Surgical output and clinic burden of glaucoma in lagos, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To estimate the outpatient clinic burden and surgical workload related to glaucoma in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: A multicentre study involving the 2 tertiary eye institutions, 7 secondary eye centers with eye care facilities, and the largest private eye hospital in Lagos state, Nigeria. Data on outpatient department (OPD) visits were collected over a 4-week period, using a specially designed tally sheet. Theater records were examined in each hospital over a 1-year period (2009) for the number and types of glaucoma surgeries performed. RESULTS: A total of 6240 patients visited the OPD over the 4-week period, out of which 1577 (25.3%) were glaucoma patients. OPD visit per ophthalmologist were 274, 323, and 61, whereas glaucoma visits per ophthalmologist were 75, 70, and 23 in the tertiary, secondary, and private centers, respectively. Glaucoma surgeries constituted 8.6% of total surgeries (n=4050). Trabeculectomy with intraoperative 5-fluorouracil was the most common procedure (81.0%). Number of glaucoma surgeries per ophthalmologist per month in the tertiary, secondary, and private centers were 0.5, 0.9, and 1.4, respectively. Overall number of glaucoma surgery per ophthalmologist per month was 1. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma visits constitute a significant proportion of eye clinic visits in Lagos state, Nigeria, and therefore, necessary manpower, infrastructure, and equipments should be mobilized for its optimal management. Also, there is a relatively low output of glaucoma surgeries that needs to be further investigated and appropriate measures taken to manage it

Apert Syndrome in Lagos – a Case Report and Literature Review

Apert Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by premature fusion of sutures of bones of the skull (Craniosynostosis), fingers and toes (Syndactyly) to different degree. Though it is rare, it is pertinent for clinicians to know about this condition so as to improve their ability to manage it and to note that management is multidisciplinary. We present a case of Apert Syndrome in a one month old Nigerian female, and one of a set of twins that presented with proptosis, hypertelorism, high arched palate and fusion of bones of fingers and toes.Keyword: Apert syndrome, craniosynostosis, proptosis, hypertelorismNigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 63 No 1-2, 201

Sequence Variability in the NRAMP1 Gene among Indigenous and Exotic Chicken Types

The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene in chickens, which exists on chromosome 7, is thought to play a significant role in disease resistance. Variations in this gene have been documented and have played crucial roles in the variations in the resistance and/or susceptibility that is expressed by individuals and different groups of animal species. In this study, the NRAMP1 gene was studied for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variability between indigenous and exotic chicken breeds. The gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and sequenced and analyzed. Six SNPs, both synonymous and non-synonymous (C3700T, G3702C, A3712C, C3714G, C3693G, and G3705T), were detected in the gene in both indigenous and exotic chicken types. One allele form was detected among all the sample animals that were studied. A phylogenetic tree revealed that the indigenous chicken type and the exotic broiler chicken type are genetically similar with respect to this gene. However, the exotic layer chicken type is genetically suggested to be distantly related to both the indigenous and broiler chicken types, indicating that the gene has probably been evolving both within and among different poultry species

Modulatory Effect of Baphia Nitida Dye in Toluene Induced Cytogenotoxicity, Hematotoxicity and Histopathology in Dermal Exposed Wistar Rats

Background: There is unprecedented increase in the processing and packaging of many plant materials into food supplements, herbal medicine, skincare and cosmetic products for human needs. Baphia nitida is used for topical skincare products. Toluene, a toxic aromatic solvent, is increasingly being used in the production of these skincare and cosmetic products in many industries. This study assessed toluene toxicological profile and the ability of Baphia nitida dye to ameliorate toluene induced cytogenotoxicity, hematotoxicity and histopathological effects in rats. Methods: Rats were treated with various concentrations; 0, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg of the aqueous, ethanol and toluene processed B. nitida dye via dermal exposure for acute and sub-lethal toxicity. 96 h acute toxicity was assessed for the solvents. Micronuclei induction, alterations in hematological indices and erythrocyte morphology and skin histology were assessed after sub-lethal treatment. Results: 96 h LD50 of B. nitida processed dye for the three solvents were indeterminate. There was insignificant (p>0.05) alterations in the hematological indices and erythrocyte morphology, induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte and polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocyte ratio in the aqueous and ethanol processed B. nitida treated rats compared to their corresponding controls. Toluene induced significant (p<0.05) decrease in erythrocytes count, hematocrit and leucocytes, increased micronucleated PCE, decreased PCE/NCE ratio and induced necrosis, thick dermal layer and dispersed areolar tissues in treated rats. But, these effects were ameliorated by the B. nitida dye. Conclusion: Camwood dye protects against toluene induced toxicity in rats. This suggests its relative safety in topical cosmetic and skincare production

Association of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms with measures of obesity in Nigerian young adults

Background: The association of obesity with adiponectin gene has been reported in different populations with various inconsistencies. Data from Nigeria is very scanty on the association. Aim: We investigated possible associations of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2241766 (+45T>G in exon 2), rs266729 (−11377C>G in promoter) and rs1501299 (+276G>T in intron 2) with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC), in our cross-sectional study. Subjects and methods: SNPs in ADIPOQ were genotyped in 107 subjects (81 females, 26 males; mean age 22.2 years) by Sequenom MassARRAY. Notably, rs2241766 was removed for not reaching Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. BMI was calculated (kg/m2) while WC and HC were measured using standard procedures Results: Linear regression showed that variant rs1501299 was not associated with BMI, WC or HC but rs266729 was associated with increased measures of obesity involving BMI (recessive model; beta coefficient [β], 12.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.47, 19.24, codominant model; GG, β, 13.08; 95% CI, 6.71, 19.46, GC, β, 1.04; 95% CI, −0.60, 2.68 and log-additive model; β, 2.117; 95% CI, 0.55, 3.68), WC (recessive model; β, 22.17; 95% CI, 7.11, 37.23 and codominant model; GG, β, 21.857; 95% CI, 6.74, 36.98, GC, β, −1.459; 95% CI, −5.34, 2.43) and HC (recessive model; β, 33.56; 95% CI, 15.41, 51.70, codominant model; GG, β, 34.171; 95% CI, 16.04, 52.30, GC, β, 2.771; 95% CI, −1.79, 7.34 and log-additive model; β, 5.466; 95% CI, 1.14, 9.80). Conclusion: This study in young Nigerian adults confirmed previously reported association of SNP −11377C>G with obesity measures in other populations. Keywords: Obesity, rs2241766, rs1501299, rs266729, Nigeri