RESUMO
Aim of Study: To investigate the effects of oral administration of moringa seed on sperm production rate and gonadal sperm reserve in rabbits. Study Design: 7 Month old mixed breed male rabbits were randomly assigned into two treatment groups. Group 1(n=30) was the control group whereas the rabbits in group 2 (n=30) were administered Moringa oleifera seed powder in drinking water (250mg/L). After 4 weeks, the gonadal sperm reserve, daily sperm production, sperm production per gram testes and testicular dimensions (weight, volume and density) was compared between the two groups. Place and Duration of Study: Livestock farm, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria, from May to June 2013. Methodology: Gonadal sperm reserve was estimated using a haemocytometer. Testicular weight and volume were determined using laboratory scale and water displacement method respectively. Parenchyma (1g) of each testis was sectioned and homogenized in 10ml of normal saline. The homogenate was filtered through 2 layers of loosely netted bandage. Spermatozoa number was determined using an improved Neubauer chamber. Daily sperm production (DSP) was estimated by dividing the gonadal sperm reserve by a time divisor of 3.66 corresponding to the time in days of the duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Daily sperm production per gram testes (DSPG) was determined by dividing the DSP by the weight of testicular parenchyma. Results: The results indicate significantly higher gonadal sperm reserve and daily sperm production for the control group compared to the treatment,(4.37±.18 to 3.27±.32 and 1.20±.06 to 0.77±.09) Mean values of daily sperm production per gram testes were however similar for all groups(0.53±.03 and 0.47±.20). Testicular weight (2.20±.06 to 1.43±.12) and volume (2.20±.15 to 1.73±.07) were significantly higher for the control group compared to treatment (P=0.05). Tissue density was similar for both groups (1.01±.05 to 0.82±.07).
RESUMO
The role of ultrasonography [US] as an initial screening test was evaluated in 3000 consecutive cases of blunt abdominal trauma [BAT]. Seventy-three were positive for free fluid collection or organ injury. US-guided aspiration was used to rule out the hollow visceral injury in those referred to nonsurgical therapy. Sixty patients underwent laparotomy. These included 53 clinically unstable patients, three stable patients with positive US-guided aspiration for bile or intestinal contents and four who deteriorated upon conservative treatment. The remaining patients with US negative for fluid had some evidence of abdominal injury on clinical examination. Ultrasonography complemented the clinical examination. Both the sensitivity and specificity of US for the detection of free fluid were 100%. The overall sensitivity was 92% in spleen injuries, 88% in liver injuries and 100% in kidney injuries, with a positive predictive value of 96%, 100% and 100% and a specificity of 97%, 100% and 100% respectively. Retrospective correlation of US with laparotomy findings regarding free fluid showed that 50-100 mL of free fluid was minimal, 100-500 mL moderate, and above 500 mL significant. Thirteen patients completed conservative treatment with an uneventful course in the hospital. Both the US findings and the clinical condition of the patient should be considered in decision-making in BAT. Unnecessary laparotomies can be avoided when the major bleeding site is not in the abdomen and such patients can be safely observed after excluding the hollow visceral injury by US-guided aspiration. US, being rapid to perform, sensitive and easily repeatable, is quite useful as an initial screening test in BAT patients