The Pattern of Abdominal Ultrasound Scan Findings at the Department of Radiology at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Background: Abdominal ultrasound imaging is a standard diagnostic tool used in clinical practice. Understanding the patterns of sonographic findings in specific population demographics can lead to better clinical decisions and improved patient management. This study will evaluate the prevalent abdominal ultrasound scan findings and explore their demographic patterns based on age and sex characteristics at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Causes and Outcome of Unconsciousness in the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Background: Unconsciousness occurs when a patient enters a sleeplike state but cannot be aroused, and it is not due to physiological drowsiness. It is a common presentation in the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E), and a burden to the emergency physician especially when the cause is unknown. The cause of coma may be trauma or non-trauma related.

Cholera in Nigeria: A review of outbreaks, trends, contributing factors, and public health responses.

Cholera remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with recurrent outbreaks exacerbated by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, as well as conflict and displacement. This review examines cholera outbreaks in Nigeria from 2010 to 2024, analyzing epidemiological trends, contributing factors, and public health responses. Seasonal peaks during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding have consistently facilitated transmission, with Northern regions disproportionately affected due to poor infrastructure and ongoing conflicts.

Comparison Of Risk Factors and Clinicopathological Features Between Pre- and Post-Menopausal Patients with Breast Cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally with an estimated 2.3 million new cases in 2020. In Nigeria, it constitutes about 12% of all new cancers and 25% of all cancers in women.

Mechanisms Underlying Iron Deficiency-Induced Cardiac Disorders: Implications for Treatment.

Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, which can lead to the onset of cardiac disorders; nevertheless, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. There are at least three distinct mechanisms by which iron deficiency (ID) contributes to the development of cardiac disorders. First, ID increases concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor-23 (iFGF-23), which promotes left ventricular hypertrophy.

Ginkgolide B as a biopsychosocial treatment salvages repeated restraint stress-induced amygdalar anomalies in mice.

From preclinical and clinical findings, it has been shown that the amygdala is a critical mediator of stress and primary target for stress effects in the brain. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of Ginkgolide B (GB) in repeated restraint stress-induced behavioral deficit and amygdalar inflammation in mice. Mice were orally pre-treated with GB 20 mg/kg 1 h prior to 4 h restraint stress for 21 consecutive days.

Exploring barriers to parent-adolescent sexual-risk communication among adolescents in Port Harcourt Nigeria: Adolescents' and parents' perspective.

Adolescent risky sexual behaviour is a public health problem with its deleterious outcomes. Parents are the most influential source of sexuality education to adolescent, yet adolescents' lack sexuality educations. The study explored barriers in parent-adolescent sexual-risk communication from both perspectives in Port-Harcourt LGA, Rivers State.

Social vulnerability index associated with higher COVID-19 seroprevalence in Nigeria.

Social vulnerability has been shown to be a strong predictor of disparities in health outcomes. A common approach to estimating social vulnerability is using a composite index, such as the social vulnerability index (SVI), which combines multiple factors corresponding to key social determinants of health. Lawal and Osayomi created an SVI to explore key social determinants of health-related COVID-19 infection among the Nigerian population.

Assessment of the financial gaps in cardiothoracic surgery in Africa.

Objectives: This study identified the challenges to financing cardiothoracic surgical care in Africa, highlighting the present state of funding and proffering probable solutions to adequate and effective funding in the region.

Methods: In a literature review, the authors elaborated key points, such as areas of financial funding in cardiothoracic surgery; barriers to appropriate allocation of financial resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa; and the needs and available resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa. Multiple search engines and databases were used, including but not limited to PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Scopus and Google Scholar.

Educate, Advocate, Act Now: a sustainable approach to combating antimicrobial resistance TODAY.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a great challenge to health systems all over the world. It is exacerbated by the abuse, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, plants and the environment. This viewpoint emphasizes the critical need to address the challenges of AMR through an integrated, long-term approach that focuses on education, advocacy and collective action.

Genetic variability in snake venom and its implications for antivenom development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Snake venom, a complex mixture of proteins, has attracted human attention for centuries due to its associated mortality, morbidity and other therapeutic properties. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where snakebites pose a significant health risk, understanding the genetic variability of snake venoms is crucial for developing effective antivenoms. The wide geographic distribution of venomous snake species in SSA countries demonstrates the need to develop specific and broad antivenoms.

Neonicotinoid pesticides in African agriculture: What do we know and what should be the focus for future research?

