Most Parts Of Africa Research Articles

Feasibility and Safety of Prosthetic Implants for Inguinal Hernia Repair in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Worldwide, inguinal hernia repair is the commonest surgical procedure in general surgery, but the optimal repair technique for inguinal hernia has not been defined and accepted in most parts of Africa and other developing nations. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of inguinal hernias and feasibility of mesh implants in our centre.
 Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernias who received polypropylene mesh for repair of their inguinal hernias. Selection criteria included inguinoscrotal/inguinolabial hernia, recurrent or bilateral hernia or bubunoceles with wide defects. Descriptive statistics and tests of significance were done.
 Results: Inguinal hernia represented 77.3% of all abdominal wall hernias encountered during the study. However, only 27.8% (100 patients) of the 360 patients that satisfied the inclusion criteria received mesh implants. Of the 100 patients studied, 31% had recurrent hernias, 48% harbored complete inguinoscrotal/inguinolabial hernia while 13% had incomplete inguinoscrotal hernia. Majority (86%) had unilateral hernia.The annual repair rates using mesh implants increased progressively from 4% in 2013 to 40% in 2017. A quarter (25%) had comorbidities. Majority (60%) of repairs were under general anesthesia. The overall postoperative complication rate was 14%. Wound infection rate was 3.5%. There was statistically significant difference in the rates of wound-related events between recurrent and primary inguinal hernias (p=0.000). There was no mortality or recurrence recorded in this study.
 Conclusion: The uptake of mesh implants for inguinal hernia repair in our environment is low, though the trend is changing with higher proportions of patients accepting mesh implants in recent time. Elective inguinal hernia surgery with polypropylene mesh is feasible, safe, effective and reproducible in our setting.

Use of multi-temporal satellite data for monitoring pool surface areas occurring in non-perennial rivers in semi-arid environments of the Western Cape, South Africa

Hydrological monitoring networks do not adequately cover non-perennial rivers in most parts of Africa partly because river flows do not frequently occur on these rivers. However, in the arid and semi-arid regions flows occurring on these rivers are an important resource that have to be managed judiciously. The lack of data on magnitudes, timing and frequency of non-perennial river flows constrain sustainable management of their water resources. The availability of moderate resolution satellite data (e.g. Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager) offers an opportunity to monitor the surface water availability specifically changes in surface areas covered with water in pools along these rivers. In this study, we investigated the use of remote sensing data to detect and monitor changes of water surface areas of pools along three non-perennial rivers and one perennial river in the Western Cape, South Africa, from 2016 to 2017, using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 datasets. We assessed a range of image pre-processing and image classification techniques to determine the most suitable method for surface water identification and pool area estimation along the selected rivers. The following indices were used; Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified NDWI (MNDWI), Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Automated Water Extraction Index for shadowed (AWEIsh), non-shadowed regions (AWEInsh), and the Multi-Band Water Index (MBWI). The NDWI computed from Sentinel-2 TOA reflectance datasets was found to be the most suitable index for mapping pools, with an overall accuracy ranging between 60 and 86%. This index was used successfully to establish the variations of surface areas of pools covered with water along the Breede, Nuwejaars, Tankwa and Touws Rivers during the 2016–2017 period. The temporal variations of pool areas could be explained as expected by changes of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration. Overall, the study demonstrated the feasibility of using moderate resolution datasets to monitor pool changes of areas covered with water in non-perennial rivers, which contributes to improved management of water resources particularly in arid and semi-arid environments.

Surgical Management of Urolithiasis of the Upper Tract - Current Trend of Endourology in Africa.

Urolithiasis is a global pathology with increasing prevalence rate. The lifetime recurrence of urolithiasis ranges from 10–75% creating a public health crisis in affected regions. The epidemiology of urolithiasis in most parts of Africa and Asia remains poorly documented as incidence and prevalence rates in these settings are extrapolated from hospital admissions. The surgical management of kidney and ureteral stones is based on the stone location, size, the patient’s preference and the institutional capacity. To date, the available modalities in the management of urolithiasis includes external shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureterorenoscopy (URS) including flexible and semirigid ureteroscopy. However, regarding the lack of endourological equipment and expertise in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), most urological centers in these regions still consider open surgery for kidney and ureteral stones. This review explores the current trend and surgical management of upper tract urolithiasis in SSA with insight on the available clinical guidelines.

