Prevalence and risk estimates of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection associated with consumption of raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri metropolis LGAs, Northeast Nigeria.

Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens, and it is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (100×) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9 (11.3%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled, Alau had the highest number of Cryptosporidium oocysts, 15 (12.5%), followed by Kilari-Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4 (10.0%) and 4 (5.0%), respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2 (2.5%) of oocysts, and there was a statistically significant association (χ2= 10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits. The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures in the food chain in line with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

Factors associated with seizure severity among children with epilepsy in Northern Nigeria.

Objective: To describe how seizure severity in children with epilepsy may be affected by certain socio-demographic and clinical variables. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: At the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria. Participants: Sixty children and adolescents who were being followed up for seizure disorder at the child neurology clinic. Intervention: Information on socio-demographic characteristics was obtained with a questionnaire, details of neurological co-morbidities were extracted from the participants' records, and seizure severity was assessed with the National Hospital Seizure Severity Score 3 tool. Main Outcome Measure: Chi-square test was used to establish the relationship between categorical variables, while the Independent t-test was used in describing the differences between means. Simple linear regression was calculated to assess the predictability of seizure severity. Result: The median age was ten years (IQR = 6-13 years), with a male dominance (1.5:1). The Seizure Severity Score (SSS) ranged between 3 and 24 units, with a mean of 12.22 ± 4.29 units. The only characteristic that had a significant association with SSS on bivariate analysis was the "presence of co-morbidities" (p=0.019). A simple linear regression revealed that the presence of a neurological co-morbidity predicted an increase in the SSS by 2.67 units. [R2 = 0.091, F (1, 58)= 5.837, p = 0.019. ß = 2.67, t= 2.42, p= 0.019.]. Conclusion: This study shows that neurological co-morbidities predict worsening seizure severity. This knowledge may influence prognostication and the charting of a treatment trajectory. Funding: No external funding.

Cord Blood Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Values in Healthy Term Babies delivered at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Northeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most common preventable causes of mental retardation and clinical manifestations are often subtle or absent at birth and hence the need for screening. Implementation of newborn screening requires local normative values. OBJECTIVES: To determine the normative values of cord Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) among term babies in Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria and compare it with that from other centers in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: Cord blood samples from 200 term babies were analyzed for TSH by Fluorescence Immunoassay technique in this descriptive cross-sectional study. A cut-off of >20 µIU/ml was used for recall. The mean and range were determined and compared with those of previous local studies using t-test. Impact of some maternal and infant factors on TSH was also assessed. RESULTS: The overall mean (SD) cord TSH was 3.74 (±1.99) µIU/ ml and the range was 0.73 to 15.22 µIU/ml (2.5th to 97.5th centile) and none had TSH > 20 µIU/ml and hence our recall rate was 0%. The mean cord TSH was comparable to that reported by a lone local multicenter study (p = 0.120) but significantly different from that of 3 other local studies (p < 0.001). There was also no significant difference between the means of different gender, birth weight groups, mode of delivery, socio-economic classes, maternal age and parity. CONCLUSION: The Cord blood TSH level of most term newborn in Bauchi, similar to other Nigerian studies, is < 10 µIU/ml with a few but significant percentage recording cord TSH level > 10 µIU/ml. Gender, birth weight, mode of delivery, socio-economic class, maternal age and parity were not significantly related to cord TSH level. The mean blood TSH values from different studies across the country tend to vary based on the assay technique. We recommend a nationwide multicenter study with a much larger sample size, lower cutoff value for recall and a unified sample processing laboratory if national normative values are to be developed.

