Nigerian Subjects Research Articles

Wahala dey like wetin?: theorizing crisis in Nigerian cultural forms

As a peculiarly Nigerian valence of crisis and disorder ubiquitously referenced within cultural forms, the term Wahala offers an important vantage point for understanding contemporary narrativizations of crisis. This article takes the phrase Wahala dey like Bicycle, a slang expression popularized in the country in 2020, as a starting point from which to rethink crisis, chaos, and adversity as narrated in the Nigerian social imaginary. I argue that Wahala provides the conceptual hinge with which to theorize crisis, not only as a condition of social debilitation that pivots between disorder and agency, but also as an instrument of social mobility that derives from endemic disorder as its propellant. Placing this discursive idiom and its echoes in the Nigerian slang-scape in conversation with Wole Soyinka’s Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth, I trace how it illuminates debilitations of endemic crisis, as well as the juncture of incapacitation, spatial contingencies, and agentic action that Nigerian subjects navigate within and transcend in their everyday lives through modes of improvisation. In mapping a geography of crisis, Soyinka’s novel demonstrates how endemic disorder and social unease manifest across the landscape in a conflict-prone social environment, allowing us to understand the itineraries of subjects who must invent meaning, control, and survival within such social geographies.

Comparison of CKD-EPI, C-G and MDRD equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease population in South-Western Nigeria

Background: Ethnic variabilities make reliability of formula equations for assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) doubtful in many populations. We compared Cockroft-Gault (CG), modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), and chronic kidney diseases epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations in adult Nigerian CKD subjects.
 Methodology: We measured 24-hour-urinary creatinine clearance of 311 adult CKD patients and compared with the three estimated equations. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement between estimated equations and measured creatinine clearance (mGFR). Receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic power of the equations. Equation with accuracy within 30% of mGFR of ≥90% was considered acceptable for use.
 Results: Mean age was 41.9±12.7 years with 182(58.5%) females. The mean GFR using CKD-EPI, 2 MDRD and CG equations were 69.5±33.9, 65.9±33.0 and 66.2±30.9 mls/min/1.73m respectively 2 (mGFR 68.3±31.1mls/min /1.73m ). The 3 equations showed positive correlation to mGFR (r=0.95) but CKD-EPI had the least bias.
 Conclusion: All three equations can be used but CKD-EPI equation is preferable in Nigerian CKD patients, especially with GFR> 60mls/min.

Serum immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, and trace element level in preeclamptic Nigerian subjects.

The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remains uncertain, and the research into a better understanding, its possible prediction, and subsequent prevention continues. This study evaluated changes in serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), C-reactive protein, and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Mn) in preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and non-pregnant females. The study was conducted among 150 subjects consisting of 50 preeclamptic subjects, 50 healthy normotensive pregnant women in their third trimester, and 50 non-pregnant women, all within the same age bracket. The serum concentration of the immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein were measured using standard immunoturbidimetric methods, whereas the trace elements were assayed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Serum IgG and IgM levels were observed to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects (101.22 ± 4.44 and 769.43 ± 1.43 mg/dl), respectively, when compared to the normotensive pregnant women (123.87 ± 1.81 and 881.71 ± 2.80 mg/dl), respectively. There was a non-significant difference in immunoglobulin A levels between the groups (P > 0.05). The C-reactive protein was significantly higher, whereas the trace elements were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects compared to the normotensives. There was a positive correlation between the immunoglobulin G and Zn levels (r = 0.334; P = 0.046) and also between immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.340; P = 0.043) and a negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and manganese levels in preeclamptic subjects (r = -0.375; P = 0.024). This study therefore reveals significantly lower levels of immunoglobulins and trace elements among the preeclamptic subjects. These micronutrient deficiencies and low levels of immunoglobulins could be risk factors for the development of high blood pressure and PE.

Prevalence of echocardiographic left atrial enlargement among hypertensive Nigerian subjects.

