Evaluation of Pattern of Lesions Depicted on Brain Computed Tomography Scan of Patients Presenting with Stroke in Zaria, Nigeria.

Introduction: Stroke is a major public health problem worldwide and it is the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries and ranks among the five most common causes of hospital deaths in adults in Africa. Accurate stroke diagnosis has a high significance for patient's outcome. Computed tomography (CT) brain scan is the imaging of choice for patients presenting to the emergency department with stroke. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the pattern of lesion depicted on CT brain of patients presenting with stroke in ABUTH, Zaria. Materials and Methods: A prospective review of CT findings in 155 patients who presented in the Radiology Department of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) with clinical diagnosis of stroke was undertaken over a period of six months (from October 2017 to April 2018).. Results: Of the 155 patients seen within the period under review, 88 (56.8%) were males while 67 (43.2%) were females. Age range was 11-90 years (mean 56, standard deviation (SD) 16, 44(28.4%) of patients were in the age group of 61-70 years. Ninety six patients (61.9%) had ischaemic stroke, 27(17.4%) had hemorrhagic stroke, eight (5.2%) was stroke mimic, six patients (3.9%) mixed lesions (ie both ischaemic and haemorrhagic). Eighteen patients (11.6%) had normal brain CT findings. The region most affected by stroke was the parietal region 52(38%). Conclusion: Ischaemic stroke is the most common form of stroke in this study.

Imaging classification and BIRADS assessment of cystic breast lesions with pathologic correlates. a 5-year experience in Zaria, North West Nigeria.

Background: Breast cysts encompass a variety of pathologies, both benign and malignant. Therefore, classifying cysts into different categories is needful to develop a management algorithm. This study aimed to describe and distinguish between simple, complicated and complex cysts; and compare the final BIRADS assessment with pathologic findings. Materials and methods: A 5-year retrospective review of our ultrasound database identified two hundred and seventy patients with cystic breast lesions. They were divided into simple, complicated and complex cysts according to ultrasound characteristics based on shape, orientation, margin, wall thickness, internal features (echogenicity, septa, mass) posterior acoustic features, surrounding tissue vascularity. The final BIRADS assessment was correlated with histological findings. Results: There were two hundred and sixty-six (98.5%) females and four (1.5%) males with a mean age 34.9 ± 11.8 years. The commonest presentation was a palpable mass, in 70% of the patients. There were 89 (33.0%) simple cysts, 61 (22.6%) complicated cysts and 120 (44.4%) complex cysts. Conclusion: Majority of the breast cysts (83%) were benign with overall 17% incidence of malignancy. Complex cysts were the most frequent cyst type in our study, it is also the category most frequently associated with breast cancer, obviating the need for histology.

Doppler Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction in a Northern Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Colour duplex Doppler is a noninvasive tool for the evaluation of the vascular mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED). It can be used to determine the integrity of the vascular mechanism and to differentiate between arterial and venous insufficiency. Objectives: To identify the vasculogenic causes of ED and subclassify them into arteriogenic, venogenic, or mixed to assist in predicting the clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, ABUTH Zaria, from records of patients who had presented to the Doppler suite with symptoms of ED available between July 2020 and August 2022. Results: A total of 23 patients were involved in this study. The age range was 25-66 years. The majority of the patients were seen in age groups 51-60 years and 41-50 years with 48% (11) and 22% (5), respectively. Only 3 (13%) of the patients were found to have normal penile Doppler study, 12 (52%) patients were found to have arteriogenic, and another 4 (17.4%) patients were found to have venogenic cause. In four (17.4%) patients, there was mixed/inconclusive picture. Among the nine (39%) patients with Peyronie's disease, only one showed normal Doppler study. The incidence of vasculogenic cause of ED was found to increase with age. Conclusions: The colour Doppler study is an important noninvasive nonionizing radiation tool for swift evaluation of penile erectile function and, thus, helps in classifying ED causes into structural, vascular, or possibly psychogenic, hence guiding the clinicians on the therapeutic options.

