Highlights Shows updated understanding of SARS-CoV-2, including the interaction between ACE 2 and the viral spike protein. More effective vaccines are required for immunocompromised cancer patients. Cancer alters the immune system through different levels of D-Dimer, albumin, prothrombin, and neutrophils. Nanomaterials assist vaccine delivery, including viral vector and mRNA vaccines with lipid nanoparticles.

Purpose To determine the pattern and bacteriological characteristics of diabetic foot ulcers in patients attending a tertiary health care facility. Method 160 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus foot syndrome were recruited, out of which 52 had diabetic foot ulcers. Relevant clinical, biochemical, and microbiological evaluations were carried out on the subjects. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. p value was set at <0.05. Results 52 (32.5%) out of 160 subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Foot Syndrome (DMFS) had diabetic foot ulcers. Poor glycaemic control (mean HbA1c = 9.2 (2.7) %), and abuse of antibiotics (76.9%) characterized the subjects. Foot ulcers mainly involved the right lower limb and followed spontaneous blister formation (50%). Microbiological culture pattern was polymicrobial (71.2%); predominantly anaerobic organisms (53.3%). Gram positive and negative aerobic isolates yielded high sensitivity to common quinolones (76% – 87.8%). The gram positive and negative anaerobic isolates were highly sensitive to Clindamycin and Metronidazole respectively (80.2% – 97.8%). High sensitivity (>80%) yield for gram negative anaerobes was recorded for Imipinem and Ampicillin/Sulbactam. Conclusion Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) contribute about one-third of DMFS. The bacteriological isolates from these ulcers are mainly polymicrobial with high sensitivity to common antibiotics. The need for appropriate use of antibiotics should be advocated among the patients.

Background: Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have assessed the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in people with low socioeconomic status or urban slums. Methods: Using the WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases, we estimated the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among adults 20 years and older living in two urban slums in Enugu south east Nigeria. Diabetes was defined as previous history of diabetes, use of hypoglycemic agents and fasting blood glucose within the diabetes range on two occasions during the survey period. Study duration was 5 months. Results: Out of the 811 individuals invited to the clinic, 605 (74.6%) participants had their fasting blood glucose measured based on the study protocol. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the population was 11.7% (95% CI; 9.2-14.3) and 7.6% (95% CI; 5.0-9.7) respectively. About 54.9% were newly detected and 28.1% of them had normal control. The prevalence of diabetes peaked at 55-64 years. The odds ratio for diabetes was significantly higher in participants ≥ 45 years (1.033, 95% CI; 1.208-3.420), participants with hypertension (0.442, 95% CI; 0.257-0.762) and stroke (1.638, 95% CI; 0.459-5.848). Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of diabetes among adults in two urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures promoting prevention and early detection of diabetes should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for early detection and treatment.

Background: Overweight and obesity present a growing health problem among Africans from all socioeconomic status. In Sub Saharan African, obesity is not only a consequence of overnutrition but possibly from excessive consumption of unbalanced diet dominated by carbohydrates and saturated fats. Characteristics of the distribution of obesity/overweight in Nigeria include its high prevalence along with socioeconomic class and in mid-life. Methods: Using the WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of the adult population living in two urban slums in Enugu. The study was carried out in 2013. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version. Results: A total of 605 (414 women (68.4%) and 191 (31.6%) men were recruited and analysed. The mean body mass index was 25.8 kg/m 2 higher in females (26.7 kg/m 2) than males (24 kg/m 2) p < 0.01. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is 29.4% (178/605) and 19.5% (118/605) respectively. There also a modest prevalence of underweight 4% (24/605) among the population. All classes of obesity were significantly more prevalent in females. Significant positive correlates of BMI were: female sex (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (0.25, p < 0.001), DBP (0.27, p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (0.19, p < 0,001) and positive history of hypertension (0.23, P < 0.001). Negative correlates were physical activity and use of tobacco (0.2 (<0.001) and −0.16 (<0.001) respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity is relatively high in two urban slums in Enugu and co-exists with a modest rate of underweight. Public health and community-based approaches should be used to tackle these two-opposing social/health problems.

Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of increased local production and availability of alcohol in the country. Knowledge of the prevalence and pattern of current alcohol use is important considering the public health and socioeconomic effects of alcohol use. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 18 years and older living in urban slums in Enugu South East Nigeria. Current use of alcohol was defined as use of any or all alcohol beverages in the past 4 weeks. The safe limit of alcohol was defined using WHO guidelines. Study duration was 5 months. Results: A total of 1411 individuals were recruited into the study. Males were 658 (46.6%) and females were 753 (53.4%). The overall prevalence of current use of alcohol was 66.7%; males 75.7% and females 58.8% (p < 0.01). The commonest alcoholic beverage consumed was beer 37.1%. The peak age of consumption was 40-49 years followed by 50-59 years. About 8.1% drank alcohol above the generally recommended units per week while 5.2% drank above the safe limit for chronic liver disease. Significant correlates of alcohol intake were increasing age, male gender, having a job, cigarette smoking and the use of snuff. Significant correlates for excessive consumption of alcohol were increasing age and cigarette smoking while those for exceeding the safe limit chronic liver were increasing age, male gender and cigarette smoking. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of current alcohol use among urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures for reducing alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for abstinence.