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International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

Latest Articles
Research Article
Ayobola A Iyanda
Abstract: Trace elements are essential micronutrients required in minute amount by a number of metabolic processes. In many parts of Africa, kerosene is widely available since it is the most commonly used fuel for cooking purposes. As a result of this common availability, excessive exposure to this product has been described. The aim of this study is to identify if exposure to trace amount of kerosene is capable of causing depletion in magnesium and trace element levels. Eighteen Wistar rats divided equally into three groups were used for the study. Administration of trace amount of kerosene (0.4 ml/kg body weight) by oral or dermal route resulted in significant increase (p[...] Read More.
Keywords: kerosene; magnesium, trace elements
  2023, 12(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Adediran Olufemi Sola, Okpara Ihunanya Chinyere*, Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen, Jimoh Ahmed Kayode
Abstract: There is a global rise in the prevalence of obesity in both developed and developing countries reaching epidemic levels. It has therefore become an important health issue globally. This study aims at determining the prevalence of obesity in an urban and rural area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja – Nigeria. In a cross sectional community based study, and by a stratified random sampling method, 229 subjects were selected. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic characteristics. Anthropometric data were measured by standard methods. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated and in conjunction with waist WC were used as measures of obesity. The overall prevalence of obesity was 22.3%. Prevalence rates were higher in the urban area than rural area (40.7% versus 4.3%, χ2 =43.81,p[...] Read More.
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  2023, 12(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Eric Nagaonlé Somé*, Issaka Zongo, Félicité Nana, Daouda Sané, Maxime Drabo, Roger Sombié
Abstract: In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of HBs antigen is estimated at 9.1%. We aimed to describe the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of chronic HBeAg-negative viral hepatitis B outpatients at the University Hospital Yalgado Ouédraogo. Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study including 325 participants with a retrospective data collection from January 2004 to April 2016. Results: The mean age was 38.7 years and the sex ratio, 1.5. The mean concentration of HBsAg and HBV Viral load was 7861.6 IU/mL and 32 237.20 IU/mL, respectively. A total of 84 participants were on antiviral therapy; 73 (86.9%) and six (7.1%) patients were on tenofovir and lamivudine, respectively. Under tenofovir, the virological response was complete and ALT was normal in 44.4% and 77.7% of the patients after one year. HBV DNA was undetectable and ALT normal under Lamivudine in 50% of the patients after four years. The adherence to the treatment was high, moderate or low in 71.4%, 21.4% and 7.2% of the cases, respectively. In high adherent group, HBV DNA was undetectable and ALT normal in 91.6% and 95% of cases, respectively. Under tenofovir and lamivudine, we noted an HBsAg seroconversion after 2 and seven years of treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic HBeAg negative hepatitis B patients is currently increasing. The HBs seroconversion is still low. The sensitization of the population to avoid the viral hepatitis infection mainly by a systematic immunization of the population remains the most effective weapon to fight this disease.[...] Read More.
Keywords: hepatitis B infection, HBs antigen, HBe antigen, antiviral treatment, adherence, sub Saharan Africa.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Review
Alka Bhatia*, Yashwant kumar and Anjali Solanki Kathpalia
Abstract: Granulomatous inflammation is considered to be an immune mechanism against infections or certain non-neoplastic conditions. Rarely granuloma formation may be noted in neoplastic disorders also. However a granulomatous response in the lymph nodes draining cancers is unusual. Such granulomas may sometimes show tumour cells in their centre. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known but an immunologic reaction to tumour antigens has been suggested. A close scrutiny of such granuloma is necessary to avoid under diagnosis of a metastatic disease. Subtle morphological fea-tures which may be helpful in differentiating a co-existing infection or tumour induced granuloma need to be addressed. Moreover the biologic significance of such a granulomatous response in inducing tu-mour remission or in shielding tumour cells from host lymphocytes also requires further investigation.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Granuloma, cancer, metastasis.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Short Communication
Mohammad Mohammadi*, Masoud Amini, Ashraf Aminiorroay, Hasan Rezvanian, Ali Kachuei, Mansour Siyavash, Soodabeh- Rahimi Saghandand Mohammad Afkhami-Ardekani
Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of metformin and folic acid on plasma homocysteine level in diabetic patients. In this clinical trial 47 new cases of type 2 diabetes were randomized to two groups. We treated patients in trial group with metformin and 1 mg folic acid, whereas patients in control group treated with metformin and placebo for 16 weeks. There was no significant difference in plasma homocysteine level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between two groups at the start of study. After 16 weeks plasma homocysteine level in the trial group did not change. In contrast plasma homocysteine level increased in the placebo group. There was significant difference in mean plasma homocysteine level between two groups (P-value < 0.01). This difference was highly significant in males (P-value < 0.0001). Correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma homocysteine level at start and end of study was not significant. This finding indicated that metformin increases plasma homocysteine level in diabetic patients especially males, whereas administration of folic acid with metformin can prevent this process.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, homocysteine, metformin, folic acid, glycosylated hemoglobin, sex.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Akande Oladimeji Ajayi*, Ebenezer Adekunle Ajayi and Oluwole Akinwumi Komolafe
