Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in vaccinated and vaccine naïve adult Nigerians.

Background: Reports on the evaluation of immune responses to different COVID-19 vaccines are limited. Similarly, effects of age and gender have not been well explored as variables that could impact on the vaccine-induced antibody response. Therefore, seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in vaccinated and vaccine naïve adult Nigerians was determined in this study.

Serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in Nigerian men with nuchal fat fold.

Background: Factors necessitating the propensity of adults with upper body fat deposition (UBFD) for developing insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are poorly understood. Therefore, understanding the roles of adipocytokines in the development of UBFD-associated pathologies could be of clinical importance.

Aim: To assess the levels of selected adipocytokines in males with nuchal fat fold (NFF).

Sars-Cov-2 Infection Screening Using Two Serological Testing Methods.

The challenges associated with adequate deployment of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) in developing countries underscores the important role of simple but sensitive and specific serological testing kits in COVID-19 diagnosis. Presently, there are a number of point-of-care tests for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) screening. However, the reliability of these test kits is poorly documented and hence, needs to be ascertained.

Beta-cell Function and Metabolic Clearance Rate of Glucose in Patients with Major Mental Health Disorders on Antipsychotic Drug Treatment.

Background: Insulin resistance and metabolic alteration continue to be essential features of major mental health disorders (MMHD) with poorly understood and multifaceted mechanisms. This study was carried out to provide information on insulin resistance, beta-cell function, metabolic clearance rate of glucose and their possible interplay with duration of antipsychotic use in patients with major mental health disorders.

Methodology: Plasma levels of glucose and insulin were determined in 124 patients with MMHD after an overnight fast and at 30 and 120 min of standard Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Insulin Sensitivity, Inflammation, and Basal Metabolic Rate in Adults with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Background: Chronic inflammation and elevated basal metabolic rate (BMR) are established features of sickle-cell anemia (SCA). However, there is little information on the possible impacts of these afore-mentioned features on glycemia and insulin sensitivity status of this group of people.

Aim: This study aims to determine the insulin sensitivity status as well the effect of BMR on glycemia in adults with SCA in steady state.

Vitamin D Levels in Different Severity Groups of Schizophrenia.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) continues to be associated with schizophrenia, but there is the dearth of information on the relationship between the severity of schizophrenia and plasma levels of vitamin D. This study, therefore, determined the plasma levels of vitamin D in different severity groups of schizophrenia.

Materials And Methods: Plasma level of vitamin D was determined in 60 patients with schizophrenia and 30 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls.

Thyroid function in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection before commencement of MDR-TB drug regimen.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are known to cause abnormal thyroid function. There is little information on whether HIV infection aggravates alteration of thyroid function in patients with MDR-TB.

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine if HIV co-infection alters serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients with MDR-TB patients and to find out the frequency of subclinical thyroid dysfunction before the commencement of MDR-TB therapy.

Serum Micronutrients in Helminth-infected Pregnant Women and Children: Suggestions for Differential Supplementation During Anti-helminthic Treatment.

Background: The prevalence of helminth infection, which is known to affect nutritional status of the host, varies with age. The complex interplay between ages, nutrient requirements, and infection necessitated the need to recommend micronutrient supplementation during helminth infection among different age groups.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of alteration in selected micronutrients in pregnant women and preschool- and school-aged children with helminth infection.

Serum Levels of Cytokines and IgE in Helminth-Infected Nigerian Pregnant Women and Children.

Background: Helminth infection is an important health challenge. Because of modulation of the immune response toward T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, the immunologic interplay that manifest during the coexistence of helminth infection with other conditions is still poorly understood.

Objective: This study determined the pattern of alteration in selected cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in pregnant women, preschool aged children, and school-aged children with helminth infection compared with uninfected groups.

Serum copeptin and pregnancy outcome in preeclampsia.

Background: A number of biochemical predictors of preeclampsia have been reported, but little is known about their possible relationship with maternal and fetal outcomes. This study determined serum copeptin in pregnant women with preeclampsia and assessed its relationship with pregnancy outcomes.

Materials And Methods: Thirty women with severe preeclampsia (SP), 30 with mild preeclampsia (MP), and 30 with uncomplicated pregnancy were enrolled into this study.

Defective lipid metabolism in sickle cell anaemia subjects in vaso-occlusive crisis.

Background: Abnormal lipid homeostasis has been reported in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) as well as in other haematological disorders. However, there is little information on the lipid profile of SCA subjects in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). This study determined the lipid profile of adult SCA subjects in VOC and in steady state (SSCA).

Serum copeptin and cortisol do not accurately predict sickle cell anaemia vaso-occlusive crisis as C-reactive protein.

Objective: This study assessed the diagnostic performance and prognostic properties of C-reactive protein (CRP), copeptin and cortisol in individuals with sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

Design: Prospective case-control study.

Methods: Sixty consecutive SCA subjects (18-40 years) comprising 30 subjects in the steady state and 30 subjects in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) were recruited into this study.

Total antioxidant potential and essential trace metals in the breast milk and plasma of Nigerian human immunodeficiency virus-infected lactating mothers.

Background: The effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on the immune system is well documented however; its impact on the nutritional and immunological qualities of the breast milk is scarce.

Aim: Levels of some essential trace metals, albumin and antioxidant status in the plasma and breast milk of Nigerian HIV-infected lactating mothers were determined.

Materials And Methods: Essential trace metals and total antioxidant potential were measured using spectrophotometric method while albumin was measured using single radial immunodiffusion technique.

Salivary immunoglobulin classes in Nigerian cigarette smokers: Indication for increased risk of oral diseases.

Background: Cigarette smoking is a worldwide social epidemic and it is one of the main causes of preventable death and disability. Gingivitis, periodontitis, pocket depth, attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, and tooth loss are some of oral pathologies commonly found in cigarette smokers. The aim of this study was to explore, for the first time among Nigerians, the interplay between components of cigarette smoke and salivary levels of immunoglobulin classes so as to provide oral immunological based reasons for oral diseases in cigarette smokers.

Salivary immunoglobulin classes in Nigerian smokers with periodontitis.

Aim: To determine the levels of salivary immunoglobulin classes in Nigerian smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis.

Methods: Sixty-nine individuals were recruited into this study after obtaining informed consent. They were subdivided into three groups that consisted of 20 (aged 46 ± 11 years) cigarette smokers with periodontitis (S+P); 24 (40 ± 12 years) smokers without periodontitis (S-P); and 25 (53 ± 11 years) non-smokers with periodontitis (NS+P).