Assessing the levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in biscuits and home-made snacks obtained from vendors in two tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

The modern day busy schedule of an average individual in Nigeria has made the consumption of snacks inevitable. This study assessed the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in some common snacks sold in two tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, using Perkin AAS Elmer model 460. The mean levels of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd found in plantain chips obtained from the University of Lagos main campus were 2.15 ± 0.13, 0.27 ± 0.03, 0.83 ± 0.04 and 0.10 ± 0.03 mg/kg respectively, while the mean levels of the same metals found in plantain chips obtained from Yaba College of Technology were 1.77 ± 0.57, 0.11 ± 0.04, 1.23 ± 0.61 and 0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg respectively. Independent-samples t-test analysis revealed that the differences between the mean metal levels in snacks obtained from the two institutions were not significant (P > 0.05). Though the levels of most metals in snacks obtained from the two institutions were within the upper limits of the range specified by the World Health Organization, the consumption of snacks with such metal loads over a long period of time may result in metal accumulation in the body beyond tolerable limit. These findings may be a reflection of what obtains in other educational institutions in the country. The authorities of tertiary institutions and other levels of education in Nigeria are therefore called upon to strengthen and widen their internal control mechanisms to guarantee the quality and safety of snacks sold to students and other people on their campuses.Keywords: Contaminants, Contamination, FAO/WHO, food, snacks, campuse

Acute Rapid QTc Changes Following Chloroquine Overdose With No Suicidal Intent

We report a 39 year-old male with unintentional chloroquine overdose without any suicidal intention. Marked QTc prolongation of 0.508sec was observed acutely though patient’s total ingested dose was lower than most fatal doses reported in literature. This range of QTc carries a predisposition to potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) demonstrated gradual return of QTc towards normal while patient was on observation without any indication for active intervention. We recommend that in the event of chloroquine overdose, close monitoring of the cardiovascular system should be done even in apparently stable individuals

Maxillofacial Trauma Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Benin City, Nigeria: A Prospective Study

Background: The incidence and causes of road traffic accidents (RTAs) vary with geographical location. The economic and social costs of RTAs are enormous. The knowledge of aetiologic factors and associated injury patterns may be important in planning for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to document the aetiological factors and the frequency of maxillofacial injuries due to RTAs. Methods: Over a six-month period, 312 patients with facial trauma due to RTAs were prospectively studied. The demographic parameters, the cause of the RTA, the vehicle type, the use of seat belts, helmets, and other safety devices were recorded. Distribution of maxillofacial bone and soft tissue injuries by vehicle type as well as associated injuries were documented. Results: The minibus was the vehicle type most often involved (36.2%) and tyre blowout (21.2%) was identified as the most common contributory factor. Males 117 (37.5%) in the 21 - 30 year- age range were most often involved. The forehead was most often the site of soft tissue injury (37.3%) while the mandible was the facial bone most often fractured (29.2%). Head injury (55.8%) was the commonest associated injury. Conclusion: The low utilization of safety devices like seat belts and air bags as well as the absence and non-enforcement of road traffic legislation were identified as aetiological factors