Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus Information: The Challenges of Hearing-Impaired Adolescents in Port Harcourt,Nigeria

Adolescents with hearing impairments have similar sexual risk exposures as their hearing counterparts, yet their sexual information needs are often ignored. This paper examines the disparities in information about the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection among hearing and hearing-impaired adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria using a comparative cross-sectional survey design. Results showed that awareness about HIV was significantly lower among hearing-impaired adolescents. Most of them did not even know how HIV was transmitted, while many believed that HIV was transmitted through mosquito bites or by eating together or sharing utensils. Only a few understood that unprotected sex was a major risk factor for HIV transmission. Similarly, most of them did not know how HIV could be prevented. Their HIV risk perception for was equally low as only a third had ever tested for HIV compared to two-thirds of their hearing counterparts. The results of the study suggests that significant differences in HIV information and knowledge exists between hearing and hearing-impaired adolescents in Nigeria. The gap is attributed to lack of sexuality and HIV-specific education for adolescents with disabilities, thus unduly exposing them to avoidable HIV risk. It is therefore crucial for adaptation of disability friendly learning strategies that forms an integral part of the Family Life and HIV and AIDS Education curriculum. Equally important is special training for sign language teachers in order to correctly interpret HIV and AIDS information to adolescents using the sign language grammar, syntaxes and communication concepts.     

Occurrence of drug-resistant bacteria in communal well water around Port Harcourt, Nigeria

A total of 108 raw water samples was collected from 36 wells at nine shanty settlements around Port Harcourt, Nigeria, over a period of 7 months. Samples were analysed for their bacteriological quality. Selected bacterial strains isolated from the samples were tested for their susceptibility to ten commonly used antibiotics. The organisms isolated include Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Aeromonas spp., Escherichia coli, Chromobacterium spp., Flavobacterium spp., and Serratia spp. Out of 300 strains tested, 23 (6.9%) were susceptible to all the antibiotics, 277 (92.3%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 232 (77.3%) were resistant to two or more antibiotics. The epidemiological significance of these results is discussed.     

The prevalence of penicillin resistance in organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases in Port Harcourt,Nigeria

A total of 144 urethral swab (US) and high vaginal swab (HVS) were collected from patients in four different Hospitals in Port Harcourt: Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt Investigation Centre and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Staff Clinic. Fifty-three (36.8%) samples were collected from males while 91 (63.2%) samples were collected from females. Forty-two (29.2%) yielded no growth. Sixty-four (62.7%) of the positive cultures were coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus , 31 (30.4%) were Neisseria gonorrhea . and 7 (6.9%) were group B streptococcus. Staphylococcusaureus . maintained the highest penicillin resistance with 61 (95.3%) of them showing resistance. Twentytwo (71%) of N. gonorrhea showed resistance to penicillin while 3 (42.9%) of the group B streptococcus isolated were resistant to penicillin.     

A study of incidence of anaemia in pregnant women and the control in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

A total of 200 women were involved in the study --100 pregnant women on routine antenatal visit to the Health Centre and the remaining 100 non-pregnant women who visited the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria Clinic for family planning purposes. The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy was found to be 31%. There was a statistically significant difference in the pregnants and non-pregnants. More anaemic pregnants than non-pregnants while anaemia was found highest in the third trimester. No statistical significant difference between parity in anaemia but anaemia was higher in multiparous expectant mothers than primigravidae. The mean haemoglobin level of pregnant women was found to be 11.49 gm%.     

Perception of Pregnant Women About Antenatal Care in a Cottage Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Antenatal care gives opportunity for care of women during pregnancy, prevention and treatment of diseases as well as behavioral change interventions. The perception of users about services influences service utilization. This study was performed to assess user satisfaction with antenatal care services at the centre and to identify constraints at service points. Women attending antenatal care at a cottage hospital In Nigeria were administered questionnaires to evaluate their satisfaction with services and their views about services at various points of care. Data analysis was made using Statistical Package for Social Science version 15.0. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.5. Four hundred correctly completed questionnaires were analysed. The mean age of the respondents was 29 years (SD of 4) and their parity ranged from 0 to 5 (mean 2.5 ± 1.9). The overall satisfaction with care was 94 % and it was highest (95.8 %) with health talks and least with medical consultations (64 %). Attributes valued at service points were educating nature of health talks, prompt attention, and friendly and polite staff. Reasons for dissatisfaction were unfriendly attitudes of staff and delay at service points. Additional care packages women would want were: more staff employed 61 (15.3 %), better organized services 34 (8.5 %) and routine ultrasound scans 25 (6.3 %). Women valued antenatal care and were highly satisfied with services received at the centre. Health education forums should be used to address issues with service delivery. Constraints at service points should be addressed to enhance better service delivery.     

