Prodigiosin-loaded electrospun nanofibers scaffold for localized treatment of triple negative breast cancer.

Hybrid composite nanofibers, with the potential to enhance cell adhesion while improving sustained drug release profiles, were fabricated by the blend electrospinning of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), gelatin, pluronic F127 and prodigiosin (PG). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the nanofibers revealed diameters of 1.031 ±â€¯0.851 µm and 1.349 ±â€¯1.264 µm, corresponding to PLGA/Ge-PG and PLGA/Ge-F127/Ge, respectively. The Young's moduli were also determined to be 1.446 ±â€¯0.496 kPa and 1.290 ±â€¯0.617 kPa, while the ultimate tensile strengths were 0.440 ±â€¯0.117 kPa and 0.185 ±â€¯0.480 kPa for PLGA/Ge-PG and PLGA/Ge-F127/Ge, respectively. In-vitro drug release profiles showed initial (burst) release for a period of 1 h to be 26.000 ±â€¯0.004% and 16.000 ±â€¯0.015% for PLGA/Ge and PLGA/Ge-F127 nanofibers, respectively. This was followed by 12 h of sustained release, and subsequent slow sustained release of PG from the composite nanofibers. The cumulative release of PG (for three days) was determined to be 82.0 ±â€¯0.1% for PLGA/Ge and 49.7 ±â€¯0.1% for PLGA/Ge-F127 nanofibers. The release exponents (n) show that both nanofibers exhibit diffusion-controlled release by non-Fickian (zeroth order) and quasi-Fickian diffusion in the initial and sustained release regimes, respectively. The suitability of the composite nanofibers for supporting cell proliferation and viability, as well as improving sustained release of the drug were explored. The in-vitro effects of cancer drug (PG) release were also studied on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells). The implications of the results are discussed for the potential applications of drug-nanofiber scaffolds as capsules for localized delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.

Antidepressant-like effect of ethanol extract of Blighia unijugata Bak. (Sapindaceae) leaves in acute and chronic models of depression in mice.

Blighia unijugata (Sapindaceae) is an indigenous tree belonging to the tropical forests of West Africa. It is called "Ako Isin" by the Yoruba people of Southern-Western part of Nigeria, where it is among plants used traditionally in the management of depressive psychosis. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the anti-depressant activity of ethanol extract of Blighia unijugata leaves in-vivo using acute and chronic experimental models of depression. The antidepressant activity of ethanol extract of B. unijugata leaves was investigated using acute and chronic unpredictable mild stress. Depression tests used included forced swimming, tail suspension, yohimbine induced lethality and reserpine induced depression tests. Oxidative stress markers were also assessed in the brain homogenates after chronic unpredictable mild stress. The acute toxicity studied using oral route of administration was 1414 mg/kg. The results showed that, B. unijugata produced significant reduction in immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests without stimulating in locomotor activity in open field test. It was also found that B. unijugata significantly reversed diarrhea, ptosis and hypothermia in reserpine model of depression. 2.5 mg/kg B. unijugata potentiated yohimbine induced lethality in mice and also reduced the oxidative stress markers. The ethanol extract of B. unijugata leaves possessed antidepressant action, thus justifying its use in the management of mental illness.

Changing pattern of maxillofacial fractures in a sub-urban nigerian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the current pattern of facial fractures presenting in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) and compare this with two earlier reports from the same institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients presenting with facial bone fractures at the OAUTH between January 1996 and December 2004 were included in the study. Information obtained were patients' demographics, date, cause, site and type of injury. The interval before presentation in the hospital was documented. Data was analysed and compared with two earlier studies carried out in the same institution. RESULTS: 451 patients (351 males and 100 females) presented with 632 facial bone fractures between January 1996 and December 2004. This shows a greater female involvement compared with earlier studies. Similar to earlier studies, majority of the patients (39.7%) were aged 21-30 years however, more cases occurred in the first decade of life in the present study than in the previous. Road traffic crashes remained the leading cause of fractures (74.7%), followed by fight/assaults (8.0%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of motorcycle related crashes and gunshot injuries. While the incidence of mandibular fractures declined, a statistically significant increase was observed for fractures of the middle face specifically Le Fort 1 and zygomatic complex fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Facial bone fractures appear to be on the increase in the studied location. More females and younger children are involved now. Road traffic crashes accounted for most facial bone fractures but violence related causes are on the increase.

Facial dog bites in Southwestern Nigerian children: an analysis of eight cases.

