Turmeric research at NRCRI Umudike: highlight of major achievements

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) a member of ginger family Zingiberaceae, is a cross-pollinated triploid (2n =3x = 63); vegetatively propagated by means of yellow fleshed rhizomes; and widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Owing to its numerous uses, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike began research on turmeric in 1998. This paper highlights the major achievements from almost two decades of turmeric research at NRCRI Umudike. NRCRI pioneered collection of germplasm and indigenous knowledge about the production and utilization of Turmeric. 76 accessions of Turmeric were collected from several expeditions. The highest number of collections (12) was from Ekiti State. Following multi-locational evaluation at Jos, Otobi, Umudike and Igbariam, ten genotypes, viz., UT39, UT44, UT46, UT58, UT50, UT14, UT41, UT6, UT38 and UT35, were identified as promising and require further evaluation as pre-condition for official registration and release to farmers. The proximate composition and potential use of turmeric as food colourants have been established. Agronomic management packages for optimal yield of turmeric have been developed by NRCRI Umudike. Results of economic studies carried out at NRCRI Umudike revealed high profitability of turmeric production with returns per naira (R/N) being N233.90, Net income N326, 918.22 and benefit cost ratio (RCR) of 3.3. Value added products like turmeric powder, have been developed. These and high quality planting materials are being produced and their production technologies extended to farmers and other end users.Keywords: Expedition, Evaluation, proximate composition, economic studies and value additio

The Coronal Flap in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – A Case Report

The coronal scalp flap is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing approach for access to the cranial vault, cranial base, forehead, nose, upper and  middle third of the face, and orbits. In spite of its extensive nature, it is associated with few complications when properly planned. Despite, its versatility of the coronal flap, its use by oral and maxillofacial surgeons is limited especially in Nigeria. A case of surgical remodeling of fibrous dysplasia of the right supra orbital bone region using coronal approach is reported. This article highlighted surgical technique of coronal flap and indications for the use of coronal flap in maxillofacial surgery. Similarly, possible complications of the procedure, prevention and management of such complications were also emphasised. Additionally, it is meant to serve as a guide to young practising surgeons in Nigeria. It is our hope that this will embolden young surgeons in Nigeria to employ its use when indicated. Key words: Coronal; flap; maxillofacial; surgery

Experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists

AbstractObjectiveTo report the experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists.Study designA self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a cross-section of Nigerian dentists. Information requested included personal experience on wrong-site tooth/teeth extraction and its after-effect, possible reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction and documentation of the event in patients’ case. Respondents were also asked if they were aware of any colleagues who had previously experienced wrong-site tooth extraction and possible legal implication of the event, and if they aware of the universal protocol for preventing wrong site, wrong procedure, and wrong person surgery.ResultsTwenty-two (13%) of the respondents reported having extracted a wrong tooth. The event occurred within 5years after graduation in most cases. Most respondents (53.6%) informed the patient immediately after the event. Only 68% of the respondents documented the event in patient’s case record. Most common reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction were heavy workload, presence of multiple condemned teeth and miscommunication between dentists. Fifty-five percent of respondents were aware of a colleague who had extracted a wrong tooth. The most probable legal implication of wrong-site tooth extraction according to the respondents was litigation by the patient. Only 25% of dentists were aware of a universal protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery.ConclusionsWrong tooth/teeth extraction is not an uncommon event in the studied environment. The need to be familiar with universal protocol on wrong-site surgery and its legal implications are highlighted