Niger J Clin Pract
-
Although sickle cell disease has become a recognized etiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the sickle cell trait (SCT) variant was until recently believed to be a benign carrier state with little or no effect on the health of affected individuals. However, recent studies now appear to suggest an association between SCT and CKD. ⋯ SCT was not associated with increased risk of renal dysfunction among young adults in Nigeria. Further studies are needed to clarify the controversy, especially in Nigeria, with a relatively higher prevalence of SCT.
-
Alteration in the homeostasis of trace elements such as magnesium may play a role in the development of epileptic seizures. This study aims to investigate the levels of serum magnesium in people with idiopathic generalized epileptic (IGE) seizures and symptomatic seizures in Northeast Nigeria. ⋯ This study suggests that low serum magnesium and calcium may play a role in IGE, and supplementation may be useful in reducing seizures in Black patients with epilepsy.
-
Antibiotic use is common but has a lot of challenges. Implementation of an efficient and cost-effective policy, which can improve the availability and sustainability of pediatric antibiotic use, is required. In this study, we explore the concept of antibiotic drug pooling (DP) as a means to overcome challenges often associated with antibiotic use. ⋯ The adoption of a harmonized prescription pattern and billing as well as unit-dose dispensing for the first 72 h antibiotic treatment will provide a cost-effective means of ensuring antibiotic availability and sustainability. The drug-pooling concept will not only enhance prompt commencement and discontinuation of antibiotic treatment but will also reduce waste and improve time-out policy.
-
Titanium and its alloys are currently the most common dental implant materials. For the best bone-implant contact, machined titanium is subjected to various surface treatments. In the present study, proliferation of human gingivial fibroblast (HGF-1) cells on Grade 5 titanium disks covered with Grade 23 titanium by selective laser melting technology was evaluated. ⋯ It was verifed that the surface topography, roughness, and wettability are all crucial factors on healthy cell populations. Therefore, it was concluded that disks treated with SLM were shown to express the most suitable condition for biocompability.
-
Parasitic infestation of the appendix is uncommon. Parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the appendix and can imitate acute appendicitis clinically. Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia species are among the most common parasitic agents causing acute appendicitis. ⋯ Although they are a rare cause of acute appendicitis, parasitic infestations must always be considered. Accurate identification of acute appendicitis and appropriate therapy will improve the quality of life as much as the prevention of acute appendicitis sourced from parasites.