Unmet Surgical Need among Adults in A Mixed Urban-Rural Community in Nigeria: A Survey of 1,993 Adults Using the Sosas Survey Tool.

INTRODUCTION: Community-based prevalence studies are known to be more accurate than hospital-based records. However, such community-based prevalence studies are uncommon in low- and middle-income countries including Nigeria. Allocation of resources and prioritization of health care needs by policy makers require data from such community-based studies to be meaningful and sustainable. This study aims to assess the prevalence of common surgical conditions amongst adults in Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study to determine the prevalence of congenital and acquired surgical conditions in adults in a mixed rural-urban area of Lagos was conducted. The study population comprised resident members in the Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State. Data was collected using a modified version of the interviewer-administered questionnaire, the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) survey tool. Data was analysed using the REDCap analytic tool. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-six households were surveyed with a yield of 1,992 adults. There were 95 adults who complained of surgical conditions giving a prevalence rate of 5%. Vast majority of reported conditions were acquired deformities (n=94) while only 1 congenital deformity was reported. Others included breast lumps, anterior neck swelling, and groin swellings. CONCLUSION: The most common surgical complaints in our setting among adults were acquired conditions of the extremities and open wounds/sores. With an estimated population of 90 million adults and approximately 1,200 orthopaedic and general surgeons respectively, the surgeon-to-affected population ratio is 1:10,000. There is a large gap to be filled in terms of surgical manpower development.

INTRODUCTION: Les études de prévalence communautaires sont connues pour être plus précises que les dossiers hospitaliers. Cependant, de telles études de prévalence communautaires sont rares dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, y compris le Nigeria. L'allocation des ressources et la priorisation des besoins de santé par les décideurs nécessitent des données issues de telles études communautaires pour être significatives et durables. Cette étude vise à évaluer la prévalence des affections chirurgicales courantes chez les adultes au Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Une étude descriptive transversale basée sur la communauté pour déterminer la prévalence des conditions chirurgicales congénitales et acquises chez les adultes dans une zone rurale-urbaine mixte de Lagos a été menée. La population étudiée comprenait des membres résidents de la zone de gouvernement local (LGA) d'Ikorodu, dans l'État de Lagos. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'une version modifiée du questionnaire administré par un enquêteur, l'outil d'enquête Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS). Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de l'outil analytique REDCap. RÉSULTATS: Huit cent cinquante-six ménages ont été enquêtés, ce qui a donné 1 992 adultes. Quatre-vingt-quinze adultes se sont plaints de conditions chirurgicales, donnant un taux de prévalence de 5 %. La grande majorité des conditions rapportées étaient des déformations acquises (n=94) tandis qu'une seule déformation congénitale a été signalée. Les autres incluaient des nodules mammaires, des gonflements antérieurs du cou et des gonflements inguinaux. CONCLUSION: Les plaintes chirurgicales les plus courantes dans notre cadre parmi les adultes étaient des conditions acquises des extrémités et des plaies ouvertes/ulcères. Avec une population estimée à 90 millions d'adultes et environ 1 200 chirurgiens orthopédiques et généralistes respectivement, le ratio chirurgien-population affectée est de 1:10,000. Il y a un grand écart à combler en termes de développement de la main-d'œuvre chirurgicale. MOTS CLÉS: Prévalence, Charge de morbidité, Chirurgie, Plaies.

