MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

Research Article

Some valuable fatty acids exposed from wedge clam Donax cuneatus (Linnaeus)

Annaian Shanmugam, Chendur Palpandi* and Subramanium Sambasivam

Abstract: The fatty acid composition of the wedge clam Donax cuneatus collected from the sandy beach of Cuddalore (southeast coast of India) was determined. In the analysis, the fatty acid profile by gas chromatography revealed the presence of higher amount of saturated fatty acids (35.28%) than mono (12.71%) and polyunsaturated (11.72%) fatty acids. Among the saturated fatty acids, the stearic acid contributed the maximum amount of 15.68%. Whereas the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were accounted for 26.57% with mostly 16:1w7c (12.71%), fatty acid. Among the PUFA 20:4 w6c (6.75%) and 18:2 w6c (2.41%) acid contents were high. Omega – 6 fatty acids accounted for 10.74% of total PUFA and omega – 3 fatty acids were accounted for 0.48%. Thus the present study enlightens the possible role of this clam in the field of human nutrition.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Fatty acids, SFA, MUFA, PUFA, Donax cuneatus

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Emerging health threats among a primitive tribal group of Central India

Satwanti Kapoor* Renu Tyagi, Kiran Saluja, Anumeha Chaturvedi and A.K. Kapoor

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Saharia, a primitive tribal group (PTG) of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 364 subjects (168 males and 196 females) ranging in age group 18 - 60 years were divided into two groups based on their random blood sugar level. Stature, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, skin fold thicknesses, fat percent, blood pressure and blood sugar level were measured for all the subjects. 8.9% males and 7.1% females were found to be having more than 140 mg/dl random sugar level. All the skin fold thicknesses, body circumference, indices of adiposity, fat percentage and blood pressure were found to be significantly higher among the ‘pre-diabetic males’. The picture was not so clear among females. Saharia is a socio-economically weaker population with very low literacy level but the clustering of higher blood sugar level, higher blood pressure and higher fat percentage is an indicator of a beginning of metabolic syndrome among this primitive tribal group showing a paradoxical situation.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Adiposity, subcutaneous fat, blood sugar, primitive tribal group, India.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Beta thalassemia major: The Moroccan experience

M. Agouzal*, A. Arfaoui, A. Quyou and M. Khattab

Abstract: Thalassemia has been described originally around the Mediterranean Sea. The main objective of this study is to find out how Morocco deals with it. It is a retrospective study which has been done in the hemato-oncology service that treats patients with beta thalassemia major who are registered for receiving blood transfusions. With sample size of 78, demographics, clinical and family data were collected and descriptive statistics were done in the Biological Assays Laboratory in Kenitra, which lasted for three months. Age ranges from 5 to 10 years. 20 and 30 kg is the most common weight of patients with thalassemia. 61% are issued from consanguineous marriages. All patients are transfused but only 14% are not chelated as they have a ferritinnemia rate < 1000 ng/ml. Among these patients 74% are low-income earners. These results confirm that thalassemia is a reality in our country. A public health policy towards this disease is highly recommended.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Beta thalassemia major, complications, treatments, consanguinity, Morocco.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Disease surveillance and reporting in two Southwestern states in Nigeria: Logistic challenges and prospects

M. D. Dairo, J. O. Bamidele and W. O. Adebimpe

Abstract: Disease surveillance has been recognized as an effective strategy in the control and prevention of diseases most especially communicable diseases. An effective surveillance system allows early intervention for the prevention and reduction of the mortality and morbidity that may result from epidemics of communicable diseases. This study assesses the adequacy of training of disease surveillance and notification officers (DSN) officers and identifies the logistic factors that may hinder their effective functioning in the local government areas in the Ekiti and Osun States in Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study of the disease surveillance and notification officers in Osun and Ekiti states of Nigeria was carried out. Total sampling was done. Questionnaires sought information on demographic data, regularity of reporting and the availability of logistic facilities in the respective local government areas (LGAs). Out of 42 DSN officers surveyed, 38 (90.5%) were medical records officers. 32 (76.2%) had appropriate training in disease surveillance and notification. Most had received training from the WHO. Over 90% knew the process of reporting. 45.8% reported that there were penalties for defaulting officers. Logistic support was inadequate in more than half of the local governments surveyed. Inadequate funds and lack of surveillance forms were significantly associated with reporting of outbreaks by the officers. Only 13 of the officers had ever recorded episodes of epidemics in their LGAs. Majority of DSN officers had appropriate training on disease surveillance, reporting and notification. However, logistics for effective functioning was poor. Local and state governments need to put more effort into provision of logistic support for their DSN Officers to sustain the apparent improvement in surveillance activities.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Surveillance, logistic support, training, epidemics.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer in Niger (1992 - 2006)

Mamoudou Garba Salamatou*, Arfaoui Amine, Mastere Mohamed, Soulaymani Abdelmajid, Nouhou Hassan and Quyou Ali