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Its incidence is increasing worldwide ranging between 3 and 9% annually. The aim of this study was to see the pattern of clinical presentation, identify the possible risk factors and the clinical outcome among HCC patients presenting at our health facility. The case records of all patients with histopathological diagnosis of HCC within the study period June 2003-May 2008 were scrutinized. Demographic, clinical presentation, investigations, risk factors and outcome data were extracted. Data analysis was done using the SPSS computer soft ware. Logistic regression model was fitted to identify the impact of the various risk factors on HCC. A total number of 53 patients with histopathological diagnosis of HCC were registered. Their ages ranged from 35 to 73 and mean age of 50±21.8 years. Thirty seven (69.8%) were males while sixteen (30.2%) were females giving M: F ratio of 2.31:1. The left lobe was affected in 15.1% (8), right lobe in 22.6% (12) and both lobes in 62.3% (33). 54.7% tested positive for HBsAg, 3.8% were HCV-Ab positive. All the patients in this study presented at an advanced stage of the disease. Aflatoxin exposure, though not proven, because no test was done to incriminate it, was highly suspected and could be a major risk factor in this study; hence efforts need to be doubled up as regards effective awareness campaigns, general health /social education and food perseveration methods.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, aflatoxin, hepatitis B and C.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Full Length Research paper
Abstract: This study determined the susceptibility pattern and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 92 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from clinical samples comprising mainly urine (51.1%) and wounds (41.3%) obtained from the surgical units of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; over a 24-month period. The strains were susceptible to imipenem (94.6%), ciprofloxacin (90.2%), amikacin (89.1%) and ceftazidime (78.3%) but resistant to ofloxacin (82.6%), perfloxacin (58.7%) and gentamicin (35.8%). Analysis of the MAR index of isolates revealed that 60.9% had MAR index of 0.3 and above, which is an indication of probable origin from the hospital environment where antibiotics are extensively used. A strict management of antibiotic policies and a continuous surveillance programme for multidrug resistant pathogens like P. aeruginosa in specialised units is advocated.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, plasmid, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Adegoke, Anthony Ayodeji* and Komolafe, Amos Omoniyi
Abstract: A study to investigate the susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus to conventional antibiotics being frequently prescribed in Ile-Ife, South Western Nigeria was carried out. One hundred and seven samples from various clinical samples were collected from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The isolates of S. aureus were characterized and identified using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates harvested were subjected to in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method and beta-lactamase test was carried out using starch paper hydrolysis. One hundred and five isolates of S. aureus were harvested. The in vitro susceptibility of the bacterial isolates to antibiotics indicated 75.3-92.5% sensitivity to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin. However, they were 65% producers of beta lactamase while 45-72% resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole. Out of the 56 isolates tested with methicillin, 28 (50%) were resistant while 18 (32.1%) were sensitive. It was observed 70% of the tested isolates were beta lactamase producers. Multiple resistance was observed to 10 frequently prescribed antibiotics in the area. This suggests possible abuse of these drugs, poor hospital attendance and the need for better enlightenment campaign against the use of drug without prescription.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, ciprofloxacin, multiple antibiotic resistant index, beta lactamase test.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
G. O. Ajayi, T. T. Adeniyi* and D. O. Babayemi
Abstract: The hepatoprotective and some haematological effects of Allium sativum (Garlic) and vitamin C were studied on experimental rats that were exposed to lead (Pb) for one week. Twenty – four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six rats per group. Rats in group A were kept as the control. Rats in groups B, C and D were exposed to 100 µmol/kg body weight of lead acetate intraperitoneally for seven days. Garlic diet (200 g minced garlic/kg diet) and vitamin C (500 mg/kg body weight) were given to rats in groups C and D for additional seven days respectively. Garlic and vitamin C produced significant reduction at p < 0.05 in the levels of ALT, ALP and PCV while the level of AST increases significantly at p < 0.05. The level of Hb increases significantly at p < 0.05 in rats treated with garlic and reduces significantly at p < 0.05 in rats treated with Vitamin C. This study, therefore suggests that garlic and vitamin C have some hepatoprotective and haematological effects.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Hepatoprotective, haematological, Allium sativum, vitamin C, Lead (Pb).