Left atrial enlargement (LAE) predispose to arrhythmias, atrial thrombogenesis and cardioembolic stroke. Whether LAE constitute a major risk among African hypertensive subjects is not well described. This study was aimed to describe the epidemiologic pattern of LAE among hypertensive subjects and determine their correlates. Clinical and demographic details of 414 hypertensive subjects used were taken. Echocardiography was done. LAE was defined as Left atrial dimension (LAD)>3.7 cm. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 17.0. 414 subjects including 258 (62.3%) males were recruited. The mean age was 56.8±16.8 years. LAE was present in 57.73% of hypertensive subjects. Those with LAE were likely to be older (58.23±14.5 vs. 54.8 ±19.7 years, p<0.05), had a higher waist circumference (88.1 ±26.8 ±75.8 ±28.4 cm, p<0.05), left ventricular mass index (79.2 ± 12.4 vs. 48.7 ±15.5g/m2.7, p<0.05) and a higher frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (65.3% vs. 40.0 %, p<0.05) respectively than those without LAE. LAD was significantly higher among those with LVH than those without LVH (41.4 ±8.4 vs. 35.6 ±5.9 mm respectively, p<0.05). LAE is common among Nigerian hypertensive subjects. Age, waist circumference, left ventricular wall dimension and mass index are the important correlates of LAE in hypertensive Nigerians.

Determination of Serum Prostate Specific Antigen Levels Amongst Apparently Healthy Nigerian Males in a University and University Hospital Community in the Federal Capital Territory.

BackgroundProstate cancer is the commonest cancer among men worldwide and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) has remained the most commonly applied screening test for the disease till date. Current PSA test results guidelines in our population are informed by reference intervals derived from studies from Caucasians and other racial groups. With scanty data on PSA reference values from our local population, this study evaluated the serum PSA levels of apparently healthy Nigerian male subjects in whom prostate cancer and urinary tract infection have been excluded.MethodThis study had participants aged 40 to 70 years, with no lower urinary tract symptoms or other symptoms suggestive of prostate disease recruited from the male staff population of the University of Abuja and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the adjoining local community. They were physically examined, had prostate ultrasonography, urine analysis, and blood sample collected for PSA testing. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.ResultOf a total of 210 men who participated in the study, 191 eventually met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 52.9 years, ninety seven percent of them had heard of prostate cancer before now. The mean total PSA was 1.46 ng/mL (SD +/−1.55), while the reference interval was .23–5.60 ng/mL. The average prostate size was 41.8 mL (SD+/-20.11), and there was a positive correlation between the PSA and the prostate size (.418) as well as the age of the subjects (.446). There was no significant difference in the mean PSA value for those with or without family history of prostate cancer (P=.979).ConclusionThe reference range of PSA in Nigeria is higher than in other races, hence utilizing a local value in decision making would help to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures.

Glycaemic Index of Commonly Eaten Dough Staple Foods among Diabetics and Non-Diabetics in Makurdi

Starchy dough food is the most commonly consumed food in Nigeria. However, the recent disease epidemiological changes from communicable to non-communicable diseases, has implicated changes in occupational choice from farming to sedentary works and consumption of predominantly dough starchy food as a notable culpable cause. Hence, this study examined the glycaemic impact of the commonly eaten staple starchy foods in Nigerian subjects. Therefore, the study aims to determine glycaemic Index of commonly eaten dough foods on healthy subjects and diabetics. This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 16 healthy staff and diabetic patients from Benue State University Teaching Hospital. Each participant ingested food products (pounded yam, amala, fufu and garri) (equivalent of 50g glucose) and 50 g of reference meal. Samples were taken for blood glucose at intervals of0, 30, 60, 90,120 mins. The area under curve was determined using trapezoid method for different time intervals. The sum of area under curve for each test food was divided by the sum of area under curve for standard glucose and multiplied by 100 to determine the glycaemic index of the food products respectively. In this study the glycaemic index for diabetic group after intake of pounded yam, amala, garri and fufu were 80.95%, 69.32%, 84.08% and 97.04% respectively and for apparently healthy group it was 80.81%, 71.63%, 80.59% and 94.81% respectively. Glycaemic index for pounded yam, amala, fufu and garri is high in diabetics and healthy subjects. However, Cassava meals had higher glycaemic index compared to amala which is a yam product. Therefore, consumption of these starchy dough foods should be less frequent and in smaller portions in individual at risk of diabetes mellitus and diabetics.

From Google Doodles to Facebook: Nostalgia and Visual Reconstructions of the Past in Nigeria

AbstractIn June 2019, Google announced plans to connect Africa to Europe through an undersea internet cable project named Equiano. As a techno-commercial platform, Google’s gesture warrants scrutiny and propels this essay’s analyses of the political connections of Internet spaces that also enable a visual turn in the scholarship of African history. Using the Google search engine and Facebook, Yékú and Ojebode stress the embeddedness of digital technologies in cultural meanings that include visual narratives that visibilize government’s ahistoricism. They conclude by foregrounding the digital labors of Nigerian digital subjects who deploy historical photographs on Facebook as expressions of performative nostalgia.