Effects of Soy Protein Isolate Consumption on Prostate Cancer Biomarkers in Men With HGPIN,ASAP, and Low-Grade Prostate Cancer

Fifty-eight men at high risk of prostate cancer or with low-grade prostate cancer were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 3 protein isolates containing 40 g protein: 1) soy protein (SPI+, 107 mg isoflavones/d); 2) alcohol-washed soy protein (SPI–, <6 mg isoflavones/d); or 3) milk protein (MPI). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were assessed in baseline and ending prostate biopsy cores. Serum collected at 0, 3, and 6 mo was analyzed for total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA). Consumption of SPI+ did not alter any of the prostate cancer tumor markers. Bax expression decreased from baseline in the SPI– group, resulting in lower Bax expression than the MPI group. PCNA expression also decreased from baseline in the SPI– group, but this was not different from the other 2 groups. PSA did not differ among the groups at 3 or 6 mo. Interestingly, a lower rate of prostate cancer developed in the soy groups compared to the milk group (P = 0.01). These data suggest that 6-mo SPI+ consumption does not alter prostate tissue biomarkers, SPI– consumption exerts mixed effects, and less prostate cancer is detected after 6 mo of soy consumption regardless of isoflavone content.     

Studies on schistosomiasis in the Niger Delta: Schistosoma intercalatum in the urban city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Ova of S. intercalatum have been found in the urban city of Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, following examination of stool and urine samples from 1,709 persons (5-15 years of age) resident in various parts of the city. The ova occurred only in urine, with prevalence ranging from 1.0% to 9.8% with an overall prevalence of 5.7%. The intensity of the infection was low. Most infected individuals had counts of less than 500 ova in total bladder content. There was no significant difference in either the prevalence or intensity of the infection among the sexes (Male; prevalence 6.1%, intensity 527.3 vs Female; prevalence 5.4%, intensity 500.9). No case of infection with either S. haematobium or S. mansoni was encountered in the study. Malacological surveys in the gutters, creeks, streams and stagnant waterbodies within the city showed the presence of Lymnaea natalensis, Bulinus forskalii, Pila ovata, Melanoides tuberculata, Physa sp., Lanistes ovum and Segmentorbis sp. B. forskalii is indicated as the probable vector of S. intercalatum in the city. The growing problem of urban schistosomiasis in tropical Africa is discussed. Further studies on urban transmission and epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria is also indicated.     

Prevalence of Histoplasmosis among Persons with Advanced HIV Disease,Nigeria

We sought to determine the prevalence of probable disseminated histoplasmosis among advanced HIV disease (AHD) patients in Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 10 sites across 5 of 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria. We identified patients with urinary samples containing CD4 cell counts <200 cells/mm³ or World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease who also had >2 clinical features of disseminated histoplasmosis, and we tested them for Histoplasma antigen using a Histoplasma enzyme immune assay. Of 988 participants we recruited, 76 (7.7%) were antigen-positive. The 76 Histoplasma antigen–positive participants had significantly lower (p = 0.03) CD4 counts; 9 (11.8%) were also co-infected with tuberculosis. Most antigen-positive participants (50/76; 65.8%; p = 0.015) had previously received antiretroviral treatment; 26/76 (34.2%) had not. Because histoplasmosis is often a hidden disease among AHD patients in Nigeria, Histoplasma antigen testing should be required in the AHD package of care.     

Prevalence of Hypertension among Urban Slum Dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria

Urban slum dwellers are not only prone to develop communicable diseases but also to non-communicable disease (NCDs). The extent and magnitude of NCDs among slum dwellers is largely unknown in Nigeria. A total of 964 adults aged 20–81 years (male 330 and female 634) residing in the urban slum of Ajegunle in Lagos State, Nigeria were studied to determine the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 38.2 %. Of the 368 respondents identified as having hypertension, only 50 (5.2 %) respondents were previously aware of their diagnosis. Of the 50 known hypertensive patients, 48(96 %) had poor control of their high blood pressure. The socio-demographic factors significantly associated with hypertension status were age, sex, education, religion, BMI, and marital status. The study concludes a high prevalence of hypertension among urban slums dwellers in Lagos. The need for government to develop policies for the control of hypertension, improve access to early diagnosis and provide an enabling socioeconomic environment while promoting healthy living.     

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Men with Prostate Cancer in a Rural Setting

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among rural patients with localized prostate cancer. The study also examined the participants’ disclosure of CAM use to their physicians. Baseline and 6-month follow-up data were taken from a study examining the factors that influence treatment choice and quality of life among men diagnosed with and being treated for localized prostate cancer residing in rural southwest Georgia (N = 321). A total of 291 participants were interviewed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Findings: At baseline, 26.4% reported ever using CAM. Among them, dietary supplements were the most commonly used (75%), and 56% of patients did not disclose their CAM use to their physicians. At 6-month follow-up, 11% of the study sample reported using CAM since starting treatment (half of these were new users). The proportions of CAM users who reported taking dietary supplements after treatment were significantly lower than the corresponding proportions before treatment. CAM use after treatment was more common among those who selected surgery and watchful waiting. While 44% of the sample disclosed using CAM to their doctors before treatment, 61% after treatment began (P = 0.05). We found that CAM use after cancer treatment in this population was markedly less common than in nationally reported data for cancer patients. In line with national patterns, younger and more educated rural patients were significantly more likely to have ever used CAM and to use it after treatment.     

