Editorial I: So, who wins? It is still: NCDs 3; Infections 2

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent microvascular diabetic complication all over the world. Objective This study was designed to measure oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and kidney function response to exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetic (T2DM) nephropathy. Material and Methods Eighty obese T2DM patients (50 males and 30 females), their body mass index (BMI) mean was 33.85±3.43 Kg/m 2 and the mean of diabetes chronicity was 12.53±2.64 year participated in the present study and enrolled two groups; group I: received aerobic exercise training and group II: received no training intervention. Results The mean values of creatinine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased, while the mean values of interleukin-10 (IL-10), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in group (A) after the aerobic exercise training, however the results of the control group were not significant. In addition, there were significant differences between both groups at the end of the study (P<0.05). Conclusion There is evidence that aerobic exercise training modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines and improved renal function among patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has almost affected the entire globe and is currently in a resurgent phase within the sub-Saharan African region. Objective This paper presents results from a scoping review of literature on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We used the following search terms: ‘COVID-19’, ‘knowledge’, ‘perceptions’, ‘perspectives’, ‘misconceptions’, ‘conspiracy theories’, ‘practices’ and ‘sub-Saharan Africa’. Basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we identified 466 articles for review; 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 primary prevention measures. Results Knowledge of COVID-19 was high (91.3–100%) and associated with age and education; risk-perception was equally high (73.3–86.9%) but varied across studies. Uptake of hand-washing with water and soap or hand-sanitizing ranged between 63–96.4%, but wearing of face masks and social distancing fared poorly (face masks: 2.7%–37%; social distancing: 19–43%). Conclusion While knowledge of COVID-19 is nearly universal, uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures remains sub-optimal to defeat the pandemic. These findings suggest a need for continued health promotion to increase uptake of the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background Mid-way through the ‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030’, many nations are spending time, money and effort to enhance their level of preparedness facing disasters, on the other hand communities, countries and even continents are being left behind. Objectives This study was conducted aiming at evaluating the level of disaster preparedness and response of Tunisian University Hospitals. Methods This is a cross-sectional nationwide study conducted in Tunisia, from November 2020 to April 2021. Including 9 Tunisian University Hospitals and using the Hospital Safety Index. The data were analysed using the ‘Module and safety index calculator’. Results This study showed that 7 out of the 9 University Hospitals were assigned the ‘B’ category of safety with overall safety indexes that ranges between 0.37 and 0.62. Also, 4 out of 9 University Hospitals had safety scores less than 0.20 regarding their emergency and disaster management. Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate disaster preparedness and response of university hospitals in Tunisia and in north Africa. It showed that the lack of knowledge, resources and willingness, are the most important issues that needs to be addressed in order to enhance the preparedness of Tunisian hospitals.