Collaborative International Neurosurgery Education for Africa–The Journey So Far and the Way Forward

Lack of standard neurosurgical training has long been a major factor limiting the availability of neurosurgical services in most parts of Africa. International collaborative efforts have however, to a large extent, resolved this challenge. A review of previous international collaborative programs and educational initiatives in Africa along with their outcomes and accomplishments was conducted. We make a few recommendations on how these programs could be further improved upon toward more productivity and better output with the few available facilities in Africa. Various international collaborative programs focusing on neurosurgery education and training currently exist in East Africa with well-documented advancements in achieving their goals and especially include Neurosurgery Education and Development Foundation, the Weill Cornell Tanzania Neurosurgery project, Duke East Africa Neurosurgery Program, Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurosciences, and CURE Hydrocephalus Program. In West Africa, they include the Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration and the Association of West African Neurosurgeons. So far, collaborative neurosurgical education and training has been an effective approach in efficiently and progressively increasing capacity in Africa. To further improve the quality of neurosurgical care in Africa in the face of difficult economic circumstances and significant neurosurgical disease burden, implementation of the suggested recommendations will enhance the capacity and sustainability of these existing programs with the few available facilities and equipment and would go a long way in further reducing the burden in Africa.

Is Schistosomiasis a Risk Factor for Bladder Cancer? Evidence-Based Facts.

Background . Globally, approximately 20% of malignancy are caused by infection. Schistosoma infection is a major cause of bladder in most part of Africa. In 2018 alone, there were approximately 549,393 new cases and 199,922 deaths from bladder cancer. The presence of Schistosoma ova in the venous plexus of the bladder induces a cascade of inflammation causing significant tissue damage and granulomatous changes. Methodology. A literature review was conducted from 1995 to 2019 using PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and Google databases. Relevant data on the association of “Schistosomiasis and Bladder cancer” in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were retrieved. Evidence Synthesis. Results from research using animal models to establish the carcinogenesis of Schistosoma and bladder cancer have been helpful but inconclusive. Immunoregulatory cytokines and genetic marker have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis. In some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there has been close association of squamous cell carcinoma and histological evidence of Schistosoma ova. Conclusion. There are some data to support the association between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these have been limited by their design and may not sufficiently establish carcinogenesis. There is a need for more genomic and molecular research to better characterize S. haematobium and its effects on the bladder. Such goal will contribute immensely to Schistosoma bladder cancer prevention and control.

Africa’s Crisis of Social and Political Order and the Significance of Ubuntu Human Values for Peace and Development

Abstract Social life across the African continent is largely threatened by intolerance, injustice, lack of equal opportunity, inequity in resource distribution, lack of compassion, unfair treatment and disrespect for others’ rights, as well as compromising intrusion of ethnicity, corruption, terrorism and religion into affairs of the state. So, Africans largely struggle with the political problem of building and sustaining societies and institutions that can be civil and compliant to the rule of law. There exists an African problem of political justice (obedience to constitutional and procedural law and order) and social justice (fair treatment and equal opportunities). Disorder and parochialism in a sociopolitical system are mainly instigated by inefficiency and over-politicization of major developmental institutions. We recommend some human values of Ubuntu such as mutual respect, cooperation for the common good and the pursuit of reconciliation as pillars for stable and viable political and social order across most parts of Africa.

Low-income countries are more immune to COVID-19: A misconception

Objective:The COVID-19 pandemic has hit countries such as Italy, Spain, France, UK, and the USA with great force, whereas the number of cases in countries such as India and most parts of Africa is comparatively lower. Such observation has made many people believe that the low-income countries may be more immune to COVID-19. Theories such as warm climate, weaker strain of the virus, and cross-protection by malaria have been popularly put forward. One such interesting theory is that since the general people of the low- income countries are mostly habituated to dwell in lesser hygienic condition and with lesser medical attention throughout their lifetime; hence, they have naturally acquired better immunity and more resilience against many infective diseases.Materials and Methods:We sought to investigate the above claim by comparing the case fatality rate (CFR) as well as number of cases per million population versus the gross domestic product at purchasing power parity per capita of different countries.Results:We found that while the number of cases showed a slight decline in the lower-income countries, the CFR was independent of the financial condition of the country.Conclusion:We conclude that the theory of better immunity in economically poor countries is a misconception. We suggest that people must come out of these misconceptions and resort to strict home isolation.

