Ameloblastoma: analysis of 207 cases in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review all the cases of ameloblastoma seen at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between 1980 and 2003. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this retrospective study, case files and biopsy reports of new cases of ameloblastoma covering a 24-year period were retrieved and analyzed for sex, age on presentation, histologic type, and site distribution. RESULTS: A total of 207 cases of ameloblastoma were seen in the given period. One hundred and ninety-eight (95.7%) were benign, and 9 (4.3%) were malignant. A male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1 was found. The average ages on presentation for ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma were 31.67 and 46.44 years, respectively. The lesion was found to be more common in the premolar-molar region of the mandible. The most common histologic type was follicular ameloblastoma (25.1%). Nine (4.3%) cases of ameloblastic carcinoma were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Ameloblastoma with a predilection for the posterior mandibular region is relatively common in our environment. Sex and site distributions are similar to previous reports in the literature.     

Multi-Nutrient Fortified Dairy-Based Drink Reduces Anaemia without Observed Adverse Effects on Gut Microbiota in Anaemic Malnourished Nigerian Toddlers: A Randomised Dose–Response Study

Prevalence of anaemia among Nigerian toddlers is reported to be high, and may cause significant morbidity, affects brain development and function, and results in weakness and fatigue. Although, iron fortification can reduce anaemia, yet the effect on gut microbiota is unclear. This open-label randomised study in anaemic malnourished Nigerian toddlers aimed to decrease anaemia without affecting pathogenic gut bacteria using a multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink. The test product was provided daily in different amounts (200, 400 or 600 mL, supplying 2.24, 4.48 and 6.72 mg of elemental iron, respectively) for 6 months. Haemoglobin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured to determine anaemia, iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) prevalence. Faecal samples were collected to analyse gut microbiota composition. All three dosages reduced anaemia prevalence, to 47%, 27% and 18%, respectively. ID and IDA prevalence was low and did not significantly decrease over time. Regarding gut microbiota, Enterobacteriaceae decreased over time without differences between groups, whereas Bifidobacteriaceae and pathogenic E. coli were not affected. In conclusion, the multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink reduced anaemia in a dose-dependent way, without stimulating intestinal potential pathogenic bacteria, and thus appears to be safe and effective in treating anaemia in Nigerian toddlers.     

FDA evaluations using in vitro metabolism to predict and interpret in vivo metabolic drug-drug interactions: impact on labeling.

Recent advances in in vitro metabolism methods have led to an improved ability to predict clinically relevant metabolic drug-drug interactions. To address the relationships of in vitro metabolism data and in vivo metabolism outcomes, the Office of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, evaluated a number of recently approved new drug applications. The goal of these evaluations was to determine the contribution of in vitro metabolism data in (1) predicting in vivo drug-drug interactions, (2) determining the need to conduct an in vivo drug-drug interaction study, and (3) incorporating findings into drug product labeling. Ten cases are presented in this article. They fall into two major groups: (1) in vitro data were predictive of in vivo results, and (2) in vitro data were not predictive of in vivo results. Discussion of these cases highlights factors limiting predictability of in vivo metabolic interactions from in vitro metabolism data. The integration of these findings into drug product labeling is also discussed.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among patients suspected of liver diseases in a Nigerian hospital

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been reported to be the aetiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. This study was therefore carried out to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), a specific marker of HBV infection in patients with suspected liver diseases. The investigation was carried out among patients attending the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Nigeria with clinical symptoms suggestive of liver diseases and others with non-specific clinical features during the period from 1990-1995. A total of 197 (38%) of 517 patients tested positive for HBsAg, 81 (49%) out of 144 with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis, 75 (50%) of 149 HCC and 10 (56%) of 18 liver cirrhosis were HBsAg positive. Comparison of the yearly total prevalence values of HBsAg for the six years under study showed no significant difference. Similarly, yearly prevalence values amongst patients with suspected liver diseases showed no significant differences. Nevertheless, significant difference, (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of HBsAg among suspected cases of liver diseases and others with non-specific signs and symptoms was observed. Similarly, HBsAg was statistically significantly higher among males than females. The high prevalence rate of HBsAg in our environment may be associated with the suspected cases of liver diseases, which are equally prevalent in our locality. Health education to prohibit traditional practices that could predispose individuals to HBV infections is emphasised. The incorporation of HBV vaccination in the national programme on immunization currently in use in Nigeria is highly recommended. This would be an effective method of preventing HBV infection from childhood.     

Laxative Activities of Cassia Sieberiana and Senna Obtusifolia

Background

The root and stem bark of Cassia sieberiana DC. (Caesalpiniaceae) and the root of Senna obtusifolia (Linn) Irwin and Barneby (Caesalpiniaceae), used for constipation in Nigeria, were assayed for laxative properties in male albino rats using the official senna leaf (Senna alexandrina Mill. family Caesalpiniaceae) as the reference standard. This is with a view to finding alternative laxative drug to official senna which is presently being imported into Nigeria from the United Kingdom.

Materials and Methods

The mean percentage of wet faeces in rats, an indication of laxative activity, were obtained using established methods. The laxative activity was established at 500 mg/kg after the infusion of the drug was orally administered on male albino rats following established methods while a set of data was analyzed at 95 % confidence level.

