Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria.

Lassa Fever (LF) remains a health burden in several endemic areas of Nigeria, and its toll remains unabated over several decades. Although most studies have focused on virological and clinical considerations, few studies have attempted to address the perceived psychosocial component of LF disease in Nigeria. Evaluation of stigmatization and discrimination faced by LF survivors is an important step in improving individual health and protecting public health. This study aimed to assess LF-associated stigmatization associated among staff and students of the University of Benin. Descriptive analyses of 600 consenting respondents (300 staff and 300 students) sampled using pretested questionnaires was conducted, and the Chi-square test was used to test for significant association between perceived LF stigmatization and predefined variables. LF was a potential cause of stigmatization in a higher proportion of student (n = 162, 57.9%) than staff (n = 112, 39.9%). LF-associated stigmatization among students was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.012) and poor knowledge (p = 0.013) of LF transmission and prevention. A greater tendency for stigmatization was observed among females than males. A comprehensive emergency response plan incorporating accurate knowledge dissemination about the disease may be a first step toward tackling perceived LF stigmatization.

Osteocyte viability and bone density in cadmium chloride-induced osteoporosis ameliorated with Pilostigma thonningii stem bark-extracted D-3-O-methy-chiroinositol.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the ameliorative effect of D-3-O-methyl-chiroinositol, isolated from the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii, on cadmium chloride-induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were assigned to three treatment groups (n = 12). Group A (2 mL distilled water), group B: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2) and group C: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2 and D-3-O-methyl-chiroinositol 2 mg/kg b.w.). Bone ash, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and zinc content, as well as bone histological changes were determined at the end of months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the weight of the cervical, tibia, and femoral bones in all groups. The serum concentration of CdCl2 was significantly different across the three groups with time. There was significant variation (P < 0.005) in the mean bone ash across groups. The concentration of OH-proline was significantly different (P < 0.0001) across groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.0001) in bone calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations. Histology revealed high levels of bone mineralisation in the CdCl2-treated group, indicative of osteoporosis with hypertrophied osteocytes, while the femur of Wistar rats treated with D-3-O-methyl-chiroinositol showed bone trabeculae and viable osteocytes. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that D-3-O-methyl-chiroinositol extract from Piliostigma thionningii stem bark ameliorated cadmium chloride-induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats.