Niger J Clin Pract
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in the Western World. It is increasing in developing countries due to adaptation of the western lifestyle with an incidence of 6% in Nigeria. Treatment options are dependent on the stage of disease at presentation, the performance status of the patient, and increasingly the molecular makeup of the tumor. There is a dearth of data on the treatment options obtainable for the management and outcome of CRC cases in Northwestern, Nigeria. ⋯ The study showed that stage at presentation and the available treatment options in the hospital informed treatment offered to the patients. However, surgery was readily performed due to the pattern of presentation and most patients benefited from just a diverting colostomy. Majority of the patients presented with rectal tumor which required radiotherapy as part of its treatment modality, although this is still a luxury in this part of the world. Chemotherapy is also readily available and often prescribed. Cost and limited facility for biomarker (K-ras) testing restrict the use of targeted therapy. Outcome at 1-year follow-up was poor with whereabouts of nearly half of the patients unknown.
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Neonatal mortality remains unacceptably high in most sub-Saharan and Asian communities, where cultural practices and poor antenatal care are common. Newborn care practices play a key role in preventing neonatal deaths. ⋯ Similarities and variations in newborn care exist between the two ethnic groups. There is a need for health education and promotion to encourage and facilitate positive behavioral change from old traditional practices to healthy newborn care practices among the Babur/Bura and Kanuri ethnic groups.
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Routine medical screening usually involves periodic history taking, physical examination, and laboratory tests on a regular basis for asymptomatic individuals for continuing self-health care. ⋯ The practice of routine medical screening by the health care workers in our region is poor despite the demonstration of a good knowledge. The major factors affecting uptake of routine medical screening were sex, history of being managed for a health condition, and financial constraint. Staff of the hospital should be better enlightened on the use and importance of the Contributory Health Scheme in routine medical screening.
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Knowledge and sociodemographic predictors of shisha smoking among students in a Nigerian university.
There is a global rise in shisha smoking amongst the youths. Information on the prevalence and knowledge of the constituents and the harmful effects of shisha smoking is important for the development of prevention strategies and policies. ⋯ The prevalence of shisha smoking in this study was 24.7%, and the most influential factors were the level of study, type of faculty, and knowledge of the constituents and harmful effects of shisha. Lecturers and administrators of different faculties of the university should be engaged to include shisha smoking prevention programs in their curriculum.
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Schistosomiasis is a neglected infectious tropical disease that is second in occurrence only to hookworm infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Presently, chemotherapy is the main method of control and treatment of this disease due to the absence of a vaccine. ⋯ A number of plant-derived compounds, including alkaloids, terpenes and phenolics, have displayed in vitro and in vivo efficacy against Schistosoma species. This review explores how the application of nanotechnology can improve the efficacy of these plant-derived schistosomicidal compounds through the use of nano-enabled drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability.