Aims and Objectives: In the past, most notions about the metabolic syndrome emphasized the importance of obesity. This study determined the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS), among normal weight BMI Nigerians. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and sixty-nine subjects, (369, men 207, women 162), aged above 30 years were randomly recruited for the study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Programme/ Adult Treatment Panel 111, (NCEP/ATP111), criteria. Results: Thirty six subjects (9 males, 27 females) had three abnormal factors. Four abnormal factors occurred in 3 female subjects giving a total of 39 subjects that satisfied the criteria for the diagnosis of the MS. These gave the prevalence of MS as 10.6%, 4.3% and 18.5% among all, male and female subjects respectively. MS was distributed evenly in the normal BMI range among the women while among the men more cases were found in the upper range of normal BMI. Prevalence increased with BMI. Conclusions: Individuals in the normal-BMI range have a relatively high prevalence and are at increased risk of having MS and its components. Therefore, physicians should screen metabolic syndrome in not only obese but also non-obese individuals in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The possibility of using WC in placed of BMI in the assessment of cardiovascular risk was underscored.

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Introduction: HIV/AIDS is one of the leading health problems in developing countries and the campaign against it cannot be overemphasized. Several interventions are therefore needed to limit its spread and scourge. The uniformed men especially the military are believed to have a high transmission rate of HIV. Aims and Objectives: This study was initiated to determine the effect of education on knowledge level, risk-related behaviours and source of information for army personnel in Enugu about HIV/AIDS. Materials and Methods: A total of 299 army personnel from different departments of 82 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters Enugu were selected randomly to participate in the study in 2007 by completing our anonymous structured questionnaire with informed consent. Results: Of the respondents, 81.2% males, 18.8% females, 78.9% attained secondary education and above majority of which were low ranking army personnel (below the rank of lieutenant). A total of 54.8% were married, whereas 44.5% and 0.7% were single and divorced respectively. Only 3.3% had not heard of HIV/AIDS. The main source of information about HIV/AIDS was radio, though those with primary education got more information from friends and home (p<0.05) when compared to those with secondary education and above, there was high knowledge level. Conclusions: Educational attainment and knowledge level had no influence on risk behaviours; further study is therefore needed to identify the motivating factors behind this.

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Background: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is involved in and the catabolism of toxic de-oxynucleotides ⁽⁵⁾ and modulation of insulin action. Although its activities in leprosy have been measured, its characteristics have not been reported. Objective: To determine adenosine deaminase activities in leprosy and possible variation with age and drug history. Method: Ninety eight (98) leprosy patients, 54 males and 44 females, aged 25-67 years, of the Leper Colony in Oji River, Enugu State of Nigeria were studied. Fifty, (50), 20 and 28 patients were on colony, on drugs and newly diagnosed respectively. Serum adenosine deaminase activity was assayed using the method of Martinek, (1963). Results: Mean adenosine deaminase activity in leprosy was 40.99 ± 28.1 U/l, and showed no significant male, (40.38 ± 26.78 U/l), female, (41.5 ± 29.43), variations, (p > 0.05). Values in leprosy varied significantly with age, (r = 0.3127; p = 0.0021) and between the three groups, (F = 487.9, p < 0.0001). The enzyme activity of oncolony subjects was significantly raised above control values. Conclusion: Adenosine deaminase activity in leprosy was significantly elevated and varied with age and drug history. The marked elevation in enzyme activity in untreated patients, significant decrease with drug administration and the relative ease of adenosine deaminase assay, indicate that the enzyme may serve as a biochemical marker of leprosy useful for diagnosis and prognosis.

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Background: Coagulation defects during pregnancy have over the years been known to contribute to morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate maternal rheology, and haemostatic profile in primigravidae with pre-eclampsia Subjects and Methods: Consecutive antenatal attendees were recruited into the study, comprising of pre-eclamptic primigravidae and apparently healthy normotensive primigravidae in second or third trimester. Blood samples were obtained and analysed for coagulation profile [prothrombin time (PT). activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)], rheological parameters [fibrinogen (PFC), haematocrit (Hct.), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Plasma viscosity (PV)] ,and haemtological parameters using standard methods Results: A total of 150 primigravidae were enrolled into the study, seventy-five with preeclampsia and 75 primigravidae, age and trimester matched, served as controls Mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and Hct.were significantly higher in preeclampsia compared with controls (p<0.0001), The platelet count was lower in the pre-eclamptic group. The fibrinogen, ESR, plasma viscosity, and blood viscosity were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group (p<0.0001). The PT was more prolonged in the preeclamptic group (p<0.001), APTT was more shortened in the pre-eclamptic group. Conclusion: This study has further demonstrated a derangement in rheological determinants in pre-eclamsia. The prolonged prothrombin time observed in this group may indicate a quantitative or qualitative abnormality of factors of the extrinsic pathway. Further studies are recommended in Africans with pre-eclamsia to ascertain the role of factor VII in preeclampsia.

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Extramedullary solid tumors arising from cells of the myeloid lineage are generally referred to as chloromas because of the green colour and presence of myeloperoxidase in the tumors. Few cases of chloromas not fulfilling these criteria have been reported but none in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We report a 76 year old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed a rapidly progressive left para-spinal tumour deposit

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Objective: To determine the prevalence of dentinal sensitivity among staffs of an organized private motor park and to assess it's relationship with self-reported gingivodental conditions, concerns and practices. Methods: All categories of staffs in an organized private motor park in Benin-City were studied using interviewer-administered questionnaire to elicit information on demography, oral health attitudes, practices and problems, and perceived gingivodental health. Results: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was 41% (25/61). The self-reported gingivodental conditions among the participants were food packing (67.2%), dental caries (32.8%), tooth mobility (13.1%), gingival bleeding (8.2%) and halitosis (4.9%). Worry about halitosis, tooth and gingival colour were expressed by 14.8%, 16.4% and 8.2% of the participants respectively. Majority of the participants rated their perceived gingival (86.9%) and dental (85.2%) health as Excellent/good. Amongst the participants, 26.2% reported receipt of professional instruction tooth brushing, 47.5% reported twice-daily brushing, 16.4% reported visiting the dentist, 11.5% smoke cigarette, 8.2% use smokeless tobacco and 70.5% have ever used their teeth to open bottled drink. Dental appearance satisfaction was expressed by 77.0% of the participants while 8.2% use or believe that they will use artificial teeth with ageing. Dentinal sensitivity was significantly associated with texture of toothbrush, receipt of professional instruction on tooth brushing, dental appearance satisfaction and food packing Conclusion: Dentinal sensitivity coexisted with some deficient oral health practices, periodontal problems and unsatisfactory dental appearance in the studied population. Extension of mobile dental care and information to this group of population will help to prevent and ameliorate the reported dental problems.

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A case of an 84 year old man admitted because of fever, abdominal discomfort, weakness, past history of cough wheezing and abuse of prednisolone and Erythromycin. He had Bronchopneumonia and diabetes. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from both his sputum and blood while stool was negative for salmonella. He was treated with ampicillin and insulin. This is an uncommon lung infection of Salmonella sp in our community.

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Citations found in two historical articles, which appeared in Cancer Research, a top American Journal, were used to show both positive and negative attitudes towards my 22 historical publications on cancer carriage in the body. Therefore, scientific information concepts are cited critically and two hypotheses are advanced in terms of promoting the works of Third World scientists.

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