Effect of Vernonia Amygdalina Leaf on Cytochrome P450 2D6- and 3A4-Mediated Metabolism of Dextromethorphan in Healthy Nigerian Subjects

Back-ground and Objectives: The study’s focus is to investigate the effects of Vernonia amygdalina on the metabolic activities of Cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6 in vivo. The assessment was based on CYP2D6-mediated O-demethylation and CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation of dextromethorphan (DEX) to Dextrorphan (DOR) and 3-methoxymorphinan (3-MM), respectively.&#x0D; Methods: The clinical study followed a two-phase cross over study with two weeks washout period. Volunteers received a single oral dose of DEX 30 mg alone in phase 1 and along with last dose of V. amygdalina leaf powder in phase 2. 8-hour urine samples were collected in both phases post-administration of DEX and analyzed using HPLC-UV. The chromatographic separation of DEX, DOR, 3-MM, and Imatinib was achieved on a C18 column. The analytes were eluted with a gradient elution consisting of 50mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 5)-acetonitrile at a 1 mL/min flow rate, and detected at 280 nm. Activities of the enzymes investigated were evaluated using the urinary metabolic ratios of DEX:DOR and DEX:3-MM.&#x0D; Results: Median (interquartile range) values for the metabolic ratios of DEX:DOR was 0.032 (0.028-0.246) and 0.029 (0.018-0.061) for phases with and without V. amygdalina respectively, while the average median values for DEX:3MM was 5.087 (3.692-71.420) and 5.609 (3.093-19.197) for phases with and without V. amygdalina respectively. However, the differences between both phases were not significant for both isoenzymes.&#x0D; Conclusion: V. amygdalina does not significantly affect the activities of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 In vivo, which indicates that it has minimal potential to interact with the substrates of both isoenzymes.

Influence of Socio-demographic Factors on Perception of Midline Diastema

Objective: Socio-demographic factors have been said to affect the perception of midline diastema. Aesthetic importance of maxillary midline diastema varies in individuals and there is no common consensus on the registration of diameter of maxillary midline diastema. The aim of the study was therefore to determine the acceptable width of diastema among a group of Nigerian subjects and the effect of their socio-demographic factors on the perception of midline diastema.&#x0D; Method: Subjects aged 19-45 yrs were recruited from the 6 geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants. The questionnaire sought for information such as age, gender, profession, presence of midline diastema and created diastema. The questionnaire included a coloured smile photograph with digitally altered varying sizes of diastema (2mm - 6mm). Subject rated the different coloured photographs using the rating scale (very attractive =1, attractive =2, accepted =3, unattractive =4, and very unattractive =5). Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 (SPPS Inc, Chicago IL).&#x0D; Result: A total of 374 participants aged 19 – 45 years was involved in this study. Majority (52.1%) were females and mean age was 37.07+/-0.63 years. Only 30.2% had midline diastema out of which 12% was artificially created. Majority (86.7%) of the created diastema was done by the dentist. Age (p=0.024) and level of education (p=0.017) had a significant relationship with perception of midline diastema. Older subjects and those with lower educational level considered midline diastema a sign of beauty. Majority of the participants perceived the 2-4mm midline diastema attractive and 5-7mm midline diastema unattractive.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that a relationship exists between age and perception of midline diastema. The acceptable width of the midline diastema in this study is 2mm-4mm.&#x0D;

Cardiovascular determinants of renal dysfunction among children and adolescents in South West Nigeria

