, prevalence and determinants of malnutrition amongst primary school children residing in the rural and the urban communities of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional comparative study design and was carried out amongst 983 children attending primary schools in Ekiti State, 495 of them from urban and 488 from rural communities using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and the World Health Organization AnthroPlus version 1.0.4 to collect data on the nutritional status and anthropometric indices of the schoolchildren. A multistage sampling technique was used and data collected were analysed using SPSS 23 with the level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A statistically higher proportion of primary school children in the rural communities (24.8%) had a low dietary diversity score than those in the urban communities (8.5%) (P < 0.001). Less than half of the pupils (47.1% in the urban and 48.6% in the rural communities) were malnourished. Lower birth order, respondents from household with poor toilet facility, lower class in school, low education of caregiver, occupation of household head and father as caregiver were factors associated with malnutrition in both urban and rural communities. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition was high in both urban and rural primary school children though higher in rural settings. Furthermore, dietary diversity score and feeding pattern were worse in rural than urban communities.
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321793
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BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in averting 70%-90% of all HPV-related diseases. The assessment of its awareness, uptake and willingness to pay (WTP) is important in Nigeria which is one of th...BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in averting 70%-90% of all HPV-related diseases. The assessment of its awareness, uptake and willingness to pay (WTP) is important in Nigeria which is one of the developing countries where more than three-quarter of the global burden of HPV-related diseases occur. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the awareness, uptake and WTP for HPV vaccine amongst undergraduates in a tertiary institution in North Central Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from randomly sampled respondents through a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to data collected to determine the awareness, uptake and WTP for HPV vaccine and their association with sociodemographic factors. The results of inferential statistics were considered significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 240 respondents were recruited, 15.4% of the respondents had heard about HPV vaccine, 2.1% of them had received at least a dose of the vaccine, 0.4% of them had completed three doses and 35.0% of them were willing to pay for it. Marital status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.840-36.635) and parity (AOR: 5.8; 95% CI: 2.314-14.565) were predictors of WTP for the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: The evidence generated from this study suggests that there is a need to increase the awareness and uptake of the vaccine at the individual and population levels. The recent introduction of the HPV vaccine is a laudable step towards improving vaccine uptake. Public health authorities at the local, state and national levels should be empowered to develop tailored vaccine demand creation and advocacy strategies for HPV vaccine. Males should also be involved in the advocacy strategies and research on HPV vaccine.
Shuaib F, Odusolu Y, Okposen BB
… +20 more, Osibogun O, Akanmu S, Mohammed A, Yahya S, Akande T, Aliyu A, Ifeadike C, Akande A, Aigbokhaode A, Adebiyi A, Tobin-West C, Olatunya OS, Aguwa E, Danjuma G, Dika J, Nwosu A, Olubodun T, Oladunjoye A, Giwa O, Osibogun A
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321792
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BACKGROUND: This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodi...BACKGROUND: This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodies as to whether from vaccination or from natural infection as well as attempt to compare antibody levels in response to the different four types of vaccines administered in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based study of the prevalence of serum antibodies against all four vaccine types used in Nigeria amongst a representative sample of people aged 18 years and above in the six geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage sampling technique covering 12 states of the country with two states being randomly selected from each geopolitical zone. High-throughput Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system (Elecsys Anti-SARS-COV-1 Cobas) was used for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-COV-1 in human plasma. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the proportions with seropositivity for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated (P = 0.95). The nucleocapsid antibody (anti-Nc) titres were similar in both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, whereas the Spike protein antibody (anti-S) titres were significantly higher amongst the vaccinated than amongst the unvaccinated. Antibody levels in subjects who received different vaccines were compared to provide information for policy. CONCLUSION: While only 45.9% of the subjects were reported to have been vaccinated, 98.7% of the subjects had had contact with the SARS-COV-1 as evidenced by the presence of nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies in their plasma. The 1.3% who had not been exposed to the virus, had spike protein antibodies which most likely resulted from vaccination in the absence of NC antibodies. Successive vaccination and booster doses either through heterogeneous or homologous vaccines increased antibody titres, and this stimulation of immune memory may offer greater protection against coronavirus disease 2019.