Abstract: The present work aims to bring out the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer in Niger, especially as no previous studies have worked on the national epidemiology of cancer in Niger. This is a retrospective study in the period 1992 to 2006. The data were collected from the Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Niamey, which receives all the swabs intended for the histological analysis from all the Nigerien territory. Among the 5238 cases of cancer, the liver cancer represented 12.3% and came in the second position behind the breast cancer. 242 deaths were registered among liver cancer patients, which makes a specific lethality of 37%. The sex-ratio for males to females of liver cancer cases was 2.3 and the difference was highly significant. However, the specific lethality, which was 37.03% in male patients and 37.69% in female ones, did not display any significant sex difference. The mean age of liver cancer patients was 47.67 ± 14.20 years, and the comparison of the means of age did not display any significant difference between males and females in terms of age. The farmers were the socio-professional group the most affected by liver cancer with 61% of all cases. The patients practicing household activities showed the highest specific lethality, followed by farmers. The study of the repartition of patients according to their origin showed that the major part was from Niamey region with 69%. Because of the seriousness of the liver cancer problem in Niger, the health authorities should pay more attention to this pathology through efficient fight strategies.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cancer, liver, epidemiological profile, lethality, Niger.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Influenza surveillance results during 2008 - 2009 season in Turkey

Nurhan Albayrak*, Meral A. Ciblak , Ayse Basak Altas, Melis Kanturvardar, Yavuz Odabas, Bahadir Sucakli, Gulay Korukluoglu, Selim Badur and Mustafa Ertek

Abstract: National influenza surveillance was performed by two institutions in Turkey, Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency (RSNPHA) and Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (IFM), which both are National Influenza Reference Laboratories. RSNPHA received samples from 9 sentinel Provinces and IFM received samples from 5 sentinel Provinces. We report the 2008 to 2009 surveillance results from October 2008 - May 2009. As many as 1,980 clinical specimens received from 14 sentinel and non-sentinel Provinces of which 257 nasal-nasopharyngeal samples were positive for influenza viruses. The predominant virus type was influenza B (67.5% of total detections), and the dominant sub- type among Influenza A viruses was H3 (98.8%). Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity started around the 42nd week, decreased around the 23nd week and the laboratory confirmed seasonal Influenza activity started around 48th week and ended around 22nd week. The 2008 - 2009 influenza seasons in Turkey was characterized by moderate clinical activity and a dominance of influenza B. In Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, the majority of influenza A/H3 viruses were closely related to the vaccine virus strain of the 2008 to 2009 season, Influenza A Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) like virus. However, Influenza B viruses were antigenically different from the vaccine strain and more closely related to Influenza B Malaysia/2560/2004 (Victoria lineage). It is concluded that knowledge about the influenza activity in Turkey, which is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, contributed to monitoring the movement of influenza virus epidemiology.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Influenza, surveillance, Turkey.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Childhood leprosy: A retrospective study

Sandeep Sachdeva*, S. Suhail Amin, Zulfia Khan Seema Alam and Pranav Kumar Sharma

Abstract: Leprosy remains an important public health and social issue in South Asia, particularly in India. Its presence in childhood is an immense social burden on account of the associated disabilities and widely prevalent misconceptions regarding communicability and treatment potential. Besides, the prevalence of leprosy among children suggests possible lacunae in the operation of the national programmes aimed at elimination of leprosy from the society. This paper reports a ten year retrospective study of childhood leprosy in a tertiary care hospital setting (2000 to 2009). Selected socio epidemiologic correlates of pediatric leprosy patients presenting to the hospital over the past ten year period were also studied. The results indicated that childhood leprosy was 5.1% of total leprosy patients registered in the given time frame. Majorities (76.3%) of them were males and had paucibacillary leprosy (74%). Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar was absent in 53% of children. More than a third (35%) cases had a household contact with leprosy. Childhood leprosy remains an important public health problem and bears a significant social impact. Early detection and appropriate prophylactic measures in susceptible children is pivotal to the real success of the National leprosy elimination programme.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Leprosy, childhood, society.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Congenital infection with Toxoplasma gondii: A case control study of Tehran, Iran

Nastaran Khosravi, Samileh Noorbakhsh* Mohammad Farhadi and Azardokht Tabatabaei

Abstract: The prevalence of antibodies in Toxoplasma gondii ranges from 24 to 57.7% in Iran. Children who acquire T. gondii in intrauterine period are at increased risk of sequels and need prolonged treatment. The aim of the study is to compare serum specific T. gondii antibodies (IgM and IgG ELISA) between infants suspected to have intrauterine infections (< 1year) and control infants. This case control study was done in the pediatrics department of Rasul hospital in Tehran (2007 to 2008). We compared specific T. gondii antibodies (IgM and IgG) in serum by ELISA in 50 infants (< 1year) suspected to have intrauterine infections based on diagnostic criteria for intrauterine infections (WHO-TORCH) and 30 healthy controls. Mean age in these cases was 4.7 + 3.7 months; and in the controls was 5.3 + 3.1 months. Acute T. gondii infection (IgM) was detected in 10% (5/51) of the cases, but none (0/30) in the controls; while previous immunity for T. gondii (IgG) was found in 18% (9/50) of the cases and 60% (18/30) of the controls. Although the rate of acute infection was higher in the cases but was not significant (P-value = 0.09), previous immunity (IgG) was significantly higher in the control’s healthy group (P- value = 0.00). However, T. gondii infection (IgM) was confirmed in at least 10% of the cases. As such, we prefer to consider seropositive (T. gondii - IgM) infants (clinically for intrauterine infection) in congenital form, by adding the symptomatic cases with negative IgM and IgG (PCR studies are needed for R/o of intra uterine infection). Probably, T. gondii infection is at least the 2nd common cause of intrauterine infection in studied infants with serology ([...] Read More.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, congenital toxoplasmosis, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), intrauterine infection, TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes).

