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  1. Article: Adiponectin and the Control of Metabolic Dysfunction: Is Exercise the Magic Bullet?

    Otu, Lauretta I / Otu, Akaninyene

    Frontiers in physiology

    2021  Volume 12, Page(s) 651732

    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-04-07
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2564217-0
    ISSN 1664-042X
    ISSN 1664-042X
    DOI 10.3389/fphys.2021.651732
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Uncovering the collateral impacts of COVID-19 on maternal mental health.

    Otu, Akaninyene / Yaya, Sanni

    Reproductive health

    2022  Volume 19, Issue 1, Page(s) 115

    MeSH term(s) COVID-19 ; Family ; Female ; Humans ; Maternal Health ; Mental Health ; SARS-CoV-2
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-05-11
    Publishing country England
    Document type Editorial
    ZDB-ID 2149029-6
    ISSN 1742-4755 ; 1742-4755
    ISSN (online) 1742-4755
    ISSN 1742-4755
    DOI 10.1186/s12978-022-01427-5
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: Recent advances and challenges in the early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in Africa.

    Ibe, Chibuike / Otu, Akaninyene Asuquo

    FEMS yeast research

    2022  Volume 22, Issue 1

    Abstract: Invasive fungal infections are a serious concern globally, especially in African settings which are typified by poorly funded and fragile healthcare systems. Low performance diagnostics, limited therapeutics and poor societal awareness of invasive fungal ...

    Abstract Invasive fungal infections are a serious concern globally, especially in African settings which are typified by poorly funded and fragile healthcare systems. Low performance diagnostics, limited therapeutics and poor societal awareness of invasive fungal infections are some of the perennial challenges which have contributed to the unacceptably high death rates from these serious infections. However, recent advances have been recorded in fungal diagnostics and therapeutics development. Research into the development of vaccines to prevent fungal disease is beginning to yield promising results. Here we highlight key successes recorded and gaps in this journey and argue that national governments and relevant stakeholders need to do more to prioritise invasive fungal infections. Pragmatic and context-specific measures are proposed to mitigate the peculiar challenges Africa faces in tackling invasive fungal infections.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Invasive Fungal Infections/diagnosis ; Invasive Fungal Infections/drug therapy ; Invasive Fungal Infections/epidemiology ; Mycoses/diagnosis ; Mycoses/drug therapy ; Mycoses/epidemiology ; Africa/epidemiology ; Early Diagnosis
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-11-09
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2036775-2
    ISSN 1567-1364 ; 1567-1356
    ISSN (online) 1567-1364
    ISSN 1567-1356
    DOI 10.1093/femsyr/foac048
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: Fighting female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C): towards the endgame and beyond.

    Sabi Boun, Saidou / Otu, Akaninyene / Yaya, Sanni

    Reproductive health

    2023  Volume 20, Issue 1, Page(s) 51

    Abstract: Despite the criminalization of the practice by numerous laws and international treaties in most countries concerned, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), although on the decline overall, is stagnating or tending to increase in some parts Africa. ... ...

    Abstract Despite the criminalization of the practice by numerous laws and international treaties in most countries concerned, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), although on the decline overall, is stagnating or tending to increase in some parts Africa. This relative failure in the fight against FGM/C could be explained from an institutional perspective. Although these struggles affect the regulatory mechanisms, which include laws, they hardly touch the normative mechanisms, which constitute the set of values deemed socially acceptable by a society, and the cultural and cognitive mechanisms, which are the manifestations of the ideologies or beliefs of a group. The naming of FGM/C among certain ethnic groups, which is part of the normative character of the social institution, rather valorizes them and makes uncut girls/women feel "dirty" or "unfit". In these communities, women who have undergone FGM/C are viewed by society as women of honour while uncut girls are perceived as promiscuous and victims of mockery, rejection, or exclusion by the community. In addition, since excision ceremonies and rituals are exclusively reserved for women, many see them as a way of freeing themselves from the rules of patriarchy and male domination that are omnipresent in the societies concerned. Informal mechanisms such as the use of witchcraft, gossip, and beliefs related to the supernatural power of the excisors underpin the cultural-cognitive nature of FGM/C practice. As a result, many families are reluctant to challenge the cutters. The fight against FGM/C can be more effective by addressing the normative and cultural-cognitive roots that form the basis for its perpetuation. This can be achieved by avoiding moralizing the practice, involving those who resist the practice in a context of high prevalence, known as "positive deviants," and using productive methods from the societies concerned. This will create a social environment in which FGM/C is increasingly perceived as less favourable and will ultimately allow for a gradual reform of the normative and cultural-cognitive character of societies that practice FGM/C. Education of women and social mobilisation are critical tools which can act as powerful levers in shifting attitudes about FGM/C.
    MeSH term(s) Female ; Male ; Humans ; Circumcision, Female ; Africa ; Ceremonial Behavior ; Ethnicity ; Developing Countries
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-03-29
    Publishing country England
    Document type Letter
    ZDB-ID 2149029-6
    ISSN 1742-4755 ; 1742-4755
    ISSN (online) 1742-4755
    ISSN 1742-4755
    DOI 10.1186/s12978-023-01601-3
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article: Utility of St. George's respiratory questionnaire in predicting clinical recurrence in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

