Analysis of the pattern of maxillofacial fractures in Kaduna, Nigeria

There are considerable differences in the reported worldwide pattern of maxillofacial fractures. In the more developed countries of Europe, violence followed by road crashes are the predominant causes while in the developing world the causative factors are reversed with most being the result of road crashes. Interestingly, recent data indicated a 3:1 male:female ratio worldwide. Between 1991 and 2000, 443 cases of maxillofacial fractures were seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria. Road crashes were responsible for 246 cases (56%) followed by falls, 24% (n=108). In a previous report from this centre in 1980, 241 fractures were seen each year, so our lower rate of 44 cases a year is because the number of centres for the treatment of such injuries in Nigeria has increased. There has also been a fourfold increase in the number of women with facial fractures in this largely Moslem population, which reflects their greater exposure during the past 20 years. More patients were seen with mandibular than middle-third fractures, because more of the latter died. This shows that while more centres for treatment are available for patients with maxillofacial trauma, the lack of enforcement of legislation on the use of seat belts, drunken driving and inadequate emergency medical care have continued to cause considerable mortality and morbidity from these injuries in Nigeria. It is also difficult to compare data among centres because of inconsistent terminology.     

Evaluating the Relationship between Duty Hours and Quality of Life of Nigerian Early Career Doctors

Abstract

This study explored association between early career doctors (ECDs) duty hours and their quality of life (QoL). Information was collected on socio-demographics, duty hours and QoL of 391 Nigerian ECDs. Results showed median of 70 duty-hours weekly, 10 call-days monthly and 6 sleep-hours daily. Weekly duty-hours and daily sleep-hours were significantly negatively and positively correlated respectively with all four domains of WHOQoL. QoL potentially affects health of ECDs especially mental health. Policies targeted at improving ECDs workforce, working conditions should improve QoL and curtail the potential impact of brain drain and attrition among ECDs in Nigeria.     

Immunomodulatory activities of isolated compounds from the root-bark of Cussonia arborea

Context: Cussonia arborea Hochst. ex A. Rich (Araliaceae) is a folk medicine used to treat various diseases. However, there is no report of the root phytochemistry.

Objective: This study isolates and identifies the immunomodulatory compounds from root-bark of C. arborea.

Materials and methods: The methanol extract (18?g) was subjected to repeated column chromatography resulting in isolation of five compounds (1–5). Structure determination was achieved by analysis of their 1?D and 2?D NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The compounds (100–1.0?μg/mL) were examined immunomodulatory for effect on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from whole blood phagocytes and on proliferation of T-cells. The compounds cytotoxicity (100–1.0?μg/mL) was evaluated on NIH-3T3 normal fibroblast cells.

Results: Three pentacyclic triterpenoids [3, 23-dihydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (1), 3β-hydroxylolean-12-en-28-oic (2) and 23-hydoxy-oxo-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (5)], two phytosterols: [stigmasterol (3)] and [3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl stigmasterol (4)] were all isolated from the methanol soluble extract. All the tested compounds (1–4) were found to be nontoxic on NIH-3T3 cells. Compound 1 and 2 moderately inhibited the production of ROS (IC₅₀?=?24.4?±?4.3 and 37.5?±?0.1?μg/mL, respectively) whereas compound 2 exhibited the highest inhibitory effect (IC₅₀?=?12.6?±?0.4?μg/mL) on proliferation of phytoheamagglutinin (PHA) activated T-cells.

Conclusions: The isolated compounds (1–5) are reported for the first time from this species. In addition, compound 2 with suppressive potential on production of intracellular ROS and proliferation of T-cells could be of immense value in control of autoimmune diseases as well as in immune compromised patients.     

Rural communities in Africa should not be forgotten in responses to COVID-19

Rural areas in Africa make up a large proportion of the continent. Since the emergence of COVID-19 on the continent, major attention and responses have been placed on urban areas. Rural areas are typified by certain challenges which may serve as limitations to the provision of resources and tools for COVID-19 responses in these areas. These major challenges include limited access to these areas due to poor road networks which may hamper the possibility of conveying resources and manpower. Shortage of healthcare workforce in these areas, poor health facilities/structures and limited access to COVID-19 diagnostics services may also make containment challenging. It is therefore important that investment should be made in these areas towards providing the necessary tools, resources, and manpower to ensure effective containment of COVID-19 and to alleviate the plight caused by the pandemic in rural Africa. Rural communities in Africa should not be left behind in COVID-19 responses.     

Shifting trends in in vitro antibiotic susceptibilities for common bacterial conjunctival isolates in the last decade at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

Background  

Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most common forms of ocular diseases worldwide. The purpose of this study is to determine the most common pathogens causing bacterial conjunctivitis, their in vitro susceptibility to existing antibiotics, and the changing trends in bacterial resistance to antibiotics over the last decade.     

Awareness,perceptions and knowledge of strabismus among patients visiting a tertiary eye clinic in Southwest Nigeria

International Ophthalmology - The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions, knowledge of the causes, implications and treatment of strabismus in a black population. This was a...