Association between Facial Types and Handedness among Students of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Bayero University, Kano

Background: Generally, a person's dominant hand is a simple and precise determinant of his preference for hand use in fine manual tasks. The main tools used in forensics are derived from the relationships between anthropometric features with important physical and /or biological traits. Objective: This study was to determine the association between facial types and handedness among students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Bayero University, Kano. Methodology: Cross-sectional study design with a consecutive sampling of 400 (180 males and 220 females) students (aged 18 and above) of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Bayero University, Kano was carried out. Facial height (FH) and facial width (FW) were measured using established landmarks and the facial index (FI) was calculated from them. The dominant handedness of each participant was determined using the writing component of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. This procedure involved asking the participants to mention which of their hands was dominant. The participant was then asked to write a sentence regarding the activitieshe/she was carrying out at the point of recruitment to ascertain the claim made by the participants. The sentence was written separately using each hand. All the data obtained were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version 20.0). Results: The study population was relatively young (21.76 ± 2.77 years). Right-handedness was the commonest hand dominance observed in both males (90.7%) and females (91.7%). The commonest types of face were the hypereuriproscopic 2 (0.5%), Euriproscopic 41 (10.3%), Mesoproscopic 78 (19.5%), Leptoproscopic 127 (31.8%) and Hyperleptoproscopic 152 (37%) facial types. The majority of the participants were right-handed and this was regardless of gender. The prediction of handedness based on facial types (ꭕ2 = 1.39, Df =3, P = 0.85) or facial index (P = 0.92, OR=0.99, CI = 0.82 ­ 1.19) was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The facial types identified among the study population were not associated with their handedness and thus it was not a good predictor of handedness

Glomerular filtration rate in homozygous sickle cell disease children in steady state and healthy Nigerian children: a comparative study in north-eastern Nigeria

Background: Homozygous sickle cell disease (HSCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder of public health importance worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for a third of the global burden. The effect of HbS on the kidneys results in sickle cell nephropathy, which contributes to increased mortality among HbSS patients beyond third decade of life. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an important renal function test for evaluating progress of sickle cell nephropathy, however, this is seldom done to HbSS patients especially in the insurgency that devastated the North-eastern part of Nigeria, where displacement of people has led to increase in diarrhoeal diseases with its complications which also contributes to renal diseases, hence the need for this study. Objective: To determine the baseline glomerular filtration rate of homozygous SCD in steady state and compare same with normal controls. Methods: This is a prospective comparative study conducted at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). The study population consisted of age and sex matched HbSS subjects in steady state and children with haemoglobin AA genotypeaged 3-14 years. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months. Anthropometry and serum creatinine of the subjects were determined and GFR calculated using Schwartz formula. Results: Two hundred and twenty children consisting 110 HbSS and 110 controls were enrolled. This consist of 106 males and 114 females with M:F ratio of 0.9:1. Mean ages of HbSS patients and HbAA subjects were 8.2years and 7.9 years respectively. The mean GFR (SD) was 125.9 (31.9) ml/min/1.73m2 and 93.0 (16.1) ml/min/1.73m2 for the HbSS and HbAA controls, the difference between the means was significant (P<0.001). The normal GFR range for the controls was 77 to 109 ml/min/1.73m2. Sixty-seven (61%) casesand 86 (78%) controls had GFRs within normal range. There was statistically significant difference for GFRs above and below the normal range (Z-score=6.2 & -2.9, p<0.001 & p<0.004). Conclusion: About a third of HbSS children in steady state have elevated GFR, this suggests the presence of moderate renal pathology. Regular monitoring of these children will lead to improvements in management of sickle cell nephropathy and their quality of life

Knowledge on HIV/AIDS and Sexual Behaviour among Youths in Kibaha District; Tanzania

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV/AIDS than any other region in the World. Half of all new HIV infections occur in young people. Identifcation of the associated factors is likely to be useful in designing effective interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the determinants of high-risk sexual behaviours among youths in Kibaha District; Tanzania. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The survey gathered data pertaining to the sexual healthy behaviours among youths; including condom use; number of sexual partners; age at first sexual involvement and knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. A total of 322 individuals aged 15-24 years were involved in the study. More than 69had sex at least once in their life time. Only about one-third (32.3) of the youths reported to have used condom during the first sexual intercourse and 37during the last sex. About 21.7of the respondents acknowledged having more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. The majority (98.4) of the respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS. About three quarters (74.8) of the respondents knew where to get HIV testing services but only a small proportion (28.9) had tested for HIV infection. Of those not yet tested; 38.2admitted that they were ready to do so. Although 317 (98.4) respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS; and majority; 65.2mentioned condom as the method used to prevent its transmission; only 117 (36.3) acknowledged using them. In conclusion; despite good knowledge on transmission of HIV among youths in Kibaha district; only a small proportion of them practices safe sex. Education programmes on safe sex practices should be strengthened to provide skills that could be effective in changing and maintaining safe sex behaviours among youths in Tanzania

Is Z Division of The Achilles Tendon Always Necessary in Wide Exposure of The Back of The Distal Tibia and Ankle Joint? Report of a Preliminary Investigation