This paper analyses the prevalence, pattern and treatment outcome of eight cases of facial dog bite in Nigerian children seen and managed at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital's Complex, a tertiary hospital located in Southwestern Nigeria. During the study period of 18 months (July 1996-December 1997), a total of 174 cases of facial soft tissue injuries in children were managed, two of which resulted in rabies and death of the patients. Based on the findings of this analysis, we suggest that unprovoked facial dog bites inflicted by familiar domestic dogs may be complicated by rabies. Ignorance about the risk of uncompleted treatment, financial constraints and scarcity of the vaccine may be implicated in the outcome. The need to improve community knowledge of rabies and the availability and affordability of rabies vaccine are highlighted.

Pattern of soft tissue injuries to the oro-facial region in Nigerian children attending a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the aetiological factors and pattern of oro-facial soft tissue injuries among children in a suburban Nigerian population. The problems encountered in the management of the patients are also highlighted. SETTING: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals' Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria. SAMPLE AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out in children aged < or = 15 years who presented with oro-facial soft tissue injuries between July 1996 and December 1997. Data was collected from a clinical examination of the child and a questionnaire completed by the parent or carer. RESULTS: During the study period, 174 children were managed for oro-facial soft tissue injuries, an incidence of 1.1%, out of a total of 15 582 child admissions. A male preponderance was found (1 : 0.74). The mean age +/- SD was 7.3 +/- 4.2 years and the range was 9 months-15 years. Falls were the most common aetiology followed by road traffic accident. The forehead was the most frequently injured site. A mortality of 3.4% was found. Although animal bites and burns accounted for only 13.8% of all injuries, all the deaths were a result of these aetiologies. Road traffic accidents and burn victims had the longest hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Although falls and road traffic accidents are frequent causes of oro-facial soft tissue injuries, less common causes, like burns and dog bites are more likely to result in death.

Indications for the extraction of impacted third molars in a semi-urban Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Medical records and radiographs of 450 consecutive patients that had extractions of impacted third molars at a semi urban Nigerian Teaching Hospital were studied to highlight common indications for such extraction. Infections accounted for majority (69.6%) of third molars extracted at the lower jaw, followed by periodontal pocket formation distal to second molars (12.5%). Caries, cysts, jaw fractures and neoplasm were respectively responsible for 5.7%, 0.6%,0.5% and 0.3% of impacted lower third molars extracted. Obscure jaw pain (48.4%) was the most common reason for removing impacted upper third molars. Only 2 (3.2%) upper third molars were extracted because of infections. Since pericoronitis was the most common indication for the extraction of impacted lower third molars, it was suggested that where resources for third molar surgery are limited, it may seem reasonable to prioritise removal of asymptomatic third molar covered by soft tissue alone.

Comparative study of third molar impaction in rural and urban areas of South-Western Nigeria.

This study was carried out in the urban and rural areas of Southwest Nigeria with the objective of comparing the pattern of third molar impaction. A total of two thousand four hundred (2,400) subjects aged 20 years and above were examined for third molar impaction and radiographs taken for all suspected cases. Analysis of the finding in this study revealed that there was an increase in the prevalence of third molar impaction in the urban areas (10.7%) when compared with the rural populations (1.1%). It could be demonstrated that third molar impaction is more of a problem of urban youths than the older age groups. Civilization and change of diet seemed to be responsible for the observed differences in third molar impaction in the two geographical areas. This study also revealed that mesioangular impaction of lower third molar and vertical impaction of upper third molar was the commonest respectively in both communities.

Gunshot injuries of the orofacial region in Nigerian civilians.

The dearth of information from Africa on gunshot injuries to the orofacial region in a civilian population prompted this retrospective survey. Sociodemographic data, manifestations at admission, type of firearm inflicting injuries, mechanism of injury, radiographs, treatment and complications were reviewed. All injuries occurred in the civilian population. The majority of patients (95.5%) were males, involved mainly in recreational hunting expeditions. The Dane gun was mostly used (86.4%) and accidental discharge of the weapon was recorded in 59.1% of the cases, 40.9% of these being accidentally self-inflicted. Overall, the left half of the face received more of the missiles. Complications were seen in 63.6% of the patients and the most common of these was loss of sight. The mortality rate was 22.7%. Late presentation was a frequent occurrence. It is suggested that Nigerian law enforcement agencies devise strategies to monitor the sale, acquisition and use of such firearms.

Maxillofacial fractures in a semi-urban Nigerian teaching hospital. A review of 442 cases.

