Home-based care models for patients with terminal illnesses in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review of randomized and quasi-experimental studies.

Background: With the increasing lifespan of people and the transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases across the globe, there is an increasing number of people with terminal illnesses requiring home-based care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Aim: This systematic review evaluated home-based care models for patients with terminal illnesses in LMICs. The primary outcomes measured are quality of life (QoL), adherence to treatment, fatigue, bimanual and related activities.

Acute abdomen secondary to ovarian tumour incarcerated in an umbilical hernia: A case report.

Acute abdomen due to incarcerated umbilical hernia is a surgical emergency. Acute abdomen secondary to gynaecological conditions is not uncommon. However, acute abdomen due to incarceration of a gynaecological tumour in an umbilical hernia is rare.

Pharmacogenomics of Drugs Used in β-Thalassemia and Sickle-Cell Disease: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications.

In this short review we have presented and discussed studies on pharmacogenomics (also termed pharmacogenetics) of the drugs employed in the treatment of β-thalassemia or Sickle-cell disease (SCD). This field of investigation is relevant, since it is expected to help clinicians select the appropriate drug and the correct dosage for each patient. We first discussed the search for DNA polymorphisms associated with a high expression of γ-globin genes and identified this using GWAS studies and CRISPR-based gene editing approaches.

Erratum to 'Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries' [ 7 (2023) 100207].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.

Erratum to "Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries" [ 7 (2023) 100207].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.

ACHIEVE conference proceedings: implementing action plans to reduce and control hypertension burden in Africa.

The prevalence of hypertension, the commonest risk factor for preventable disability and premature deaths, is rapidly increasing in Africa. The African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology, and a Vibrant Ecosystem [ACHIEVE] conference was convened to discuss and initiate the co-implementation of the strategic solutions to tame this burden toward achieving a target of 80% for awareness, treatment, and control by the year 2030. Experts, including the academia, policymakers, patients, the WHO, and representatives of various hypertension and cardiology societies generated a 12-item communique for implementation by the stakeholders of the ACHIEVE ecosystem at the continental, national, sub-national, and local (primary) healthcare levels.

Oral Health Considerations for Adults Aged 18 Years or More Seeking Dental Care in the Past Year: A CDC Oral Health Data Analysis.

Background:  Oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, with regular dental care being fundamental to its maintenance. This study focuses on understanding dental care utilization among adults aged 18 and above who have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, aiming to uncover patterns, disparities, and determinants of oral health practices within this demographic.

Methods:  Data from the U.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among American Youth: A Comprehensive 20-Year Analysis of National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data.

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that has a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents. This study conducts a comprehensive 20-year analysis of data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to investigate the prevalence of ADHD among American youth, as well as its demographic patterns and socioeconomic determinants.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of NCHS data spanning from 1997 to 2018 was carried out.

Assessment of Legibility of Handwritten Prescriptions and Adherence to W.H.O. Prescription Writing Guidelines in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria - Kaduna State, Nigeria.

The issues of incorrectness and incompleteness for written prescriptions may result to dispensing errors and unintended outcomes of care. The objective of the study was to assess the legibility of handwritten prescriptions and adherence to W.H.

Influence of sex composition of surviving children on childbearing intention among high fertility married women in stable union in Northwestern, Nigeria.

Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goals one (end all forms of poverty), three (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), four (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all) and five (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) might be a mirage without conscious efforts on the part of many developing countries to reduce population growth. Rapid population growth due to a high fertility rate and fertility desire may engender strife, poverty, unemployment, competition for scarce resources.The study explored the influence of sex composition of living children on childbearing intention among high fertility married women in stable union.

Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries.

Background: This study assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of high (80-100%) low (21-35%) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO) at preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) after abdominal surgery in Nigeria, India, and South Africa.

Methods: Decision-analytic models were constructed using best available evidence sourced from unbundled data of an ongoing pilot trial assessing the effectiveness of high FiO, published literature, and a cost survey in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Effectiveness was measured as percentage of SSIs at 30 days after surgery, a healthcare perspective was adopted, and costs were reported in US dollars ($).

Cardiorenal Syndrome: A Literature Review.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a condition characterized by the intricate two-way relationship between the heart and kidneys, which can lead to acute or chronic dysfunction in these organs. The interplay between cardiorenal connectors and both hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors is crucial to understanding this syndrome. The clinical importance of these interactions is evident in the changes observed in hemodynamic factors, neurohormonal markers, and inflammatory processes.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as a Treatment Option for Bladder Cancer: Current Evidence.

