Background: The burden of COVID-19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some of the major and persistent global health challenges of the twenty-first century. HIV and COVID-19 are expected to overlap in high HIV...Background: The burden of COVID-19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some of the major and persistent global health challenges of the twenty-first century. HIV and COVID-19 are expected to overlap in high HIV-burden countries, posing several public health challenges as a result. Prisons are overcrowded, have limited space for social distancing and have inadequate ventilation systems, making it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19 in addition to the high-risk behaviours of inmates which contribute to the spread of HIV within these facilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 among inmates in a prison facility with a relatively high HIV burden in Port Harcourt, Nigeria;investigating potential risk factors and co-infection with HIV. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design sampling 200 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre from July to December 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was administered via interviews in addition to screening for HIV-1/2 antibodies as well as COVID-19 antigens using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were carried out on the GraphPad Prism 9 software with statistical significance defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of HIV from the current study was 6.5%, COVID-19 prevalence was reported to be 12.5% while HIV/COVID-19 co-infection was 1.5% The duration of incarceration, face mask use, frequent visitations and vaccination against COVID-19 were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in the studied population (p Conclusion: The current study reports a relatively high prevalence of HIV and COVID-19 among the inmates in the study area. It becomes expedient for the administrators of the correctional facility to properly screen new inmates for COVID-19, quarantine and manage cases, as well as provide them with personal protective equipment such as face masks. In-person visitation should be balanced with measures to prevent the spread of the infection, and mass vaccination campaigns should be promoted. Improving access to HIV screening and therapy for all prisoners should be prioritised to identify and manage the incidence of HIV early, reducing the risk of transmission, mitigating comorbidities and improving health outcomes.展开更多
Problem Statement: Malaria’s global impact necessitates effective treatments, like dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PQP), though safety concerns, notably drug-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), persist. A knowledge ga...Problem Statement: Malaria’s global impact necessitates effective treatments, like dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PQP), though safety concerns, notably drug-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), persist. A knowledge gap exists regarding DHA/PQP’s cardiac effects, warranting a comprehensive investigation. Approach: This study aimed to assess KROSH (DHA/PQP) impact on albino rat heart histology, examining structural changes and potential cardiotoxicity. 40 albino rats were grouped by KROSH dosage and duration, monitored for weight changes, and heart tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. Statistical analysis compared to control and treated groups. Results: KROSH administration led to varying rat weight effects, yet not statistically significant. Histological analysis revealed dose and duration-dependent cardiac tissue alterations, including distortion, adipose deposits, artery hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis. These contrasts with prior research documenting DHA/PQP’s non-toxic effects. Conclusion/Recommendation: This study highlights potential KROSH (DHA/PQP) cardiotoxicity concerns through histological changes, underscoring the need for further research into underlying mechanisms and human health implications. Given DHA/PQP’s wide use, these findings should inform safety evaluations and administration practices.展开更多
文摘Background: The burden of COVID-19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some of the major and persistent global health challenges of the twenty-first century. HIV and COVID-19 are expected to overlap in high HIV-burden countries, posing several public health challenges as a result. Prisons are overcrowded, have limited space for social distancing and have inadequate ventilation systems, making it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19 in addition to the high-risk behaviours of inmates which contribute to the spread of HIV within these facilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 among inmates in a prison facility with a relatively high HIV burden in Port Harcourt, Nigeria;investigating potential risk factors and co-infection with HIV. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design sampling 200 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre from July to December 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was administered via interviews in addition to screening for HIV-1/2 antibodies as well as COVID-19 antigens using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were carried out on the GraphPad Prism 9 software with statistical significance defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of HIV from the current study was 6.5%, COVID-19 prevalence was reported to be 12.5% while HIV/COVID-19 co-infection was 1.5% The duration of incarceration, face mask use, frequent visitations and vaccination against COVID-19 were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in the studied population (p Conclusion: The current study reports a relatively high prevalence of HIV and COVID-19 among the inmates in the study area. It becomes expedient for the administrators of the correctional facility to properly screen new inmates for COVID-19, quarantine and manage cases, as well as provide them with personal protective equipment such as face masks. In-person visitation should be balanced with measures to prevent the spread of the infection, and mass vaccination campaigns should be promoted. Improving access to HIV screening and therapy for all prisoners should be prioritised to identify and manage the incidence of HIV early, reducing the risk of transmission, mitigating comorbidities and improving health outcomes.
文摘Problem Statement: Malaria’s global impact necessitates effective treatments, like dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PQP), though safety concerns, notably drug-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), persist. A knowledge gap exists regarding DHA/PQP’s cardiac effects, warranting a comprehensive investigation. Approach: This study aimed to assess KROSH (DHA/PQP) impact on albino rat heart histology, examining structural changes and potential cardiotoxicity. 40 albino rats were grouped by KROSH dosage and duration, monitored for weight changes, and heart tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. Statistical analysis compared to control and treated groups. Results: KROSH administration led to varying rat weight effects, yet not statistically significant. Histological analysis revealed dose and duration-dependent cardiac tissue alterations, including distortion, adipose deposits, artery hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis. These contrasts with prior research documenting DHA/PQP’s non-toxic effects. Conclusion/Recommendation: This study highlights potential KROSH (DHA/PQP) cardiotoxicity concerns through histological changes, underscoring the need for further research into underlying mechanisms and human health implications. Given DHA/PQP’s wide use, these findings should inform safety evaluations and administration practices.
