bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of HIV therapeutic agents on immunological, lipid and lipoprotein indices in Ghanaian HIV-1 infected patients
Authors: Quaye L. , Owiredu W.K.B.A. , Amidu N. , Adams Y. , Huseini A.W. 
Published: May 2021

HIV-1 infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ghana are placed on one of the two most commonly used non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nevirapine (NVP) and efavirenz (EFV), in combination with a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone of either combivir (CBV) or stavudine (d4T)/lamivudine (3TC). This study sought to evaluate the effect of these therapeutic agents on weight, immunological, lipid and lipoprotein changes as well as the atherogenic indices of Ghanaian HIV-1 infected patients. This observational study was carried out at the ART clinic of the Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga in the Upper-East region of Ghana from September 2008 to September 2009 comprising 61 HIV-1 infected patients who were initiated on NVP or EFV in combination with either CBV or d4T/3TC. Out of the 61 enrolled patients, 27(44.3%) were on NVP and 34(55.7%) were on EFV. Within the NVP group, 16 (59.3%) were on CBV and 11(40.7%) on d4T/3TC whilst the EFV group had 26(76.5%) on CBV and 8 (23.5%) on d4T/3TC. Percentage changes in lipid profile components comprising total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) was assessed over the 12-month period. Percentage changes in atherogenic index expressed as TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c was also estimated. NVP elicited a 10.2% increase in weight compared to EFV and this was associated with CBV combination use. EFV further elicited a 9.1% increase in TC, 1.2% increase in TG, 39.3% increase in LDL-c and a 4.1% increase in HDL-c which resulted in concomitant percentage increases in TC/HDL-c (22%) and LDL-c/HDL-c (47.3%). CBV as a NRTI component of EFV elicited a 4.3% increase in TC/HDL-c and a 16.6% increase in LDL-c/HDL-c compared to d4T/3TC whilst conversely, d4T/3TC elicited a 3.6% increase in TC/HDL-c and a 34.0% when used in combination with NVP. NVP combination therapy elicited improvement in weight compared to EFV combination therapy for the different categories of patients. The less atherogenic lipid profile observed in patients taking NVP in comparison to those taking EFV and the reduction in CHD risk associated with NVP + CBV combination therapy observed in this study should be factored into considerations taken when selecting the most appropriate ART regimen for treatment naïve HIV-1 infected patients.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(3), 13-27Keywords: HIV-1, Antiretroviral therapy, Immunological, Lipids, Atherogenic indices, Bolgatanga, Ghana
The Ophthalmic status manifestations of nutritional and lifestyle disorders of men in a peri urban community in Ghana
Authors: Vuvor F. , Steiner-Asiedu M. , Saalia F.K. 
Published: May 2021

Unhealthy conditions of eye/sight in poor communities in South-Saharan African countries are many and becoming a global concern. The aim of the study is to determine the lifestyle variables and their associations with unhealthy ophthalmic conditions of men in a peri-urban community in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional; involving men aged ≥18 years of age. Data were gathered using WHO Stepwise questionnaires. Analyses included frequencies, Chi-squares, correlations and regressions. The participants were made up of 1449 men. The dietary intakes of vitamin A rich food were so low that they could not be represented quantitatively. About 71.0% of the men were habitual users of alcoholic beverages and 22.0% smoked tobacco. About 21.7% of men had Bitot’s spot while 4.3% had keratomalacia. The logistic regression analysis predicted that alcohol users were about twice more likely to suffer Bitot’s spot (p=0.20) while tobacco smokers were about 3 times and 13 times more likely to suffer from Bitot’s spot (p<0.01) and Keratomalacia (p<0.01) respectively, compared with nonsmokers in the study group. The prevalence of ophthalmic was considerable high. The lifestyle behaviours such as smoking were strongly correlated with Bitot’s spots and keratomalacia among the participating men.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(1), 1-7Keywords: Bitot’s spot, keratomalacia, Vitamin-A, Xerophthalmia
Total abdominal hysterectomy in a Tertiary Hospital in Kumasi: Indication, Histopathological Findings and Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Titiloye N. A. , Duduyemi B. M. , Asiamah E. A. , Okai I. , Ossei P. P. S. , Konney T. O. , Fefemwole P. K. 
Published: May 2021