BACKGROUND: L'hypothyroïdie congénitale est l'une des causes évitables les plus courantes de retard mental et les manifestations cliniques sont souvent subtiles ou absentes à la naissance, d'où la nécessité d'un dépistage. La mise en œuvre du dépistage néonatal nécessite des valeurs normatives locales. OBJECTIFS: Déterminer les valeurs normatives de l'hormone stimulatrice de la thyroïde (TSH) du cordon chez les bébés nés à terme à Bauchi, Nord-Est du Nigeria et les comparer à celles d'autres centres du Nigeria. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Des échantillons de sang ombilical de 200 bébés nés à terme ont été analysés pour la TSH par la technique d' étude descriptive transversale. Un seuil de >20 µUI/ml a été utilisé pour le rappel. La moyenne et l'intervalle ont été déterminés et comparés avec ceux des études locales précédentes en utilisant le test t. L'impact de certains facteurs maternels myet infantiles sur la TSH a également été évalué. RÉSULTATS: La moyenne globale (SD) de la TSH du cordon était de 3,74 (±1,99) µIU/ml et l'intervalle était de 0,73 à 15,22 µIU/ml (2,5 à 97,5 centiles) aucun n'avait une TSH > 20 µIU/ml et donc notre taux de rappel était de 0%. La moyenne de TSH au cordon était comparable à celle rapportée par une seule étude multicentrique locale unique (p = 0,120) mais significativement différente de celle de 3 autres études locales (p < 0,001). Il n'y avait pas non plus de différence significative entre les moyennes des différents sexes, groupes de poids de naissance, mode d'accouchement, classes socio d'accouchement, les classes socio-économiques, l'âge maternel et la parité. CONCLUSION: Le niveau de TSH dans le sang de cordon de la plupart des nouveau-nés à termede la plupart des nouveau-nés à terme à Bauchi, comme dans d'autres études nigérianes, est < 10 µUI/ml mais significatif, enregistrant un niveau de TSH du cordon > 10 µIU/ml. Le sexe, le poids à la naissance, le mode d'accouchement, la classe socio-économique maternelle et la parité n'étaient pas significativement liés au taux de TSH au cordon. Le site valeurs moyennes de la TSH sanguine provenant de différentes études dans le pays ont tendance à varier en fonction de la technique de dosage. Nous recommandons une étude nationale multicentrique avec une taille d'échantillon beaucoup plus grande, une valeur seuil pour le rappel et un laboratoire de traitement des échantillons unifié si des valeurs normatives nationales doivent être développées. Mots clés: Sang de cordon, Hormone de stimulation thyroïdienne, Bébés à terme.

Upregulation of sialyltransferases ST3Gal1 and ST6Gal1 promotes stabilization of erythrocyte mass and recovery of anemia in Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected pigs.

The role of Sialyltransferases (STs) specifically subfamilies ST3Gal1 and ST6Gal1 tissue expression was investigated in the liver and kidney of Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected and uninfected control pigs. The study was aimed to provide emerging target for treatment. Pigs were experimentally infected with 2 × 106 T. b. brucei (Federe strain); parasitemia was monitored by microscopy and tissue expression levels of ST3Gall and ST6Gall in the liver and kidney were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Parasitemia were undulating and anemia occurred significantly (P < 0.01) on day 13 in the infected pigs with an attempt to recover toward the termination of the study on day 21. The gene expressions for hepatic and renal ST3Gal1 and ST6Gal1 were significantly (P < 0.0001) upregulated 5-42 folds in the infected pig compared to the non-infected control group. It was concluded from the findings in this study that increased tissue expression of ST3Gal1 and ST6Gal1 in T b. brucei-infected pigs may play a pivotal role in the resialylation of desialylated red blood cells, thereby promoting recovery of the red blood cells and stabilization of erythrocyte mass in trypanosome-infected pigs. It is recommended that the expression of serum ST3Gal1 and ST6Gal1 be investigated further, in trypano-susceptible against trypano-tolerant breeds of animals to determine the role of these genes in trypano-tolerance.

Subarachnoid lavage following inadvertent intrathecal injection of tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used antifibrinolytic drug during surgical procedures to reduce blood loss. An Inadvertent intrathecal injection of TXAmay lead to serious side effects including seizures and ventricular fibrillation with reported fatalities. We report a case of an inadvertentintrathecal injection of TXAwhich occurred as a result of similarities in appearance between TXAand heavy bupivacaine ampoules. The patient had subarachnoid lavage after experiencing back pain, systemic hypertension followed by generalized tonic clonic seizures

Comparison of the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone and plain bupivacaine with tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries

Background: This study was aimed at comparing the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone with plain bupivacaine and tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Method: This was a prospective randomized double blinded control study involving 74 ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Group A (n=37) received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1 ml of water for injection, while group B received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1ml (50mg) of preservative freetramadol. The duration of analgesia was from the time of epidural block to the time of rescue analgesia. While, the quality of block was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Bromage scale. Results: Thestudy ages were between 16-60years,consisting of 22(60%) male and 15(40%) female in group A, while in group B 20 (54%) were male and 17(46%) female. It showed the mean duration of analgesia were 189.05±21.92min and 254.19±32.78min in group A and B respectively with p <0.01.The intra-operative VAS scores between the two groups did not show any significant difference between study groups (P> 0.05).The differences of grades of motor block and maximum sensory block height were not statistically significant (P=0.26) among the study groups. Conclusion: The addition of 50mg (1ml) of tramadol to plain bupivacaine epidurally prolonged the duration of analgesia and improved the quality of analgesia when compared to the use of bupivacaine alone

Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analyses of the CRK Gene Family in Cotton Reveals GbCRK18 Confers Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Gossypium barbadense.

Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) are a large subfamily of plant receptor-like kinases that play a critical role in disease resistance in plants. However, knowledge about the CRK gene family in cotton and its function against Verticillium wilt (VW), a destructive disease caused by Verticillium dahliae that significantly reduces cotton yields is lacking. In this study, we identified a total of 30 typical CRKs in a Gossypium barbadense genome (GbCRKs). Eleven of these (>30%) are located on the A06 and D06 chromosomes, and 18 consisted of 9 paralogous pairs encoded in the A and D subgenomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GbCRKs could be classified into four broad groups, the expansion of which has probably been driven by tandem duplication. Gene expression profiling of the GbCRKs in resistant and susceptible cotton cultivars revealed that a phylogenetic cluster of nine of the GbCRK genes were up-regulated in response to V. dahliae infection. Virus-induced gene silencing of each of these nine GbCRKs independently revealed that the silencing of GbCRK18 was sufficient to compromise VW resistance in G. barbadense. GbCRK18 expression could be induced by V. dahliae infection or jasmonic acid, and displayed plasma membrane localization. Therefore, our expression analyses indicated that the CRK gene family is differentially regulated in response to Verticillium infection, while gene silencing experiments revealed that GbCRK18 in particular confers VW resistance in G. barbadense.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever (Coxiellosis) in cattle herds in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and Q fever in cattle in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study aimed at determining the significance of Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetti infections in cattle. A total of 400 sera samples (139 from males and 261 from females cattle) were collected and screened for brucellosis using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for brucellosis and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for Q fever. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sampled animals from the study population. Data were analyzed to determine association and risk factors. Sera analysis revealed that, 18.5 and 6.8% were seropositive by RBPT and cELISA for brucellosis, while 6.2% was seropositive by iELISA for Q fever. A significant association was detected between cattle sex and sensitivity of RBPT for detecting Brucella. Meanwhile, a non-significant association was found between cattle age and breed with sensitivity of RBPT, cELISA, and iELISA. The study indicates that brucellosis and Q ever exist with high prevalence particularly among female cattle. This presents a serious public health problem, calling for greater awareness among stakeholders and for co-ordinated surveillance for the diseases among cattle populations in Nigeria.

Are roadside petrol dispensers at risk of oxidative stress? a study from gombe, North East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Gasoline is one of the most frequently utilized chemicals whose use is on the increase. Exposure to the volatile constituents of gasoline generates free radicals leading to oxidative stress. This is associated with nucleic acid, lipids, and protein damages leading to chronic diseases including cancers. Occupational exposure to this product is of public health concern, especially in the developing countries where the awareness and enforcement of safety measures are not adequate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma level of total antioxidant status (TAS) was compared between 90 roadside dispensers of gasoline and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. TAS was measured using standard colorimetric method. RESULTS: The mean age of the exposed and control groups is 29.03 ± 3.7 and 29.24 ± 3.5 years, respectively. The mean plasma TAS level of the exposed (0.60 ± 0.33 mmol/L) was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than that of the controls (1.29 ± 0.25 mmol/L). CONCLUSION: Our data have demonstrated higher level of oxidative stress in roadside dispensers of gasoline compared to the controls. This is an indication that roadside gasoline dispensers are probably at greater risk of developing chronic diseases associated with increased oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation may be of benefit to the roadside gasoline dispensers. Legislation on roadside gasoline dispensing should be enforced to reduce the incidence of long-term complications from repeated exposures.

