Omics-based molecular techniques in oral pathology centred cancer: Prospect and challenges in Africa

: The completion of the human genome project and the accomplished milestones in the human proteome project; as well as the progress made so far in computational bioinformatics and “big data” processing have contributed immensely to individualized/personalized medicine in the developed world.At the dawn of precision medicine, various omics-based therapies and bioengineering can now be applied accurately for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and risk stratifcation of cancer in a manner that was hitherto not thought possible. The widespread introduction of genomics and other omics-based approaches into the postgraduate training curriculum of diverse medical and dental specialties, including pathology has improved the profciency of practitioners in the use of novel molecular signatures in patient management. In addition, intricate details about disease disparity among diferent human populations are beginning to emerge. This would facilitate the use of tailor-made novel theranostic methods based on emerging molecular evidences

Profile of Prenatally Diagnosed Major Congenital Malformations in A Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of major congenital abnormality is one of the main goals of antenatal care, because of its contribution to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Awareness of the profile in terms of rates and spectrum could aid management and prevention strategies. This study aims to determine the profile of congenital malformations, and the relationship between the rates and some maternal socio-demographic and obstetric variables. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of prenatally diagnosed congenital malformations in singleton pregnancies over a four-year period. The ultrasound scan findings and the findings of fetal ultrasonography, together with maternal socio-demographic and obstetric variables, were collected from the ultrasound scan reports or medical records of each pregnancy. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Among the 968 singleton pregnancies, 78 had major congenital malformation, giving an antenatal rate of 8.04/1000 (0.8%). The first trimester prevalence was comparable with other trimesters. Malformation mostly involved single systems (93.6%), which are mainly central nervous (48.7%) and gastrointestinal/abdominal systems (21.8%). The rate was statistically significant (< 0.0018) in women aged > 35 years. The mean maternal age and parity were 31.4 + 4.7 and 2.8 + 0.4, respectively. The rates of congenital malformation in spontaneously or assisted conceptions were not statistically significant (p = 0.073 and p = 0.085). Conclusion: Maternal age > 35 years and multiparity are important risk factors for congenital malformation. The commonly involved systems are the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems.  Keywords: congenital malformations, prevalence, spectrum, antenatal ultrasound scan, Nigeria&nbsp

Acute Otitis Media in Aged 16 years and Above in Lagos

Acute otitis media though a childhood disease, when it occurs de-novo in adult is viewed with seriousness. This prospective study was undertaken in Lagos University Teaching Hospital and General Hospital Lagos between January 2000 and March 2001 with the aim of recording that acute otitis media can occur de-novo in adults without any antecedent or dangerous course. A total of 83 patients were seen with AOM, with peak age group of occurrence in 20-29yrs. 75% were in middle social class and 77% reported the disease as first attack and 86% presented three days after the attack. 52% had associated Rhinitis and tonsillopharyngitis and self medication was reported in 50% of the patients. Following medical and surgical intervention majority of the AOM resolved and none of the patients evaluated had features of nasopharyngeal tumour. NQJHM Vol. 14 (1) 2004: pp. 61-6

HIV-related risky practices among Brazilian young men, 2007

Behavioral surveillance surveys have been carried among military conscripts, in Brazil, since 1996. This paper presents the results of the 2007 survey and compares actual findings with those obtained in previous studies carried out in the period 1999-2002. The conscripts were selected with a two stage sampling stratified by geographical region. The study included a self-reported questionnaire and blood collection for HIV and syphilis testing. Data from 35,432 conscripts aged 17-20 years old were analyzed. The findings show a reduction in regular condom use, with fixed and casual partners, mainly among those with poor educational level. The proportion of conscripts that have sex with other men was maintained (3.2%), but the index of risky sexual behavioral showed worsening results in this group. Also, the HIV prevalence rate increased from 9 to 11.3 per 10,000 in 2007, though the increase was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the evidences found in this paper indicate the need of reformulate policy among young adults