Results

At 500 mg/kg, Senna obtusifolia root gave about 45 % wet faeces while Cassia sieberiana root gave about 40 % wet faeces while at the highest dose of 700 mg/kg, they produced 60 % and 38 % wet faeces, respectively. At these two doses, the official Senna gave 50.6 % and 66 % wet faeces, respectively. Thus, S. obtusifolia and C. sieberiana roots exhibited 89 % and 80 % of the potency of S. alexandrina (the official drug), respectively. The analysis of variance revealed a significant statistical difference in the levels of wet faeces produced by rats dosed with C. sieberiana root.

Conclusion

The results have shown that the roots of the two species could be developed as mild laxative drugs for children and pregnant women for whom the official senna will be contraindicated.     

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Root Extract of Pepper Fruit (Dennetia Tripetala), and It's Potential for the Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation

Background

The antioxidant properties of ethanolic root extract of pepper fruit (Donnetia tripetala), and its effect on lipid peroxidation of some fresh beef tissues during frozen storage were investigated.

Materials and Methods

The antioxidant parameters were assessed using standard methods, while malondialdehyde levels of different fresh beef tissue sections treated with the extract prior to freezing, were estimated in a colorimetric reaction with thiobarbituric acid.

Results

The H₂O₂-scavenging ability of the extract was similar to that of ascorbic acid, with a maximum scavenging power of 55.61 ±4.98%, and an IC₅₀ value of 86µg/ml. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent ferric ion-reducing power, although this was significantly lower relative to that of the ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). The total phenolic content was 212.5 ± 0.002 mg/g, while the nitric oxide-scavenging ability was 64.33 ± 0.2% after 150 min. The capacity of the extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation in frozen heart muscle slices was significantly higher than that of vitamin C (p < 0 .05), but comparable to vitamins C and E in frozen testes and kidney slices.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the root extract of D. tripetala is rich in antioxidants which can be applied to meat preservation during refrigerated storage.     

Castration reduces platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density and aggregability

BACKGROUND: Exogenously administered testosterone upregulates platelet thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors and increases aggregation response to thromboxane mimetics in healthy male volunteers. However, the biological impact of endogenous testosterone on platelet TXA2 receptor expression, especially in older men at risk of coronary artery disease, is unclear. AIM: To investigate the impact of reduction in circulating testosterone on platelet TXA2 receptor expression in older men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional case-control study. METHODS: We studied surgically and/or medically castrated men with prostate cancer (group A, n = 8, aged 71 +/- 8 years) and age-matched, uncastrated urology patients (group B, n = 7, aged 67 +/- 9 years). Plasma testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Platelet TXA2 receptor expression was assessed by radioligand binding studies using radioactive 125I-BOP. Platelet aggregation responses to TXA2-mimetic I-BOP, and to thrombin, were also studied. RESULTS: Group A had significantly lower plasma testosterone than group B (16 +/- 5 ng/dl vs. 308 +/- 47 ng/dl, p<0.001). Platelet TXA2 receptor density (B(max)) but not affinity (K(d)) was lower in group A (0.50 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.01 +/- 0.17 pmol/mg protein, p = 0.03). Maximum platelet aggregation response to I-BOP (E(max)), but not sensitivity (EC50) was lower in group A (53 +/- 2% vs. 63 +/- 2%, p = 0.003 ANOVA). In vitro, high concentrations of hydroxyflutamide (100 microM) competitively inhibited U46619-induced platelet aggregation in washed platelets, without affecting the binding of 125I-BOP to platelet TXA2 receptors. DISCUSSION: Endogenous testosterone regulates platelet TXA2 receptor B(max) and the E(max) aggregation response to thromboxane mimetic I-BOP. Blockade of androgen receptors or inhibition of testosterone production may reduce platelet aggregation responses. Preliminary evidence suggests the presence of functional androgen receptors on human platelets, which may regulate TXA2 receptor expression.     

The antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of the Psychotria camptopus Verd. Hook. (Rubiaceae) stem bark methanol extract contributes to its antiepileptogenic activity against pentylenetetrazol kindling in male Wistar rats

A substantial number of epileptic patients are resistant to the current medication thus necessitating the search for alternative therapies for intractable forms of the disease. Previous studies demonstrated the acute anticonvulsant properties of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Psychotria camptopus (MEPC) in rats. This study investigated the effects of MEPC on pentylenetetrazole-kindled Wistar rats. Kindling was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (37.5 mg/kg) on every alternate day, 1 h after each daily oral pretreatment of rats (8?≤?n?≤?10) with MEPC (40, 80 and 120 mg/kg), vehicle or diazepam (3 mg/kg) for 43 days. The kindling development was monitored based on seizure episodes and severity. Rats’ brains were collected on day 43 for the determination of oxidative stress parameters. The histomorphological features and neuronal cell viability of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were also assessed using H&E and Cresyl violet stains. Chronic administration of pentylenetetrazole time-dependently decreased the latency to myoclonic and generalized seizures, and increased seizure scores and the number of kindled rats. MEPC and diazepam significantly increased the latencies to myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These substances also reduced seizure score and the number of rats with PTZ-kindling. MEPC improved glutathione status and decreased lipid peroxidation in the brains of kindled rats. MEPC also exhibited neuroprotection against pentylenetetrazole-induced hippocampal and PFC neuronal damages. These results suggest that P. camptopus has antiepileptogenic activity, which might be related to the augmentation of antioxidant and neuroprotective defense mechanisms, and further confirm its usefulness in the management of epilepsy.

     

Differences in COVID-19 Preventive Behavior and Food Insecurity by HIV Status in Nigeria

AIDS and Behavior - The aim of the study was to assess if there were significant differences in the adoption of COVID-19 risk preventive behaviors and experience of food insecurity by people living...