Is there a role for N1-N2 neutrophil phenotypes in bone regeneration? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This review aims to provide an overview of the multiple functions of neutrophils, with the recognition of the inflammatory (N1) and regenerative (N2) phenotypes, in relation to fracture healing. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the PubMed database. The quality of the articles was evaluated using critical appraisal checklists. RESULTS: Thirty one studies were included in this review. These studies consistently support that neutrophils exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on bone regeneration, influenced by Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 8 (IL-8), mast cells, and macrophages. The N2 phenotype has recently emerged as one promoter of bone healing. The N1 phenotype has progressively been connected with inflammatory neutrophils during fracture healing. CONCLUSIONS: This review has pinpointed various aspects and mechanisms of neutrophil influence on bone healing. The recognition of N1 and N2 neutrophil phenotypes potentially shed new light on the dynamic shifts taking place within the Fracture Hematoma (FH).

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision & utilisation of primary health care services in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kambia district, Sierra Leone & Masaka district, Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on essential primary healthcare services at public primary healthcare facilities. METHODS: The number of weekly consultations for antenatal care (ANC), outpatient (OPD), immunisations (EPI), family planning (FP) and HIV services, between January 2018 and December 2020, were collected from 25 facilities in Masaka district, Uganda, 21 in Goma, and 29 in Kambia district, Sierra Leone. Negative binomial regression models accounting for clustering and season were used to analyse changes in activity levels between 2018, 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: In Goma, we found no change in OPD, EPI or ANC consultations, FP was 17% lower in March-July 2020 compared to 2019, but this recovered by December 2020. New diagnoses of HIV were 34% lower throughout 2020 compared to 2019. In Sierra Leone, compared to the same periods in 2019, facilities had 18-29% fewer OPD consultations throughout 2020, and 27% fewer DTP3 doses in March-July 2020. There was no evidence of differences in other services. In Uganda there were 20-35% fewer under-5 OPD consultations, 21-66% fewer MCV1 doses, and 48-51% fewer new diagnoses of HIV throughout 2020, compared to 2019. There was no difference in the number of HPV doses delivered. CONCLUSIONS: The level of disruption varied across the different settings and qualitatively appeared to correlate with the strength of lockdown measures and reported attitudes towards the risk posed by COVID-19. Mitigation strategies such as health communications campaigns and outreach services may be important to limit the impact of lockdowns on primary healthcare services.

An estimate of hernia prevalence in Sierra Leone from a nationwide community survey.

PURPOSE: A large number of unrepaired inguinal hernias is expected in sub-Saharan Africa where late presentation often results in incarceration, strangulation, or giant scrotal hernias. However, no representative population-based data are available to quantify the prevalence of hernias. We present data on groin masses in Sierra Leone to estimate prevalence, barriers to care, and associated disability. METHODS: A cluster randomized, cross-sectional household survey of 75 clusters of 25 households with 2 respondents each was designed to calculate the prevalence of and disability caused by groin hernias in Sierra Leone using a verbal head-to-toe examination. Barriers to hernia repairs were assessed by asking participants the main reason for delay in surgical care. RESULTS: Information was obtained from 3,645 respondents in 1,843 households, of which 1,669 (46%) were male and included in the study. In total, 117 males or 7.01% (95% CI 5.64-8.38) reported a soft or reducible swelling likely representing a hernia with four men having two masses. Of the 93.2% who indicated the need for health care, only 22.2% underwent a procedure, citing limited funds (59.0%) as the major barrier to care. On disability assessment, 20.2% were not able to work secondary to the groin swelling. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate groin masses represent a major burden for the male population in Sierra Leone. Improving access to surgical care for adult patients with hernias and early intervention for children will be vital to address the burden of disease and prevent complications or limitations of daily activity.

Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Physical Activity among Adult Sierra Leonean Population

The current burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors such as tobacco use and physical inactivity remain largely unknown in Sierra Leone. Thus; this study was conducted to document the prevalence of tobacco use and physical activity among the adult Sierra Leonean population with a specific objective of determining the sex and age prevalence. A cross sectional population based survey utilising the multi-stage cluster sampling strategy was used. A total of 5;483 individuals aged 25-64 years of both sexes were recruited into the survey. The World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance instrument was adapted and questionnaire was administered to one individual in selected household. The data was analysed and graphed using Epi-Info software version 3.4.3 and graph pad prism version 5.1 respectively. The analyses showed that 34 of the respondents use tobacco products with 26 engaged in smoking tobacco products and 8 were smokeless tobacco users at the time of this study. The average age of commencing tobacco smoking was 21 years; with 92 and 96 of the male and female daily smokers smoking at least six manufactured tobacco respectively. Seventy four percent (74) and 69 of the non-smoking respondents were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at home and workplace respectively. The study further revealed that 15; 23 and 87 of the total respondents reported no work-; transport- or recreational- related physical activity respectively; and were therefore classified as physically inactive. The lowest level of physical activity was reported in the recreation domain. Even those who reported moderate physical activity at work or from travel; their median metabolic equivalent (MET) was not sufficient to achieve a level of physical activity that is beneficial to their health. In conclusion; a significant proportion of the population is exposed either directly or indirectly to tobacco smoke; and a large proportion of the adult population is physically inactivity. Thus; NCD prevention policy addressing lifestyle changes such as no smoking should not be limited to work places but should be population based