Aetiological Spectrum of Pancreaticobiliary Diseases in Adult Nigerians on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Imaging is vital for assessing pancreaticobiliary diseases. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the spectrum and pattern of pancreaticobiliary diseases in adult Nigerians using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The electronic radiological records of 110 adult Nigerians who had undergone MRCP were reviewed. The MRCP images were evaluated for bile duct dilatation, intraluminal filling defects, strictures, calculi, and other abnormalities. RESULTS: There were 45 males (40.9%) and 65 females (59.1%) aged 18-83 years, with a mean age of 51.93 ± 15.22 years. Jaundice (59.1%) and right hypochondrial pain (31.8%) were the most common presenting complaints. Gallstones (32.7%), common bile duct strictures (15.5%), choledocholithiasis (11.8%), pancreatic head carcinoma (10.9%), and gallbladder carcinoma (2.7%) were the most frequent abnormalities. There was biliary obstruction in 56.4% of participants, mostly at the distal and proximal common bile duct. Other findings include hepatomegaly (23.6%), hepatic cysts (6.4%), hepatic steatosis (0.9%), duodenal wall thickening (1.8%), and ascites (5.5%). MRCP was normal in 25 (22.7%) participants. CONCLUSION: Gallstones were the predominant pathology of the various pancreaticobiliary diseases, while Pancreatic head and gallbladder carcinoma were the most common malignant diseases.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus in chickens from Ogun State, Nigeria.

Marek's disease (MD) is caused by oncogenic MD virus serotype 1 (MDV1) and is characterized by lymphoproliferative lesions resulting in high morbidity and mortality in chickens. Despite being ubiquitous on poultry farms, there is a dearth of information on its molecular characteristics in Nigeria. This study aimed at characterizing three virulence genes (Meq, pp38, and vIL-8) of MDV1 from chickens in Ogun state, Nigeria. Blood, feather quill, and tumour samples of chickens from different commercial poultry farms in Ogun State were pooled, spotted on 107 FTA cards, and screened for MDV1 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis was carried out to compare Nigerian MDV1 Meq, pp38, and vIL-8 genes sequences with the published references. Thirteen samples were MDV1-positive and the Meq, as well as pp38, and vIL-8 genes from the different samples were 100% identical. The Meq genes contained 339 amino acids (aa) with three PPPP motifs in the transactivation domain and two interruptions of the PPPP motifs due to proline-to-arginine substitutions at positions 176 and 217 resulting in a 20.88% proline composition. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Meq gene clustered with strains from Egypt and very virulent ATE2539 strain from Hungary. Mutations were observed in the pp38 protein (at positions 107 and 109) and vIL-8 protein (at positions 4 and 31). Based on the molecular analysis of the three genes, the results indicate the presence of MDV1 with virulence signatures; therefore, further studies on in vivo pathotyping of Nigerian MDV1 from all states should be performed.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Meq, pp38 and vIL-8 genes were 100% identical between Nigerian MDV strains.Proline content in Nigerian meq gene was 20.88% with two PPPP motifs interruptions.Meq, pp38 and vIL-8 genes of Nigerian MDV were similar to Egyptian and Indian strains.

Invasive fungal infections in a paediatric intensive care unit in a low-to middle-income country.

Background: Paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are high-risk settings for healthcare-associated infections. Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is one of the common causes of healthcare-associated infections. Objectives: To describe the prevalence and short-term outcomes of children with IFI, and to offer a basis for the efficient prevention and treatment of IFI. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in children under the age of 12 years over a two-year period. Participants were categorised according to pre-defined microbiology criteria into IFI if they had a positive culture from blood or other sterile sites. Data collected included demographics, invasive procedures, length of stay and mortality. Results: One thousand and forty-two children were admitted during the study period. Of the total, 56.8% (n=592) were male. Median length of stay was 18 days (mean±SE 18.6±8.9). IFI was identified in 35 cases per 1 000 admissions, with 77.7% of these infants under the age of one year. The mean length of stay was 18.6 days compared with 7.5 days for children with bacterial infections. The in-hospital mortality for invasive fungal infection was 36% compared with 16% for all admissions. Findings confirmed that colonisation was more prevalent than IFI. Conclusion: IFIs are common among infants, and these patients have a higher mortality rate and prolonged hospital stay. Therefore we recommend early diagnosis and timely treatment with high-performance antifungal drugs to improve the prognosis in children with IFI.