Background: In posterior approach to the back of tibia and ankle; mere retraction of the Achilles tendon can expose the operation site but when this exposure is not enough; Z division of the Achilles tendon is recommended in literature. The main objective of the study is to find out if Z division of the Achilles tendon is always necessary in posterior approach to the back of tibia and ankle for direct vision of the back of distal tibia; exploration of bones and joints of the posterior aspect of the ankle joint.Method: From 15/12/1997 to 30/12/2006 sixteen patients required surgical management of distal tibia fractures involving articular surfaces. Posterior approach with Achilles tendon division was indicated for satisfactory access to the back of tibia and ankle. In equal number of these patients division of the Achilles tendon was either by Z or longitudinal divisions. Intra and post operative assessment of both types of Achilles tendon division was done.Results: Longitudinal division of the Achilles tendon had advantages and should be preferred. Operation time; period of post- operative pain and cast immobilization were brief. There was full range of motion of the ankle joint after removal of cast.Conclusion: When division of the Achilles tendon is indicated for direct vision of the posterior aspect of the distal of tibia and ankle joint; Z division is not necessary. A good knowledge of anatomy and experience makes the procedure easier and quicker

Is Z Division of The Achilles Tendon Always Necessary in Wide Exposure of The Back of The Distal Tibia and Ankle Joint? Report of a Preliminary Investigation

Background: In posterior approach to the back of tibia and ankle; mere retraction of the Achilles tendon can expose the operation site but when this exposure is not enough; Z division of the Achilles tendon is recommended in literature. The main objective of the study is to find out if Z division of the Achilles tendon is always necessary in posterior approach to the back of tibia and ankle for direct vision of the back of distal tibia; exploration of bones and joints of the posterior aspect of the ankle joint.Method: From 15/12/1997 to 30/12/2006 sixteen patients required surgical management of distal tibia fractures involving articular surfaces. Posterior approach with Achilles tendon division was indicated for satisfactory access to the back of tibia and ankle. In equal number of these patients division of the Achilles tendon was either by Z or longitudinal divisions. Intra and post operative assessment of both types of Achilles tendon division was done.Results: Longitudinal division of the Achilles tendon had advantages and should be preferred. Operation time; period of post- operative pain and cast immobilization were brief. There was full range of motion of the ankle joint after removal of cast.Conclusion: When division of the Achilles tendon is indicated for direct vision of the posterior aspect of the distal of tibia and ankle joint; Z division is not necessary. A good knowledge of anatomy and experience makes the procedure easier and quicker

Abdominal injuries in olabisi onabanjo university teaching Hospital Sagamu, Nigeria: Pattern and outcome

Objective: The aim was to study the pattern and outcome of abdominal trauma managed by Laparotomy in Olabisi Onabanjo University teaching Hospital Sagamu (OOUTH), South Western Nigeria.Method: This is a retrospective study. The records of the patients were retrieved and relevant data extracted such as age, sex, occupation, address, cause of injury, vital signs on admission, abdominal signs, other injuries, number of units of blood transfused, investigations, indications for surgery, operative findings, procedure carried out, complications and outcome.Results: Seventy seven subjects were reviewed. There were 23 females (29.9%), and 54 males (70.1%). The age range was 3years to 68years, 32 patients (41.6%) were in 20-30 years age group. The mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in 61 (79.2%) and penetrating injury in 16 patients (20.8%). Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of injury, in 53 patients (68.8%). 42 patients (54.5%) had extra abdominal injuries. Positive paracentesis abdominis was the commonest indication for surgery, in 53 patients (68.8%). The spleen was the most commonly injured organ, in 31 patients (40.2%) while the organs were normal in 4 patients (5.2%). The complication observed includes acute renal failure, in 5 patients (6.5%), multiple organ failure in 5 patients, and wound infection in 8 patients (10.4%). Ten patients died. (13%)Conclusion: Splenic rupture is the most common abdominal injury treated by Laparotomy in OOUTH Sagamu and the commonest cause is road traffic accident. Mortality was due mainly to acute renal failure and multiple organ failure

A review of diagnosis and modes of presentation of tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene

Background:Tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene (TILLG) is also known as Symmetrical gangrene in the African; Idiopathic gangrene in the African and Idiopathic peripheral gangrene of the tropics.The aetiopathogenesis of this clinical entity is a mystery. Objective: To review methods of diagnosing tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene (TILLG) and highlight its clinical variants. Method: All Literature on idiopathic gangrene of the extremities was searched from libraries; colleagues and internet but only literature on TILLG (in Africans) from 1947 to date was scrutinised. Each case was studied to find out the basis of diagnosis. Result:TILLG is not fully understood and not easy to recognise.Two sets of criteria are known to be helpful in establishing diagnosis. These criteria can be classified as major and minor criteria. Major criteria are those clinical data that can establish the diagnosis of TILLG. No devices are required to identify them. Minor criteria are pathological changes that are consistent with TILLG. Devices are required to identify them.Three pathomorphological types of TILLG were described in literature and are classified as types A; B and C. Conclusions:This review is supposed to sensitise the clinician and make diagnosis easier.This will also encourage more researches.As more information becomes available; aetiopathogenesis of TILLG will be clearer and more clinical variants of the disease may be reported.This additional information will help in the prevention of gangrene; reducing the socioeconomic problems arising from amputation