    Bongomin, Felix / Otu, Akaninyene

    Therapeutic advances in infectious disease

    2021  Volume 8, Page(s) 20499361211034643

    Abstract: Background and aims: Patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) who discontinue antifungal therapy commonly exhibit disease recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the utility of the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) in predicting the ... ...

    Abstract Background and aims: Patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) who discontinue antifungal therapy commonly exhibit disease recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the utility of the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) in predicting the likelihood of clinical recurrence of CPA in patients who come off antifungal therapy.
    Methods: This audit included CPA patients for whom antifungal therapy was discontinued for at least 1 month. Comparisons were made between the quality of life scores at the time of discontinuation of treatment and at the time of diagnosis of clinical recurrence. The change in patients' self-assessment scores was also compared.
    Results: There were 33 cases and 44 controls. Of the 33 cases, 22 (67%) were males with a mean age of 62 ± 13 years. The median for the symptom component of quality of life (QoL) changed from 78.4 at the time of discontinuation of therapy to 83.1 units at the time of diagnosis of clinical failure (
    Conclusion: A deteriorating symptoms component of the SGRQ and a worsening of patients' self-assessment are associated with clinical recurrence. Failure to improve by >8 units in the symptoms domain appear to be a marker of disease recurrence. We propose that the clinical approach to diagnose recurrent CPA would be a combination of clinical history, SGRQ scoring, chest imaging and a workup to exclude other causes of the patients' symptoms.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-07-28
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2728410-4
    ISSN 2049-937X ; 2049-9361
    ISSN (online) 2049-937X
    ISSN 2049-9361
    DOI 10.1177/20499361211034643
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Cryptococcosis in Africa: What the data tell us.

    Ibe, Chibuike / Okoye, Chinonyelum Annette / Nweze, Emeka / Otu, Akaninyene

    Medical mycology

    2023  Volume 61, Issue 6

    Abstract: Cryptococcosis is a neglected tropical disease and the main cause of fungal-related deaths in HIV-positive persons in Africa. It is an AIDS-defining illness that has almost surpassed tuberculosis (TB) in mortality despite wide coverage with ... ...

