Author: ajlhtsonline

Abstract 

Introduction: Three years after its declaration as a pandemic, countries and regions are still gathering data on the epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS- CoV-2) infection. Following the relaxation of many restrictions earlier imposed to curb spread and the observation of some sort of seasonal surge in infection rates, it is still not clear whether the disease should remain a pandemic. 

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Ninety-two adult male and female patients presenting with common symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease were enrolled at the Outpatient Department of the facility. Ethical approval was duly sought and obtained from The Ethics and Health Research Committee of the hospital. Informed consent was obtained from each study participant. The COVID-19 testing was determined using Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device from Abbott (United States). Results are presented as numbers and frequencies. 

Results: Among outpatients presenting with symptoms such as fever and midnight sweats, body aches and pain, difficulty in breathing as well as cough and catarrh, the prevalence of COVID-19 was observed to be 15.2%. On the knowledge of the respondents regarding COVID-19, majority (80.6%) had a prior knowledge while 19.4% lacked knowledge of COVID-19. 

Conclusion: This study observed 15.2% prevalence for COVID–19 infection among outpatients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. There still exists persons (19.4%) who lack knowledge of the disease. Key words: COVID-19, Coronavirus disease, pandemic, epidemiology.

Abstract 

Introduction: Influence of Blood storage lesions on Red Blood Cells transfusion recovery and therapeutic efficacies have been well documented. Several stabilizing additives to counteract or minimize these untoward changes have been formulated. Despite these stabilizers, detectable hemolysis occurs in the blood stored in the blood bank hence, need for search on other contributing factors. Assessment of the effects of Blood Donation Frequencies and Types of Blood Donors on Storage Lesions as Assessed by the Level of Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation. 

Materials and Methods Ethically approved cross sectional experimental research on a total numbers of 120 recruited male of family replacement donors (n=30) and Remunerated donors (n=90). Remunerated donors were grouped into three (3) based on the frequency of donation per year as mild (n=30), moderate (n=30) and high frequency (n=30) donors. Four hundred and fifty milliliters (450 ml) of blood drawn from each donor into double blood bag containing CPDA-1 anticoagulant. 100 ml of well mixed blood was transferred into the satellite bag, detached and stored in the blood bank at 2-6 C for 35 days. The blood samples analyzed for MDA, TAP, URIC, and GSH at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of storage. Results: In the recruited donors, majority were above 40 years of age where family donors had secondary education, government employed; feed majorly on carbohydrate,