Serological survey for Brucella antibodies in donkeys of north-eastern Nigeria.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to determine seroprevalence and risk factors influencing the presence of Brucella antibodies in donkeys of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria. The study aimed at providing baseline information that may be used in planning a control policy against equine brucellosis. Blood samples were collected from 601 donkeys, comprised of 374 males and 227 females from the six agricultural zones of the state between March 2013 and September 2014. The sera obtained were tested for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Of the 601 donkeys tested, 43 (7.2%) and 40 (6.7%) were seropositive by RBPT and cELISA, respectively. A seroprevalence of 8.6% was obtained in male and 3.5% in female donkeys. According to age, the highest seroprevalence of 9.6% was obtained from donkeys of age group 4-6 years. With respect to pregnancy status, a higher seroprevalence (6.8%) was obtained from pregnant donkeys compared to 3.8% obtained from the non-pregnant ones. There were statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and sex (p < 0.05) and the presence of antibodies and age (p < 0.05) of the studied donkeys. However, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between the pregnancy status and presence of antibodies. The study concludes that Brucella infection is present in donkeys in all the agricultural zones of the state. The relatively high seroprevalence (7.2%) obtained is of public health concern because of the close interaction between donkeys, ruminants, and humans in the study area.

Retrospective study of bovine tuberculosis in Gombe Township Abattoir, Northeastern Nigeria.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 8 million new cases and 3 million deaths in humans due to the disease each year. A retrospective abattoir study of bovine tuberculosis in Gombe Township Abattoir in Northeastern Nigeria was carried out from 2008 to 2015 using the abattoir records. Out of 154,562 slaughtered heads of cattle examined at postmortem, 1202(0.78%) had typical tuberculous lesions and overall total prevalence rate of 0.78%. The annual prevalence was significantly higher in 2015(1.04%) with the lowest records in 2011(0.34%). The annual prevalence rate showed intermittent increase in levels above the expected prevalence and there was a statistically significant difference in the relative annual prevalence rate of the disease in the abattoir. The distribution and occurrence of the disease in rainy season were higher than that in the dry season. The disease also appeared to be more prevalent in the rainy season 792(65.90%) compared with the dry season 410(34.10%) and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 15.45, p < 0.05). It was concluded that bovine TB is prevalent in Northeastern Nigeria, with indications of epidemics status in Gombe state.

Epidemiological study of bovine brucellosis in three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Nigeria.

AIM: To determine the seroepidemiological patterns of bovine brucellosis in three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were aseptically collected from the anterior jugular vein of 336 slaughtered cattle, between September 2013 and March 2014 in three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Nigeria. The sera obtained were screened for brucellosis using rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) in parallel. The data generated was subjected to Chi-square and Fishers exact test analysis to establish whether there is a relationship between the breeds, sex, and location of the animals sampled. RESULTS: Of the 336 cattle screened, 18 (5.4%) and 13 (3.9%) were positive by RBPT and SAT, respectively. There was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between the sex, age, and location of cattle with seropositivity of brucellosis in the state. It was concluded that brucellosis is prevalent in Bauchi State. Further study is recommended in other abattoirs and herds of cattle in Bauchi State for confirmation of the status of the disease among cattle slaughtered in the state. CONCLUSION: A high seroprevalence of brucellosis among the cattle in Bauchi state indicates that the disease is endemic and cattle are one of the animals that perpetuate and sustain the disease.

Effects of experimental Trypanosoma evansi infection on pregnancy in Yankasa ewes.

Twenty pregnant Yankasa ewes were assigned to three groups to determine the effect of Trypanosoma evansi infection on pregnancy. Groups A and B comprising seven ewes each were infected with approximately 1.0 × 10(6) cells of T evansi per ewe through venepuncture at the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Group C comprising six ewes served as uninfected control. There was slight pyrexia in the infected groups (groups A and B) but was absent in group C. The mean body weight, glucose concentration, and packed cell volume of ewes in group A were not significantly different from those in group C throughout the study. There was also no significant difference in mean glucose concentration between groups B and C. However, in group B, mean body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared to group C at week 2 and from week 4 post infection (pi) till the end of the study; the packed cell volume also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased but at weeks 4 and 6 pi. The mean plasma protein of ewes in group A was significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared to those of group C at weeks 7, 11 pi and thereafter till the end of the study. On the contrary, the plasma protein of ewes in group B decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to those in group C at weeks 2 and 6 pi. There were no reproductive losses throughout the study. This was characterized by insignificant differences in the gestation length between ewes in the infected groups (groups A and B) compared with those in group C. However, there were significant (P < 0.05) decreases in lamb birth weights of ewes in group B compared with ewes in groups A and C. Mice inoculation with blood from infected ewes postpartum was parasitemic 18 to 25 days pi, for ewes in group B, whereas none of the mice in groups A and C were parasitemic. Lambs born from the infected groups (groups A and B) were also aparasitemic for 40 days postpartum. It was therefore concluded that the T evansi isolate used caused mild trypanosomosis when infected at third trimester, whereas ewes infected at second trimester were resistant.