Imported bancroftian filariasis discovered in a patient infected with Plasmodium falciparum: First case of concomitant parasitism in the Al-Buraimi Governorate, Oman.

Malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Ninety-two percent (200 million) of malaria cases in 2017 were detected in the WHO African Region. This accounts for approximately 30% of the global burden of LF disease and includes 405.9 million people at risk in 39 out of 46 member countries. Anopheles species of mosquitoes transmit Wuchereria bancrofti in most parts of Africa. Our case of a 23-year-old Nigerian woman highlights incidental laboratory findings showing the first malaria/filariasis coinfection in the governorate (province). This coinfection was ascertained during the usual medical screening before recruitment in Oman, which is routinely conducted for every expatriate.

Potential dual expansion of domesticated donkeys revealed by worldwide analysis on mitochondrial sequences.

Molecular studies on donkey mitochondrial sequences have clearly defined two distinct maternal lineages involved in domestication. However, domestication histories of these two lineages remain enigmatic. We therefore compared several population characteristics between these two lineages based on global sampling, which included 171 sequences obtained in this study (including Middle Asian, East Asian, and African samples) plus 536 published sequences (including European, Asian, and African samples). The two lineages were clearly separated from each other based on whole mitochondrial genomes and partial non-coding displacement loop (D-loop) sequences, respectively. The Clade I lineage experienced an increase in population size more than 8 000 years ago and shows a complex haplotype network. In contrast, the population size of the Clade II lineage has remained relatively constant, with a simpler haplotype network. Although the distribution of the two lineages was almost equal across the Eurasian mainland, they still presented discernible but complex geographic bias in most parts of Africa, which are known as their domestication sites. Donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa tended to descend from the Clade I lineage, whereas the Clade II lineage was dominant along the East and North coasts of Africa. Furthermore, the migration routes inferred from diversity decay suggested different expansion across China between the two lineages. Altogether, these differences indicated non-simultaneous domestication of the two lineages, which was possibly influenced by the response of pastoralists to the desertification of the Sahara and by the social expansion and trade of ancient humans in Northeast Africa, respectively.

Significance of Ornamentation in Yoruba Traditional Architecture

Culture and tradition are vital constituents of traditional architecture. However, in the period of proliferation and modernism,traditional architecture is fast disappearing in most parts of Africa due to negligence and incredulity of its importance. Reassessment becomes necessary as traditional architecture can be a source of inspiration even in contemporary times. Throughreview scoped literature, this study takes a critical look at how culture affects ornaments of architecture in Nigeria with Yorubaas a case study. This paper explores significance of ornamentation in Yoruba palace architecture. This means the creative objectswithin the old palace (‘afin’) constructed when the city was formed, including the courtyards (‘akodi’) and other structures withinthe palaces. It concludes with attributes of different palace ornamentation with clear direction on key roles in the study palacecultural belief and traditions. Data was sourced from fieldwork, oral interviews and relevant literature. Purposively selectedphotographs of palaces ‘Afin’ are used in discussing the state of the architecture and sculpture objects, therefore raises theenquiry of their connotation for upcoming generations. In other words, ornamentation has a basic statement for which it wascreated (meaning); the mutual concern and relevance of such artifact, form, or object gives it a name, root and status in additionto identity as the material culture of the designing community. The study reveals the benefits of palace ornament to Yorubatradition and culture and the importance of culture and history of people if the memories of their past are celebrated and theircenotaphs and antique places of pride are intact. This paper suggests that elements of palace ornaments like art and heritage architecture in Yoruba palace ornamentation have become a natural occurrence

