A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos

A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3­18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP

Hepatic Lipase Influences Plasma Lipid Profiles and Lipoprotein Ratios in Regional Hospital Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of death and disability in developed Countries. Ischemic stroke is the most common, with an estimated incidence of approximately 80%.Studies have shown that dyslipidemia, including high levels of plasma or serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and low levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a risk factor for the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular disease. Attempts are being made to include the use of lipoprotein ratios to optimize the predictive capacity of lipid profile in risk evaluation.Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of hepatic lipase activity on lipid profiles and lipoprotein ratios in ischemic stroke patients.Methodology: Two hundred healthy and ischemic stroke subjects were recruited in the study after obtaining informed written consent. They were divided into six groups considering age classes. Group 1-3 were control subjects (n=100) and 4-6 were ischemic stroke subjects (n=100). Weight, height, hepatic lipase activity and plasma lipid profiles were measured and lipoprotein ratios calculated using Excel software. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad prism computer software version 5.00 and SPSS version 22 software programme.Results: Hepatic lipase activity in the stroke subjects was significantly (P<0.0001) lower than control subjects (P=0.0001, 20.21 ± 0.3706 µmol/h/ml vs 30.50 ± 0.3928 µmol/h/ml). The stroke subjects had significantly (P<0.05) higher SBP, DBP and BMI compared to the control. Abnormal plasma lipid parameters were obtained in the stroke subjects compared to the control subjects. The stroke subjects had significant (P<0.0001) elevated TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, Non- HDL-C, CRI-I, CRI-II, AC, TG/HDL-C and AIP as well as lower HDL-C and HDL-C/LDL-C. LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (0R=490488439.6, 95% CI=0.078 - 3.102E+18 P=0.000) is the major risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke.Conclusion: Hepatic lipase activities were lower while higher BP, BMI and dyslipidemia were obtained in the ischemic stroke subjects