Bladder cancer is a prevalent disease, and treatment options for advanced bladder cancer remain limited. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) have shown promise in treating bladder cancer. These drugs work by blocking receptors and ligands, disrupting signaling, and allowing T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Dental Health Knowledge Attitude and Practice Among University of Calabar Students.

Introduction Oral health has been linked to aspects of individual knowledge, attitude, and practices. In Nigeria, the increased prevalence of poor oral hygiene has been attributed behavioral factors. Behavioral aspects that include the increased intake of sugary foods and beverages, and lack of proper oral hygiene have been touted as the main causes of poor oral hygiene among university students.

Pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus in NIGERIA: a multicentre descriptive hospital-based study.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with manifestations ranging from mild to life-threatening organ dysfunction. There is wide variability in the reported incidence and prevalence rate globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Nigeria had very few isolated reports of SLE from private and public hospitals Therefore, we conducted this large multi-center descriptive study to determine the sociodemographic, clinical profile, laboratory patterns, and treatment among Nigerian lupus patients.

Examining Disparities in Ownership and Use of Digital Health Technology Between Rural and Urban Adults in the US: An Analysis of the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey.

Background: Although research shows that digital health tools (DHT) are increasingly integrated with healthcare in the United States, very few studies have investigated the rural-urban differences in DHT adoption at the national level. Individuals in rural communities experience disproportionately greater rates of chronic diseases and face unique challenges in accessing health care. Studies have shown that digital technology can improve access and support rural health by overcoming geographic barriers to care.

African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology and a Vibrant Ecosystem (ACHIEVE): novel strategies for accelerating hypertension control in Africa.

Hypertension is a leading preventable and controllable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and the leading preventable risk for death globally. With a prevalence of nearly 50% and 93% of cases uncontrolled, very little progress has been made in detecting, treating, and controlling hypertension in Africa over the past thirty years. We propose the African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology and a Vibrant Ecosystem (ACHIEVE) to implement the HEARTS package for improved surveillance, prevention, treatment/acute care of hypertension, and rehabilitation of those with hypertension complications across the life course.

Early infant diagnosis of HIV infection at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia, Liberia.

Vertical transmission accounts for majority of new HIV infections among children worldwide. Ninety percent of HIV-positive children reside in Sub- Saharan Africa with their infection predominantly acquired via vertical transmission. In 2004, the vertical transmission rate of HIV in Africa was estimated at 25 - 40% but, remarkably, the rate has significantly decreased to less than 5% in most African countries following implementation and expansion of prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) programs.

The Vulnerable Newborn of a Mentally Ill Mother in a Resource-Limited Setting.

Mental illness is not uncommon in women of childbearing age. Pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum state could precipitate mental illness in predisposed women or worsen psychiatric symptoms in those known to have mental ill-health. Maternal mental illness exposes the infant to neglect, abuse or outright harm.

International society of oncology pharmacy practitioners (ISOPP) position statement: The role of oncology pharmacy practitioners in immunotherapy treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors for malignant conditions.

Oncology pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants are key members of the multidisciplinary health care team (MHT) caring for patients receiving immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) developed this position statement to provide guidance on the role of oncology pharmacy practitioners in caring for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.Four key recommendations were identified: 1) participation as an integrated, collaborative member of the MHT;2) provision of education and training for patients, students, residents, fellows and other members of the MHT;3) involvement in clinical governance to optimise the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and4) involvement in research and development in the field of immunotherapy.

Implementing Patient-Directed Cancer Education Materials Across Nigeria.

Purpose: As access to cancer care expands in low-income countries, developing tools to educate patients is paramount. We took a picture booklet, which was initially developed by the nonprofit Global Oncology for Malawi and Rwanda, and adapted it for use in Nigeria. The primary goal was to assess acceptability and provide education.

A Cross-Sectional Comprehensive Assessment of the Profile and Burden of Non-motor Symptoms in Relation to Motor Phenotype in the Nigeria Parkinson Disease Registry Cohort.

Background: Data on non-motor symptoms (NMS) in black Africans with Parkinson's disease (PD) are sparse.

Objective: To describe the profile of NMS in the Nigeria PD Registry (NPDR) cohort and explore the relationship between NMS and PD motor phenotype.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the frequency and burden of NMS, based on the non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) and the Chaudhuri method respectively in our cohort.

Prevalence of Revision Adenoidectomy in a Tertiary Otorhinolaryngology Centre in Nigeria.

Introduction: Remnants or the regrowth of adenoid tissue after adenoidectomy may present with clinical symptoms that could warrant a revision surgery.

Aim And Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of revision adenoidectomy in our centre.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study conducted in a tertiary otorhinolaryngology centre over a 10-year period.