The northwestern Indian Ocean hosts globally crucial marine biodiversity, which is relatively understudied. There has, however, been significant research and conservation effort focused on marine ...turtles across the region in recent decades. We undertook an exhaustive review of 251 relevant publications to extract and collate the current information concerning marine turtles. To ensure completeness, we received input on a preliminary draft from a large group of experts who have worked extensively in the region. Data presented here are from all 13 countries with significant coastlines in the region (Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) on occurrence, nesting biology, morphology, foraging areas, population status, threats, and relevant national legislation and international conservation strategies. The experts independently provided details on what they felt were the (1) most significant threats to marine turtles, (2) most critical knowledge gaps for marine turtle ecology, (3) impediments to practical conservation, and (4) essential strengths and opportunities in the region.
Despite the importance of prostaglandins, little is known about the regulation of prostanoid synthesis proximal to the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2, the initial rate-limiting step. In ...this study, ceramide-1-phosphate (C-1-P) was shown to be a specific and potent inducer of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostanoid synthesis in cells. This study also demonstrates that two well established activators of AA release and prostanoid synthesis, the cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the calcium ionophore, A23187, induce an increase in C-1-P levels within the relevant time-frame of AA release. Furthermore, the enzyme responsible for the production of C-1-P in mammalian cells, ceramide kinase, was activated in response to IL-1β and A23187. RNA interference targeted to ceramide kinase specifically down-regulated ceramide kinase mRNA and activity with a concomitant decrease of AA release in response to IL-1β and A23187. Down-regulation of ceramide kinase had no effect on AA release induced by exogenous C-1-P. Collectively, these results indicate that ceramide kinase, via the formation of C-1-P, is an upstream modulator of phospholipase A2 activation. This study identifies previously unknown roles for ceramide kinase and its product, C-1-P, in AA release and production of eicosanoids and provides clues for potential new targets to block inflammatory responses.
Ahmed Issak Hussein,1 Sabri Kurtay,1 Abdikarim Ali Omar,1 Abdisalam Abdullahi Yusuf,2 Rahma Yusuf Haji Mohamud1 1Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Mogadishu Somalia Turkish Training and Research ...Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; 2Pediatric Department, Mogadishu Somalia Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, SomaliaCorrespondence: Ahmed Issak Hussein, Mogadishu Somalia Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia, Tel +252615597479, Email daacat100@gmail.comBackground: There has been an increase in worldwide cesarean section rates, although they remain low in most Sub-Saharan African countries, including Somalia. The present is the first hospital-based study that analyzes the rate, indications, and associated maternal mortality of cesarean deliveries reported from Somalia.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data of all deliveries from 2015 to 2021 using electronic medical records in the hospital information system. Retrieved data include baseline demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, indications and the type of cesarean section, and the documented maternal mortality during the study period.Results: During seven years, there were 12,540 total deliveries. Among these, 2703 were cesarean sections giving an overall cesarean section rate of 21.6%. The mean age of the patients was 26.7± 7.3 years 14– 44 years. Multiparous mothers constituted 67.7% during the study period. According to cesarean deliveries, nulliparous mothers (55.7%) underwent the maximum number of cesarean sections. Emergency cesarean section was the predominant intervention compared to elective C-sections (59.2% vs 40.8%). Primary CS was the most common predominant, while repeat CS increased timely, 77.7% vs 22.3%, respectively. Overall, previous C-sections and fetal distress were the two most common indications for cesarean delivery (22.3% and 22.1%), respectively. C-sections were predominant in women of younger age, Primiparity, having term deliveries, and did not receive regular antenatal care. The maternal mortality rate was 1.7%, and 61% was due to direct obstetric hemorrhage, including postpartum hemorrhage, Placenta abruption, and uterine rupture.Conclusion: The study findings showed a slight increase in cesarean delivery rates during the study period. This rate is higher than the 10– 15% recommended by the WHO in developing countries. Policies and efforts to decrease unnecessary cesarean sections should be promoted and implemented at each health facility.Keywords: cesarean delivery, indications, maternal mortality, Sub-Saharan Africa
Termites are known for their abilities to regulate the conditions within their nests through the mounds that they build or the location of the built mound which assist in keeping the internal ...temperature within the requirement of the colony. These mechanisms to regulate vary between species, with some species adapting passive behaviours such as nest site selection and nest structures that permit passive heating or cooling. Here we studied seven species of mound building termites from five genera in two different savannah (Sahel and Sudan) and determined some of their passive thermal control strategies. Seven species of termites; Amitermes sp., Cubitermes oculatus, Macrotermes bellicosus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes sp., Trinervitermes sp. A and Trinervitermes sp. B were identified from the two savannah, We found no significant difference in internal mound temperatures between the species. In both savannah types most of the termites built their nest under the shade. We discuss the adaptive implications of building mounds under the shades as seen in species of M. bellicosus, M. subhyalinus and Odontotermes sp. Or those building mounds with unique shapes as seen in C. oculatus with mushroom shaped mounds for their role in thermal regulation within the nest and how this represents a response to environmental conditions.