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the direct and indirect effects of neonicotinoid pesticides (NEO-P) within African agricultural ecosystems and identifies research gaps, particularly in the monitoring and regulation of pesticide use. We observed a decline in the numbers of NEO-P studies conducted in Africa since 2019 with 40.7% of the countries reporting at least one study to date.

Integration and acceptability of cervical cancer screening as part of postnatal care among women attending postnatal clinics in the Accra Metropolis, Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

Cervical cancer is a recognized preventable disease yet the fourth most common cancer among women globally. This study assessed the integration and acceptability of cervical cancer screening as part of routine sixth-week postnatal care among women attending a postnatal clinic. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 347 postpartum women who were attending their 6th-week postnatal visit.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in African Patients: A Systematic Review.

Pulmonary embolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Numerous risk factors have been identified that predispose patients to this disease. This study aims to identify these risk factors and the possible outcomes (recovery or mortality) after receiving treatment from any hospital.

Climate change and contagion: the emerging threat of zoonotic diseases in Africa.

This article investigates the escalating occurrence of zoonotic diseases in Africa, attributing their spread to climate change and human activities. Africa's unique combination of biodiversity, reliance on animal husbandry, and swift urbanization heightens its susceptibility. Climate change disrupts ecosystems and animal habitats, intensifying human-wildlife interactions.

Exploring the reasons behind the low focus on upper limb rehabilitation in the early stages after a stroke: A qualitative study.

Background: One aspect that is often impaired in people living with stroke is the motor function of the upper limb.

Purpose: To explore the reasons behind the low focus on upper limb rehabilitation after stroke and to understand the views of rehabilitation professionals (RPs) on the use of upper limb rehabilitation technologies for self-management of stroke.

Study Design: A qualitative descriptive design that employs a one-on-one semistructured interview method.

Testicular weight deficits, altered variables of antioxidant defense system, spermatogenesis impairment, and inflammation induced by busulfan injection are ameliorated by gallic acid administration in rats.

This study evaluated the long-term protective effect of gallic acid (GAL) against testicular lesions induced by busulfan (BUSLF) in Wistar rats. Thirty (30) male rats weighing 60-70 g were randomized into three groups of ten in each group: control (2 ml kg body weight (b.w) olive oil), BUSLF (10 mg kg b.

Rates, Diagnoses, and Predictors of Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions of Critical Care Survivors Hospitalized for Lung Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Analysis of National Representative US Readmissions Data.

Introduction/objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that frequently involves the lungs, contributing to significant morbidity in hospitalized patients. Critical care survivors with lung involvement in SLE are at particularly high risk for unplanned hospital readmissions, which can reflect the complexity of their disease, which often affects multiple organs and requires immunosuppressive therapy that increases infection risk. Severe pulmonary complications, critical illness sequelae, and challenges in medication adherence or follow-up care further contribute to their vulnerability.

Lactational exposure of human infants to metal(loid)s in Sub-Saharan Africa and Mediterranean Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast milk, a fundamental component of infant nutrition, may serve as a reservoir for various metal(loid)s, which could pose significant health risks to infants of mothers exposed to toxic metals. Human exposure levels to metal(loid)s vary across regions, influenced by differences in diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This systematic review compares metal(loid) concentrations in breast milk from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Mediterranean Europe (Med.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) derived from melon seed husk ameliorate Ni/Al mixture-mediated cognitive impairment in rats.

This study evaluated the protective effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) derived from melon seed husk ash against the neurotoxic effects of common environmental pollutants, aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and their combination in Wistar rats. Ninety-one male Sprague Dawley rats (220-250 g; 6-8 weeks old) were divided into 13 experimental groups. Key findings revealed that exposure to nickel, aluminum, or their combination significantly impaired spatial learning and memory, as evidenced by prolonged latency periods in treated rats.

Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Risk of Diarrhea: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates the association between environmental pollutants and the risk of diarrhea, a critical public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The review synthesizes findings from various studies that highlight the impact of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), microplastics, and parabens on gastrointestinal health. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar yielded 496 articles, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis.

Seizure Susceptibility in E-cigarette Users: Navigating the Clinical Management and Public Health Considerations.

E-cigarettes gained popularity globally through the promotion of e-cigarettes as a risk-free way to stop traditional smoking. However, new evidence suggests that they may have a detrimental effect on the nervous system and ultimately adverse neurological manifestations. Seizures have been reported among both new and experienced e-cigarette users.