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Full Length Research paper
Abstract: Previously, we investigated the induction effect of LRP16 expression by estrogen (E2) and established feed-forward mechanism that activated ERa transactivation in estrogen-dependent epithelial cancer cells. LRP16 is required for ERa signaling transduction by functioning as an ERa coactivator. In this study, we demonstrated that LRP16 expression was up-regulated in E2-responsive BG-1 ovarian cancer cells, but was down-regulated in estrogen-resistant SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182 780 did not affect LRP16 expression in SKOV3 cell. The unliganded ERa up-regulated LRP16 expression and enhanced LRP16 promoter activity in SKOV3 cells; however, this induction was blocked by estrogen stimulation. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment revealed a strong recruitment of the unliganded ERa at LRP16 promoter in the absence of estrogen; however, ERa was largely released from the DNA upon E2 stimulation. Although LRP16 did not significantly change the proliferation rate of SKOV3 cells, it seemed to slightly modulate the growth responsiveness of cells to E2. Knockdown of LRP16 by RNA interference in SKOV3 cells markedly attenuated estrogen response element-dependent ERa reporter gene activity and E2-induced c-myc expression. Our study suggests a novel mechanism of estrogen resistance of ovarian cancer by which estrogen-repressed signaling pathway antagonizes estrogen-activated signaling transduction.[...] Read More.
Keywords: LRP16, estrogen, estrogen receptor a, SKOV3.
  2022, 11(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
K´et´evi A. Assamagan*, Somi´ealo Azote*, Simon H. Connell, Cyrille E. Haliya, Toivo S. Mabote, Kondwani C.C. Mwale, Ebode F. Onyie, George Zimba
Abstract: COVID-19 is a new pandemic disease that is affecting almost every country with a negative impact on social life and economic activities. The number of infected and deceased patients continues to increase globally. Mathematical models can help in developing better strategies to contain a pandemic. Considering multiple measures taken by African governments and challenging socio-economic factors, simple models cannot fit the data. We studied the dynamical evolution of COVID-19 in selected African countries. We estimated a time-dependent reproduction number, R0 for each country studied to offer further insights into the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. We found that at the beginning the pandemic, R0 ≤ 4 for all the countries studied; three months later, R0 ∼ 1 with fluctuations in-between. Keywords:  COVID-19, SIDARTHE, SARS-CoV-2.[...] Read More.
Keywords:   COVID-19, SIDARTHE, SARS-CoV-2.
  2021, 10(1), 1-6; 
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Review
Nabil Abdel-Hamid
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) became a prevalent disease in many populations worldwide. It initiates many economic problems in management modalities and leads to increasing mortality rates. Many trials are made all over the world to implement specific early markers for detection and prediction of the disease, hoping to set a more precise strategy for liver cancer prevention. Unfortunately, many economic, cultural and disciplinary levels contribute to confounding preventive strategies. Many risk factors seem to predispose HCC, which either present individually or collectively depending on the environmental situations. Previous articles discussed many risk factors participating in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, although most of them did not handle collectively the current up to date causes. In this article, the pathogenesis and most of risk factors of HCC are briefly discussed. Most of the intermediating steps of HCC pass through molecular and transcriptional events leading eventually to hepatocyte malignant transformation. These steps are mainly triggered by hepatitis B, C or transfusion-transmitted virus, either alone, or with other factors. Diabetes seems to be greatly a leading disease. Schistosomiasis, a blood infestation, mostly disturbs Nile habitants leading also to bladder, renal and hepatic cancers. Alcoholism, food and water pollutants and some other drugs can lead to HCC. Additionally, some hereditary diseases, as hemochromatosis, -1-antitrypsin deficiency and tyrosinaemia are known to develop to HCC, if not discovered.[...] Read More.