•Seven species and five genera of mound building termites from two savannahs (Sahel and Sudan) were identified.•Species includes; Amitermes sp., C. oculatus, M. bellicosus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes sp. and Trinervitermes sp. A and B.•Passive behaviours were adapted by the genera to regulate temperatures in the two savannah.•A steady temperature in the mounds of M. bellicosus, M. subhyalinus and Odontotermes sp. ensure optimal growth of fungus.•Mushroom shaped mounds for Cubitermes has a dual function of protection against rainfall and temperature.
Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal condition with a high mortality rate, particularly when there is extra nasal involvement, and it is rare for patients with fungal brain disease to survive. It ...mostly affects patients who are metabolically or immunologically compromised, which constitutes one of the three classical stages of the progression of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM). Stage I: infection of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses; Stage II: orbital involvement; Stage III: cerebral involvement.Here, we report a case of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis in a 14-year-old girl with no known risk factor who presented with periorbital edema, right eye proptosis, fever, and extreme facial pain, which progressively worsened to confusion and left leg weakness in 3 days after admission. The final diagnosis was rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. The infection was successfully treated using liposomal amphotericin and surgical debridement to remove infected orbital tissue. Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal disease that necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment. Children are rarely infected with mucormycosis. The majority of studies show that people are typically between 40 and 50 years old. ROCM is typically diagnosed using clinical symptoms and histopathologic evaluation; however, imaging is critical in determining the presence of intracranial lesion
. The standard treatment for ROCM is amphotericin B at a recommended dose of 1.0-1.5 mg/kg/day for weeks or months, depending on the clinical response and severity of adverse drug reactions, particularly nephrotoxicity.Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis in a healthy female child is uncommon; early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Amphotericin B should be necessary. Devastating consequences will result from a delayed diagnosis.
Background and Importance: Spontaneous uterine rupture, especially in an unscarred uterus, is a rare pregnancy complication that can cause severe morbidity and mortality in both the mother and the ...fetus. The vast majority of uterine ruptures occur in the presence of a previous uterine scar, most commonly from a previous cesarean delivery. To our knowledge, here we reported the first case of spontaneous rupture of unscarred uterus in a term primigravida secondary to lethal skeletal dysplasia fetus (Type 1 Thanatophoric dysplasia) faced by a practicing clinician in an underdeveloped country (Somalia) with a successful outcome. Case Presentation: The patient was 24 yrs. Old Primagravida, at 40 weeks gestation by LMP, presented with abdominal pain and active vaginal bleeding; she did not receive antenatal care during pregnancy; after initial abdominal ultrasonography and vaginal examination, laparotomy was performed due to high suspicion of uterine rupture. After dead fresh fetal extraction, the uterine defect was repaired successfully, and the patient was discharged home in good condition after several days. Conclusion: Through this case, we would like to highlight the urgent need to focus on and recognize the importance of receiving antenatal care in the community so that the burden of thousands of lives lost each year can be reduced. Keywords: uterine rupture, Thanatophoric dysplasia, Primagravida, antenatal care, case report
Background: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality amongst hospitalized patients and represents a considerable health and economic burden ...worldwide. However, evidence about HAI in pediatric ICU is limited. Objective: To identify the prevalence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI), clinical profile, and its risk factors for nosocomial infection in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methodology: From a two-year retrospective chart review admitted from 2019 to 2020 to the PICU, 223 patients were selected by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23.0. P-values <0.05 were considered significant for all tests. Results: Forty-five (20.2%) patients developed nosocomial infection (NI). The median age was 4 years with 25-50th IQR of (0.6-9). About invasive procedures done, the most common was nasogastric tube (57%), followed by mechanical ventilation (17.9%) and urinary catheter (13.9%). The main focus of the infection was chest (53.3%), followed by bloodstream infection (22%) and gastrointestinal infection (9%). The odds of HAI were 3.3 times higher among under-five compared to those aged between 5 and 18 years (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI = 1.4-8.0, p = 0.008). The odds of HAI were also 4.1 times higher in those who stayed for more than two weeks compared to those who stayed in the pediatric ICU 2 to 14 days (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI = 2.0-8.6, p < 0.001). