Background: Estrogen deficiency following menopause creates an imbalance in plasma micronutrient resulting in several degenerative pathological conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, etc. Objectives: The present study was designed to compare zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: In this descriptive study a total of 200 participants were classified into two groups of postmenopausal (age range: 46-75 years, served as experimental) and premenopausal (age range: 30-45 years, served as control). Each group consisted of 100 subjects. After obtaining informed consent from all participants, blood samples were collected from the antecubital fossa vein of each participant by venipuncture. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Se in each blood sample were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in serum Fe (114.24 ± 26.79 µg/dL), Zn (83.11 ± 20.45 µg/dL), and Se (41.99 ± 9.78 µg/dL) levels between the control and experimental groups. However, serum Fe and Zn showed progressive significant (P=0.04, 0.03, respectively) increase with increasing postmenopausal age. Conversely, serum Se concentration decreased significantly (P=0.03) with increasing menopausal age. Conclusion: Although no significant difference was observed in serum levels of Fe, Zn, and Se between pre- and post-menopausal women, the progressive significant increase in the serum Fe and Zn levels as well as significant decrease in serum Se level with advancing post-menopausal age portend a great risk.
Background: Soft tissue rheumatism arises from the pathology of periarticular structures. They are marked by pain and disability. Epidemiological studies in sub-Saharan Africa are sparse. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of soft-tissue rheumatism in a rural community in South-South Nigeria. Methods: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted from February to July 2017 in South-South Nigeria among 319 participants using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology. Participants aged 18 years and older were included in the study. Subjects reporting positive musculoskeletal pain were examined for specific soft tissue rheumatism. The diagnosis was based on established criteria. Results: The mean age of the study population was 48.87 ± 19.58 years.The prevalence of soft-tissue rheumatism was 11.0% (35/319). Soft tissue rheumatism was more prevalent in females (24, 68.6%) than in males (11, 31.4%). The most common form of soft-tissue rheumatism diagnosed was adhesive capsulitis (20.0%), closely followed by rotator cuff tendinitis (14.3%), carpal tunnel syndrome (14.3%), and plantar fasciitis (14.3%). Age (p = 0.06), body mass index (p = 0.034), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with the prevalence of soft-tissue rheumatism. A significant disability index (HAQ-DI ≥ 1) was recorded in 40.0% of participants with soft tissue rheumatism. Twelve (34.3%) participants with soft-tissue rheumatism attributed the disorder to their work, and 74.3% used hospital-prescribed medications for treatment. Conclusion: Soft-tissue rheumatism is associated with a significant disability affecting activities of daily living. Factors associated with its prevalence include increasing age and obesity.
Background:The rising cases of cancer and associated mobidity and mortality are indirectly linked to occupational health hazards especially in developing cases. This is further comounded by low level of compliance to safety health measures among factory workers. Ignorance and low-level of awareness on the associated health-implication of occupational risk exposure have been implicated in this regard. Methods:The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cement dust exposure on selected liver function parameters in cement handlers at Ekpoma, Nigeria. A total of 114 subjects comprising 57 with history of exposure to cement dust by means of their occupation or by means of livelihood for at least one (1) year, designated as cement handlers (CH) and another 57 non-cement handlers designated as control (CT). Blood sample was collected from the anti-cubital fossa vein of each participant by venipuncture first thing in the morning before the commencement of daily activity into lithium heparin anticoagulant bottles. Plasma bilirubin (conjugated, unconjugated and total) as well as AST, ALT, ALP activities were determined using standard colorimetric methods.Results: Bilirubin levels were altered significantly (p < 0.05), while ALT activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in CH compared CT. AST and ALP activities were not significantly altered. Conclusion:The results presented in this study showed that exposure to cement dust led to markedly increased level of some liver function parameters in cement handlers. This is indicative of a compromised liver function due to hepatotoxicity.
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