Keywords: HCC, HCV, HBV, TTV, schistosomiasis, alcoholism, NASH, hereditary diseases.
  2021, 10(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Full Length Research Paper
Abstract: Accepted 05 March, 2021 Introduction: The prevalence of the hepatitis B infection is estimated at 9.1% in Burkina Faso. We aimed at describing the epidemiological and clinical features of the disease. Materials and methods: we implemented a cross-sectional study from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2015. Patients aged more than 15 years with positive HBsAg for over six months and positive HbeAg were included. Results: We analyzed the data of 148 participants. The sex ratio was three; 69% of the participants were ≤34 years old. The mean duration of HBsAg carriage was 6.4 ± 5.6 years. The hepatic fibrosis blood test showed an activity ≥ 2 in 25 (83.3%) patients and fibrosis ≥ 2 in 23 (76.7%) patients. The liver biopsy found no inflammatory (A0) and a minimal activity (A1) in 25% and 62.5% of the patients, respectively. Portal fibrosis without (F1) and with some septa (F2) was found in three patients, respectively. Conclusion: Viral hepatitis B is a silent disease with a small proportion of patients experiencing viral replication activity. The control of this disease of public health interest is based mainly on programs of large immunization of the populations and a close monitoring of the infected people.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Viral hepatitis B, HBe antigen, HBs antigen, Sub Saharan Africa, Burkina Faso.
  2021, 10(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Orhue N. E. J*. and Nwanze E. A. C.
Abstract: A major feature of infection with trypanosomes is the development of anaemia. In this study, the effect of Scoparia dulcis ( Atiotiousha in Akoko-Edo) on Trypanosoma brucei induced anaemia was investigated in fifteen rabbits divided into three groups of n = 5 over a period of twenty eight days. Changes in Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Red blood cell count (RBC), Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration, (MCHC) and Mean cell volume (MCV) were monitored over the period. The results obtained indicate that infection with T. brucei results in a significant decrease (p0.05) changes were observed in MCH, MCHC and MCV. However the severity of observed anaemia was significantly less pronounced (p[...] Read More.
Keywords: Scoparia dulcis, Trypanosoma brucei, Rabbits, PCV, Haemoglobin.
  2021, 10(1), 1-6; 
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Research Article
Okunowo Wahab Oluwanisola* and Ogunkanmi Liasu Adebayo
Abstract: An investigation was conducted on the pH, nutritional and cost benefit of the use of different substrates for the production of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. The growth of the organism was examined at pH range between 5.5 and 8.6 and on different growth media, potato carrot agar (PCA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), sabouraud agar (SA), tap water agar (TWA), water hyacinth agar (WHA) and Czapek-Dox agar (ZA). Also, the growth of the organism was examined on different enrichment media “Czapek-Dox” with its sodium nitrate substituted with equal amount of different nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, glutamine and sodium glutamate). WHA produced significantly (P < 0.001) highest amount of mycelial growth (84.95 ± 0.05 mm) on day 6 than other media types. The spore concentration was highest, 6.6 E06 ± 3.33 E05 spores/ml with TWA. The colony size was significantly (P < 0.001) highest, 84.9 ± 0.1 mm on day 10 with sodium glutamate compared with other nitrogen sources. Spore count was only observed on ammonium chloride (1.67E06 ± 3.33E05 spores/ml), the optimal growth pH was 5.5. The cost of production of the organism per culture plate on WHA was 61.3 and 82% lesser than on PDA and SA respectively. The formulated water hyacinth agar medium appeared most economically feasible for the mycelial production of C. pallescens Boedijn.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Curvularia pallescence Boedjin, growth measurement, pH measurement.
  2021, 10(1), 1-6; 
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