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation in those patients with and without NI was 1.65 days and 13.96 days, respectively (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.44-9.81, p = 0.02). Patients who started antibiotics at admission and patients who were on nasogastric tube feeding were also statistically significant risk factors for developing NI (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.37-9.64, p = 0.02; AOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.64-6.53, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The rate of infection in this study was higher compared to some developing countries. Younger age and prolonged length of hospital stay were found to be significant risk factors for HAI. Keywords: prevalence, PICU, NI, risk factor
Pan-Africanism offers a unique vantage point to study Africa's encounters with international law : first, as a continent whose political entities were excluded from the scope of application of the ...Eurocentric version of international law that was applied among the self-styled club of "civilized nations" ; second, through the emergence of African States as subjects of international law willing to contribute to the reform and further development of the law as a universal interstate normative system; and third, as members of the OAU and the AU acting collectively to generate innovative principles and rules, which, though applicable only in the context of intra-African relations, either go beyond those existing at the universal level or complement them by broadening their scope. This study examines those encounters through the various stages in the evolution of Pan-Africanism from a diaspora-based movement, engaged in the struggle for the emancipation of the peoples of the continent, to groupings of independent States and intergovernmental organizations which continue to promote African unity and influence the development of international law to make it more reflective of diverse legal traditions and values.
Aims and Background: Mentoring relationships and programs have become a subject of global interest and their relevance is high in the ever-evolving health system. In Nigeria, informal system of ...mentoring is largely practiced. To be able to institutionalize mentoring program, there is need to explore the various challenges of mentoring process and suggest potential approaches for effective mentor-mentee relationship in health research institutions in Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: The study was designed to explore the barriers and solutions to mentoring process from the perspectives of the mentor, mentee, and organization in health research and training institutions in Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed and the study was conducted among 21 health researchers drawn from 24 health research institutions across the 6 regions of Nigeria. The nominal group technique was adopted in the data collection process. Results: The most frequently reported mentor challenges were "lack of understanding of mentorship process" (84.2%) and "lack of capacity for mentoring" (78.9%), while those of mentee were "mentor preference" (73.7%) and "lack of freedom of expression" (47.4%). "Culture of selfishness/individualism" (84.2%) and "lack of formal relationship" (63.2%) were the most mentioned systemic challenges. Training on mentoring process and relationship was mentioned as the most frequent approach to overcoming challenges for the three perspectives. Conclusion: Significant mentorship challenges exist in the Nigerian health, academic and research institution. Systematic approaches to finding and implementing the appropriate solutions are needed to circumvent these bottlenecks.
The levels of cadmium, copper and nickel in five different edible vegetables, Talinum triangulare, Celosia trigyna, Corchorus olitorus, Venomia amygydalina and Telfaria accidentalis, and the soils in ...which they were grown, from three industrial and three residential areas of Lagos City, Nigeria, were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained for these three heavy metals from the industrial areas were higher than those of the residential areas as a result of pollution. Industrial area results for vegetables ranged between 1.13 and 1.67 microg/g for cadmium; 25.08 and 56.84 microg/g for copper and 1.33 and 2.06 microg/g for nickel. There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the levels of copper and nickel in all the vegetables studied from industrial and residential areas, while there was no statistically significant difference for cadmium. The results also show that Corchorus olitorus (bush okra) has the ability to accumulate more copper and nickel than the other vegetable studied but has the least ability to accumulate cadmium.
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