Niger J Clin Pract
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Diarrhoea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Nigeria. Rotavirus is a leading cause of acute watery diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age. ⋯ This study has confirmed that rotavirus is an important cause of childhood diarrhoea. The burden of childhood diarrhoea can be reduced by introduction of vaccines, and children of 1 year old and younger will benefit from this vaccine as most study participants have not been vaccinated. Creating awareness on prevention and control of this infection with mass vaccination will go a long way in reducing the prevalence and mortality rate of rotavirus diarrhoea.
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Acute phase reactants and inflammation biomarkers such as ferritin, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and complete blood count parameters (White blood cell, platelet count) are usually used to evaluate and monitor the disease severity and treatment response of systemic inflammatory diseases. In addition to these parameters, Immature granulocytes (IG) that increase during systemic infection, hematological malignancy, and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy and glucocorticoids) are important parameters for evaluating systemic inflammation. The sensitivity and specificity of IG are as high as the abovementioned inflammatory biomarkers for monitoring disease severity and treatment response. ⋯ IG levels in CBC data could be a potential practical biomarker. This issue requires further research and the development of therapies targeting IG cells is needed.
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Despite benefits, autopsy rates continue to fall globally. The effects of education, religion, and culture on autopsy rates are well documented. ⋯ Autopsy rates in Benin city and environs may reflect lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding of the laws guiding autopsy. Autopsy-related work experience is an important factor influencing knowledge and attitude of health personnel in this study. Its effect on autopsy request and acceptance rates should be further evaluated.
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A 19-year-old male undergraduate presented to the eye clinic with a history of poor vision in the left eye since childhood. The best-corrected visual acuity was 6/6 in the right eye and hand movement in the left eye respectively. Examination of the anterior segment of the right eye was essentially normal, whereas the anterior segment examination of the left eye revealed a small globe, microcornea, and an iris coloboma inferiorly at the 6 o'clock position. ⋯ The left eye had a pink disc, normal macula and vessels with an inferior arc-shaped excavation with exposure of the sclera, which involved both the disc and macula and was in keeping with a retinochoroidal coloboma. Systemic examination revealed low-set ears with a left atrophic pinna, mild kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, and an atrophic left lower limb with anomalies of the toes and talipes equinovarus. A pan-systolic murmur was present on cardiovascular examination.
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Skin disorders among primary school children are common in many countries, with a variable spectrum. They can constitute major health problems, resulting in considerable discomfort, parental anxiety, and embarrassment to the child. ⋯ The prevalence of skin diseases in the population studied is high, especially in public schools. The most common manifestation of skin disease is rash, and the most common type of skin disease is tinea capitis. It is recommended that standard hygienic practices should be maintained by primary school children and their parents/caregivers to prevent skin diseases.