The influence of eroding Djallonke genotype on the incidence of diseases and mortalities in Sahelian x Djallonke cross-bred sheep.

Despite cross-breeding of Djallonke and Sahelian sheep due to the higher growth rate and final body weight of the Sahelian breeds over time, little scientific evidence exists on the ability of the crosses to withstand diseases compared to their Djallonke parents. A study involving 700 Djallonke and two crosses of the Djallonke and Sahelian breeds (50% Sahel × 50% Djallonke, 75% Sahel × 25% Djallonke) was conducted, and documented incidence of diseases, parasites and mortalities in these animals. Enteritis, Ehrlichia ruminantium and orf were more prevalent in 25% Djallonke than both 100% and 50% Djallonkes. Similarly, pneumonia was more prevalent in 50% Djallonkes, individuals of all age groups and females than all other genotypes, adults and males, respectively. Enteritis prevalence was also higher in lambs and males than animals of all age groups and females, respectively. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in individuals of all age groups and males, than lambs and females, respectively. More abscess and trauma cases were found in males than females. Higher levels of tapeworm and flea infestations were seen in lambs than weaners and adults. Conversely, more mange mite and tick infestations were seen in adults than weaners and lambs. Higher mortality rates were recorded in all other genotypes, lambs and females than in 100% Djallonke, all other age groups and males, respectively. Higher case fatality rate was recorded in haemoncosis than taeniasis cases. The Sahel x Djalloke crosses are more susceptible to infectious diseases and record higher mortality rates than the pure Djallonke genotypes.

Vigour in West African Dwarf kids within the first 24 h post-partum.

One hundred and fifty West African Dwarf (WAD) kids were tested at the National Goats Breeding Station to determine the effects of some neonatal factors on their vigour levels within the first 24 h post-partum. The kids were also tested to establish the relationship between maternal weight, rectal temperature, times of first standing and sucking, sucking period and vigour. The distance covered (in meters) by a kid towards its mother during a 5-min test period was considered as vigour trait. Vigour levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing age within the first 24 h post-partum. Kids born to second parity mothers had higher (p < 0.05) vigour than those born to first parity mothers. Similarly, high birth weight kids had higher (p < 0.05) vigour levels than low birth weight kids. Weak positive and negative correlations (p < 0.05), respectively, were found between vigour and rectal temperature, and vigour and the time of first successfully standing. However, there was moderate positive correlation (p < 0.01) between vigour and sucking period. The time it took for the newborn kid to stand up for the first time also correlated weakly and negatively (p < 0.01) with the duration of sucking by the newborn within the first 5 min of accessing the teat. Vigour within the first 24 h post-partum in WAD kids increased with increasing age, parity and birth weight and might be responsible for the earlier and longer sucking time and periods, respectively, in high birth weight kids and those dropped by multiparous does.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazards in Agricultural and Virgin Soil in the State of Kedah, North of Malaysia.

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined in 30 agricultural and virgin soil samples randomly collected from Kedah, north of Malaysia, at a fertile soil depth of 0-30 cm. Gamma-ray spectrometry was applied using high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray detector and a PC-based MCA. The mean radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 102.08 ± 3.96, 133.96 ± 2.92, and 325.87 ± 9.83 Bq kg-1, respectively, in agricultural soils and 65.24 ± 2.00, 83.39 ± 2.27, and 136.98 ± 9.76 Bq kg-1, respectively, in virgin soils. The radioactivity concentrations in agricultural soils are higher than those in virgin soils and compared with those reported in other countries. The mean values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rates D (nGy h-1), annual effective dose equivalent, and external hazard index (Hex) are 458.785 Bq kg-1, 141.62 nGy h-1, and 0.169 mSv y-1, respectively, in agricultural soils and 214.293 Bq kg-1, 87.47 nGy h-1, and 0.106 mSv y-1, respectively, in virgin soils, with average Hex of 0.525. Results were discussed and compared with those reported in similar studies and with internationally recommended values.

Mycotic bronchial artery aneurysmal rupture in the early stage of lung abscess: A case report.

Symptomatic bronchial artery aneurysm warrants urgent intervention. It has a known association with pulmonary infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We hereby report an elderly lady with a ruptured left superior bronchial artery mycotic aneurysm. She was in the early stages of treatment for a left lung abscess. She had multiple episodes of haemoptysis following which she underwent a left lower lobectomy. Presentation of lung abscess with a concurrent ruptured mycotic aneurysm warrants early surgical intervention and can be curative as seen in this case.

Effects of season on the reproductive organs and steroid hormone profiles in guinea hens (Numida meleagris).