Microsatellite instability in gastric carcinomas in Kano, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Gastric carcinoma, though relatively less prevalent in most parts of Africa and Nigeria, usually presents at an advanced stage in most of our patients. This makes the elucidation of clinical and molecular factors relating to prognosis an important avenue to explore. Gastric carcinomas exhibiting microsatellite instability (MSI) are said to have better prognosis, but there has been no study in Northern Nigeria. We, therefore, undertook this study to evaluate the proportion of MSI gastric carcinoma in our center. Methodology: This retrospective 5-year study was done on 48 histologically diagnosed gastric carcinomas to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of mismatch repair DNA proteins: MLH1 and MSH2. Results: Forty-eight gastric cancer (GC) biopsies fulfilled the study criteria. They were from patients aged 23–80 years, with a mean of 52.1 years (standard deviation [SD] ±12.79) and male to female ratio = 3.4:1. Twenty cases (42%) had MSI, with a mean age of 51.7 years (SD ± 12.75; P = 0.67). The remaining 28 cases were microsatellite stable (MSS), with a mean age of 53.3 years (SD ± 12.92). Male preponderance was more marked in the MSS group (6:1) than in the MSI group (2.3:1). Intestinal carcinoma was by far the most common histologic type in both MSI (75%) and MSS (70%) groups. Conclusion: Forty-two percent of gastric carcinomas were harboring MSI. Although our sample size was small, it nonetheless provided useful insight and baseline data for MSI gastric carcinoma in our center. MSI GC appears to be more common in our center than an earlier Southern Nigerian study. This is consistent with the widely differing proportion of MSI gastric carcinoma across the globe, sometimes within the same country. Further studies are therefore required to make sense of this seemingly conflicting data.

Potential of Indigenous Pesticidal Plants in the Control of Field and Post-Harvest Arthropod Pests in Bambara Groundnuts (<i>Vigna subterranea</i> (L.) Verdc.) in Africa: A Review

Bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is an important leguminous crop native in Africa and is mainly cultivated for its highly nutritious grains. However, bambara groundnuts production is constrained by many insect pests including aphids (Aphids sp.), leaf hopers (Hilda patruelis), foliage beetles (Ootheca mutabilis), pod sucking bugs (Clavigralla tomentosicollis), red spider mites (Tetrunychus sp.), groundnut jassids in the field and bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus, and Callosobruchus subinnotatus) in the storage. Smallholder farmers usually apply synthetic pesticides to control those insect pests. However, synthetic pesticides are potentially harmful to the environment, non-targeted animals and human’s health. Pesticidal plants such as B. pilosa, L. camara, T. vogelii, V. amygdalina, L. javanica, T. diversifolia, and C. dichogamus which are available in most parts of Africa where the crop is cultivated, possess bioactive chemicals which have insecticidal properties and have been revealed to be potential in the control of field and storage insect pests. Therefore, they can be used as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Bambara groundnuts being one of the neglected crops, the insects affecting the crop have not been well explored in terms of their abundance and damage they cause to the crop in the field and on storage. Thus, in this review, the common arthropod pests of the bambara groundnuts and the potential of the bioactive compounds from the common plants with pesticidal properties have been described. It is recommended that the potential of these pesticidal plants to be investigated on bambara groundnut pests control on the field and on storage to optimize their use by smallholder farmers in insect control to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides.

Patterns and Dynamics of Sexual Violence among Married Adolescents in Zimbabwe

Getting married in adolescence is common in most parts of Africa. It has in many cases salient direct links with sexual violence among adolescents. Sexual violence and the vulnerabilities of adolescents have been reported in literature. However, the patterns and dynamics of sexual violence among married adolescents are not known or have not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns and dynamics of sexual violence among married adolescents. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews was used in the study. A total of 15 married adolescents were recruited through purposive snowball sampling in one rural district of Zimbabwe. Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework was used for data analysis. Three major themes emerged, namely sexual control, rape, and forced marriage. Each theme had three sub-themes. The study confirms what has already been reported in the literature that marriage at a young age has a correlation with sexual violence. There is therefore a need to strengthen family education on the effects of early marriages.

Overview Production Process And Properties Of Galvanized Roofing Sheets

In search for solution to the challenges posed by the degradation of roofing steel sheet in an aggressive environment, galvanization of steel sheet for roofing of buildings and manufacture of other Engineering structures has been a valuable remedy. Galvanization of steel in recent years has emerged as a physical barrier which minimizes the penetration of contamination of sulphide and chloride ion. Zinc coating of steel top surface is a strategy that has been found to be effective for wide range applications. Galvanized steel sheets have been widely used by various manufacturing company. Occasional switching from steel to other metal like aluminum have not been cost effective because of the present economically situation. This makes substituting galvanized steel difficult. This mini review provides insight to the production process, stages and properties of galvanized roofing steel sheet use in Nigeria and most part of Africa.