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Avian influenza news from China and Hong Kong

William Y. Y. Lai* and Adrian Weisell

Abstract: We compared avian influenza coverage in two English-language newspapers from China and Hong Kong, and a third from the United States as a control. We collected bird flu stories for one year between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 from China’s government-sanctioned China Daily (CD) and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP). The New York Times (NYT) was the control. We quantified five media characteristics: (1) Number of stories; (2) Use of full articles or briefs; (3) News sources; (4) Story outlook, and (5) geographic focus. Of 236 bird flu stories, 79 were from CD, 111 from SCMP and 46 from NYT. Compared with SCMP, CD produced significantly more briefs, non-local reports and government sources (Pearson’s Chi-square test, P=0.01, P[...] Read More.

Keywords: Avian influenza, bird flu, H5N1, infectious diseases, media, news coverage, news stories.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Monitoring the influenza pandemic of 2009 in Thailand by a community-based survey

Chakrarat Pittayawonganon*, Hathaikan Chootrakool, Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Pilaipan Puthavathana, Sukhum Chaleysub, Prasert Auewarakul, Somkid Kongyu, Kumnuan Ungchusak and Pasakorn Akarasewi

Abstract: As an international traveling hub of South-East Asia, Thailand was one of the countries hardest and earliest hit by the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic. In order to understand the epidemic spread in the country, we conducted community-based surveys in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas using questionnaire interviews. We also determined sero-positive rates from randomly selected samples within the surveyed population. Recalled incidences of fever and acute respiratory symptoms in the survey correlated well with systematic reports of 2009 pandemic influenza cases from hospitals in the same areas, giving a ratio of total cases extrapolated from the surveyed data for persons who sought medical attention reported in the hospital-based surveillance system at 275:1. Conducting a large scale survey of the influenza outbreak is time consuming and also can be difficult to complete in a short time. Therefore, we used the survey for monitoring the outbreak of respiratory disease in the early pandemic phase. The seroprevalence rate was 8 to 10%, with higher rate for younger age groups, and suggests that sufficient herd immunity may have been reached in Thailand, especially in urban areas, while others may still be vulnerable to the second wave of the pandemic.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Pandemic, influenza, survey, Thailand.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Antenatal care services in rural areas of Aligarh, India: A cross-sectional study

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: The present study was carried out to find out the current status of antenatal care services. A cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Aligarh taking WHO 30 cluster methodology. The required number of villages from each stratum was selected with probability proportional to size (PPS). There were 154 currently pregnant women (CPW) and 248 recently delivered women (RDW), of these, a majority of CPW (72.1%) and RDW (59.7%) did not have any ANC checkup. 65.1% of CPW and 40.0% of RDW had their first ANC checkup in the first trimester. Majority of CPW (53.9%) did not receive any TT vaccination. On the contrary, most of the RDW (73.0%) had two doses of TT vaccination. Similarly, large number of the CPW (75.3%) and 52.4% of RDW did not receive iron folic acid (IFA) tablets. In CPW, weight was measured only in 16.3% women. However, height was measured in 41.9%, B. P. was recorded in 46.5%, The same pattern was observed in RDW. Preferred place of delivery was home in CPW (64.9%) and RDW (81.4%) and mostly conducted by trained birth attendant (TBA). It is concluded that among the aspects ignored during antenatal period, patient education is of vast importance and even a low level of counseling can improve utilization of health services by mothers.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Currently pregnant women (CPW), recently delivered women (RDW), ANC checkup, trained birth attendant (TBA).

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Uranium concentration in ground water samples belonging to some areas of Western Haryana, India using fission track registration technique

Sandeep Kansal*, Rohit Mehra and N. P. Singh

Abstract: Concentration of uranium was assessed in ground water samples taken from hand pumps at different areas from Bhiwani, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts of Western Haryana, India. Fission track registration technique was used to estimate the uranium content in water samples. Uranium content in the water ranges from 6.37 µg/L (Sirsa) to 43.31 µg/L (Bhiwani) with an average value of 19.14 µg/L for the study area. Uranium concentration in all the studied samples were above the recommended value of 1.9 µg/L (ICRP, 1993) but most of the values were comparable to the safe limit of 15 µg/L (WHO, 2008). In only 15% of the samples, recorded values that were higher than the recommended level of 30 µg/L (USEPA, 2003). The results of the measurements could be of vital in radio-epidemiological assessment, diagnosis and prognosis of uranium induced diseases in the local population of the area under investigation.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Uranium, fission track, water, diagnosis.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

The plight of Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic: Physical/psychosocial consequences

AbdulKareem Al-Obaidi, and Ghazwan Maqur, Ghazwan AlBadawi

Abstract: Haitians are the largest minority living in Dominican Republic. These destitute people escaped the deprivations and disasters of their home country only to face other more tyrannical situations at asylums in the Dominican Republic. This manuscript focuses on the health consequences facing Haitians living on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Their plight is a humanitarian crisis that requires the joint efforts of the international community and the local governments.[...] Read More.