Background: New evidences reveal significant association of cardiovascular risk factors to development of chronic kidney disease among children and adolescents but there is paucity of data from Africa.&#x0D; Objectives: We examined the association of cardiovascular risk factors to renal dysfunction among Nigerian pediatric subjects.&#x0D; Materials and method: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of pediatrics aged 2 to 17 years. Blood pressure, body mass index, serum lipids and creatinine were determined. Their glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the revised Schwartz equation. Data was analyzed with SPSS 20. Test of association was by Chi square at P &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: We studied 114 children and adolescents. There were 55 (48.2%) males and 59 (51.8%) females with mean age of 8.99±4.26 years. There were 68 (53.5%) children and 53 adolescents (46.5%). Four (3.5%) subjects had proteinuria ≥1+. Renal dysfunction (eGFR &lt;60ml/ min/1.73m2) was found among 9 (7.9%) participants. Renal dysfunction was higher among children than adolescents (13.1% v 1.9%) (p = 0.027). The presence and clustering of risk factors were higher among subjects with renal dysfunction (p value 0.466, 95% CI 0.19-28.3). Low HDL-c (44.4%), prehypertension(22.2%) and overweight (22.2%) were the most prevalent risk factors among those with renal dysfunction. Only age demonstrated relationship to renal dysfunction in terms of mean difference (p value 0.007, 95% CI, 1.125-6.818).&#x0D; Conclusions: The prevalence and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors is higher among children with renal dysfunction. Age showed association to renal dysfunction. Dyslipidemia and high body mass have propensity to influence the development of pediatric CKD.&#x0D; Keywords: Cardiovascular risk factors, renal dysfunction, association, pediatrics, Nigeria, Africa.

Case report: psychiatric assessment of testamentary capacity in Nigerian subject

ABSTRACT Background Testamentary capacity is an orphan topic in most psychiatric literatures especially in Nigeria. Trends of events are however changing as knowledge advances. Aims To appreciate the legal and medical interface, aid our understanding of the factors in the assessment of testamentary capacity and mastery of the principles involved. Method Vignette is made of one of the one of the two cases that were seen in Psychiatric Hospital Uselu, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria between March and May 2012. Theoretical basis and methodical adaptation in different instances as they relate to assessment of testamentary capacity were discussed. Results Testamentary freedom is limited by customary law which is not uniform because of cultural heterogeneity in the Nigeria setting. More detailed assessment is required when assessing testamentary capacity in special population. Conclusion Psychiatrist should prepare for the possibility of more of such request in the future.

Influence of ABO Blood Group on Fibrinogen Levels and Platelet Count in Apparently Healthy Nigerian Subjects

A total of hundred (100) apparently healthy young adult male and female participants comprised of 25 subjects of blood group A, B, AB and O respectively were recruited for this study. Five milliliters of blood was collected and used for the estimation of fibrinogen levels, platelet count and ABO blood grouping using standard laboratory methods. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 was employed in the analysis of the data.

Differential Impact of Nevirapine on Artemether-Lumefantrine Pharmacokinetics in Individuals Stratified by CYP2B6 c.516G>T Genotypes.

There is an increased recognition of the need to identify and quantify the impact of genetic polymorphisms on drug-drug interactions. This study investigated the pharmacogenetics of the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between nevirapine and artemether-lumefantrine in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adult Nigerian subjects. Thirty each of HIV-infected patients on nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy and HIV-negative volunteers without clinical malaria, but with predetermined CYP2B6 c.516GG and TT genotypes, were administered a complete treatment dose of 3 days of artemether-lumefantrine. Rich pharmacokinetic sampling prior to and following the last dose was conducted, and the plasma concentrations of artemether/dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine/desbutyl-lumefantrine were quantified using tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters of artemether-lumefantrine and its metabolites in HIV-infected patients on nevirapine were compared to those in the absence of nevirapine in HIV-negative volunteers. Overall, nevirapine reduced exposure to artemether and desbutyl-lumefantrine by 39 and 34%, respectively. These reductions were significantly greater in GG versus TT subjects for artemether (ratio of geometric mean [90% confidence interval]: 0.42 [0.29 to 0.61] versus 0.81 [0.51 to 1.28]) and for desbutyl-lumefantrine (0.56 [0.43 to 0.74] versus 0.75 [0.56 to 1.00]). On the contrary, it increased exposure to dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine by 47 and 30%, respectively. These increases were significantly higher in TT versus GG subjects for dihydroartemisinin (1.67 [1.20 to 2.34] versus 1.25 [0.88 to 1.78]) and for lumefantrine (1.51 [1.20 to 1.90] versus 1.08 [0.82 to 1.42]). This study underscores the importance of incorporating pharmacogenetics into all drug-drug interaction studies with potential for genetic polymorphisms to influence drug disposition.

Prevalence of torque viruses in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected Nigerian subjects: analysis of near-full-length genome sequences.