A retrospective review of 442 patients, seen by one maxillofacial unit over a twelve-year period, is presented. Data concerning the patients' demographics and the aetiology, pattern, treatment and complications of the fractures were obtained and evaluated. Approximately 72% of the patients sustained fractures from road traffic accidents and 39% of the fractures occurred in the 21-30-year range. There was a male preponderence and 8% of all cases had postoperative infections. Over 20% of the patients sustained associated body injuries and only one-third reported for treatment within 24 hours of injury. Road traffic accidents continue to be the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures. The late presentation for treatment appears to be related to the rural and semi-urban dwelling of the patients and the attendant transportation and economic difficulties.

Third molar eruption among rural Nigerians.

Times of eruption of third molars were studied in rural Nigerian adolescents--125 males and 133 females. Results of this study showed that the average age for the initial eruption of third molars was 15 years in male subjects and 13 years for female subjects. The incidence of eruption showed a steep rise after the age of 16 years for male subjects and 14 years for female subjects. By the age of 19 years, all third molars had erupted into the oral cavity. The eruption of lower third molars was generally ahead of the upper third molars for all age groups. The results of this study suggest that (1) the timing of third molar eruption is strongly influenced by the availability of mandibular trigone space, (2) the attrition and shrinkage of the dental arch, probably as the result of nonrefined highly fibrous diets, produce larger mandibular trigone spaces, and (3) the early eruption of third molars observed in the present study may be due to the nature of the diet used and the vigorous employment of the masticatory apparatus (from infancy) by the subjects examined.

Automated analysis of prerecorded evoked electromyographic activity from rat muscle.

An automated microprocessor-based data acquisition and analysis system has been developed specifically to quantify electromyographic (EMG) activity induced by the convulsant agent catechol in the anaesthetized rat. The stimulus and EMG response are recorded on magnetic tape. On playback, the stimulus triggers a digital oscilloscope and, via interface circuitry, a BBC B microcomputer. The myoelectric activity is digitized by the oscilloscope before being transferred under computer control via a RS232 link to the microcomputer. This system overcomes the problems of dealing with signals of variable latency and allows quantification of latency, amplitude, area and frequency of occurrence of specific components within the signal. The captured data can be used to generate either signal or superimposed high resolution graphic reproductions of the original waveforms. Although this system has been designed for a specific application, it could easily be modified to allow analysis of any complex waveform.

Age and sex distribution of tooth mortality among Nigerians.

The second part of a study of tooth mortality among Nigerians is reported. In an earlier report (Odusanya, 1985), five major causes of tooth loss were identified. Periodontal disease and dental caries accounted for 90% of all losses. The present report however, focussed on the age and sex distribution of tooth mortality. It was discovered that tooth mortality in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life was the highest. Within this short interval, 46.7% of the entire tooth loss recorded in this study took place. Of this percentage, dental caries accounted for 34%. The results of this study suggest an impending dental disease epidemic in Nigeria which can be avoided if early attention is paid to the prevention of an imminent dental caries explosion. Maximum benefit is likely to be derived from paying particular attention to the population below the 2nd decade of life. During the 4th decade of life the incidences of dental caries and periodontal disease were approximately equal. After the 4th decade however, periodontal disease was the primary aetiologic factor for tooth mortality among Nigerians. The average tooth loss per patient was 1.48 for males and 1.53 for females.

Tooth loss among Nigerians: causes and pattern of mortality.

A study was carried out to elucidate the causes and pattern of loss of permanent teeth among Nigerians. A total of 3,163 dental extractions were carried out on 2,100 patients thus giving a ratio of 1.5 extractions per patient. The investigation revealed two major causes of tooth loss, i.e. periodontal disease (46.4%) and dental caries (43.9%). Other important aetiologic factors were trauma (4.5%), tooth impaction (2.4%) and orthodontic problem (1.6%). There was evidence to confirm fears by previous researchers that dental caries as a major cause of tooth mortality was increasing fast and could soon become the most important cause of tooth loss if not controlled. The study further showed that tooth mortality among Nigerians could be minimized if appropriate steps were taken immediately to control periodontal disease and dental caries, both of which constitute approximately 90% of all the causes of tooth loss.

Orthodontic status of school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Se hizo un estudio en niños escolares de un área rural de Ile-Ife, Nigeria para determinar su condición ortodóncica. El 51% de los niños examinados estaban libres de problemas ortodóncicos. 45% presentó maloclusión Clase I de Angle. Cuando se comparan estos resultados con los obtenidos en otros estudios en niños nigerianos de zonas urbanas, el presente estudio sugiere que: 1) la prevalencia de problemas ortodóncicos en niños escolares nigerianos de la zona rural es menor que la de niños de la zona urbana; 2) cuando ocurren los problemas ortodóncicos, son ligeramente más severos en los niños escolares de la zona urbana que en los niños de la zona rural