Gender-based constraints affecting biofortified cassava production, processing and marketing among men and women adopters in Oyo and Benue States, Nigeria.

This study identified gender-based constraints affecting the production, processing and marketing of biofortified cassava in two states in Nigeria, using a mixed methods approach. The study identified major differences between the two study sites (Benue and Oyo). The scale of production of biofortified cassava is higher in Oyo state among adult men because of their active involvement and collaboration with research institutes within the state and the ease of transporting products to Lagos State for designated diverse markets.

Melatonin attenuates behavioural deficits and reduces brain oxidative stress in a rodent model of schizophrenia.

Melatonin is a neurohormone that is linked to the aetiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to assess the potentials of oral melatonin supplement in the management of induced schizophrenia-like behavioural and brain oxidative status changes, using an animal model. The relative degrees of modulation of ketamine-induced behaviours by haloperidol, olanzapine or melatonin were assessed in the open-field, Y-maze, elevated plus maze and the social interaction tests.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: impact on quality of life and current management challenges.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a distressing, often overlooked condition in patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease. It affects ~40% of patients with end-stage renal disease and has been associated with poor quality of life, poor sleep, depression, and mortality. Prevalence estimates vary based on the instruments used to diagnose CKD-aP, and standardized diagnostic instruments are sorely needed.

Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease: Similarities and Differences in Diagnosis, Epidemiology, and Management.

Depression is highly prevalent and is associated with poor quality of life and increased mortality among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there are several important differences in the diagnosis, epidemiology, and management of depression between patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD and ESRD. Understanding these differences may lead to a better understanding of depression in these 2 distinct populations.

Right Gaze Palsy and Hoarseness: A Rare Presentation of Mediastinal Tuberculosis with an Isolated Prepontine Cistern Tuberculoma.

We describe a previously healthy young man who presented with headaches, diplopia with right lateral gaze palsy, dysphagia, and hoarseness over a 2-month period. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a small enhancing mass at the prepontine cistern and chest CT showed a left mediastinal mass. Mediastinoscopy and lymph node biopsy were performed.

Pre-hospital care seeking behaviour for childhood acute respiratory infections in south-western Nigeria.

WHO/UNICEF currently recommend that childhood malaria and pneumonia be managed together in the community; most African countries are in the process of developing this policy. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine maternal awareness of general danger signs of childhood illnesses and the prevalence, determinants and sources of pre-hospital treatment by mothers during their child's acute respiratory illness in a poor urban community in south-western Nigeria. A total of 226 mothers were interviewed.

Clinical overlap between malaria and pneumonia: can malaria rapid diagnostic test play a role?

Introduction: Malaria and pneumonia account for 40% of mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to lack of diagnostic facilities, their management is based on the integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy. Symptoms of malaria and pneumonia overlap in African children, necessitating dual IMCI classifications at health centres and treatment with both antibiotics and antimalarials.

Outcome of presumptive versus rapid diagnostic tests-based management of childhood malaria - pneumonia overlap in urban Nigeria: a pilot quasi-experimental study.

Background: Symptoms of malaria and pneumonia overlap in African under-five children and the integrated management of childhood illness strategy require that such children be managed presumptively with both antibiotics and antimalarials. A 2003 WHO expert meeting recommended the evaluation of malaria rapid diagnostic test in the management of children with this overlap, but this has not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of presumptive versus malaria rapid diagnostic test-based management of childhood malaria-pneumonia overlap in Nigeria.