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2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Primary health care services in Nigeria: Critical issues and strategies for enhancing the use by the rural communities

Abdulraheem I. S.*, Olapipo A. R. and Amodu M. O.

Abstract: Quality health is a fundamental right of all Nigerian citizens. While primary health care (PHC) centers are relatively uniformly distributed throughout local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, the rural people tend to underuse the basic health services. This article examines some cross cutting issues in PHC and outlines strategies to enhance the utilization of health services by rural people. The responsibility for perpetuating the existing low use of PHC services should be held by PHC policy makers and LGA. Responsible health personnel can build a new social order, based on greater equity and human dignity, in which health for all by the year 2015, including that of rural populations, will no more be a dream but a reality. Capacity building and empowerment of communities through orientation, mobilization and community organization as regards training, information sharing and continuous dialogue, could further enhance the utilization of PHC services by rural populations.[...] Read More.

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2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

A study of fertility intentions of women in Uyo, Nigeria

Umoh A. V*, Abah G. M and Ekanem U. S

Abstract: Fertility desires are known to reflect subsequent fertility behaviour, therefore, understanding these desires therefore could help in planning strategies to modify fertility behaviour. We undertook the study to contribute useful information in planning future family planning strategies in our region. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among antenatal women in two health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. Results show that the mean number of children desired was four. Majority of women (73.2%) desired a maximum of four children while 24.1% wanted 5 to 6 children. The number of children desired was significantly related to the patient’s education (P[...] Read More.

Keywords: Fertility, fertility intention, fertility desire, contraception, Nigeria.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella serotypes isolated from human and animals in Sudan

Imad M.T. Fadlalla, Mohamed E. Hamid*, Ahmed G. Abdel Rahim and Mohamed T. Ibrahim

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance among Salmonella enterica serotypes recovered from human and animals in Sudan. A total of 119 Salmonella isolates recovered from stools of humans, cattle, camels and poultry were subjected to in vitro susceptibility against 10 commonly prescribed antibacterial agents. The test was done by the disc diffusion assay, isolates were categorized as sensitive or resistant based on standardized zones of inhibition and the odd ratio (OR) was performed to measures of degree of association between the two result characteristics of agents. The majority of Salmonella serotypes (80.67%) were found resistant to at least one of the tested nine antibacterial agents and 45 isolates (37.82%) were found multidrug resistant (MDR). Human isolates were found to be more resistant than the animal's isolates. Ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and colistin were found to be highly active against the isolates. But the isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, furazolidone and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim. The odd ratios (OR) among the isolates to combination of two antimicrobials ranged from 1.1 to 5.75. The highest OR was shown in combination cefalexin-nalidixic acid, which has an OR of 5.75. Salmonella serotypes revealed very high resistance (80.67%) and high MDR (37.82%) rates. Salmonella sp. recovered from human exhibited higher rates of resistance than those recovered from animals.[...] Read More.

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2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

An ecological view of the risk factors for tuberculosis in the United States

David Young* and Sheryl Strasser

Abstract: There is scientific evidence of socio-demographic, behavioral and health risk factors associated with tuberculosis (TB) infection and TB disease. The primary objective of the study was to examine the correlation of TB risk factors at the state level in the United States (US) to obtain insights specific to the state of TB in the US. Secondary data from the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) and US Census Bureau on line databases were used. Simple and multiple linear regressions were carried out. The model created to represent the TB rate by state included the percent of the population which was non-Hispanic white (p < 0.001), the AIDS diagnosis rate/100,000 (p = 0.067) and the percentage of the population which is foreign born. Per capita income, GINI, diabetes rates, smoking rates and alcohol abuse rates were excluded from the final model. Race/ethnicity acts as a marker for a number of risk factors, and the focus of the fight against TB in the US should be on minority communities, those populated by the foreign-born and those with high rates of AIDS particularly where a large degree of income inequality is present. Keywords: Tuberculosis, race, ethnicity, HIV, foreign-born.[...] Read More.

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2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

A descriptive study of behavioural patterns associated with gastrointestinal illness in the general Swedish population

Jonas Toljander* and Nina Karnehed

Abstract: A nation-wide survey was conducted in 2009 to collect information about behavioural patterns possibly associated with gastrointestinal illness (GI) in the general Swedish population. One-third of the respondents used various internet and/or telephone resources to find information about GI. Nearly eighty percent said that they buy and consume certain food products or beverages, and one-third of the respondents claimed that they buy over-the-counter pharmaceutical products for treatment of GI. In the present study, information retrieval behaviour on the internet and telephone calls to health care advice services appear to be the most relevant indicators of GI in Sweden.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Beverages, consumption patterns, foods, drugs, incidence of foodborne and waterborne gastrointestinal illness, health indicators, information retrieval, outbreak detection, over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs), surveillance.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence and transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women in Khartoum State, Sudan

Dahab M. M., Koko W. S., Osman E. E. and Hilali A. H. M.