Highly Prevalent Hyperuricaemia is Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcomes Among Ghanaian Stroke Patients: An Observational Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Although a direct causal relationship between hyperuricaemia and stroke continues to be debated, strong associations between serum uric acid (SUA) and cerebrovascular disease exist. Very few studies have been conducted to evaluate the frequency and association between this potentially modifiable biomarker of vascular risk and stroke in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the association between hyperuricaemia and the traditional risk factors and the outcomes of stroke in Ghanaian patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 147 patients presenting with stroke at a tertiary referral centre in Ghana were consecutively recruited. Patients were screened for vascular risk factors and SUA concentrations measured after an overnight fast. Associations between hyperuricaemia and stroke outcomes were analysed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: The frequency of hyperuricaemia among Ghanaian stroke patients was 46.3%. Non-significant associations were observed between hyperuricaemia and the traditional risk factors of stroke. SUA concentration was positively correlated with stroke severity and associated with early mortality after an acute stroke with unadjusted hazards ratio of 2.3 (1.4 - 4.2, p=0.001). A potent and independent dose-response association between increasing SUA concentration and hazard of mortality was found on Cox proportional hazards regression, aHR (95% CI) of 1.65 (1.14-2.39), p=0.009 for each 100µmol/l increase in SUA. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricaemia is highly frequent and associated with adverse functional outcomes among Ghanaian stroke patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether reducing SUA levels after a stroke would be beneficial within our setting.

CLEFT LIP, ALVEOLUS AND PALATE IN AFRICAN NATIVES: AN UPDATE ON DEMOGRAPHICS AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOME.

BACKGROUND: Development of craniofacial structures is a complex process and disruption of any of the numerous steps can lead to development of oro-facial clefts. This is a surgically amenable anomaly as from early life that has had conflicting pattern of demographics reported by various researchers globally. There are several factors that are critical to the surgical outcome. OBJECTIVE: Study the demographics and the management outcome of cleft lip, alveolus and palate and highlight factors responsible for improved care in recent time. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary health institution. METHOD: All consecutive patients managed for cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP) over 7years and 10months were studied. OUTCOME: Cleft lip, alveolus and palate repair was performed on 149 patients, January 1, 2001- December 31, 2008 with an incidence of 2.1/1000 live births. From this, 27 patients, averaging 4.5 patients per year were operated for the first 6 1/3 years while the remaining 122(81.9%) the next 1 1/2 years, averaging 81.6 patients yearly. Their ages ranged from 3 months - 60 years with 77 (51.7%) males and 72 (48.3.0%) females. Cleft lip was the main presentation in 108(72.5%) of which 72(66.7%) were left sided. Bilateral cleft lip were14 (9.4%). Five (3.4%) patients had associated anomalies out of which 3(60.0%) had CLAP while 2(40.0%) isolated cleft lip or palate. The technique for cleft lip repair was Millard's and Noordhoof's while palatal cleft was the two-flap palatoplasty with intravelar veloplasty. Success was recorded in 142(95.3%) with complication observed in 7(4.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: The rarity of cleft lip, alveolus and/or palate in the African native documented previously may no longer be tenable as observe in this study. Management outcome has improved owing to the collaboration with SmileTrain, USA, along with multidisciplinary approach.

A case of omphalo-ischiopagus (dicephalic dithoracic abdominopagus tetrascelus tetrabrachius) in lambs.

This case report describes a rare occurrence of asymmetrical conjoined twinning in lambs in Makurdi (Benue state), Middle Belt region of Nigeria. The conjoined twins were delivered normally by a multiparous ewe of about three and a half years old; the female twins had two complete set of limbs. Barium meal and X-ray revealed abnormalities of the skeletal, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. This condition is rare in sheep and is to the best of our knowledge the first report of omphalo-ishiopagus (dicephalic dithoracic tetrabrachius) twinned lambs. The condition always leads to death of the twin lambs due to various physical abnormalities.