Azees AS, Fasiku MM, Isa A
… +13 more, Ezenwoko AZ, Ahmed A, Temitayo-Oboh AO, Utulu R, Adeniyi MA, Musa A, Alo C, Ibrahim UM, Imhonopi GB, Adesoye OO, Okeke IM, John GT, Ayinla AY
Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2024 Jan · PMID 38321791
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BACKGROUND: Vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are known to be cost-effective interventions for disease prevention and control. However, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) may challenge the acceptance of th...BACKGROUND: Vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are known to be cost-effective interventions for disease prevention and control. However, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) may challenge the acceptance of these vaccines. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of COVID-19-related AEFI amongst healthcare workers at tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers who had received the COVID-19 vaccine. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants from six Tertiary Health Facilities in Nigeria. Ethical approval (NHREC/01/01/2007-19/07/2021) was obtained from NHREC. Data were analysed using IBM® SPSS version 25 and categorical variables were presented in tables/charts using frequencies and proportions. RESULTS: A total of 2130 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 37.4 ± 9.1 years. Most of the respondents, 1674 (78.6%), had two doses of the vaccine, and the overall prevalence of AEFI was 813 (38.2%). Common among the AEFI reported following the administration of the first dose of the vaccine were fever 649 (30.5%) and pain at the injection site 644 (30.2%), while it was pain at the injection site 216 (10.1%) and fever 173 (8.1%) for second dose. The higher proportions of AEFI were mostly mild to moderate. CONCLUSION: The study observed a relatively low prevalence of AEFI, with the commonly reported ones being fever and injection site pain. It is crucial that countries continuously collect the data on AEFI and establish causality as a way to improve quality and guarantee vaccine safety.
This article provides insight into an aspect of the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom (UK) through the perspective of an overseas clinical observer. The NHS is a government-funded medical and health car...This article provides insight into an aspect of the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom (UK) through the perspective of an overseas clinical observer. The NHS is a government-funded medical and health care service in the UK and has developed over the years providing a high standard of medical care and professionalism. The Clinical Observership Programme has been designed primarily for International Medical Graduates to experience how the NHS functions and the kind of services it offers. This article explores the overseas observer's experience in a surgical unit of the NHS including the organisational structure, delivery of care and challenges of the system. This article also highlights the observer's perspective of surgical care in the NHS compared to surgical care in low-resource income countries. The Clinical Observership is useful in learning about UK medical practice and gaining experience in a different cultural and professional environment. This is a reflective first-hand account based on personal experience.
INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure; the benefits and frequency of procedures being performed have led to frequent reviews of indication in many regions of the world. The aim is to establish the indicat...INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure; the benefits and frequency of procedures being performed have led to frequent reviews of indication in many regions of the world. The aim is to establish the indications, diagnosis and complications of tracheostomy performed in the past 10 years in a tertiary hospital in Lagos. METHODS: This is a 10-year retrospective study of all patients who had tracheostomies for various indications from 2010 to 2019. Patient medical records were analysed for demographic profile, diagnosis, indication, elective or emergency tracheostomy, surgeon's rank, technique of decannulation and type of complications. All the variables in the data were imputed and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Continuous variables were presented as mean and standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-six tracheostomies were carried out during the period under review, and 440 patients had complete data retrieved. The age group of 0-9 years constituted the most common age for tracheostomy (18%). The most common indication for tracheostomy was for relief of upper airway obstruction in 53.4%. Neoplasms (40%) and trauma (30.7%) constituted primary diagnosis requiring tracheostomies. Amongst the paediatric age group with upper airway obstruction, infections (31.8%) and foreign body inhalation (24.3%) constituted the most common primary diagnosis. Stoma infection and peristomal granulation tissue were the most common early complication (21.8%) and late complication (43.4%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Relief of upper airway obstruction from neoplasm remains the most common indication for tracheostomy, and peristomal granulation infection was the most common complication.
BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis. However, only few studies have quantified the burden of periodontal inflammation in pre-dialysis CKD patients....BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis. However, only few studies have quantified the burden of periodontal inflammation in pre-dialysis CKD patients. The aim of this study was to determine the association between periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and systemic inflammatory biomarkers among pre-dialysis CKD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 pre-dialysis CKD participants were recruited into this study. 60 participants constituted Group A (those with periodontitis) while 60 participants constituted Group B (those without periodontitis). Full periodontal examination was carried out in the participants for the estimation of PISA. Blood samples also collected to determine levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in all participants. Independent t-test was used to compare means of PISA, hsCRP and IL-6 levels in the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine association between PISA and (hsCRP and IL-6). RESULTS: The mean value of hsCRP was significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (3.41 mg/L vs. 2.18 mg/L). PISA moderately correlated with hsCRP (r = 0.4, P < 0.01) in both groups. hsCRP also moderately correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.6, P < 0.001) in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there was an association between PISA and hsCRP. Increased hsCRP level in Group A revealed the inflammatory burden imposed by periodontitis.
BACKGROUND: Lingual nerve injury is a known complication of mandibular third molar (M3M) surgery, and retraction of the lingual flap is reported to reduce the incidence of this complication. However, there is no global c...BACKGROUND: Lingual nerve injury is a known complication of mandibular third molar (M3M) surgery, and retraction of the lingual flap is reported to reduce the incidence of this complication. However, there is no global consensus on the routine retraction of lingual flap. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the perception and practice of lingual flap retraction amongst oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional national survey was conducted amongst 122 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria from January 2023 to March 2023 using a validated, structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had three sections and 14-item questions. Section A consists of the sociodemographic questions, Section B comprises questions on perception towards lingual flap retraction, whereas Section C consists of questions on the practice of lingual flap retraction. These questionnaires were deployed as an online survey and as hard copies. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. A critical probability level (P < 0.05) was used as the cut-off level for statistical significance. RESULTS: Most of the participants (47.6%) belong to the age group of 31-40 years. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1. Only 12 (9.8%) participants had a positive perception towards routine lingual flap retractions following M3M surgery. Perception of lingual flap retraction was found not to be associated with the demographic variables of the participants (P > 0.05). A total of 95 participants (77.9%) did not raise nor retract the lingual flap during lower third molar surgery. The rate of practice of lingual flap retraction during third molar surgery was not influenced by any of the factors studied (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria do not agree that routine retraction of the lingual flap is necessary to reduce lingual nerve injury and majority, too, do not practice this in their management of impacted lower third molar.
BACKGROUND: The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has been compared to that of the Internet and printing, evoking both apprehension and anticipation in an uncertain world. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the...BACKGROUND: The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has been compared to that of the Internet and printing, evoking both apprehension and anticipation in an uncertain world. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of medical students and faculty members from ten universities across Nigeria regarding AI. METHODS: Using Google Forms and WhatsApp, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to clinical year medical students and their lecturers from ten medical schools representing all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. RESULTS: The survey received 1003 responses, of which 708 (70.7%) were from students and 294 (29.3%) were from lecturers. Both groups displayed an average level of knowledge, with students (Median:4, range -5 to 12) significantly outperforming lecturers (Median:3, range -5 to 15). Social media (61.2%) was the most common form of first contact with AI. Participants demonstrated a favourable attitude towards AI, with a median score of 6.8 out of 10. Grammar checkers (62.3%) were the most commonly reported AI tool used, while ChatGPT (43.6%) was the most frequently mentioned dedicated AI tool. Students were significantly more likely than lecturers to have used AI tools in the past but <5% of both groups had received prior AI training. Excitement about the potential of AI slightly outweighed concerns regarding future risks. A significantly higher proportion of students compared to lecturers believed that AI could dehumanise health care (70.6% vs. 60.8%), render physicians redundant (57.6% vs. 34.7%), diminish physicians' skills (79.3% vs. 71.3%) and ultimately harm patients (28.6% vs. 20.6%). CONCLUSION: The simultaneous fascination and apprehension with AI observed among both lecturers and students in our study mirrors the global trend. This finding was particularly evident in students who, despite possessing greater knowledge of AI compared to their lecturers, did not exhibit a corresponding reduction in their fear of AI.