Torque teno virus (TTV), torque teno mini virus (TTMV) and torque teno midi virus (TTMDV) are members of the family Anelloviridae that are known to infect humans. Although no pathogenic roles have been associated with anelloviruses, their high prevalence and perceived ubiquitousness have provoked scientific interest in understanding their molecular and biological characteristics. We used nested PCR to determine the prevalence of anelloviruses among 130 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and 130 healthy blood donors, and analyzed three near-full-length genome sequences of TTV isolates from HIV-infected and non-HIV infected Nigerians. Statistical analysis showed that the rate of TTV infection was significantly higher in the HIV-infected group (65%) than in the blood donor group (26%) (p < 0.05, χ2 = 40.3). TTMV and TTMDV infections were very high in both groups, ranging between 88 and 95%. No significant association was found between TTV infection and age, sex, CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. Near-full-length genome sequences of TTV isolates FL100, FL08 and BD67 determined by next-generation sequencing were 3.6 kb, 3.2 kb and 2.9 kb, respectively, in size. Their GenBank accession numbers are MK820644, MK820645, MK820646, respectively. These isolates shared 59% sequence identity across the whole genome and clustered in two different phylogenetic groups. Our study established for the first time the circulation of TTV, TTMV and TTMDV in the Nigerian population, with a disproportionately higher prevalence of TTV in HIV-infected patients. The near-complete TTV genome sequences from Nigeria are similar to the sequences KT163879 and KT163916 (3748 and 3190 respectively), obtained from the plasma of HIV-infected subjects from the United States, and EU305675 (2919), identified in human plasma samples from France.

Hepatitis C viral load and genotypes among Nigerian subjects with chronic infection and implication for patient management: a retrospective review of data.

IntroductionHepatitis C Virus (HCV) is highly infectious with no currently available vaccine. Prior to treatment, it is recommended to confirm HCV infection with either quantitative or qualitative nucleic acid test. Access to these assays in Nigeria is limited but for effective management of patients, HCV viral load (VL) prior to therapy is required and genotype may be needed in some instances. This study aimed at reviewing the pattern of HCV viral load and genotype in the country, and its implication in patient management.Methodsthis was a retrospective study that involved data abstraction from an electronic database of an accredited laboratory between June 2013 and May 2017. De-linked data were abstracted from records of adult subjects with HCV VL and genotype results, these were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS v20.Resultswithin the study period, 346 subjects had baseline VL and 134 (38.7%) had genotype results available. Of these, 202/346 (58.4%) had detectable VL results with higher prevalence in males (64.7%) and ≥51years (42.5%) age group. The median VL among 202 subjects was 407,430 (IQR: 96,388 - 1,357,012) IU/mL. Distribution of genotypes showed that genotypes 1 and 4 had prevalence of 63.2% and 16.8% respectively.Conclusiongenotypes 1 and 4 have the highest prevalence. A greater proportion of subjects had VL values ≤800,000 IU/mL, an indication that they are more likely to respond well to available antiviral therapy hence, access to these antivirals will greatly improve management of HCV infection in Nigeria.

IGBO NAMING COSMOLOGY AND NAMESYMBOLIZATION IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S TETRALOGY

Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God and A Man of the People, the first four novels by Chinua Achebe, the contemporary Nigerian novelist, are among the most outstanding works of African postcolonial literature. As a matter of fact, each of these four novels focuses on a different colonial or postcolonial phase of history in Nigeria and through them Achebe intends to provide an authentic record of the negative and positive impacts of ‘hybridity’ on different aspects of the life of native subjects. Briefly stated, Achebe is largely successful in taking advantages of variable discursive tools he structures based on the potentials of the hybrid, Igbo-English he adopts. Thus, it might be deduced that reading these four novels in line with each other, and as chains or sequels of Tetralogy, might result in providing a more vivid picture of the Nigerian (African) subjects and the identity crises emerging in them as a result of colonization. To provide an account of the matter, the present study seeks to focus on one of the discursive strategies Achebe relies on in those four novels: Igbo Naming Cosmology and Name-symbolization.

