Lebers Amaurosis in Three Siblings: A case report

This case report appears to be first reported incident of Lebers congenital amaurosis in three siblings in Kaduna State. Genetic issues, clinical presentation, counselling, treatment and future progression of this irreversible blinding condition are discussed. Keywords: Lebers amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa, Kaduna, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 16 (1) 2008: pp. 26-2

Problem of Integration with Respect to Unbounded Measures on the Set of Projections

We note if j is a normal weight on M, then is a measure on projections and if a measure on projections can be extended to a normal weight, then the problem of constructing an integral with respect to this measure reduces to the problem of constructing an integral with respect to the weight. We therefore present several methods of constructing noncommutative integration which gives a survey of the contemporary state of the theory in the von Neumann algebra (M) with respect to weightj. For every aÎ [0,1], the Banach space is isometrically isomorphic to the space Lp(t) and the space is, by definition, the Banach space completion of  in the norm .We construct the scale of Lp(j) spaces  with respect to a faithful normal semifinite (f.n.s.) weight j on a von Neumann algebra M. These spaces are realized by operators. This is achieved by extending the original algebra M, and the Hilbert space where M originally acted is altered, as well. In the construction of the scale, the concept of an operator-valued weight is used. We discuss the problem of integration with respect to measures on projections which remains open for unbounded measures (m(1) = +¥) and their structure has been studied only for the algebra ?(?). Keywords: Von Neumann algebra, Faithful normal semifinite trace (f.n.s.)t, weight, isometrically isomorphic, projections, Banach spaces and Lp-space

Assessment of Marketing Communications for the Prevention and Control of Malaria in Nigeria

The study was on a critical assessment of marketing communications for the prevention and control of malaria in Nigeria. It was conceived by the desire to identify the effectiveness of marketing communication as a tool for the prevention and control of malaria which kills thousands of innocent Nigerians every year. To objectives were to: determine the extent marketing communication tools helped create awareness on the malaria prevention and control programme in Nigeria; and ascertain the relationship between the marketing communication-mix employed and the reduction in the rate of malaria morbidity and mortality in the country. Survey research design was adopted for the study, where structured questionnaire was the instrument used in data sourcing. Data were analyzed using simple percentage and independent t-test. Results revealed that the use of marketing communication helped create awareness on the prevention and control of malaria and that the use of marketing communications has also reduced malaria related deaths in the country. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that research-based marketing communications, founded on people’s culture and tradition should be used more in the health marketing campaigns against malaria in the country. Keywords: Malaria, Prevention, Health Marketing, Marketing Communication

Assessment of Public Relations Strategies Employed by Major International Oil Companies for Crisis Management in Nigeria

The study undertook a critical appraisal of the public relations strategies employed by major international oil companies for crisis management in Nigeria. It was occasioned by the incessant conflicts and crises between the oil companies and their host community publics. The specific objectives were to: appraise the effect of the public relations crisis management tools employed in maintaining mutual understanding between the IOCs and their host community publics; and evaluate the effect of the public relations crisis management tools of the IOCs on their corporate performance. Survey design was adopted in this study, where interview schedule was the main instrument for data collection. The population of the study embraced host community members of the international oil companies and select staff. Results indicate that: there is significant correlation between the public relations crisis management tools of the IOCs and the perceptions of their target publics; and the level of mutual understanding between them and their host communities. Also that the public relations crisis management tools of the IOCs have brought about significant positive press reports to them, all of which affected their corporate performance in the country in significant positive ways over the years. However, mindful of the room for improvement it was recommended among other things that: the IOCs in Nigeria must do everything possible to sustain and consolidate upon the significant positive perceptions of their target publics which they are currently enjoying through astute public relations strategies; should not allow the situation in the Niger Delta to relapse to the bad old days of kidnappings and hostage-taking of oil workers and ensure that the Niger Delta region remains a crisis-free environment, safe for oil productions, for consequent optimal revenue to the nation. Keywords: Public Relations, Oil Companies, Crisis Management, Host Communities, Nigeria

Assessment of the Application of Selected Public Relations Reputation Management Strategies as Weapons Against Corruption in Nigeria

In this study, we undertook a critical appraisal of some selected public relations reputation management strategies like self-image auditing and corporate-auditing as weapons against corruption in Nigeria. This is motivated by the widely held international perception of Nigeria(ns) as very corrupt people and the negative image this is giving the citizens. The study objectives therefore included: ascertaining if a holistic self-image audit by Nigerians; corporate image audit by private/public organizations in Nigeria and a rebranding effort by all, could help in the eradication of corruption in the country. For the methodology, structured questionnaire and interviews were used in gathering data, which were analyzed in percentage frequencies. The results reveal that self-image audit, corporate and institutional image audit, matched by marketing communications rebranding campaign will help to stem the tide of corruption and redeem the soiled international image of the country. Keywords: Public Relations, Reputation Management, Corruption, Image Audit

Ocular disorders in children in Zaria children’s school

Background: The main causes of blindness in children change over time. The prevalence and pattern of eye diseases in children were studied in northern Nigeria 6 years ago. This study like the previous one was a school eye health screening conducted in Zaria children school located at the centre of Zaria, a city in northern Nigeria.Aims and Objectives: to determine the current prevalence and pattern of eye diseases affecting school children in Zaria. This is to serve as a current template for planning eye care for children in Zaria and environs.Materials and Methods: a cross sectional study of 327 children who completed a pre-designed school eye screening format was conducted. Consent was obtained from the school authority and the parents before the screening exercise. It involved assessment of visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination and colour vision testing. Intraocular pressure measurement and refraction were done for those with indications.Result: A total of 327 children were examined, out of which 45.6% (n=149) were males and 54.4% (n=178) were females. M: F=1:1.2. Age range 5-17yrs with mean of 9.6 ± 3.1(SD). The commonest causes of eye disorders were refractive errors 8.0% (n=26), allergic conjunctivitis 7.3 % (n=24), glaucoma suspects 3.7% (n=12) and colour deficiency 1.5%(n=5).Conclusion: The major causes of childhood eye disorders were uncorrected refractive errors and allergic conjunctivitis. The predominance of uncorrected refractive error is similar to what is obtainable in other parts of the world especially in the urban areas