The study documented gross anatomical and histological differences in the reproductive organs of 28 breeding and non-breeding female guinea fowls. Peripheral progesterone and 17ß-oestradiol concentrations were also compared in breeding and non-breeding hens. In non-breeding females, all ovarian and oviducal gross anatomical features had significantly regressed. Histologically, some of the changes in a regressing oviduct include systematic changes in height and size of all epithelial cells in all regions of the duct, absence/sparse ciliation of portions of surface epithelium in the magnum, isthmian and uterine regions, general loss of cytoplasmic mass, reduction in size and degeneration of tubular glands. Mucosal folds in all regions of the oviduct except the infundibular lip were higher in breeding females. No difference was found between the two groups in plasma progesterone concentrations. Breeding females, however, had higher peripheral oestradiol concentrations than non-breeding females. About 2 h prior to oviposition, plasma oestradiol concentrations peaked at 2.4-fold (230 pg/ml) compared with baseline concentration and plasma progesterone concentrations by nearly 9-fold (5.29 ng/ml) of baseline. Significant regression and changes in the histological structure of the ovary and oviduct had occurred in non-breeding females, and lower peripheral oestrogen concentrations may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Effects of season on the reproductive organ and plasma testosterone concentrations in guinea cocks (Numida meleagris).

The physiological basis of seasonal breeding in the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) still remains unknown, despite the socioeconomic importance of these birds, particularly in Ghana. A study involving a total of 50 local guinea cocks was conducted, and documented gross anatomical and histological differences in the reproductive organs of breeding and non-breeding male guinea fowls. The study also compared peripheral testosterone concentrations in breeding and non-breeding cocks. Seasonal differences in variables measured were determined using two-tailed t-test/Mann-Whitney U-test. All comparisons were made at 5% level of significance. Breeding males had significantly (P = 0.000) higher anatomical biometric parameters than their non-breeding counterparts. Also, breeding birds had thicker (P = 0.000) phalli than their non-breeding counterparts. Histologically, regressing testis was characterized by the presence of sloughed off cells and increased debris in the tubular lumen and within the excurrent duct system, collapsed tubules and reduction in tubular lumen. Germ and Sertoli cell populations and nuclear diameters and actual seminiferous tubular diameter and length in regressing testes were significantly (P = 0.000) lower than in active testes. Leydig cell nuclear diameters and populations were also significantly (P = 0.000) reduced. Relative volume of seminiferous tubules in the testis, testicular sperm production/mg testis and per testis and peripheral testosterone concentrations were all higher (P < 0.05) in breeding than non-breeding testis. The ducts in the epididymal region also saw significant (P < 0.05) reductions in luminal diameters in non-breeding birds. Significant regression in anatomical and histological structures of the guinea cock reproductive tract occurred during the non-breeding season, and lower peripheral testosterone concentrations may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Barlow's Repair: Light in the Dark Tunnel: A Case Report Could Omit 'Light in A Dark Tunnel'.

Barlow's disease has a complex pathology requiring reconstructive surgery. Despite the complicated surgery it holds a positive outcome. We report a successful case of Barlow's disease who underwent mitral valve reconstructive surgery at our centre. Post-operative echocardiography shows a well-functioning repaired mitral valve without significant mitral regurgitation.

Barlow’s Repair: Light in the Dark Tunnel: A Case Report Could Omit’ Light in A Dark Tunnel’t

Barlow’s disease has a complex pathology requiring reconstructive surgery. Despite the complicated surgery it holds a positive outcome. We report a successful case of Barlow’s disease who underwent mitral valve reconstructive surgery at our centre. Post-operative echocardiography shows a well-functioning repaired mitral valve without significant mitral regurgitation.

Awake Craniotomy: A Case Series of Anaesthetic Management using a Combination of Scalp Block, Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Awake craniotomy is a brain surgery in patients who are kept awake when it is indicated for certain intracranial pathologies. The anaesthetic management strategy is very important to achieve the goals of the surgery. We describe a series of our first four cases performed under a combination of scalp block and conscious sedation. Scalp block was performed using a mixture of ropivacaine 0.7% and adrenaline 5 5µg/ ml administered to the nerves that innervate the scalp. Conscious sedation was achieved with a combination of two recently available drugs in our country, dexmedetomidine (selective α 2-agonist) and remifentanil (ultra-short acting opioid). Remifentanil was delivered in a target controlled infusion (TCI) mode.

Looking beyond legality: understanding the context of female sex workers in greater Cairo, Egypt.

Data on demographic, social and behavioural characteristics of female sex workers in greater Cairo are very scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 431 randomly selected sex workers after mapping of sites where they gather. Data collection was performed by direct interviewing using a questionnaire sheet covering sociodemographic data and sexual history with paying and non-paying partners. More than one half of participants (52.7%) were aged < 30 years. Only 39.3% were exclusively working as sex workers while the rest had other jobs beside sex work. Almost 70% were responsible for deperidants. The age of first selling sex was < 15 years for 4.7% of the women and 15-25 years for 58.7%. Unwanted pregnancies were experienced by 36.2% and 34.8% had had an abortion. Many participants had ever been arrested by the police (71.2%). The study has provided some useful background data for further studies in this very sensitive area of research.

