Search

Abstract Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) globally. Understanding risk factors for hypertension among individuals with matching characteristics with stroke patients may inform primordial/primary prevention of hypertension and stroke among them. This study identified the risk factors for hypertension among community‐dwelling stroke‐free population in Ghana and Nigeria. Data for 4267 community‐dwelling stroke‐free controls subjects in the Stroke Investigative Research and Education Network (SIREN) study in Nigeria and Ghana were used. Participants were comprehensively assessed for sociodemographic, lifestyle and metabolic factors using standard methods. Hypertension was defined as a previous diagnosis by a health professional or use of an anti‐hypertensive drug or mean systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of hypertension and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at p

The ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging neurobiobanks and data resources are unclear in an African scientific landscape with unique cultural, linguistic, and belief systems. The overarching goal of the African Neurobiobank for Precision Stroke Medicine–—ELSI Project is to identify, examine, and develop novel approaches to address ELSI issues of biobanking and stroke genomic research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To accomplish the goal we will (1) explore knowledge, attitude, perceptions, barriers, and facilitators influencing ELSI issues related to biobanking and stroke genomic research; (2) use information obtained to craft a community intervention program focused on ELSI issues; and (3) build capacity and careers related to genomics and biobanking for effective client/community engagement while enhancing regulatory, governance, and implementation competences in biobanking science in SSA. A community-based participatory research and mixed-methodological approach, focused on various levels of the social ecological model, will be used to identify and examine relevant ELSI issues. Contextual intervention tools, platforms, and practices will be developed to enhance community understanding and participation in stroke biobanking and genomics research activities while facilitating enduring trust, and equitable and fair utilization of biobanking resources for genetic and trans-omics research. A concurrent capacity building program related to genetic counseling and biobanking will be implemented for early career researchers. The huge potential for neurobiobanking and genomics research in Africa to advance precision medicine applicable to stroke and other neurological disorders requires addressing ELSI challenges while building sustainable research, career, and regulatory capacities in trans-omics and biobanking science.

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is common among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection however there are few reports from sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We studied fifty seropositive patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection along with fifty matched seronegative control. Medical history taking and general physical and neurological examinations were done for all study participants. Laboratory evaluations and chest X-ray were done for all the patients. The cognitive function was done with the aid of ‘Fepsy’ automated test battery for all the study participants. The data was analyzed with statistical package for social sciences software version 21.0 (SPSS Chicago IL). Result: About 70% of the HIV patients were in advanced disease stage. The auditory and visual reaction times, binary choice reaction times, and computerized visual scanning task time were more prolonged in the HIV group (p 0.05). Among the patients with HIV infection, the presence of anemia and central nervous system toxoplasmosis infection was associated with prolonged auditory and visual reaction times. Conclusion: There was a high rate of cognitive dysfunction in patients with HIV infection in this study.

HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) are common among HIV-positive individuals. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of HAND in Nigeria. 80 HIV-positive and 40 HIV-negative adults selected from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) received comprehensive evaluations. A multidomain neuropsychological test (MDNPT) battery assessing 7 domains was administered to the participants and their performance was combined with measures of functional status to classify impairments into various grades of HAND. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify correlates of symptomatic HAND. Among the HIV-positive individuals, 50% were highly active antiretroviral therapy-experienced (HAART+) and 50% were highly active antiretroviral therapy naive (HAART−). Symptomatic HAND was found among 40% of the HAART− individuals and 30% of the HAART+ individuals. Respective prevalence of HIV-associated dementia (HAD) was 23% and 5%, respectively (p=0.0002). In a binary logistic regression model, only fewer years of education independently predicted symptomatic HAND [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.44, p=0.016]. The prevalence of HAND in Nigeria is high with HAD being commoner among HAART− patients. Provision of HAART and strict monitoring of patients at risk of HAND are needed to scale down the burden of the disease.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: صممت الدراسة لتقييم النتاج والنمط والعوامل التي ترتبط بشكل مستقل بتشوهات التخطيط الدماغي في صرع الطفولة لدى السعوديين. طرق البحث: وصفنا السمات الأولى لمخطط كهربية الدماغ وقيمنا العوامل المرتبطة بها في عينة من الأطفال المصابين بالصرع في المجتمع السعودي. اعتمد الاتحاد الدولي لجمعيات تخطيط كهربية الدماغ والفيزيولوجيا العصبية السريرية تعريف التصريفات الصرعية بين النشبات (نشاط الصرع بين النشبات) في الدراسة. النتائج: كان ٧٥٦ مريضا من الأطفال منهم ٤٢٧ (٥٦.٥٪) من الذكور و٣٢٩ (٤٣.٥٪) من الإناث مع التشخيص السريري للصرع لديهم تخطيط كهربية الدماغ. سريريا، النوبة كانت معممة في ٦١٩ (٨١.٩٪) مريضا وبؤرية في ١٣٧ (١٨.١٪) مريضا. عانى ٣٩٧ مريضا (٥٢.٥١٪) من شذوذ في مخطط كهربية الدماغ، بينما كان مخطط كهربية الدماغ طبيعيا عند ٣٥٩ مريضا (٤٧.٤٩٪). كان تواتر النوبة والجنس ووجود تاريخ عائلي للصرع والعمر منبئات مستقلة لوجود تشوهات تخطيط كهربية الدماغ. الاستنتاجات: كشفت الدراسة أن نتاج ٥٢٪ من مخطط كهربية الدماغ غير طبيعي لدى الأطفال المصابين بالصرع. وكان العمر والجنس والتاريخ العائلي وتواتر النوبات منبئات مستقلة لوجود شذوذ في مخطط كهربية الدماغ في صرع الطفولة. Abstract: Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the yield, pattern, and factors that are independently associated with electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in childhood epilepsy in a Saudi population. Methods: We characterised the features of the first EEG and evaluated the associated factors in children with epilepsy in a Saudi population. The features of interictal epileptiform discharges (interictal epileptiform activity (IEA)) adopted by the International Federation of Societies for Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology were used in the study. Result: A total of 756 paediatric patients, comprised of 427 men (56.5%) and 329 women (43.5%) with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, underwent EEG. Clinically, seizure was generalised in 619 (81.9%) patients and focal in 137 (18.1%). Among the patients, 397 (52.51%) had an abnormal EEG, while EEG was normal in 359 (47.49%) patients. Seizure frequency, gender, family history of epilepsy, and age were independent predictors of the presence of EEG abnormalities. Conclusion: This study revealed a yield of 52% abnormal EEG findings in children with epilepsy. Age, gender, family history, and seizure frequency were independent predictors of the presence of EEG abnormalities in childhood epilepsy.