Abstract: This study was carried out from January 2008 to December 2009 to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis among women in Khartoum State, Sudan. Two different hospitals were selected. The two hospitals were Ibrahim Malik hospital which is serving an urban area and Ombada hospital which is serving a rural area and migrant people coming from other parts of Sudan particularly Western Sudan. Monthly data was collected including demographic, social and other factors related to infection with trichomoniasis using a questionnaire. Urine samples were collected weekly every month and examined using wet mount preparation method. 297 women were found infected with Trichomonas vaginalis of a total of 2473 examined making an overall prevalence rate of 12%. Prevalence of infection was slightly higher among women in Ombada hospital than those in Ibrahim Malik hospital but the difference is not statistically significant. However, difference in infection is statistically significant regarding areas of residence (P < 0.05). The highest (15.6%) and the lowest (4.8%) prevalence rates were recorded in Alsalam locality (Ombada hospital) and Khartoum locality (Ibrahim Malik hospital) respectively suggesting a difference in awareness between rural and urban areas. Significant differences related to age were recorded. The highest prevalence rates were among women in the age groups 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years. High infection rates were recorded during the hot and rainy season from July to October. Social, traditional and behavioral factors proved to be important factors in relation to infection of T. vaginalis among women in Khartoum State. Results indicate the importance of the problem and the need for more research and efforts to control it.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Trichomonas vaginalis, prevalence, traditions, social, behavioral factors.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Enteric pathogens and diarrhea disease potentials of water sources in Ahiazu Mbaise, Eastern Nigeria

Esomonu Onyenonachi Charity*, Abanobi Okwouma C. and Ihejirika Chinedu Emeka

Abstract: This research was targeted at determining the load of enteric pathogens and possible diarrheal disease potentials of the water sources to prevent possible disease outbreak through improved portable water supply for the inhabitants. Water samples were collected from boreholes, underground tanks, and streams and subjected to standard microbiological analysis. The result of total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and total coliform bacterial count (TCBC) (cfu/ml) ranged between 2.0×105 to 1.2×102 and 4.8×103 to 2.0×101 cfu/ml respectively. The isolates occurred thus: Escherichia coli (50.0%), Salmonella spp. (100%), Shigella spp. (100%), Streptococcus spp. (50.0%), Vibro spp. (20.0%), Proteus spp. (30.0%), Klebsiella spp. (80.0%), and Enterobacter spp. (50.0%). This showed that Salmonella and Shigella spp. occurred highest (100%) in water samples followed by Klebsiella (80.0%); while the lowest occurrence was recorded by Vibro spp. (20.0%). The occurrence of total isolates in water samples showed thus: samples A (50.0%), B (37.5%), C (37.5), D (50.0%), E (25.0), F (75.0%), G (50.0%), H (87.5%), I (100%), and J (87.5%). These results show that stream water sources had more enteric pathogens followed by underground tank sources and borehole water sources being the least contaminated. Water sources in Ahiazu Mbaise are not free from enteric pathogens and might expose users to diarrhea.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Enteric pathogens, water sources, Ahiazu Mbaise, diarrhea, morbidity, mortality.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence and factors associated with healing outcomes of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among patients with spinal cord injury

Ezema Charles Ikechukwu, Idowu Opeyemi Ayodiipo*, Anekwe David Emeka, Adelugba Julius Kayode, Nwoba Izuchukwu Michael and Ogunbameru Temitope Deborah

Abstract: Pressure ulcers remain a perennial challenge in the management of patients with spinal cord injury in developing countries due to lack of preventive facilities and trained personnel. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with healing outcomes of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among patients with spinal cord injury in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. A retrospective case chart review of patients with spinal cord injury between January, 1997 and December, 2006 was carried out. Data were gleaned on gender, age, marital status, presence and number pressure ulcers per patient, worst hit body site by pressure ulcer, cause of spinal cord injury, spinal cord injury level, American spinal injury association impairment score (AIS), diabetes status, stage of worst hit body site and outcomes of healing. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at α 0.05. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in the study was 51.58%. The sacrum and coccyx (56.20%) were the worst hit body sites by pressure ulcers. Gender (p = 0.00), aetiology of spinal cord injury (p = 0.01) and stage of worst hit body site by PU (p = 0.00) were associated with healing outcomes. The prevalence of pressure ulceration was high with a high majority of the ulcers not healing.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Pressure ulcers, retrospective, spinal cord injury.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Assessment of awareness on food borne zoonoses and its relation with veterinary public health services in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sisay Girma, Girma Zewde, Ketema Tafess, and Tariku Jibat*

Abstract: A qualitative survey was conducted to assess the awareness on food borne zoonoses and its relation with veterinary public health services in Addis Ababa and its surrounding districts. Structured questionnaire was used in the study. Factors like educational level, information source, and profession, were considered for possible explanation of the results. The most frequently known zoonotic diseases were rabies (100%), followed by anthrax (94.27%), teniasis (89.06%), tuberculosis (88.54%), brucellosis (49.48%), and mentioned others (31.25%). The importance of veterinary public health in the overall public health institutions was assessed by looking at the responses to questions and it is shown that the public health institutions do not yet see the need of having veterinarians in the public health. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the awareness and use of inspected and packed animal products is relatively low, which exposes the people to risk of food borne pathogens. The authors would like to recommend to the government and concerned bodies to raise the awareness of the public, using the appropriate communication media, and to strengthen the contribution of public health veterinarians in the public health services for better community health.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Awareness, veterinarian, food borne zoonoses.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Diagnosis of invasive squamous cell carcinoma: Impact of opportunistic screening in >70 years old women in Trentino (northern region of Italy)