Hysterectomy is the commonest gynaecological surgery worldwide. Hysterectomy is commonly performed in our centre with request for post-surgical histological confirmation of pathologies. The aim of this study was to review all the hysterectomy specimens sent to our department between 2008 and 2016 and analyse the histological diagnosis in them and clinically correlate with the indications for the surgery. We reviewed retrospectively request forms, histological reports and slides generated for all cases of hysterectomies sent to our department for histological assessment between 2008 and 2016 totalling 1086. All the data obtained were analysed using SPSS 21. A total number of 1086 cases of hysterectomies with or without salpingooophorectomy were received in our department. The age range was 15 to 85 years with age group 40 to 49 years constituting 57.7% of cases. The commonest indication for surgery was uterine mass which constituted 722 cases (66.42%) and an obvious uterine mass was found at grossing in 737 cases (66.48%) while histology revealed uterine leiomyoma in 861 cases (79.28%) constituting the largest proportion of histological diagnosis. Other indications for surgery include dysfunctional uterine bleeding, suspected ovarian and cervical malignancy and peri-partum haemorrhage. Histological diagnoses confirmed wide range of lesions within the endometrium, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. There was correlation between clinical indication and histological diagnosis up to 90.2% of all cases. Our data confirmed hysterectomy specimens with or without salpingo-oophorectomy as a common histological specimen in our laboratory, with peak age of patients in the fifth decade. Leiomyoma was the commonest histological finding and other wide ranges of pathologies were seen with strong positive (r = 0.98) correlation between pre-operative indication and the final diagnosis.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2018) 7(1), 22 - 28
Prevalence, patterns and predictors of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs among Cameroonian mothers during a recent illness episode
Authors: Kojom L. P. F. , Ntoumba A. A. , Nyabeyeu Nyabeyeu H. , Bunda Wepnje G. , Tonga C. , Lehman L. G. 
Published: May 2021

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended as treatment of choice for malaria. Although the resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives has not yet been officially reported in Africa, there is growing concern that it may reach the continent. Self-medication is common among African populations and may explained drug resistance. Unfortunately, a few studies have addressed this issue in Cameroon. This study seeks to appraise the prevalence, patterns and predictors of antimalarial self-medication. A household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in the town of Douala. Interviews and pretested semi-structured questionnaires were administered for collecting information from 213 mothers of under-fives. The prevalence of self-medication was 49.30%. The main reasons were “habit” (38.75%), “Lack of money” (22.48%) and “Lightness of symptoms” (13.18 %). Pharmacy (47.80%) and street medicine stores (30.19%) were the commonest drug providers. Nearly 20% of women had not respected posology although treatment was right and taken promptly. Age, level of education and curiosity on treatment were risk factors of self-medication. Our study confirms that malaria self-medication is common among women and the influence of some factors. Hence, strategies for information, education and communication should be scaled up to efficiently address self-medication in the area.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2018) 7(1), 29 - 39
Caregivers’ knowledge of pneumonia and uptake of vaccination in under-five children in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Yahaya A. K. , Ekpenyong B. N. , Obegu P. 
Published: May 2021

Pneumonia, though very much a preventable disease, still remains a tangible threat to the lives of under-5 children. Caregivers’ knowledge of pneumonia is important in effective management. The study determinedthe reported proportion of childhood pneumonia in Kaduna State and assessed caregivers’ knowledge of pneumonia and uptake of pneumococcal vaccine among under-5 children. The mixed method research approach used 500 caregivers of under-five children in urban and rural communities in Kaduna state. Ethical approval and informed consent of participants was obtained before data collection using a pre-tested semistructured questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide. Chi-square statistical test was used to test for association between variables, while data from the focus group discussion was analyzed using thematic coding process. Most respondents were aware of pneumonia, they had local names for it but majority 340 (68%) had poor knowledge of pneumonia. The overall occurrence of pneumonia as reported by respondents among under-five children was 33 (6.6%). The rate of child pneumococcal vaccine uptake as reported by respondents was 105 (21%), the uptake was significantly more among the urban dwellers (p<0.01). The knowledge of pneumonia and uptake of pneumococcal vaccination was poor. Routine and constant health education of the community members on pneumonia is very necessary to preserve lives of under-5 children in our communities.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2018) 7(1), 40 - 48
Agitations for Regime Change and Political Restructuring: Implications on National Integration and Development in Nigeria
Authors: Shedrack Igboke C. 
Published: May 2021