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading risk factor for preventable cardiovascular-related complications and mortalities worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence a...BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading risk factor for preventable cardiovascular-related complications and mortalities worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among 361 adults from four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa state identified to have high burden of kidney diseases. The Modified WHO STEPS questionnaire and multi-stage sampling technique were employed and data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 102 years with a median of 45 (interquartile range = 30-80) years. More than a quarter (34.9%) of the respondents were unemployed. Few reported history of alcohol ingestion (0.8%) and cigarette smoking (1.1%). The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 116 (32.1%), while that of diastolic hypertension was 133 (36.8%). Jahun LGA had higher cases (36.7%) of systolic hypertension, whereas Dutse LGA had higher cases (47.8%) of diastolic hypertension. Systolic hypertension was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among those >35 years of age. The odds of developing systolic hypertension were significantly lower among those between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and those between the ages of 18 and 35 years were less likely to have systolic hypertension than those above the age of 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 9.0; 95% confidence interval = 4.6-17.6). Similarly, those who reported family history of diabetes and hypertension (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher proportion of systolic hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension was alarming in the high burden kidney disease areas. The government should develop a sustainable model for the mass community screening of risk factors and community-based health insurance for the effective management of all identified cases.
BACKGROUND: Infertility is a global public health issue affecting couples. Trace metals have been implicated in effective reproductive functions in males but less studied in females. OBJECTIVE: To compare the serum level...BACKGROUND: Infertility is a global public health issue affecting couples. Trace metals have been implicated in effective reproductive functions in males but less studied in females. OBJECTIVE: To compare the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper/zinc ratio in women with unexplained infertility and fertile women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared 75 consenting women who had unexplained infertility with 74 fertile women that were controls. Both groups were seen within 1 year of delivery and were recruited from the family planning unit, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Data were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, after which 10 mL of venous blood was collected. Analysis of selected trace elements were done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. IBM SPSS version 23 was utilized for data analysis and the levels of statistical significance was set at <0.05. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) serum concentrations of Cu (93.11 ± 16.55 μg/dL), Zn (72.04 ± 15.03 μg/dL) and Se (28.28 ± 8.33 μg/dL) amongst the women with unexplained infertility were lower when compared to the control group (all with P < 0.001). The serum Cu/Zn ratio was higher among the fertile women, though not statistically significant (P < 0.62). Age of <35 years was associated with normal serum levels of Cu (P < 0.01), while women with normal body mass index had low serum concentrations of Cu (P = 0.04), amongst the fertile group. CONCLUSION: Serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations are significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility, therefore diets or supplements containing these trace elements may be helpful in their management.
Actinomycosis of the tonsils is uncommon even though the causative organisms are normal commensal of the oropharyngeal tract that may colonise the tonsillar crypts with resultant infection in apparently healthy individua...Actinomycosis of the tonsils is uncommon even though the causative organisms are normal commensal of the oropharyngeal tract that may colonise the tonsillar crypts with resultant infection in apparently healthy individuals. Diagnosis is often incidental in tonsillectomy specimens sent to the pathology laboratory for varied diseases. This is a 10-year study of tonsillectomy specimens diagnosed with actinomycosis. Specimens were formalin-fixed and paraffin processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, gromott methenamine silver and periodic acid-Schiff. Four cases of tonsillar actinomycosis were diagnosed from a total of 772 tonsillectomy specimens. Histologically, characteristic oeosinophilic granules with peripheral radial protuberances surrounded by microabscesses were seen. Tonsillar actinomycosis is often an incidental diagnosis; however, a high index of suspicion should be entertained in patients with recurrent tonsillitis and/or tonsillar hypertrophy of unknown cause.