Teresa Pusiol, Doriana Morichetti and Maria Grazia Zorzi

Abstract: To assess the value of opportunistic screening in diagnosis of invasive squamous carcinoma found in >70 years old women in Trentino (northern region of Italy) in the period 2007 to 2010, the cytopathology Section of Rovereto Hospital examined 28589 opportunistic Pap smears. papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in all histological specimens with diagnosis of low grade and high grade intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical carcinoma. 111 cases (0.38%) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-3-squamous cell carcinoma were identified in 28589 opportunistic Pap smears. The cytological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-3 was performed in three cases, confirmed by cone biopsy in two patients with the presence of HPV-16 and HPV-58 with PCR. The diagnosis of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was performed with Pap smear in three patients, histologically confirmed by the biopsy with the presence of HPV-58 in one case. Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed with Pap smear in two cases, histologically confirmed by hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in absence of HPV. It is necessary to note that early diagnosis decrease to mortality, morbidity and management costs of new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in > 65 years old women. The present study supports the screening policy to perform Pap test every 3 years until aged 69 years, independently to sexual activity.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Invasive cervical carcinoma, opportunistic screening, cancer in elderly women.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Sero-prevalence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in small ruminants in Blue Nile, Gadaref and North Kordofan States of Sudan

A. S. Abdalla, A. A. Majok, K. H. El Malik and A. S. Ali*

Abstract: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted in Blue Nile, Gadarif and North Kordofan states of Sudan. The study was conducted during the period May 2005 to September 2006 to provide an overview of the most important diseases affecting small ruminants’ productivity. Results of interviews with small ruminants’ keepers indicated that peste des petitis ruminants (PPR) was found to be one of the most important diseases in all the study areas, with minor variations in importance at individual state level. Analyses of the sera collected from small ruminants gave an overall sero-prevalence of PPR as 61.8%. However, PPR had a slightly higher ranking in importance in Gadarif and Blue Nile states, while respondents in North Kordofan did not report PPR as the most important disease, but reported a syndrome with diarrhea, pneumonia and sudden death. This syndrome was considered by the pastoralists as the most important condition which reduced their small ruminants’ numbers and denied them market access.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Peste des petitis ruminants (PPR), seroprevalence, small ruminants, Sudan.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Cutaneous infectious diseases in Tunisian adolescents

El Fekih Nadia, Aounallah-Skhiri Hajer*, Ben Thabet-Dorbane Imen, Zéglaoui Faten, kamoun Mohamed Ridha and Fazaa Becima

Abstract: Few studies have been completed in adolescent’s cutaneous diseases. The aim of this work is to assess the adolescent epidemiological profile of the cutaneous infectious diseases and its evolution between 1997 and 2007. We have performed a comparative retrospective study on all adolescent outpatients attending Charles Nicolle’s Hospital Dermatological Department on 1997 and 2007 and focused on cutaneous disease. The total number of outpatients was 9254 and 11343 on 1997 and 2007, respectively. Among this population, we counted 1155 teenagers on 1997 (12.4%) and 1176 teenagers on 2007 (10.63%). Comparatively, the results revealed that there were no significant differences in terms of age and gender between 1997 and 2007. For both years, the majority of cutaneous infections were of viral origin, followed by fungal dermatosis, bacterial dermatosis and finally parasitic dermatosis. We have noted a major modification in the skin infections profile: a decrease in bacterial skin diseases frequency (P < 10-3), and an increase in warts (P = 0.02) and scabies (P = 0.014). Meanwhile, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including venereal warts have also considerably increased especially in teenage females (P = 0.059).[...] Read More.

Keywords: Warts, adolescents, pityriasis vesicular.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Maternal education and child nutritional status in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Jacques Be-Ofuriyua EMINA,*, Ngianga-Bakwin KANDALA, Joseph INUNGU and Yazoume YE

Abstract: Using data from the 2001 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)-Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, this study examines association between maternal education and child nutritional status in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analyses are based on chi-square tests and logit generalized estimating equations. The results showed that maternal education difference in child nutritional status depends on the nutritional status indicator used. Maternal education is associated with lower prevalence of simultaneous multiple-malnutrition. In contrast, the prevalence of single malnutrition indicators “stunting only” or “wasting only” is higher among children whose mother has secondary education or higher. However, depending on the indicator, the association disappears or appears only after controlling for the province of residence. Therefore, any study on the determinants of children nutritional status should be based on a clearly defined nutritional indicator. In addition, only national policies integrating education, access to food and use of health service are pivotal to improve child health and nutrition.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Nutritional status, under-five children, maternal education, Democratic Republic of Congo, socioeconomic factors, conflict affected area.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