The formation of organizations at global, regional and sub-regional levels among nation-states, especially after the World War II in 1945 was to nip n the bud situation that could escalate into war and promote global peace. It was also to promote political, economic and socio-cultural unity and welfare among member states. It was on this premise that the United Nations (UN), organizations of Africa Union (OAU) now AU, Arab League, European Union (EU), etc were formed to promote unity among nation states. The main thrust of this paper was to analyze the implications of agitation by various ethnic groups on national integration and development in Africa. The paper also x-rays the nexus between leadership failure and development in Nigeria. The study was anchore0d on the structural functionalism theory to address agitations and conflict among ethnic groups in Nigeria. This theory recognizes the need for restructuring the political system that will enable each component unit to function effectively for sustainable development. The study relied on much of the data scooped from secondary sources such as textbooks, internet materials, magazines, newspaper, journals etc. The study found out that agitations and conflict among ethnic groups was threat to national integration and development, citing the case of Indigenous people of Biafra popularly known as IPOB, Niger Delta militant, etc. The paper concluded that national integration was the bedrock to peace and national development in Nigeria. It was also recommended that government should desist from the actions and inactions that are threat to national integration and peace. The study recommended that Nigerian government should seriously focus on empowerment and investment in youth, through education, skill acquisition and also implementing policy that will eliminate all forms of agitations. The paper equally recommended adoption of regional government and true Federalism to address the problems of national development.
Keywords: Agitations, regime change, political restructuring, integration, and development
Restructuring as a Clue to Unleashing Nigeria’s Potentials and Prosperity
Authors: Nwokolo Aaron Onyemaechi 
Published: May 2021

The continuous misgivings about Nigeria’s developmental trajectory predate Nigeria’s independence. The clues that can unravel and demystify the mystery surrounding the continuous retardation of socio-political and economic well-being of Nigeria have over the years become a tall order. Using the qualitative method, this paper succulently highlighted restructuring as a veritable panacea for promoting peaceful co-existence amongst ethnic nationalities, and also encourages healthy competition among federating units or states. This paper further discussed restructuring as it relates to resource control by sub-national government. It recommended power devolution and deloading of the exclusive list of 1999 constitution as amended and galvanizing the states and local government towards assuming more governmental responsibilities.
Keywords: Federalism, Political Restructuring, Clue, Devolution, Autonomy.
Restructuring for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: The Role of Political Education and Information Communication Technology
Authors: Ogbe Henry Ejotubu , Ojie Deborah Voke 
Published: May 2021

The study examined the role of political education and Information Communication Technology (ICT) for sustainable democracy in Nigeria. The paper conceptualized political education and IC T for sustainable democracy. The paper adopted observation and secondary methods of data gathering. The paper argued that electoral violence and fraud that marred conducted elections in Nigeria was due to decades of military rule that militarized the psyche of most Nigerians, and lack of continuous political education to redirect the militarized mentality they do display in electoral process, to democratized mentality to sustain democracy in Nigeria. This is because the anti-democratic mentality of most Nigerians has created loopholes for politicians to manipulate the electoral process which portents a threat to democracy in Nigeria. The paper revealed that continuous political education through the use of ICT tools like social network sites will create political awareness that will enlighten Nigerians to deter them from electoral violence and fraud, and other related anti-democratic behaviour to bring about sustainable democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, the paper recommends among others, that the Nigerian government should liaise with advanced countries that have successfully built ICT in their democratic governance, to see areas where they can collaborate to ensure stable use of ICT facilities in Nigeria.
Keywords: Restructuring, Sustainable Democracy, Political Education, Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Vocational Home Economics Education: A Veritable Tool for Self Reliance, Poverty Eradication and Sustainable National Development
Authors: Oladokun Augustina 
Published: May 2021

The increasing rate of poverty, unemployment and retrenchment and so many other social problems is worrisome. However, unemployment is not peculiar to Nigeria alone but to other third world countries. This paper examined the objectives of Home Economics education as it is geared towards improving the standard of living. It looked at self-reliance, poverty Eradication through Home Economics Education, and the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. It also examined Home Economics income generating business ventures in the major areas of Home Economics for employment and wealth creation for sustainability. The paper concluded and recommended, among others things, that entrepreneurship education be made compulsory at all levels of education and soft loans be made available to graduate for business set up.
Keywords: Self-Reliance, Poverty Eradication, Entrepreneurship, National Development
Textual Analysis of College Anthem and Its Implication for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Justina Enoh 
Published: May 2021

The paper is based on the content analysis of the College Anthem. The College anthem is a composition written by Elsie E. Nwoko reflecting core value of the College of Education, Agbor. The text of the college anthem is very significant in that the text is an intricate musicality woven into the fabric of the existence of the College of Education and the tenet of institution. Without the existence of the College of Education Agbor, there would be no composition known as the College Anthem. The paper followed the descriptive and empirical approach in realizing set objective by juxtaposing the College Anthem vis-a-vis the College of Education, Agbor in relation to sustainable development. The paper concludes that since music can be used as an advertising agent, and the College exists for capacity/capital development of Nigeria citizens, the Music Department as a unit of the College of Education, Agbor should be assisted and encouraged in all ramification to run the music programme effectively in order to contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria via each empowered graduates from the music programme.
Keywords: Sustainable development, College, Anthem, Textual, analysis
Religious Leaders as Agents of Peace and Security for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Authors: Osajie Justina Nwazuni 
Published: May 2021

The paper explores the possibility of drawing on religious values and ethos through our religious leaders in solving societal problems militating against peace and security for sustainable development in the country. The paper looks at the security and peace which religion proffers by inculcation of moral. Religion regulates the conduct and behaviour of people in the society and preaches good virtues needed in the society. The researcher undertakes historical and critical interpretation of the phenomenon which have militated against meaningful peace and security of the nation. It discovers among other things that bribery and corruption, poor leadership, moral decadence, insecurity, religious crisis or insurgence among others contribute to the low pace of security and peace in the nation. It concludes by recommending that all religious leaders/groups should draw on the theosophical perspectives of religion in the country to ensure adequate peace and security for peaceful co-existence in order for the nation to actualize her dreams of sustainable development.
Keywords: Religion, Peace, Security, Leaders, Sustainable Development
Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: Implications on Sustainable National Development
Authors: Akpokighe Raymond , Ejovi Austine 
Published: May 2021

Youth restiveness has become a topical issue for discussion in the social, economic and polity domain in Nigeria. It is a fact that Nigeria cannot thrive and progress significantly with youths who are restive. Nigeria’s peace, security and corporate existence as a nation is threatened because of the prevalence of this phenomenon. The causes of youth restiveness are connected to unemployment, lack of basic and inadequate infrastructural facilities and inadequate social amenities amongst others. The spiralling effect of youth restiveness are evident in Nigeria as ethnic militia, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, agitations and involvement in social insecurity. The causes and effects of youth restiveness have promoted uncertainties which have led to failure, fear and underdevelopment of most sectors in the Nigeria. The conflict theory explains that threatening events such as wars, revolution, domestic violence and others are as a result of competition and limited resources. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s government has not done enough by providing basic facilities, employment opportunities and effective empowerment programmes for the youths to be gainfully employed. This study holds unto the premise that in order to control youths in Nigeria, their skills, talents and education must be recognized, encouraged and channelled to the right sector in the society for growth, sustainable development and national peace. This paper reviewed the arguments surrounding youth restiveness in Nigeria alongside some recommendations on how the government could effectively be organized and responsible to counter the growing rate of youth restiveness in Nigeria.
Keywords: Causes, Effects, Control Youth, Peace
Growth Impact of Insecurity on the Nigerian Economy
Authors: Aghaulor Kosy Cletus 
Published: May 2021

This research work investigated restructuring national security for economic growth in Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2017. In a bid to actualize the main objective of this study, a good number of literature materials were reviewed and data were collected from secondary sources such as the various editions of CBN Statistical Bulletin. The data were analyzed using Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) Unit Root test, Johansen co-integration test, Error Correction Model. The selected variables (i.e. Gross Domestic product, Life expectancy at birth, terrorism risk index, discomfort index, adult literacy rate, corruption perception index and unemployment rate) had a cointegrating relationship indicating long-run relationship among the variables. The result of the Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) had the expected negative sign and statistically significant at the 0.05 level, an indication that any disequilibrium in the system will be adjusted. Based on the conclusion made, it is recommended that government should restructure and decentralize security architecture, increase capital expenditure on security and provide the enabling environment for people to work especially in the area of security of lives and property. This is against the back-drop that no meaningful economic activity can thrive in the face of insecurity
O império dos EUA e a Nicarágua, por Chomsky
Authors: Justamand Michel 
Published: May 2021

Desde a conquista dos territórios que hoje compõem os EUA houve formas de imposição sociais, culturais, políticas e econômicas. Assim, indígenas sofreram brutalmente perdendo seus territórios ancestrais para os ditos civilizados. Os negros transplantados da África também sofreram e sofrem os maus-tratos com os indígenas. O governo das elites agrárias tomou medidas para garantir o controle das terras e dos bens produzidos. Desejosos pelo acesso ás terras de outrem, ou seja, os espaços ocupados pelos povos conhecidos como latinos. Essas elites construíram suas ideologias que constituem, na escrita crítica de Noam Chomsky, verdadeiras posturas imperiais militares. Tais posturas se voltam também aos países vizinhos que se tornaram independentes e soberanos, mas que aos olhos dos EUA podem e devem ser anexados. E é contra essa forma de imperialismo, nazista, nos termos do autor, que pretendemos apresentar o caso singular da Nicarágua. Chomsky analisa ponto a ponto fatos históricos da década de 80 de muitos países da America Latina, mas esse caso é especial por que o estado nicaragüense venceu os EUA na ONU, fato inédito e os estadunidenses foram obrigados a pagar indenização pelos danos causados, algo que nunca foi feito.