Wisdom in Mournful Tunes: Exploring the Major Themes of Igbo Oral Funeral Songs

Death often engenders emotional outbursts in the form of chants, songs and recitations. In most parts of Africa, the death of an adult member of the society goes with the rendition of some peculiar songs in honour of the deceased and to contemplate on death as a natural phenomenon. Among the Igbo of South-eastern Nigeria, it is anathema to intone a funeral song at a moment or location where there is no bereavement. Such acts attract severe verbal sanctions because oral funeral songs are special performances rendered during burial and funeral ceremonies. This implies that they are not merely ordinary songs rendered for non-justifiable reasons but ones which have recognizable motives behind their rendition. The focus of this paper is to identify some strands of meaning which most Igbo oral funeral songs convey. It highlights their basic thematic constructs or the ‘artistic representations’ espoused in most of them. Applying Contextual Analysis as the conceptual theoretical framework, the paper analyzes the content of selected Igbo oral funeral songs and concludes that they have clear identifiable preoccupations because they express multifaceted shades of grief and serve valuable purposes in the various communities where they are rendered.

Effect of Dietary Probiotics(Saccharomyces cerevisae)Supplementation on Serum Biochemicals ofTrypanosoma brucei bruceiInfected Rats

Background:Trypanosomosis is an important disease of both humans and animals commonly found in most parts of Africa and South America. Because of their activities, the parasites produce numerous changes in the cellular and biochemical constituents of blood. Also, trypanosomosis cause immunosuppression and also induce lipid peroxidation in the host. Probiotics confer beneficial health benefit to the host such as immune stimulation, protection against pathogens, metabolism, reduced oxidative stress, etc.Methods:Thirty (30) adult albino rats were assigned into 5 groups (A – E) of 6 rats each. Groups A, B and C rats were fed feed supplemented with probiotics at 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16 mg per kg respectively. On day 14 on the supplementation (OTS), groups A, B, C and D rats were infected with 1 x 106 trypanosomes intraperitonealy. Group E served as the not infected, not supplemented control.Results:The pre-infection supplementation did not vary the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartrate transaminase (AST), urea, creatinine and total protein values of groups A, B and C. However, following infection, the ALT value of group D (infected, not supplemented) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other groups on day 42 OTS. Also, the AST value of groups A and D were significantly (p<0.05) higher than group E but not with groups B and C on days 42 and 56 on the supplementation. On day 28 OTS, the urea level of group B was significantly (p<0.05) lower than group D whereas on days 42 and 56, group E and groups E and C were significantly (p<0.05) lower than other groups respectively. The serum creatinine level showed increase following infection with groups A and D being significantly (p<0.05) higher than other groups on days 42 and 56 OTS. On day 28 OTS, the total protein value of group A was significantly (p<0.05) lower than group C but not with other groups. By days 42 and 56 OTS, group D showed significantly (p<0.05) lower protein level when compared with other groups. The mean parasitaemia level of group D was significantly higher than other infected infected groups on days 28 and 42 on the supplementation. However, on day 56, the parasitaemia level of all infected groups did not vary (p>0.05).Conclusion:The ability of the supplementation to keep serum biochemical values before infection within range, and the subsequent maintenance of the value during most part of the infection were indication that probiotic was not toxic and may play a vital role in management of trypanosomosis.

An overview of groundwater and sanitation challenges in Kisumu City, Kenya

The sub-surface is used in most parts of Africa as a repository of human waste and as a source of groundwater through pit latrines and shallow wells respectively. The wells provide freshwater to millions of people in Africa who are either not connected to the piped water or have intermittent supplies. These shallow wells are hand dug and therefore are mostly less than 20 meters in depth. This same sub-surface environment is also used as a repository of human waste through pit latrines. The water points and the sanitation facilities are mostly located close to each other. This study aimed at appraising the groundwater and sanitation challenges based on a rapid survey, sampling, interviews, existing literature review and historical borehole data in Kisumu city, Kenya. Previous studies in the area have shown that the number of shallow wells, city buildings, density of unimproved pit latrines and sanitary risks have increased tremendously between 1999 and 2019. Most of the wells are shallow and therefore prone to contamination by pollutants. Fluoride and chloride content in most boreholes are above the recommended WHO maximum values and the local KEBS standards. The study confirmed that the main water and sanitation challenges in Kisumu are poor and deteriorating water quality, poor waste disposal management systems and poor sanitation services. There is need for the introduction of new and sustainable groundwater approaches supported by scientific models and involving all stakeholders. Current deficiencies in the provision of adequate water and dignified sanitation to the poor in Kisumu can be remedied through improved knowledge on shallow aquifer dynamics and innovative research. It was noted that apart from the donor agencies and multi-national NGOs, the private investors are unwilling to invest in water projects in Kisumu due in part to government legislation that constrains the cost that may be levied on water

