Advances in drug delivery systems, challenges and future directions.

Advances in molecular pharmacology and an improved understanding of the mechanism of most diseases have created the need to specifically target the cells involved in the initiation and progression of diseases. This is especially true for most life-threatening diseases requiring therapeutic agents which have numerous side effects, thus requiring accurate tissue targeting to minimize systemic exposure. Recent drug delivery systems (DDS) are formulated using advanced technology to accelerate systemic drug delivery to the specific target site, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing off-target accumulation in the body.

Mammographic classification of breast lesions amongst women in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

Objectives: The study was to classify lesions identified on mammograms using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) grading method. This was in view of ascertaining the rate of occurrence of breast malignancy of the studied population.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 416 mammographic reports of women was undertaken.

Determination of the sonic properties of a Nigerian quartz for ultrasonic transducer.

Background: There is abundant quartz deposit in Nigeria which has been used for export and building purposes. However, its electrical and piezoelectric properties have not been studied. Thus, whether it can be used as raw material for the indigenous electric industries is unknown to date.

Sonographic Biometry of Fetal Interorbital Distance as a Predictor of Gestational Age in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a sonographic technique for the measurement of fetal interorbital distance (IOD) for gestational age (GA) determination and to establish a normogram of IOD for the local population.

Methods: The fronto-transverse sonographic technique was established as a feasible and reproducible technique for IOD measurement. Two independent and experienced sonographers tested the technique and had a coefficient of variation of 17.

Sonographic assessment of pregnancy co-existing with uterine leiomyoma in Owerri, Nigeria.

Background: Uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy could cause obstetric complications.

Objectives: To assess sonographically the frequency of occurrence and effect of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted during a period of 23 months.