School eye health screening in Kaduna-Northern Nigeria

Background: Five public primary schools referred to as Local Education Authority (L.E.A.) primary schools, were identified for this study. The aim was to find out the pattern of eye disorders affecting primary school children in Kaduna North metropolis and to offer treatment to those with treatable disorders. Method: A total of 2,397 pupils whose classes ranged from primary one to six and aged between five to eighteen years were examined. Results: Of this number, 1,232 (51.57%) were males and 1,161 (48.43%). The commonest causes of eye disorders were allergic conjunctivitis (14.5%), refractive error (1.7%), and infective conjunctivitis (1.4%). Conclusion: School eye screening visits should be at least once a year and should involve screening of all nursery one and primary one pupils. School teachers can be trained to measure visual acuity. Primary eye care workers may be trained and utilised to carrying out school screening in schools, while basic eye health classes can be taught in ante-natal classes to enlighten mothers who are the primary care givers. Early detection of eye conditions in children is an advantage for management. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol. 7(1&2) 2005: 191–19

Obstetric outcomes of vaginal birth after caesarean section in Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Background: Objective of the study was to review the obstetric outcomes of vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) in Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH). Methods: A retrospective review of women planned for VBAC at BhUTH from January, 2020 to December 2021. Variables measured included gestational age at time of delivery, inter-delivery interval, and vaginal delivery before or after primary caesarean section (CS), outcome of labor, indications for repeat CS, neonatal and maternal outcomes. Results: During the study period there were 1535 deliveries and 94 were planned VBAC. Of the 94, 55.3% had a repeat emergency CS while 44.7% had a successful VBAC. Successful VBAC rate was 52.4% in multipara compared to 47.6% in primipara. Repeat CS rate was 34.6% in multips and 65.4% in primaparas. The commonest indication for the repeat CS was failure to progress due to cephalopelvic disproportion, 26.9%, mal-positioning, 25.0%, fetal distress and poor uterine contractions accounted for 13.5% each. Prior vaginal delivery especially a prior VBAC was associated with a higher rate of successful VBAC, 40.5% compared to VBAC rate of 21.4% in those who had a vaginal delivery before the caesarean section. The successful VBAC rate was highest among those weighing 2.5<3.5 kg, 66.7% compared to fetal weight of <2.5 kg and ≥3.5 kg birth weight. Conclusions: The VBAC rate observed is higher than what is obtainable in other centers in our country but is far less than what is obtainable in the developed societies. The maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality are however comparable with the developed societies despite our limited facilities

A Case of Bacterial Postpartum Metritis in a 4-Year Old Duroc Sow

The attention of the Animal Health team of Swine Research Unit of Swine and Rabbit Research Programme of National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) was drawn to a farrowing pen with a complaint of pus discharge from the vulva of a Duroc sow which farrowed 9 piglets 10 days earlier. Microbiological survey identified the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and Proteus species from the sterile vaginal swab was taken from the sow. Antibiogram revealed the susceptibility of the three identified bacteria to ofloxacin, streptomycin and gentamicin in the order of increasing susceptibility. Staphylococcus species was also found to be susceptible to ciprofloxacin while Proteus species was susceptible to augmentin® and chloramphenicol. All the three species of bacteria were resistant to nitrofuratoin, rocephin® and ampiclox®. The sow was treated with deep intramuscular administration of streptomycin at 20 mg/kg once daily for 5 days and 10 IU of oxytocin once daily for 2 days. There was expulsion of macerated feotus about 24 hours following administration of the last dose of oxytocin and the macerated feotus was properly disposed and the entire pen was cleaned and disinfected. The vulva was noticed to be completely devoid of the mucous discharges after the course of the antibiotic regimen.Key words: Metritis, Postpartum, Duroc, Sow, NAPRI

Contemporary management of genitourinary injuries in a tertiary trauma centre in Nigeria

Background: The genitourinary system has been shown to be involved in 10% of patients presenting after trauma and is therefore a significant factor in trauma induced morbidity and mortality. It affects all age groups and both sexes. The aim of this study is to determine the aetiology, mechanism of injury and management of genitourinary injuries in a tertiary trauma centre.Methods: This is a prospective study carried out at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between 2012 and 2017. All patients who presented at the A and E with genitourinary trauma were recruited into the study. Initial assessment involved taking an AMPLE history and resuscitation, using the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol of the American College of Surgeons. Physical examination and investigation were carried out to localize and determine extent of injury. Investigations carried out were complete blood count, blood grouping, serum electrolyte, urea and creatinine and radiography where applicable. Surgical intervention was carried out where indicated.Results: A total of 104 patients were involved in this study. The mean age was 32.14±15.5 years with a range of 3 to 75yrs. Median age was 28yrs. Eighty-nine (85.6%) were males while fifteen (14.4%) were females. The genitalia were the most affected in 34% (n=35) of the patients. Gunshot was the commonest mechanism of injury (37.5%, n=39). Operative and non-operative management were employed depending on mechanism and extent of injury.Conclusions: Gunshot was the commonest cause of genitourinary trauma. These injuries require specialized attention for proper assessment and management.