Gender differences in pain perception and endogenous pain inhibitory pathway among healthy nigerian subjects

Gender differences in pain perception and endogenous pain inhibitory pathway among healthy nigerian subjects

Anthropometric Relation of Neck and Waist Circumference in Overweight and Obese Nigerian Subjects: Implication for the Fashion Industry

Introduction: In the local tailoring industries in Nigeria, it is generally assumed that the waist circumference is twice the neck circumference. Whether this is true for obese and overweight people is unknown. Objective: This study investigated the anthropometric relationship of the neck circumference to the waist circumference in overweight and obese people and its use in the clothing industry. Subjects and Methods: A sample size of 557 volunteers between 18 to 50 years was recruited for the study from the three campuses of the University of Port Harcourt. 391 were overweight (males=218, females=173) and 166 were obese (males=63, females=103). The neck and waist circumferences of volunteers were taken at the upper neck circumference (UNC), middle neck circumference (MNC), lower neck circumference (LNC) and upper waist circumference (UWC), middle waist circumference (MWC) and lower waist circumference (LWC) respectively. The Body Mass Index of the participants were determined after their weights and heights were measured to enable us categorize them into overweight and obese. The data obtained were analyzed with the aid of Microsoft Excel statistical tools. Results: Overweight males had UNC =37.83cm, UWC =83.69cm, MNC =37.72cm; MWC=85.79cm, LNC =38.43cm, LWC =86.37cm. Overweight females had UNC =33.64cm, UWC=78.02cm, MNC =33.64cm, MWC= 83.09cm, LNC =34.71cm, LWC=83.09cm. Obese males had UNC =40.15cm, UWC=93.87cm, MNC =40.12cm, MWC= 97.95cm, LNC =40.85cm, LWC =97.82cm. Obese females had UNC =35.07cm, UWC =90.86cm, MNC= 35.29cm, MWC =97.29cm, LNC =36.01cm, LWC =100.72cm. Pearson’s correlations(r) of the different regions of the neck and waist for overweight and obese subjects were determined. Conclusion: The correlation between the neck and waist circumference is weak in both overweight and obese. No subject has a waist circumference that is exactly twice the neck circumference. Estimation of waist circumference from the neck circumference will result in clothes that are not fitted.

Peripheral neuropathy and its clinical correlates in Type 2 diabetic subjects without neuropathic symptoms in Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a risk factor for foot disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There are scanty data on prevalence of PN and its clinical correlates in Nigerian T2DM subjects without neuropathic symptoms. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical correlates of PN diagnosed using objective methods in T2DM subjects without symptoms of PN. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving T2DM subjects at the Diabetes Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. History was obtained and physical examination done on subjects. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) done on the day of assessment and values of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting lipid profile done within the preceding three months- were obtained from subjects' clinic folders. Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score (DNSS) was used to identify subjects without neuropathic symptoms. PN was diagnosed using tuning fork, and two biothesiometers. Data collection was done using researcher-administered study proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: 524 subjects [244 (46.6%) males and 280 (53.4%) females] were recruited for the study. 223 (42.6%) of these subjects did not have neuropathic symptoms and PN tested further with 3 objective methods. PN prevalence with tuning fork, analog and digital biothesiometers were 71.5%, 14.8% and 14.8% respectively. All clinical variables evaluated were poor predictors of PN (P > 0.05). Conclusion: PN diagnosed by objective methods is present in South-Eastern Nigerian T2DM subjects who do not have symptoms of PN. Tuning fork diagnosed PN much more than the other methods reflecting its subjectivity.

Comparative analyses of three radiographic dental age estimation methods amongst Nigerians

Background: Age estimation is a critical step in constructing biological profiles from human skeletal remains. This study aimed to compare three radiographic methods of age estimation with tested validity in different populations for accuracy and applicability in forensic investigations amongst Nigerians.Methods: This was a retrospective study of panoramic radiographs (Planmeca Romexis®) captured from 46 young Nigerian patients between ages 6 to 21 years in a Federal Tertiary Health Institution in Southwest Nigeria between July and December, 2017. Parameters on the panoramic radiographs were measured and scored based on Demirjian, Cameriere and Kvaal radiographic dental age estimation methods. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 at p 0.5). Demirjian method was found to be strongly correlated with chronological age (rs = 0.763); Cameriere method moderately correlated (rs = 0.684) and Kvaal method weakly correlated (rs = 0.476). Demirjian method showed the strongest direct relationship (R² = 0.56) followed by Cameriere (R² = 0.44) and Kvaal method (R² = 0.22). Demirjian system was the only significant predictor of the chronological age of Nigerian subjects using multiple linear regression.Keyword: Age estimation, Demirjian, Kvaal, Cameriere, Nigeria