Niger J Clin Pract
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Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study aimed to evaluate the distributions of VDR polymorphisms in diabetic individuals with healthy periodontium (DMH), diabetic individuals with periodontitis (DMP), nondiabetic individuals with healthy periodontium (H), and nondiabetic individuals with periodontitis (P). ⋯ The present study showed that the BsmI variant was a risk factor for DM among periodontally healthy individuals and the FokI variant for periodontitis among diabetic individuals.
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There is evidence that placenta site location might be associated with some adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, however, there is lack of information on this observation in Nigeria and many other developing countries where routine ultrasound is performed as part of antenatal care. ⋯ This study showed that placenta location by ultrasound may be associated with some adverse pregnancy outcomes. The placenta located in the fundus was more likely to be associated with preterm birth and prematurity.
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Cancers are a disease of growing public health importance in Africa, but cancer research capacity in the region is underdeveloped. The quest to foster and promote locally conceptualized and conducted oncology research in Africa have informed the African Research Group for Oncology's (ARGO) research capacity-building efforts in Nigeria. ⋯ The study concludes that building capacity for oncology research in low- and middle-income countries is possible with focused symposia and educational programs.
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Zinc is particularly involved in cellular growth, neurodevelopment, and immune function, which is critical for child survival. To reduce neonatal mortality in developing countries, cost-effective and evidence-based interventions that can enhance growth, development, and immunity, need to be considered. Determining the zinc levels of neonates and how it relates to both gestational age is therefore imperative. ⋯ This study revealed that though the overall mean serum zinc of neonates was normal, preterms (especially those of lower gestational ages) were zinc deficient. Routine zinc supplementation at birth should be considered in preterm neonates to reduce the untoward effects of zinc deficiency.
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Nurses were affected by this pandemic more than any other healthcare professionals because they were working on the frontline continuously. ⋯ It is suggested for nurses that their rotation should be planned effectively, and their social support should be enhanced. They should be provided with adequate personal protective equipment and human resource planning should be improved until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.