International Journal of Emerging Multidisciplinaries: Biomedical and Clinical Research

Morbidity and Mortality of Typhoid Intestinal Perforation Among Children in Nigeria 2003 - 2023: A Scoping Review

2025-02-05T16:41:56+00:00

Background: Typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP), a severe complication of typhoid fever, occurs when the infection leads to the perforation of the intestinal wall, resulting in life-threatening conditions. The resultant fulminating generalized peritonitis, intra-peritoneal abscess, septicaemia, imbalance in serum electrolytes and severe malnutrition are the usual causes of death in TIP.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR checklist, the following databases were searched Science Direct, ProQuest, PubMed, AJOL and Google Scholar. Data was then extracted from the 15 studies that were found to have met the inclusion criteria.

Results: All the included studies were conducted in tertiary healthcare facilities, 13 of them were retrospective studies. The mortality rate ranged from 4.7% to 75%. SSI was the most commonly reported post-operative complication, ranging from 9.5% to 83.3%, others were ECF, wound dehiscence and intra-abdominal abscess.

Conclusion: TIP is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pediatric population in Nigeria. Late presentation, poor pre-operative preparation and presence of multiple intestinal perforations impact significantly on morbidity and mortality of patients. This can be prevented by provision of safe WASH facilities and improving access to healthcare.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever Prevalence Among Febrile Patients in Adamawa State, Nigeria

2024-12-25T15:46:21+00:00

Dengue fever (DF) is increasingly recognized as a significant viral infection with global public health implications. It causes morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dengue fever can provide valuable insights for efficient disease management. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue fever prevalence among febrile patients attending public health facilities in Adamawa, Nigeria. Six hundred sera were collected from febrile patients seeking medical attention in three selected hospitals across three Local Government Areas. A self-designed structured questionnaire, captured socio-demographic information and risk factors. Sera samples were screened for Dengue virus (DENV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Odds Ratios (OR) were used to explore associations between seroprevalence and various variables. Among the 600 participants, 186 (55.9%) indicated awareness of DENV infection. However, 392 (69.9%) were completely ignorant of its existence. Individuals lacking knowledge about DENV transmission, symptoms, and fatality showed a significant association with DENV infection. Negligence regarding mosquito control and a preference for government responsibility in mosquito control were also linked to DENV infection (p ≤ 0.05). This study highlights that low economic status, ignorance, and negligence may serve as predisposing factors for DENV infection in Adamawa State.

The Quality of Life of Adolescents with Terrorism Experience in North-Central Nigeria.

2024-11-11T15:59:37+00:00

Background: Nigeria has a young population, almost half less than 14 years old. Violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to plague threats to the young population with consequent effects on the Quality of Life.

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between experience of terrorism and Quality of life among adolescents in Mangu Village, Plateau State.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between Dec. 2023 and

January 2024, among adolescents aged 10-19 years, living in Mangu Village, Plateau State with

a sample size of 200 determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through

standardized semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires covering socio-demographic

information, terrorism experiences, and the quality of life of respondents. The SPSS version

20.0 was used for statistical analysis, including regression to assess the relationship between

terrorism experience and the quality of life of respondents.

Results: A total number of one hundred and thirty-two (66.0%) were above 16 years old, while one hundred and seven (53.5%) were females. About 92.5% have experienced terrorist attacks before, during which 24.3% felt stressed, 34.6% were sad, and 23.2% were pained. Most of the respondents (53%) were less than 1 month after the duration of the terrorist attack, and 75.7% of the respondents experienced the attacks frequently. 49% of the respondents were self-wishing for death and away from it all. A total number of 114 (57%) of respondents were of good quality of life, while 86 (43% ) were poor during the attack.

Conclusion: This study found that most of the adolescents had experienced terrorist attack with a little less than half of them having poor QoL. We recommend the development of policies and programmes that will improve the quality of life of adolescents exposed to terrorism.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Future Perspectives in Artificial Intelligence and Neuronal Diseases.

2025-02-17T14:44:55+00:00

This article focuses on the role of Artificial Intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of neuronal diseases and future perspectives on the subject. Neuronal diseases involve complex pathophysiological processes that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems and can cause permanent damage to the cognitive, motor and sensory functions of individuals. Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterized by degeneration of nerve cells, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances. Early diagnosis of neuronal diseases is of critical importance in slowing down the progression of the disease, controlling symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. However, one of the biggest challenges in the diagnosis of these diseases is that symptoms usually appear in the advanced stages of the disease process. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported technologies have made great progress in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Artificial intelligence can analyze biomarkers in blood, cerebrospinal fluid or saliva to detect the disease in its early stages. By processing this data with deep learning techniques, artificial intelligence can detect disease symptoms at early stages and support personalized diagnosis and treatment processes. Electrophysiological data analysis also plays an important role in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Artificial intelligence algorithms can detect abnormal brain activities by processing EEG (electroencephalography) and MEG (magnetoencephalography) data. For example, in epilepsy patients, seizures can be predicted before they start using machine learning, while in dementia patients, changes in brain waves can be detected at an early stage. Artificial intelligence can learn how disease symptoms change in different individuals by analyzing a lot of patient data from around the world. While this process allows machine learning models to make more precise and reliable diagnoses, systems developed on the basis of Dr. Roman Poznanski's DOT (Dynamic Optimization of Thought) theory offer a new method in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Artificial intelligence has become an effective tool in slowing down the progression of neurological diseases by optimizing patients' individualized treatment plans. In the future, it will be possible to develop more integrated and dynamic solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of neurological diseases thanks to DOT theory and conscious artificial intelligence models. These systems will analyze brain functions not only through biological data but also in the context of energy flows and information processing processes, providing personalized, optimized and preventive approaches.

Examining Curcuma longa and Piper nigrum: Herbal Approaches to Mood Disorder Management.

2024-11-12T13:56:30+00:00

This research explores the therapeutic potential of two herbal remedies, Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Piper nigrum (black pepper), in managing mood disorders. Through phytochemical analysis and pharmacological investigations, the study elucidates the neuroprotective, neurotransmitter-regulating, and cholinergic modulating properties of these herbs. Comparative assessments highlight differences in antioxidant activity, sedative effects, and potential mechanisms of action. The findings underscore the significance of integrating herbal interventions into conventional treatments for mood disorders, paving the way for more holistic and personalized approaches to mental health management.

Dinga Dinga Disease Uncovered: A Call to Act Fast Against Uganda's Puzzling Health Crisis.

2024-12-26T15:28:56+00:00

In early 2023, Uganda reported a novel illness known as "Dinga Dinga Disease" (DDD), characterized mainly by uncontrollable body tremors, primarily affecting women and girls in the Bundibugyo district. This exploratory article examines the disease's symptoms, epidemiology, and potential causes, drawing parallels to the historical "Dancing Plague" of 1518. DDD presents with excessive shaking, high fever, extreme weakness, and feelings of paralysis, severely impacting mobility and daily activities, yet it remains self-limiting with no reported fatalities. The article highlights the urgent need for a clear case definition to facilitate effective surveillance and public health interventions amidst other concurrent health crises in Uganda, including outbreaks of mpox and a mysterious "Disease X" in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Community impact is profound, with significant social and economic challenges arising from the disease's incapacitating effects. Ongoing investigations by local health authorities, supported by World Health Organisation, aim to uncover the etiology of DDD and implement necessary public health measures. The need for collaborative efforts in research, resource allocation, and community engagement is emphasized to address this emerging health threat and safeguard vulnerable populations.