Designing for Cultural Revival: African Housing in Perspective

Culture and tradition are essential components of the traditional architecture. However, in the era of globalization and modernization, traditional architecture is fast disappearing in most part of Africa due to neglect and lack of understanding of its importance. A reconsideration becomes necessary as traditional architecture can be a source of inspiration even in contemporary times. Through a systematic literature review, this article takes a critical look at how culture affects architecture in Africa with Nigeria as a case study. It explores various traditional architectural accomplishments across Africa revealing the disappearance of cultural identity and the weak connection between traditional and contemporary architecture. It then concludes with strategies toward survival and revival of indigenous African architecture with clear direction on architects’ key roles in persevering the Africans endangered culture.

The Outcome of Transvesical Prostatectomy—A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the commonest causes of lower obstructive uropathy and usually presents with lower urinary tract symptoms. However, in developing nations, the presentation is late often large prostate and associated complications of bladder outlet obstruction (diverticulae, stones, impaired renal function etc.) warranting open prostatectomy. Objective: The objective of this study is to share our experience of perioperative outcomes of open transvesical prostatectomy over a year involving two referral centers in Monrovia Liberia. Methodology: This was a retrospective study performed at The John F. Kennedy Medical Center and the Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital involving a total of 31 patients. Results: The mean age was 64.6 years (SD = 9.03) with a range 52 - 85 years. The study showed that 54.8% (17/31) of patients had preoperative catheter. The maximum duration of Catheter was greater than 4 weeks with a mean duration of 3.17 weeks. The mean hemoglobin was 11.30 g/dl. The commonest presenting complication was urinary retention at 25.8% (8/31) followed by hematuria 16.1% (5/31). Hypertension 41.9% (13/31) and diabetes 6.5% (/31) were the commonest comorbidity. The rate of postoperative complication was 38.7% with the commonest being surgical site infection 16.1% (5/31) and clot retentions 9.7% (3/31). There was a high rate of transfusion was 77.4% (24/31) patients. Up to about 13% (4/32) patients had coexisting stricture with 6.5% (2/31) patients treated with urethroplasty and 6.5% (2/31) patients treated by dilatation. The mortality rate was 6.5% (2/31) from renal impairment and severe sepsis. Conclusion: BPH is a common cause of lower obstructive uropathy. Most patients present with complications of the disease such as refractory symptoms, bladder stones or diverticulae necessitating surgery. However, due to the absence of endourological equipments in most parts of Africa and the large prostate at presentation, most settings consider open transvesical prostatectomy as a viable option. The perioperative morbidity is relatively higher, but the outcome remains acceptable.

DNA Gene Expression to Study Immunologic Mechanisms for the Long-Term Cure of Malaria in Babies and Children in South-Western Nigeria

Malaria infection has been a very serious public health problem in Nigeria and most parts of Africa. Development of antimalarial treatments capable of providing a permanent cure for malaria has been a herculean task for drug researchers. A trial of a novel, proprietary blend formulation (TriantimalTM) in gel caps for children (n = 112) and water-soluble, 18.51 nm diameter, NutraNanoSphereTM encapsulated TriantimalTM drops for babies (19.9 Months ± 8.7 SD, n = 15) was conducted in Osogbo, Nigeria. The enrolled subjects were screened for malaria, treated with TriantimalTM for 16 consecutive days and sera collected on days 0, 5, 10, 16, 30, 60, and 730. Also, 31 of the children donated buffy coat samples for the gene expression studies when sera were collected. The children showed 90.2% parasite-free at 60 days and 85.1% at 730 days. The babies revealed 93.3% parasite-free at 60 days. These data show for the first time a real possibility for a cure of malaria in Nigeria. The one-time, low dose, extended treatment and synergism of the natural components minimize the ability of the parasites to develop resistance, while boosting the immune system. Indeed, the DNA amplification data showed that all aspects of the humoral, innate, and innate defensin immunity are involved in the long-term immunity against P. falciparum in which may be termed a type of “in vivo immunization”.