Efficacy of stem cell secretome in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a public health challenge and represents one of the major contributors to disability and mortality worldwide among all trauma-related injuries. This study aimed to determine a precise effect size of secretome intervention in TBI. We performed a systematic literature search through Cochrane, MEDLINE Complete, PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until June 2021. The search terms used include cells OR stem cells OR mesenchymal stem cells AND secretome OR conditioned medium OR extracellular vesicles OR exosomes OR microvesicles AND traumatic brain injury OR head injury. Neurological deficits and neuroinflammation were the outcome measures assessed after the intervention. Thirty-one (31) studies involving mouse, rat and swine were enrolled for the meta-analysis. Secretome significantly improved structural and functional recovery when compared with control. The mean effect sizes were as follows: modified neurological severity score (mNSS) (-2.65, 95% CI: -3.42, -1.87, p < 0.00001), impact size (-3.02 mm3, 95% CI: -4.97, -1.08, p = 0.002) and latency to platform (-17.20 s, 95% CI: -23.91, -10.50, p < 0.00001). Similarly, intervention with secretome reduced neuroinflammation after TBI. The results of meta-regression showed that the source of secretome, TBI models and duration of follow-up did not influence the mNSS. Furthermore, the methodological quality of the studies was moderate as shown by the risk of bias assessment. Publication bias was observed for the mNSS. This meta-analysis provides preclinical evidence of secretome intervention in TBI, suggesting that it can be explored as a therapeutic agent for TBI and other neurological disorders in humans.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of lower limbs deep-vein thrombosis in a teaching hospital, Northwestern Nigeria.

Background: Deep-venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most common causes of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. B-mode and color Doppler imaging are needed for the early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and sequalae of DVT. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the role of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosing DVT of lower limbs and to study the spectrum of findings in patients with DVT in Zaria. Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out on patients who had Venous Doppler Scan in the Department of Radiology ABUTH, Zaria, Nigeria, for suspected DVT over a period of 4 years from February 2014 to January 2018. Scans were done using DC-3 and DC-6 Mindray Ultrasound machines (2009 and 2013 Models, respectively, Shantou, China) coupled with high-frequency (7.5-12 MHz) linear and low-frequency curvilinear (2-5 MHz) transducers. Analysis of cases of DVT was performed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, predisposing conditions, anatomic distribution, stage, and pattern of thrombus involvement in the veins. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 and value of P < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 252 patients' results were reviewed which consisted of 122 males (48.4%) and 130 females (51.6%). The patients' ages ranged from 11 to 80 years, averaging 45.5 ± 9.56 years. The most common indication for Doppler request was leg swellings. The most common risk factor for DVT was malignancy (36%), cardiac disorders (18%), and traumas (14%). Sixty-six (61%) cases showed left-sided and 26 (24%) right-sided, whereas 16 (15%) cases showed bilateral lower limb involvement. Predominant thrombus was above-knee region with 54% in the superficial femoral vein. Chronic stage was seen in 46 (42%) cases, subacute in 44 (41%) cases, and acute in 18 (17%) cases. Conclusion: Middle-aged females, left-sided leg, and above-knee segment were predominantly affected with DVT; hence, this buttresses the need for Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of DVT in all patients.

RésuméContexte: La thrombose veineuse profonde (TVP) des membres inférieurs est l'une des causes les plus courantes de décès par embolie pulmonaire.De nombreux troubles médicaux et chirurgicaux sont compliqués par la TVP. L'imagerie Doppler en mode B et couleur est nécessaire pour le diagnostic précoce de TVP pour prévenir les complications et séquelles de la TVP. Objectifs: Les objectifs de cette étude sont d'évaluer le rôle des ultrasons Doppler.diagnostiquer la TVP des membres inférieurs et étudier le spectre des résultats chez les patients atteints de TVP à Zaria. Méthodologie: une étude rétrospective patients traités par Doppler veineux dans le département de radiologie ABUTH de Zaria (Nigeria) pour suspicion de TVP sur une période de période de 4 ans allant de février 2014 à janvier 2018. Les balayages ont été effectués à l'aide d'appareils à ultrasons DC-3 et DC-6 Mindray (2009 et 2013). Modèles, respectivement, Shantou, Chine) couplés à des transducteurs haute fréquence (7,5­12 MHz) et curvilignes basse fréquence (2­5 MHz).L'analyse des cas de TVP a été réalisée en termes d'âge, de sexe, de caractéristiques cliniques, de conditions prédisposantes, de distribution anatomique, de stade et de modèle.de la participation de thrombus dans les veines. Les données ont été analysées avec SPSS version 20.0 et une valeur de p <0,005 a été considérée statistiquement significatif. Résultats: Un total de 252 patients ont été examinés, soit 122 hommes (48,4%) et 130 femmes (51,6%). Les patients l'âge variait de 11 à 80 ans, avec une moyenne de 45,5 ± 9,56 ans. L'indication la plus courante pour la demande d'analyse était le gonflement des jambes. Le plus Le facteur de risque commun de TVP était la malignité (36%), les troubles cardiaques (18%) et les traumatismes (14%). Soixante-six (61%) des cas ont montré un côté gauche et 26 (24%) des cas ont montré une atteinte bilatérale des membres inférieurs. Le thrombus prédominant était au-dessus de la région du genou avec 54% dans la veine fémorale superficielle. Le stade chronique a été observé dans 46 cas (42%), subaiguë dans 44 cas (41%) et aigu dans 18 cas (17%). Conclusion: Les femmes d'âge moyen, jambe gauche et segment du genou étaient principalement atteintes de TVP; Par conséquent, cela renforce lanécessité de l'échographie Doppler dans le diagnostic de la TVP chez tous les patients.

Therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells and secretome in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and secretome are promising therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This meta-analysis aimed to provide a precise estimate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of MSC and secretome in PAH. We searched six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus) until December 2018 using search terms related to MSCs, secretome and PAH. Twenty-three studies were included for the meta-analysis. The effect size of pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy markers was estimated using random effects model. MSCs and secretome significantly improved pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy compared to control. Comparison between MSCs and secretome indicate no significant difference in reducing right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and medial wall thickening (MWT). However, treatment of PAH with secretome significantly improved mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (p = 0.018) and right ventricular/left ventricular + septum (RV/LV+S) (p = 0.017) better than MSCs. Meta-regression shows that cell type (p = 0.034) is a predictor of MSCs to reduce RVSP in PAH. Similarly, the effect of secretome on MWT was significantly (p = 0.011) better at 4 weeks compared to 2 weeks of intervention. The overall risk of bias ranges from low to moderate; however, some of the essential elements required in reports of animal trials were not reported. There was evidence of publication bias for RV/LV+S and MWT, but not RVSP. This meta-analysis provides evidence of the therapeutic benefits of MSCs and secretome in PAH and the effect of secretome was similar or superior to MSCs.

Biochemical and histological changes in the heart of post-partum rats exposed to Natron.

BACKGROUND: The customary puerperal practice of Natron consumption has been identified as one of the predisposing factors in the etiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). This study was designed to investigate the effect of Natron in postpartum Wistar albino rats. METHODS: A total of 30 postpartum Wistar rats were exposed to different doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg) of Natron for 28days. After the treatment, we carried out biochemical analyses and histological evaluations of kidney, liver and heart. RESULTS: The study revealed that the exposure of postpartum rats to 100mg/kg of Natron and above significantly (p<0.05) increase the cardiac markers; myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB, troponin I and T as compared with control. The result of liver function indicated no significant difference in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, albumin and total protein of the Natron treated groups as compared with control. However, at higher doses, the levels of total protein, globulin and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased in comparison to the control. There was no significant difference in the kidney function markers of the treatment groups as compared with control. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the kidney of the treated groups. Mild portal triaditis was observed in the liver of the treated rats. The heart of the rats administered ≥100mg/kg of Natron showed myocyte hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that the administration of Natron for 28days caused changes in the heart of postpartum rats and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of PPCM.

Metabolic syndrome in urban city of North-Western Nigeria: prevalence and determinants.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Sokoto metropolis of North-Western Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional community based study was carried out. Four hundred and ten subjects (201 males and 209 females) were recruited for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Demographic and the life style data was obtained from the participants. Evaluation of anthropometric variables, fasting blood sugar, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and blood pressure was performed. The classification of metabolic syndrome was based on the NCEP ATP III guidelines. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the sample population was 39.6 (14.4) years. The mean (SD) age of the male subjects was 38.4(14.9) years and that of the females was 40.8(13.9) years (p> 0.05). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 35.1% with the females having 42.83% and the males 27.36%. The frequencies of metabolic syndrome parameters in the study subjects were low HDL (56.1%), hypertension (46.1%), dysglycemia (32.7%), central obesity (28%), and elevated triglycerides (22.4%). Most of the women had low HDL (62.2%) and central obesity elevated (49.8%). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is common in residents of North-Western Nigeria, commoner in the females than males. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome should be detected in normal individuals for implementing effective preventive measures.