Looking beyond legality: understanding the context of female sex workers in greater Cairo, Egypt

Data on demographic, social and behavioural characteristics of female sex workers in greater Cairo are very scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 431 randomly selected sex workers after mapping of sites where they gather. Data collection was performed by direct interviewing using a questionnaire sheet covering sociodemographic data and sexual history with paying and non-paying partners. More than one half of participants [52.7%] were aged < 30 years. Only 39.3% were exclusively working as sex workers while the rest had other jobs beside sex work. Almost 70% were responsible for dependants. The age of first selling sex was <15 years for 4.7% of the women and 15-25 years for 58.7%. Unwanted pregnancies were experienced by 36.2% and 34.8% had had an abortion. Many participants had ever been arrested by the police [71.2%]. The study has provided some useful background data for further studies in this very sensitive area of research

HIV infection and related risk behaviours among female sex workers in greater Cairo, Egypt.

Although illegal in Egypt, prostitution exists. The prevalence of HIV infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Cairo is not precisely known. This cross-sectional study investigated the high-risk behaviour for HIV infection and HIV prevalence among FSWs in greater Cairo. A total of 431 FSWs were interviewed about their sexual history with paid and unpaid partners, condom use and risky behaviour for HIV infection; all were tested for HIV. Use of alcohol and drugs was reported by 39.9% and 49.0% of the women respectively; 37.6% only used such substances while with a client. Male condoms were known by 72.6% but their use in the previous month was low (32.8%) and only 22.4% had used one with their last client. The main reasons for not using condoms were not thinking of it (40.6%) and client refusal (20.5%). All the women tested negative for HIV infection. The high-risk behaviour of many FSWs necessitates intervention programmes to reduce their risk of HIV infection.

HIV infection and related risk behaviours among female sex workers in greater Cairo, Egypt

Although illegal in Egypt, prostitution exists. The prevalence of HIV infection among female sex workers [FSWs] in Cairo is not precisely known. This cross-sectional study investigated the high-risk behaviour for HIV infection and HIV prevalence among FSWs in greater Cairo. A total of 431 FSWs were interviewed about their sexual history with paid and unpaid partners, condom use and risky behaviour for HIV infection; all were tested for HIV. Use of alcohol and drugs was reported by 39.9% and 49.0% of the women respectively; 37.6% only used such substances while with a client. Male condoms were known by 72.6% but their use in the previous month was low [32.8%] and only 22.4% had used one with their last client. The main reasons for not using condoms were not thinking of it [40.6%] and client refusal [20.5%). All the women tested negative for HIV infection. The high-risk behaviour of many FSWs necessitates intervention programmes to reduce their risk of HIV infection

Intracerebral haematomas after deep brain stimulation surgery in a patient with Tourette syndrome and low factor XIIIA activity.

A 24-year-old male patient with refractory Tourette syndrome was treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and developed subsequent bilateral subcortical haematomas. Additional blood tests revealed abnormalities of plasma factor XIIIA and tryptophan levels, which may be associated with Tourette syndrome. Neurosurgeons who perform DBS surgery on patients with Tourette syndrome must be aware of possible disastrous complications resulting from factor XIIIA disorders of blood haemostasis. Routine screening for this condition is not typically performed prior to surgery in these patients.

Castleman's disease: a study of a rare lymphoproliferative disorder in a university hospital.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a group of rare lymphoproliferative disorders sharing characteristic clinical and histological features, and usually accompanied by a marked systemic inflammatory response. Two histological patterns of lymph nodes were described: the hyaline-vascular and plasma-cell types. The former is more common (80-90%) and tends to be localized. The plasma cell type is more aggressive and usually multicentric. It is interesting that the inflammatory manifestations seem to be related to a lymph node lesion, because the systemic symptoms and inflammatory activity can return to normal after surgical excision or successful medical treatment of the disease. We report here our 15-year experience with this rare disease in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the clinical features, therapy, and patients'outcome.

Physicians' knowledge, attitude and practice towards erectile dysfunction in Saudi Arabia

We aimed to test the knowledge, attitude and practice [KAP] of physicians towards erectile dysfunction in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. At a scientific meeting about erectile dysfunction, 159 physicians from both government and private sectors answered a 34-item questionnaire in private. The mean total KAP score for the group was below the expected st and ard of 60%. Male physicians scored significantly higher than females. Urologists scored the highest, followed by and rologists. Surprisingly, physicians with higher qualifications scored lower than those with intermediate qualifications and even less than general practitioners. Those who had practised for >/= 10 years scored better than those with < 10 years practice. The role of cardiologists in the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction is discussed

Primary lymphangiomyomatosis with chylous ascites.

Primary lymphangiomyomatosis is a benign tumour of lymphatic channels and lymph nodes, clinically manifested by chylous ascites. This disease is usually progressive and unresponsive to surgery, chemotherapy or irradiation. A case of a 36-year-old lady with chylous ascites due to underlying primary lymphangiomyomatosis is reported.