    Abstract Cryptococcosis is a neglected tropical disease and the main cause of fungal-related deaths in HIV-positive persons in Africa. It is an AIDS-defining illness that has almost surpassed tuberculosis (TB) in mortality despite wide coverage with antiretroviral therapy. What is known about the cryptococcosis burden in Africa is from estimations based on data from a few studies on the infection burden and associated complications. Consequently, the projected implications of cryptococcosis in Africa have been based on these estimations. This systematic review is aimed at providing unique and up-to-date data on the burden of cryptococcosis in Africa using published hospital-based research data on cryptococcosis in HIV infected and uninfected persons. The review also focused on providing temporal data on the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic options for cryptococcosis in Africa. From our results, about 40 948 cases of cryptococcosis were reported in Africa from 1969 to 2021, and the highest prevalence of cryptococcosis was from southern Africa. The most isolated species was Cryptococcus neoformans 42.4% (17 710/41 801) and only 1.3% (549/41 801) isolates were C. gattii. C. neoformans (serotype A) VN I 64.5% (918/1522) was the most prevalent serotype in Africa, while C. gattii (serotype C) VG IV was thought to pose a huge danger. However, C. neoformans (serotype A) VN I continued to be the major threat in Africa. Due to the limited availability of molecular typing methods and the widespread use of culture, direct microscopy, and serological techniques for diagnosis, 23 542 isolates were uncharacterised. Amphotericin B and flucytosine combination therapy is highly recommended for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. However, these drugs are expensive and remain largely unavailable in most African countries. Amphotericin B requires laboratory facilities to monitor for toxicity. Although fluconazole monotherapy is the readily available treatment option for cryptococcosis, drug resistance, and high mortality have been recorded in majority of cases in Africa. The lack of awareness and paucity of published data on cryptococcosis are likely to have contributed to the underestimation of cases in Africa and led to underprioritisation of this important disease.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Amphotericin B/therapeutic use ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use ; Cryptococcosis/drug therapy ; Cryptococcosis/epidemiology ; Cryptococcosis/veterinary ; Cryptococcus neoformans ; Cryptococcus gattii ; Africa/epidemiology
    Chemical Substances Amphotericin B (7XU7A7DROE) ; Antifungal Agents
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-12
    Publishing country England
    Document type Systematic Review ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1421796-x
    ISSN 1460-2709 ; 1369-3786
    ISSN (online) 1460-2709
    ISSN 1369-3786
    DOI 10.1093/mmy/myad049
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: Can Nigeria contain the COVID-19 outbreak using lessons from recent epidemics?

    Ebenso, Bassey / Otu, Akaninyene

    The Lancet. Global health

    2020  Volume 8, Issue 6, Page(s) e770

    MeSH term(s) COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; Epidemics ; Humans ; Nigeria/epidemiology ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-03-11
    Publishing country England
    Document type Letter
    ZDB-ID 2723488-5
    ISSN 2214-109X ; 2214-109X
    ISSN (online) 2214-109X
    ISSN 2214-109X
    DOI 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30101-7
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article: Closing the knowledge gap in mycology in Nigeria by leveraging e-learning: perspectives from the field.

    Otu, Akaninyene / Oladele, Rita O / Orefuwa, Emma

    Therapeutic advances in infectious disease

    2021  Volume 8, Page(s) 20499361211021689

    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-06-29
    Publishing country England
    Document type Editorial
    ZDB-ID 2728410-4
    ISSN 2049-937X ; 2049-9361
    ISSN (online) 2049-937X
    ISSN 2049-9361
    DOI 10.1177/20499361211021689
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article ; Online: Can Nigeria contain the COVID-19 outbreak using lessons from recent epidemics?

    Bassey Ebenso / Akaninyene Otu

    The Lancet Global Health, Vol 8, Iss 6, Pp e770- (2020)

    2020  

    Keywords Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270 ; covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Elsevier
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Advancing disease genomics beyond COVID-19 and reducing health disparities: what does the future hold for Africa?

    Ibe, Chibuike / Otu, Akaninyene Asuquo / Mnyambwa, Nicholaus P

    Briefings in functional genomics

    2022  Volume 22, Issue 3, Page(s) 241–249

    Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in high-throughput sequencing technology as an essential public health tool. Scaling up and operationalizing genomics in Africa is crucial as enhanced capacity for genome sequencing could address key health problems ... ...

    Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in high-throughput sequencing technology as an essential public health tool. Scaling up and operationalizing genomics in Africa is crucial as enhanced capacity for genome sequencing could address key health problems relevant to African populations. High-quality genomics research can be leveraged to improve diagnosis, understand the aetiology of unexplained illnesses, improve surveillance of infectious diseases and inform efficient control and therapeutic methods of known, rare and emerging infectious diseases. Achieving these within Africa requires strong commitment from stakeholders. A roadmap is needed to guide training of scientists, infrastructural development, research funding, international collaboration as well as promote public-private partnerships. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly boosted genomics capacity in Africa, the continent still lags other regions. Here, we highlighted key initiatives in genomics research and efforts to address health challenges facing the diverse and fast-growing populations on the continent. We explore the scalability of genomic tools and techniques to tackle a broader range of infectious diseases in Africa, a continent that desperately requires a boost from genomic science.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Africa/epidemiology ; Genomics ; Communicable Diseases/epidemiology
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-28
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2540916-5
    ISSN 2041-2657 ; 2041-2649 ; 2041-2647
    ISSN (online) 2041-2657
    ISSN 2041-2649 ; 2041-2647
    DOI 10.1093/bfgp/elac040
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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