The impact of parental education on infant mortality in Gaza strip, Palestine

Mazen Abuqamar*, Danny Coomans and Fred Louckx

Abstract: A society's infant mortality rate is considered an important indicator of its health status. Maternal education has been accepted almost unanimously as a major socio-economic factor in infant mortality. In addition, it is one of the few measures of health status for which data are widely available in most countries. Many research studies have been done on this topic, but never in Palestine. This study was carried out in 2008 with the objective of determining the relationship between educational level of parents and infant mortality in the Gaza strip. Face to face interviews were carried out on 550 mothers of infants (275 dead infants and 275 live births) in the Gaza strip. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the relationship between health behavioral factors and infant mortality. The result of this study showed that the families with lower educational level had a much higher risk of infant mortality. There was a positive statistical association between parental education and survival of infants. The findings underscore the importance of explicit attention to health education.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Parental education, social factor, infant mortality, Gaza strip.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Social Cognitive Theory and Perspectives of Community Pharmacists about Promotion of Lifestyle Modification in Hypertensive Adults

Olanike O. Kehinde*, Kimberly G. Dixon-Lawson and Aaron B. Mendelsohn

Abstract: Hypertension is a global public health problem. Promotion of lifestyle modification (PLM) by health professionals is a key aspect in the management of hypertension. The perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM among adults with hypertension have not been explored in Nigeria though they play an essential role in healthcare in the community. A phenomenological study was conducted to document the perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM using in-depth interviews and social cognitive theory as the guiding framework. The knowledge, experiences, and barriers to the practice of PLM by 12 community pharmacists were explored. From a thematic analysis of transcribed data, 3 categories (perception of roles, perception of practice, pharmacy school curriculum), and an overarching theme evolved to capture the perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM in hypertension. The overarching theme was that the roles and practice of PLM by community pharmacists among hypertensive patients is influenced by cognitive factors, pharmacy school training, agency (self-efficacy and patient factors), and social structure (stakeholders and environmental factors). These findings may aid the design of appropriate interventions that can help community pharmacists to contribute more meaningfully to the management of hypertension through PLM in adults.[...] Read More.

Keywords:

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Intelligence quotient of 7 to 9 year-old children from an area with high fluoride in drinking water

H. R. Poureslami*, A. Horri, S. Khoramian and B. Garrusi

Abstract: This paper reports the effect of chronic high fluoride exposure on children`s intelligence quotient (IQ). In this cross sectional study, two urban communities with similar socio-economic and cultural status but with different levels of fluoride in drinking water, in Kerman province of Iran were studied: Koohbanan City (fluoride 2.38 mg/L), Baft City (fluoride 0.41 mg/L). Study samples consisted of 119 children 6 to 9 years old: 59 children from Koohbanan and 60 children from Baft. Raven`s progressive matrices used to determine the effect of fluoride exposures on children`s IQ. The statistical analysis was carried out using the t-test, the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney test. In the low fluoride area (control group), the mean IQ score of children was 97.80±15.95 that decreased to 91.37±15.63 for the high fluoride group (Koohbanan`s children), it was significantly different from the control group (P[...] Read More.

Keywords: Fluoride, fluorosis, intelligence quotient, Raven test.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Case Report

Testicular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report

Agabus N. Manasseh, Godwins O. Echejoh*, Olugbenga A. Silas, Matthew N. Tanko, Shola K. Jegede and Barnabas M. Mandong

Abstract: Rhabdomyosarcoma is one of the most frequent soft tissue sarcomas in children. It is found mostly in children, primarily infants, toddlers, and pre-school pupils. However, pure testicular rhabdomyosarcoma is a very rare tumor and few cases have been reported in literature. The tumor usually presents as a painless testicular enlargement with early dissemination via the blood stream and lymphatics. The origin of this tumor is presumed to be from overgrowth of a sarcomatous area of the teratoma. Here, we present a case of testicular rhabdomyosarcoma in a 15-year-old student with a fatal outcome during chemotherapy. This is actually the first case of pure testicular rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed in this centre after over 10 years.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Rhabdomyosarcoma, testicular, orchidectomy, chemotherapy.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Geohelminthiasis among Nigerian preschool age children

O. P.G. Nmorsi*, C. Isaac, I. S. Aashikpelokhai and N. C. D. Ukwandu

Abstract: A study of the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of geohelminth infections was investigated among preschool children aged 1-5 years old in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ninety eight children (94.30%) out of 316 volunteers examined were infected with one or more geohelminth parasites. The predominant geohelminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (85.7%, 104.4 epg), followed by hookworm (65.7%, 172.2 epg) and Trichuiris trichuira (2.9%, 305 epg). The difference in the prevalence of infection of the geohelminths among the preschool children was statistically significant (F=6.708, p 0.05). Of the three anthelmintic drugs administered, namely, Albendazole, Mebendazole and Pyrantel pamoate, children treated with Pyrantel pamoate had the lowest parasitic load post treatment and highest cure rate. Places of defecation such as pit latrines, bushes and water closets as well as mothers’/caregivers’ occupation have been identified as potential risk factors contributing to the high infection rates of helminth parasites among preschool age children studied.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Geohelminthiasis, preschool age, children, albendazole, mebendazole, Pyrantel pamoate, haemoglobin, risk factors, Nigeria.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Cerebrospinal fluid characteristics of PCR diagnosed enteroviral meningitis (EVM) in children