Differences in Treatment-Based Beliefs and Coping Between African American and White Men with Prostate Cancer

The purpose of the study was to explore racial differences related to treatment-based beliefs (trust in physician, physician bias, access to care, and self-efficacy) and coping (religious coping and social support). The study was conducted in a 33-county area located in southwest Georgia (SWGA). Men living in SWGA and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer were invited to participate in the study. Men were also required to be 75?years of age or younger at the beginning of the study and free of dementia. In collaboration with the Georgia Cancer Registry, potentially eligible participants were identified through pathology reports. Participants completed three interviews during a 12-month period post-diagnosis. The 320 participants in this analysis ranged in age from 44 to 75?years with a mean age of 63?years, and 42% were African American. After controlling for confounders, African American participants were more likely to report physician bias, financial problems with access to care, and use of religious coping strategies. These results, based on a largely rural patient population, support those of other studies noting differences in perception of care, access to care, and coping strategies between African American and white men with prostate cancer.     

A Randomized Trial of Lycopene Supplementation in Tobago Men with High Prostate Cancer Risk

This unblinded, randomized, Phase I clinical trial was conducted to determine whether lycopene supplementation lowered serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), surrogate endpoint for prostate cancer initiation or progression, in men with elevated prostate cancer risk. Afro-Caribbean men (n = 81) with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, atypical foci or repeated non-cancerous biopsies, ascertained in a population-based screening program, were randomized to four months intervention with 30 mg/day lycopene (Lyc-O-Mato®) plus a multivitamin, or to multivitamin, only. Serum PSA and lycopene were compared at randomization, 1, and 4 mo using two-sided χ ² and t-tests for independent samples. Treatment groups were similar at baseline. Serum lycopene levels approximately doubled in the lycopene intervention group. Serum PSA declined during the first month of treatment, but returned to randomization level by month 4. The PSA response was nearly identical in both treatment groups. No adverse effects attributed to lycopene supplementation were documented. We conclude that the PSA lowering response to antioxidant supplementation observed in previous 3-wk studies in men awaiting prostatectomy may have been a transient response, perhaps not specific to lycopene. Lowering of serum PSA may not be an appropriate endpoint for the long-term studies needed to evaluate lycopene supplementation for reducing prostate cancer initiation or progression.     

Safety of Purified Isoflavones in Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

Our purpose was to evaluate the safety of 80 mg of purified isoflavones administered to men with early stage prostate cancer. A total of 53 men with clinically localized prostate cancer, Gleason score of 6 or below, were supplemented with 80 mg purified isoflavones or placebo for 12 wk administered in 2 divided doses of 40 mg to provide a continuous dose of isoflavones. Compliance, changes in plasma isoflavones, and clinical toxicity were analyzed at baseline, 4, and 12 wk. A total of 50 subjects completed the 12-wk intervention. A continuous, divided-dose administration of 80 mg/day of purified isoflavones at amounts that exceeded normal American dietary intakes significantly increased (P < 0.001) plasma isoflavones in the isoflavone-treated group compared to placebo and produced no clinical toxicity. With the current evidence on the cancer preventive properties of isoflavones, these results are significant and offer promise for these phytochemicals to be developed as potent agents to prevent cancer progression.     

锌及ZIP家族与前列腺癌关系的研究进展

锌是人体中一种重要的微量元素,人体前列腺上皮细胞具有聚集高浓度锌离子的功能,锌在维持正常前列腺功能和前列腺恶性肿瘤发生发展过程中均起着十分重要的作用。前列腺癌组织中锌含量显著低于正常前列腺,但其锌减低机制目前尚不清楚,可能与前列腺上皮细胞锌铁调控蛋白（ZRT,IRT—like protein,ZIP）家族低表达密切相关。本文就锌及ZIP家族与前列腺癌关系研究进展作一概述。     

锌及ZIP家族与前列腺癌关系的研究进展

锌是人体中一种重要的微量元素,人体前列腺上皮细胞具有聚集高浓度锌离子的功能,锌在维持正常前列腺功能和前列腺恶性肿瘤发生发展过程中均起着十分重要的作用。前列腺癌组织中锌含量显著低于正常前列腺,但其锌减低机制目前尚不清楚,可能与前列腺上皮细胞锌铁调控蛋白(ZRT,IRT-like protein,ZIP)家族低表达密切相关。本文就锌及ZIP家族与前列腺癌关系研究进展作一概述。