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Due to the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in developed countries, this study investigates the awareness and perception about artificial intelligence in the management of universit...

Enriched weaning food was produced from co-fermentation of sorghum and pigeon pea in the ratio 90:10.80:20 and 70:30 sorghum and pigeon pea, respectively. Sorghum was soaked in water and fermented ...

The chemical and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit peels were investigated. Dried peels of T. tetraptera fruits were extracted with ethanol. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using standard procedures. GCâMS was used in identifying the secondary metabolites. The antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by its ferric reducing activity, 2,2â²-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals scavenging activities, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues of albino male rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and phlebotannin. GCâMS analysis revealed the presence of D-fructose, piperazine, octodrine, glycidol, glyceraldehydes, 6-octadecenoic acid and 9,12-octadecenoic acid, with Dâfructose being the most predominant compound. The extract exhibited high antioxidant activities both in vitro and ex vivo, as indicated by its ability to scavenge DPPH and nitric oxide as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation. This is further portrayed by its ferric reducing activity. These results suggest an antioxidant protective effect of the extract against oxidative hepatic damage and can be attributed to a synergetic action of the identified bioactive compounds. Keywords: Antioxidant, Lipid peroxidation, Phytochemicals, Secondary metabolites

Tunji S Oluleye,1 Adekunle O Rotimi-Samuel,2 Adetunji Adenekan,2 Olubanke T Ilo,2 Folashade B Akinsola,2 Adeola O Onakoya,2 Olufisayo T Aribaba,2 Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu,2 Kareem O Musa,2 Yele Oyefeso2 1Retina and Vitreous Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Guinness Eye Center, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria Abstract: Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada’s (VKH) disease has been reported to be rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Two Nigerians with the disease are presented in this report. The first patient, a 32-year-old pregnant Nigerian woman presented with a 1-month history of bilateral blurring of vision, persistent headache, and alopecia. Presenting visual acuity was 1 m counting fingers in both eyes. Examination revealed vitiligo and poliosis with bilateral panuveitis as well as bilateral exudative retinal detachment. A clinical assessment of complete VKH disease was made. The patient commenced systemic and topical steroids that resulted in remarkable recovery of vision and control of inflammation. The second patient, a 56-year-old Nigerian woman presented with severe headache, tinnitus, and visual loss in both eyes of 2 weeks duration. There was associated redness of both eyes and photophobia. Examination showed visual acuity of Hand motion (HM) and counting fingers at 1 meter (CF). in the right and left eye, respectively, with bilateral panuveitis and bilateral exudative retinal detachment. Subsequent follow-up showed poliosis, vitiligo, and sunsetting fundus appearance. The patient improved with systemic and topical corticosteroids. Developing a high index of suspicion is necessary in diagnosing VKH disease, even in sub-Saharan Africa. Prompt institution of appropriate treatment prevents blindness. Keywords: Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada’s disease, exudative retinal detachment, vitiligo, ­sub-Saharan Africa

Summary Estimates of maternal mortality are crucial to inform the planning of reproductive health programmes and guide advocacy. The aim of this study was to obtain a population-based estimate of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sisterhood method was used in 2008 to carry out the survey using a questionnaire in which respondents were asked about their sisters who died during pregnancy, childbirth or within 6 weeks after childbirth. The survey involved 4,315 respondents who provided information on 9,910 ever married sisters. The life-time likelihood (risk) of maternal death for women aged 15-49 years was found to be 0.0239 or 1 in 42. The estimated maternal mortality ratio was 450 per 100,000 live births with a 95% CI of 360 and 530. Out of 111 reported deaths, 35 (31.5%) occurred during pregnancy, 49 (44.1%) occurred during delivery and 27 (24.3%) within 6 weeks of delivery.

Background: To map and contact all alcohol treatment services in England offering Tier 2, 3 and 4 interventions and describe the characteristics of their service-users.Methods: A national cross-sectional survey of alcohol treatment providers in England, designed to gather information about the characteristics of clients referred, assessed, and treated in the financial 2003/4.Results: A total of 696 alcohol treatment agencies were mapped, of which 388 (55.7 %) responded to the survey. The majority of clients were men, particularly within residential and non-statutory agencies. A higher proportion of residential clients were highly alcohol dependent, homeless and neurologically impaired, whereas, community clients were more likely to be offenders or to have mental health problems. Non-statutory services were more likely to see homeless clients, offenders, and clients with mental health problems and neurological deficits than statutory services who, typically, see a more dependent population.Conclusions: Fin...

Background: Although there is currently a high level of need for alcohol treatment in the United Kingdom, there has been a lack of research into alcohol treatment to date. This study reports on what the current challenges to alcohol treatment services in England are, what resources might help to improve services, and which groups are poorly served by alcohol treatment services, as perceived by service providers.Methods: Qualitative data was obtained in three open-ended questions from a sample of 207 alcohol treatment agencies that responded to the national alcohol needs assessment postal survey.Results: Lack of funding, a general lack of resources to provide services, inadequate access to detoxification and rehabilitation services, and a lack of trained staff to deliver services were key challenges presented. More staff, improved access to detoxification and rehabilitation services, better premises, more funding allocation, improved links with other services, and better resources in general to provide ser...

Background: To map and contact all specialist alcohol treatment services in England and to investigate the characteristics of responding agencies.Methods: A national cross-sectional survey of alcoh...