Epidemiology and management of head injury in paediatric age group in North-Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric head injury (HI) is the single most common cause of death and permanent disability in children world over, and this is increasingly becoming worrisome in our society because of increased risks and proneness to road traffic accidents on our highways and streets. The study set to determine causes and management of HI among children in our society. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all children aged 0-15 years with traumatic head injury (THIs) who were managed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between July, 2006 and August, 2008. RESULTS: A total of 45 children with THIs presented to the casualty unit of the hospital; 30 (66.7%) were boys and 15 (33.3%) were girls. Three (6.7%) children were less than 1 year of age, 21 (46.7%) were between 1 years and 6 years while 16 (35.6%) and 5 (11.0%) were aged 7-11 years and 12-15 years respectively. Thirty six (80.0%) of the children were pedestrians, 6 (13.4%) fell from a height, while 2 (4.4%) and 1 (2.2% were as a result of home accident and assault, respectively. Twenty one patients (46.7%) had mild HI, while 53.3% had moderate to severe category. Forty one (91.1%) of children were managed as in-patients, mostly (95.1%) by conservative non-operative management, while 4 (8.9%) were treated on the out-patient basis. The mortality rate was 17.8%. CONCLUSION: H1 among children is of a great concern, because of its incremental magnitude, due to increasing child labour and interstate religious discipleship among children, with attendant high mortality and permanent disabilities. Necessary laws and legislations should be formulated and implemented with organized campaigns and public enlightenment to prevent and mitigate this menace.

Nigeria's triumph: dracunculiasis eradicated.

This report describes how Nigeria, a country that at one time had the highest number of cases of dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) in the world, reduced the number of cases from more than 653,000 in 1988 to zero in 2009, despite numerous challenges. Village-based volunteers formed the foundation of the program, which used health education, cloth filters, vector control, advocacy for safe water, voluntary isolation of patients, and monitored program interventions and cases reported monthly. Other factors in the program's success were strong governmental support, advocacy by a former head of state of Nigeria, technical and financial assistance by The Carter Center, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Health Organization, and many other partners and donors. The estimated cost of the Nigerian program during 1988-2009 is $37.5 million, not including funding for water supply projects or salaries of Nigerian governmental workers.

Surveillance for African swine fever in Nigeria, 2006-2009.

African swine fever (ASF) has had significant economic and social impact in Nigeria since 1997. However, there has been no effective national response to bring it under control. In this report, we confirm that ASF is still prevalent and widespread in Nigeria. Results from both serosurveillance and virological analyses indicated that ASF is present in most of the agro-ecological zones of the country. Nine per cent (9%) of serum samples and 48% of tissue samples were positive for ASF virus antibody and genome, respectively. Areas with high pig-related activities (marketing, consumption and farming) have higher prevalences compared with areas with less pig activities. Farm-gate buyers, marketing systems and transport of untested pigs within the country assist with the circulation of the virus. Only by putting in place a comprehensive routine surveillance and testing system, reorganizing the market and transportation systems for pigs, implementing on-farm bio-security protocols and considering the option of compensation will it be possible to achieve a significant reduction in ASF prevalence in Nigeria.

Studies on effects of lactose on experimental Trypanosoma vivax infection in Zebu cattle. 2. Packed cell volume.

The ability of intravenously administered lactose in normal saline to prevent a decline in packed cell volume (PCV) during experimental trypanosomosis was studied in Zebu cattle. During the lactose infusion period, the PCV was stable up to Day 5 post-infection (p.i.) in a lactose-infused group, compared to that in an uninfused group in which the PCV dropped significantly (P < 0.05) as shown by the values of cumulative percentage change. Furthermore the mean rate of change in PCV was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the uninfused group relative to the lactose-infused group during the same period. While the PCV fell markedly in the lactose-infused group a day after lactose infusion was stopped (Day 13 p.i.), subsequent PCV values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to those in the uninfused group, up to the end of experiment on Day 17 p.i. However the mean rates of change in PCV did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) between the groups during the period in which lactose infusion was stopped. The mean levels of parasitaemic waves and parasitaemia were higher, more prolonged and more frequent in the lactose-infused group. It was inferred that the lactose was able to prevent an early onset of anaemia in the Trypanosoma vivax-infected Zebu cattle.