Impact of immunological, hematological and biochemical markers on discordant partners of Hepatitis B infection in Enugu State, Eastern Nigeria

Globally, hepatitis B infection is a serious health problem as its morbities are difficult to handle with the commonly used antivirals. This study therefore aims to evaluate the serological, biochemical and hematological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection in a discordant partner in an attempt to aid proper diagnosis, management and control of the infection. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 150 subjects recruited using a simple random sampling technique. HBsAg was screened using a rapid ELISA diagnostic strip and rescreened later for confirmation using Ichroma Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA). HBV Serological markers were determined using HBV 5 panel test, hematological parameters were assessed using Mindray BC 10 automated counter, while liver enzymes were estimated using COBAS 111 analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism. This study demonstrated a varying percentage detection rates of HBV serological markers in both groups: Discordant and Concordant partners (HBsAg- 62%, HBsAb- 4.2%, HBeAg- 2.5%, HBeAb- 50%, HBcAb-60.8%), and Control partners(HBsAg-0%, HBsAb-23.3%, HBeAg-0%, HBeAb- 0%,and HBcAb- 6.7%). The liver enzymes showed significant mean values (P<0.001) for both ALT and AST positive partners when compared to their negative counterparts. Hematological parameters, only hemoglobulin showed a significant mean (P<0.001) on male subjects as against females, while white blood cell and platelets were not statistically significant. There is a need for hepatitis B panel test inclusion in the routine investigation for Hepatitis B viral infection which will contribute immensely in proper clinical management and control of the infection in conjunction with vaccination, while periodic assessment of liver enzymes will ensure proper management of chronic hepatitis B infections.

Dengue in co-infection with Hepatitis B virus in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria: Seroprevalence, impacts and risk of increasing transmission

This study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence and impact of Haematological and biochemical markers of dengue virus infection among subjects co-infected with hepatitis B virus infection in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study involved a cross-sectional study consisting of 150 subjects (120 discordant and concordant partners of hepatitis B, and 30 controls). Dengue Virus IgM and IgG were analyzed using ELISA rapid kit while HBsAg was screened using a rapid ELISA diagnostic strip. Both Dengue and HBsAg were re-screened later to reaffirm the result using Ichroma Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA). Haematological parameters were analyzed using Mindray autoanalyser while ALT/AST was analyzed using COBASS 111. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism. The results showed a prevalence of 44.7% dengue virus seropositivity among the study population, 43.3% in dengue/hepatitis B co-infected subjects. The dengue virus seropositive participants had significantly greater IgG (70.1%) levels compared to IgM (29.9%), more in females (68.6%) compared to males (31.4%), and predominantly in the age group 31 to 40 years. A significant higher (p<0.005) mean haemoglobin was seen in males compared to females, and there is no significant difference in both WBC and platelets. A greater mean of ALT (p=0.005), AST (p=0.018) is gotten in Dengue/HBV co-infection when compared to non- Dengue/HBV co-infected subjects. This study revealed a high seroprevalence of dengue virus infection and the possibility of hepatic complications. This calls for urgent medical attention and more studies to confirm the circulating strains of the dengue virus as well as its involvement in hepatic complications.

Curcumin analogues for possible cancer treatment A QSAR and partial ordering study

The possible effect of curcumin as a potential natural cancer treatment drug has been intensively discussed. In the present study the probabilities of a series of curcumin analogues to possess potential as antineoplastic, prostate cancer treatment and anticarcinogenic agents has been studied theoretically applying a selection of quantitative structure-activity relation and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) approaches. From spectroscopic studies it is evident that these compounds can be found in both enol and diketo forms, the former in general the more predominant in non-polar solvents, whereas in polar solvents, like water an increasing amount of the diketo form can be noted. Hence, the probabilities for both the enols and diketo forms to possess the above-mentioned effects were studied. In most cases the enol form shows the highest probabilities for being effective although the differences are not significant. Thus, it is suggested to look at the sum of effects of the keto and the enol forms in relation to the possible therapeutic effects of the compounds here studied.

Oral health assessment of urban and rural dwellers in Bafia-Cameroon

Background: The public health problems associated with oral health are a serious burden on countries around the world. Those problems are acute in developing countries which are hit by non-communicable chronic diseases, including oral diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the oral health of individuals from both urban and rural areas in Bafia, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A commnunity and descriptive cross-sectional survey with probability sampling was used in this study. 2,840 individuals, aged 5 years and older, were selected, using a two-staged simple random sampling technique. The study was based on a structured questionnaire completed by the participants, and on a clinical examination performed by the dentists. Statistical methods included bivariate analyses. Results: Among the 2,759 participants who successfully completed the survey, 53.4% were males and 46.6% were females. Majority of the participants i.e., 52.4 % belonged to 17 years and more vs 47.6 % who belonged to 05-17 years age group. Of the total individuals examined, 50.4% had a poor oral health level, of which 42.9% urban dwellers and 57% rural dwellers. Conclusion: There is a significant need for increased public awareness and regular surveillance of oral hygiene practices, as well as the complications associated with poor oral hygiene. In addition, development of guidelines, public health awareness programmess and dental community educational programmes are urgently needed.