Twenty million people worldwide use khat (Catha edulis). Previously confined to Eastern Africa and Arabia, consumption is spreading to other regions. Chewing khat leaves releases the stimulants cathinone and cathine. Khat consumption has adverse health consequences including myocardial infarction, liver failure, depression, psychoses and dependence. Literature regarding khat-related mortality is scant: only one death (in 1945) due to physiological complications, and a small number of fatalities due to psychological problems associated with long-term khat use have been reported. However, deaths associated with khat do occur. Thirteen deaths in the UK occurring in 2004–2009 associated with khat consumption are described. All decedents were males (mean age 35). Four deaths resulted from the physiopathological consequences of long-term khat use; liver failure (3), left ventricular failure and pulmonary oedema (1). In a further case, the deceased died of a cardiovascular event precipitated by khat use causing ...

There is evidence of the occurrence of executive dysfunction (ED) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among opiate dependents. However, the nature of this relationship and its impact on treatment outcome in this population has not been sufficiently examined. This article speculates on the individual and combined influence of ED and ADHD on treatment response among opiate dependents, examines the implications of these associations for developing novel interventions, and suggests associated workforce development and research priorities.

Background: It has been suggested that some intravenous drug user deaths may occur in the context of receiving injections from other people. Aim: To investigate the nature, reasons, risks, and circumstances of the practice of injecting other drug users. Method: Questionnaire data collected over 30 weeks from injecting drug users involved with the Brighton and Hove City Substance Misuse Service. Results: The prevalence of these practices (the giving or receiving of injections) was estimated as 26%. “Problems with injecting technique” was the commonest reason given for engaging in these practices and sharing injecting equipment was common. The practice most commonly occurred between friends and partners. Responders to the study perceived these practices as being no different or less safe than self-injecting with regard to the risk of overdose. Conclusions: Injecting other users may be a common practice and was perceived by study respondents as being no different or less safe than self-injecting with regard ...

This explorative study focused on Bangladeshi women using illicit drugs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which has a large Bangladeshi population. The study was designed to: examine Bengali women's perceptions of their drug use and perception of treatment services; identify the cultural determinants of service utilization; examine the concept of izzat (honour) and its role in contributing to the secrecy surrounding Bengali women's drug use; examine the pressures that have contributed to Bengali women accessing drug treatment services in Tower Hamlets; and examine barriers to the utilization of drug treatment services. Eight Bengali female drug users were recruited via two treatment settings and one by snowballing methods and data gathering was through qualitative discourse. The findings revealed that Bengali female drug users constitute a hidden population that is engaging in high-risk behaviours, especially unsafe sex. Cultural constructs, such as shame about drug use, antipathy towards injecting ...

Stress is an important cause of impaired fulfilment and functioning at work. While instruments exist to measure stress across different occupations, this article reports the development and validation of an occupational stress scale specific to staff working with alcohol and/or drug misusers. An item analysis of 195 responses to an initial 112- item questionnaire resulted in a 25-item instrument, the addiction employees' stress scale (AESS). The AESS demonstrates adequate reliability (range of alpha coefficients, 0.88- 0.92) and construct validity across two study samples, having returned expected statistically significant correlations with five validation criteria that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. The AESS can be used to measure stress levels, to identify sources of stress for individuals working with substance misusers and to develop appropriate work-based stress intervention programmes.

This study was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of records of admissions to an in-patient methadone detoxification programme in two twelve-month matched periods, four years apart. The objectives were to identify changes in prevalence and pattern of benzodiazepine abuse and dependence among opiate addicts between the first (baseline) and second (follow-up) study periods. Prevalence rate of benzodiazepine abuse increased from 11.8% at baseline to 36% at follow-up, and the rates for benzodiazepine dependence at baseline and follow-up were 4.5% and 15.4% respectively. The following significant changes between the two study periods were also observed: Age of first benzodiazepine use, temazepam use, combined use of multiple benzodiazepines, injecting behaviour, use of barbiturates and cannabis, severity of dependence, and rate of treatment completion. The need to routinely assess methadone detoxification patients for benzodiazepine abuse and dependence on admission is underscored.

Olufisayo Temitayo Aribaba,1 Olusesan Adetunji Adenekan,1 Adeola Olukorede Onakoya,1 Adekunle Rotimi-Samuel,1 John Olutola Olatosi,2 Kareem Olatunbosun Musa,1 Akinyele Oyedele Oyefeso,1 Folashade Bolanle Akinsola11Guinness Eye Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 2Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, NigeriaAim: To determine changes in post-cataract surgery central corneal thickness (CCT) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital by assessing the time it takes for the cornea to return to its preoperative thickness value.Methods: This study is a prospective, hospital-based open within-patient controlled study with the unoperated eye controlling for the operated one.Results: Two hundred patients with 400 eyes were analyzed, with bilateral mature cataract in 47.0%. All the patients had manual small incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implant. There is an increase in mean baseline CCT from 520.6±20.3µm by 76.9µm (597.9±30.4µm) 24hours after cataract surgery followed by relative reduction in the mean CCT to 555.2±24.7µm and 525.1±19.7µm at 2weeks and 12weeks, respectively. Increase in mean CCT in the unoperated and contralateral eyes were recorded in this study.Conclusion: There was a transient increase in corneal thickness following cataract surgery with subsequent decrease to preoperative thickness by 12th and fourth week in the operated and unoperated eyes, respectively. Corneal manipulations during cataract surgery must be minimal to reduce visual rehabilitation time to barest minimum. Postoperative refraction will be better at eighth week to 12th week considering the time it takes for the CCT to return to its stable preoperative values.Keywords: post-cataract surgery visual rehabilitation, pachymetry, recovery time, unoperated eye