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Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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Okpua NC, Hami R, Edeogu CO, Mohd Mujar NM. Behavior, Social and Economic Impact of COVID-19 Responses among Healthcare Professionals: Development and Validation of COVID-19 Responses Impact Questionnaire (COVRiQ). Nurs Health Sci 2022; 24:579-590. [PMID: 35689418 PMCID: PMC9349758 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As the world goes through the fourth wave and the continued emergence of new COVID-19 variants, the general and work-related risks of the healthcare professionals are expected to rise. This has the capacity to adversely affect productivity and efficiency in healthcare delivery system, particularly in this era of global shortage of trained healthcare professionals. We aimed to develop and validate a new instrument known as the COVID-19 responses impact questionnaire (COVRiQ) to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare professionals managing COVID-19 pandemic. This methodological study involved 3 steps; the formulation of COVRiQ draft, content and face validation and construct validity. A total of 61questions were drafted with 3-point Likert scale answers. From the list, 39 were rated valid by panel of experts and subsequently tested on 301 participants. The results were analysed and validated using exploratory factor analysis on SPSS. Components were extracted and questions with low factor loading were removed. The internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's alpha. Following analysis, 3 components were extracted and named as behavioural, social and economic impacts. In general, 29 items were deleted leaving 32 out of 61questions were retained as the final validated COVRiQ. Internal consistency showed high reliability with Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Participants scored a total cumulative mean of 118.74 marks. A sub analysis by occupation showed that medical assistants scored the lowest in the group with a score of 22.3% whilst medical specialists scored the highest at 77.7%. Higher score indicates higher impact of COVID-19 responses among healthcare professionals. The new COVRiQ consisting of 32 demonstrated to be users-friendly with good psychometric properties, and valid for assessing the impacts of COVID-19 responses among healthcare professionals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Chidinma Okpua
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.,Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rohayu Hami
- Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - C O Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of basic medical sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Noor Mastura Mohd Mujar
- Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Aloke C, Uche Emelike C, Ajuka Obasi N, Nkemjika Ogbu P, Oswald Edeogu C, Godwin Uzomba C, Ekakitie O, Adewale Iyaniwura A, Okoro CC, Peter Okey B, Ginikachukwu Aninjoku G, Charles Ushahemba B. HPLC profiling and studies on Copaifera salikounda methanol leaf extract on phenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Njaka S, Mohd Yusoff D, Anua SM, Kueh YC, Edeogu CO. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their associated factors among quarry workers in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06130. [PMID: 33644447 PMCID: PMC7889988 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Quarry workers are commonly afflicted with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This health problem has been recognized as a significant threat to the quarry workers' safety but is rarely reported, particularly in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs and their associated factors among quarry workers. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected using a self-administered Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. A total of 266 participants were selected through systematic random sampling method among male and female quarry workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26, and descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and types of MSDs. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with MSDs. RESULTS The results revealed that majority of the respondents (89.8%) had MSDs, with the most common types being lower back pain (83.1%) and elbow pain (45.9%). Based on multiple logistic regression modelling, BMI (Adjusted OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06,0.55, p = 0.003), age (Adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07, 1.23, p < 0.001), work experience (Adjusted OR 2.08, CI 1.00, 4.30, p = 0.049), Vibration exposure (Adjusted OR 0.45, CI 0.27, 0.74, P = 0.002), working hour (Adjusted OR 6.84, CI 0.84, 53.4, p = 0.007) and break time (Adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91,0.98, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with MSDs. CONCLUSION MSDs are prevalent among the quarry workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase the workers' and employers' awareness of appropriate ergonomic and personal measures needed to improve the workers' safety and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Njaka
- Nursing Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Dariah Mohd Yusoff
- Nursing Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Siti Marwanis Anua
- Environmental and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Yee Cheng Kueh
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
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Famurewa AC, Edeogu CO, Offor FI, Besong EE, Akunna GG, Maduagwuna EK. Downregulation of redox imbalance and iNOS/NF-ĸB/caspase-3 signalling with zinc supplementation prevents urotoxicity of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats. Life Sci 2020; 266:118913. [PMID: 33333050 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy induces bladder toxicity and hemorrhagic cystitis in cancer patients constituting a current clinical concern. Oxidative inflammatory cascades have been implicated as the mechanism contributing to CYP bladder urotoxicity. We thus assayed to explore whether zinc (Zn) supplementation could mitigate CYP-induced urotoxicity and evaluate the possible underlying mechanism in rats. MAIN METHOD Rats were orally administered Zn (100 mg/kg b.w./day) for 10 days against urotoxicity induced by single injection of CYP (150 mg/kg b.w., ip) on day 7. KEY FINDINGS CYP significantly depressed bladder activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, whereas malondialdehyde level was increased prominently. In addition, CYP induced marked increases in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) confirmed by histological alterations. CYP prominently increased bladder inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) and expression of caspase-3 protein. Zinc supplementation considerably abrogated the bladder urotoxicity by restoring redox balance, proinflammatory and apoptotic cascades and alleviated histopathological changes. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first to reveal zinc potential to prevent CYP-induced urotoxic hemorrhagic cystitis via restoring redox balance and enhancing anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms in rat bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
| | - C O Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Florence I Offor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth E Besong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Gabriel G Akunna
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
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Edeogu CO, Kalu ME, Famurewa AC, Asogwa NT, Onyeji GN, Ikpemo KO. Nephroprotective Effect of Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Biochemical Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Pathways. J Am Coll Nutr 2019; 39:307-315. [PMID: 31403889 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2019.1649218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Gentamicin is an efficacious aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used to treat life-threatening Gram-negative bacteria infections. However, its specific non-targeted induction of nephrotoxicity is a worrying clinical challenge. The study explored the nephroprotective effect of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOO) against gentamicin-induced oxidative nephrotoxicity, pro-inflammation, and apoptosis in male Wistar rats.Method: Twenty-four rats divided into 4 groups (n = 6) were administered MOO (5 ml/kg) for 16 days and/or gentamicin (100 mg/kg bw/d, ip) injected from day 11 to day 16. The renal antioxidant enzyme activities reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and serum renal markers. Urea and creatinine levels were estimated. The renal expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) were determined. Renal levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB), and caspase-3 were determined to detect possible mechanism of inflammation and apoptosis with histology.Results: MOO prominently reduced serum creatinine and urea levels with amelioration of histopathological abrasions induced by gentamicin (GM). It significantly depressed oxidative stress through lowering of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevation of renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level. MOO restored renal content of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO, coupled with the mechanistic downregulation of NF-ĸB, iNOS, and caspase-3 activities. The histopathological alterations were ameliorated by MOO.Conclusions: MOO possesses marked nephroprotective effect against GM-induced renal damage via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Michael E Kalu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nnaemeka T Asogwa
- Central Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Gertrude N Onyeji
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Kelechi O Ikpemo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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