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Background: Community-based disease surveillance systems (CBSS) are initiated to complement the health facility-based surveillance systems. The timeliness and completeness of reporting, CBSS as well as knowledge of CBSS among focal points, have been noted to influence the effectiveness of CBSS. However, some independent predictors, may play roles in the functionality of the CBSS. This study determines the key factors affecting the effectiveness of CBSS in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 360 community -based focal points in the State, selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained by interview using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires, except data on completeness of reporting which were obtained using observation checklist. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Tests of statistical significance were done using Fishers exact, chi-square cum t tests, ANOVA and binary logistic regression as appropriate. Level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The timeliness of reporting was (82.9%) with a completeness of (28.1%). The independent predictors of the functionality of the CBSS were means through which detected diseases were notified, availability of supervisors for focal points, keeping of records and giving feedback to the communities. Conclusions: The index study reported high level of timeliness and poor completeness of reporting, as well as predictors of the sub-optimally functional CBSS in the State. There is need for sustained training and supervision of focal points, improved record keeping cum means of disease notification, and efficient feedback mechanism to the CBSS in Anambra State.

In Igbo traditional religion (ITR), there are different means through which therapy and healing are achieved. One such means is through the Nsukka-IgboỌmabe masquerade festival rituals and performance theatre. To seek out this aspect of the cultural festival that has been under-researched, this study delves into detailed discussions of the pre-arrival, arrival, events in between, departure and postdeparture of the Ọmabemasquerade festival. Relying on a qualitative method, the study analytically and descriptively discusses the data gathered through participatory observations and interview sessions with some of the devotees possessing sufficient knowledge of the masquerade tradition and festival. Photographs have been included to flesh out the narratives, as well as enrich and enhance the readers’ engagement with the article. Also, relevant materials from extant literature are quoted and cited. The study examined the rituals, music, performances and other interesting key components of the festival and found that the traditional practice through masquerade festivals such as theỌmabeis therapeutic, leading to emotional activation and healing. Undoubtedly, this has been sustaining its re-enactments in the face of neoreligious intolerance, urbanisation, modernity and globalisation that have been adversely affecting cultural practices. Contribution:The article critically engages with the reappraisal of theỌmabecultural heritage festival among the Nsukka-Igbo people, providing thought-provoking, impactful research as well as insightful reading towards achieving an understanding of its rituals, materiality and performance theatre and their accompanying therapy and healing benefits. Bearing in mind thatHTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studiesfocuses on religious issues and that the ‘masking festival’ is a part of Indigenous religious practice, the author considers this article to be suitable for its objectives.

Background An abnormal increase of cardiomyocyte mass of the left ventricle is observed in physiological and pathological phenotypes of hypertrophy. Aims To apply CMR tissue characterization using native T1/T2 and post-contrast T1 mapping and identify tissue phenotypes corresponding to physiological and pathological hypertrophy, in athletes and heart failure (HF), respectively. Methods/Results 187 individuals were prospectively enrolled, in 4 groups: Athletes (n=56, 32±13 years), HF with and without preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF: n=49, 62±12 years; HFrEF: n=49, 54±16 years, H2FpEF-score: 4.8 [3–9]), and healthy controls (n=33, 41±13.7 years). All participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a multiparametric CMR study to assess morphology/function, T2, native T1, extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and intracellular lifetime of water (a marker of cardiomyocyte diameter). As expected, LVEF varied significantly among groups (Athletes: 64.7±6.1%, HFpEF: 59.3±10.7%, HFrEF: 29.4±8.5%, and controls: 65.4±4.3%, p Conclusions In a prospective observational study with CMR T1/T2 mapping, physiological hypertrophy is characterized by increased cardiomyocyte diameter, normal ECV, and a decrease in native T1, due to the larger cardiomyocyte volume. In contrast, with pathological hypertrophy in HF, is associated with an increased and an above-normal native T1. Cardiomyocyte diameter appears reduced in HFrEF compared to HFpEF, reflecting the transition to an eccentric LV shape. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The São Paulo Research Foundation