Jaishen Rajah*, Jurgen Sasse, Rula Essam, Tayseer Hassan, Marthinus Pitout Subashnie Devkaran and Afrozul Haq

Abstract: Distinguishing bacterial from viral meningitis helps prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics and decreases the length of stay. The distinction may often be blurred by the typical textbook description of viral meningitis which states that mononuclear cells predominate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The aim of the work is to accurately describe the CSF response in a group of children with enteroviral meningitis proven by the gold standard, polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A cross sectional study was performed at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). We examined retrospectively all children (< 12 years as per hospital definition) who tested PCR positive for enterovirus in the CSF from January 2005 to January 2007. 53 patients with mean age (SD) of 74.8 months (37.8) were included. There was a statistically significant dominance in polymorphnuclear cells (PMN) in both the CSF (Chi Square statistic 28.78, P < 0.001) and serum, which persisted after 24 h with mononuclear cells and PMN equally represented. A correlation between CSF and serum PMN% was also detected (Pearson's r = 0.447, P=0.001, 95% CI = 0.196 to 0.643). Our peak season was in spring, there was a male predominance and the median (IQR) length of stay was 48 h (48 -72). The majority of children with aseptic meningitis had PMN predominance in both CSF and serum, which is not limited to the first 24 h. This finding differs from most standard textbook descriptions and may have relevance in using PMN counts to distinguish bacterial from viral meningitis.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Enterovirus, viral meningitis, PCR, polymorphnuclear cells, length of stay, children.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Case Report

Delayed diagnosis of ataxia-telangiectasia in an adolescent patient

Ahmet Sert*, Dursun Odabas, Bahar Demir and Cengizhan Kılıcarslan

Abstract: Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasies, immune defects, and a predisposition to malignancy. Patients present in early childhood with progressive cerebellar ataxia and later develop conjunctival telangiectases, other progressive neurologic degeneration, sinopulmonary infection and malignancies. Under-diagnosis or diagnostic delay of AT and its pulmonary complications contribute to morbidity and early mortality. We reported a patient who, due to a delay in diagnosis of AT, presented with bronchiectasis at the age of seventeen. To reduce the morbidity associated with AT, there needs to be greater awareness of the respiratory complications. Early management and monitoring lung function can minimize pulmonary damage.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Adolescent, ataxia-telangiectasia, bronchiectasis.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Detection and partial characterization of norovirus among children with acute gastroenteritis in Lagos, Nigeria

C. I. Ayolabi*, D. A. Ojo, G. E. Armah, I. Akpan and C. F. Mafiana

Abstract: Norovirus (NoV) has captured increasing attention as an agent of childhood diarrhea, but its incidence in developing countries such as Nigeria has been underreported. This study was conducted to investigate the role of NoVs in sporadic cases of acute diarrhea among hospitalized children. One hundred and eighty-eight (188) specimens comprising 161 diarrheic and 27 non-diarrheic stools were randomly selected from 668 stools previously screened for rotaviruses. These specimens were collected from children under 5 years of age who were hospitalized between November 2007 and May 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria. The specimens were examined for NoV antigen using monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and the positive specimens were further characterized for norovirus genogroups using reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) technique. NoV was detected in 60/161 (37.3%) of diarrhoeal and 1(3.7%) of non diarrhoeal children tested. Noroviruses were detected throughout the study period with most patients infected in age group 6 - 12 months. More males were infected with NoV than females however, the difference was not significant (2 = 0.983, p 0.05). Sixteen among the positive samples were amplified by PCR using specific primers, of these, 5 (31%) were typed to be GI, 8 (50%) were GII and three samples (19%) showed a mixed infection of norovirus GI and GII genogroups. This study confirmed the relevance of NoV as a causative agent of pediatric diarrhoea and reported norovirus genogroup GII as the predominant type in circulation in Lagos, Nigeria.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Diarrhoea, norovirus, RT-PCR, children, Nigeria.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Evaluation of biofilm production by Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from nosocomial infections and skin of healthy volunteers

Fereshteh Eftekhar*and Zeinab Mirmohamadi

Abstract: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a frequent cause of nosocomial infections. The major virulence factor is thought to be biofilm formation by the organism mediated by gene products of the icaADBC operon. In this research, biofilm phenotype and icaADBC gene carriage were studied in 50 S. epidermidis isolates from symptomatic patients (group A) and 50 skin isolates from healthy individuals (group B). Biofilm phenotype was shown by colony morphology on Congo red agar and the microtiter plate method was used for quantitative measurement of biofilm formation. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the presence of icaADBC operon. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups of isolates for the potential to form biofilms by the two phenotypic assays or the amounts of biofilm produced by the two groups of isolates. On the other hand, ica gene carriage was more discriminatory and was observed in 30% of group A isolates compared to 8% of the skin isolates. We conclude that S. epidermidis isolates from patients with symptomatic infections are not necessarily more virulent from the skin contaminants and the capacity to form biofilms in vivo is influenced by environmental stimuli independent of the icaADBC gene products.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Biofilm, Staphylococcus epidermidis, icaADBC, patients isolates, skin isolates.

2020, 9(1), 1-6;

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