Evaluation of in ovo feeding of low or high mixtures of cysteine and lysine on performance, intestinal morphology and physiological responses of thermal-challenged broiler embryos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding cysteine, lysine or their combinations on the perinatal and post-hatch physiological responses of broiler embryos exposed to heat stress during incubation. A total of two thousand fertile eggs of broiler breeders (Ross 308) flock (at 38 weeks of age) were used for this study. In the first 10 days, the eggs were incubated using the conventional protocol of relative humidity and temperature of 55% and 37.8°C respectively. From day ten onward, the temperature was increased to 39.6°C for 6 h per day. On day 17.5, 1,500 eggs with the evidence of living embryos were randomly selected and assigned to 6 treatments having five replicates of 50 eggs each. The treatments were: un-injected eggs (UI), eggs injected with only 0.5 ml distilled water (DW), 3.5 mg/egg cysteine (CY), 2mg/egg lysine (LY), 3.4 mg cysteine+2 mg lysine (CLH) and 1.7 mg cysteine+1 mg lysine (CLL). On day 21, the hatchability, anatomical characteristics, chick quality and the antioxidant status of the chicks were evaluated. During the post-hatch phase, data were collected on the haematology, biochemical parameters, growth performance and intestinal morphology of the birds. The results revealed that the hatchability of CY chicks was higher (p < 0.05) than in the other treatments, while the lowest values were recorded in CLH. The hatching muscle of the chicks of CLL was similar to those of CY but higher (p < 0.05) than the others. The MDA of DW and UI chickens was similar and higher than birds in the other treatment groups. The serum SOD of CLL birds was comparable to that of CY but higher than the values recorded in the other treatments. The final weights of CLL chickens were similar to those of LY but significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other treatments. The duodenal villus heights of the birds of CLL were higher than those of the other treatment groups, whereas the villus height of the birds of CLH was higher than those of UI, DW and CY. Overall, in ovo feeding of cysteine alone improved the hatchability of thermally-challenged broiler embryos. In contrast, a low-dose mixture of cysteine plus lysine improved the post-hatch growth performance.

Principles of Manual Tissue Processing in an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory in Lagos, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue processing describes the steps involved in infiltrating a well fixed tissue with wax for section cutting on a microtome. Paraffin tissue processing can be performed either manually or by using an automated tissue processor and errors in any of the steps involved would significantly affect histopathology. The aim of this article was to describe to principles of manual tissue processing as performed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria (OMFP-CMUL Lab). METHODS: We report the principles of manual tissue processing as performed in the OMFP-CMUL lab using the index case of an 11-year-old girl with a histopathologic diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma. RESULTS: Steps of tissue processing included fixation, specimen accessioning, gross examination, decalcification (for tissue specimens containing calcium deposits), dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, sectioning, labeling of tissue blocks, tissue floatation bathing, making the slide and numbering, staining, drying, cover-slipping, and microscopic examination. DISCUSSION: Common errors seen in histopathology laboratories were avoided by the quality control practices of the residents, consultants, laboratory scientists and technicians within the department.

INTRODUCTION: Le traitement des tissus décrit les étapes d'infiltration d'un tissu bien fixé avec de la cire pour la coupe de sections sur un microtome. Le traitement des tissus en paraffine peut être effectué soit manuellement ou à l'aide d'un processeur de tissus automatisé et les erreurs commises dans l'une ou l'autre de ces étapes peuvent affecter de manière significative l'histopathologie. Le but de cet article était de décrire les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tel qu'il est effectué dans le laboratoire de pathologie orale et maxillofaciale du Collège de Médecine de l'Université de Lagos, Nigeria (Laboratoire OMFP-CMUL). MÉTHODES: Nous rapportons les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tels qu'ils sont réalisés dans le laboratoire de l'OMFPCMUL en utilisant le cas d'index d'une fille de 11 ans avec une diagnostic histopathologique d'améloblastome unicystique. RÉSULTATS: Les étapes du traitement des tissus comprennent la fixation, l'accession des spécimens, l'examen macroscopique, la décalcification (pour les spécimens de tissue contenant des dépôts de calcium), la déshydratation, le nettoyage, l'infiltration l'enrobage, la coupe, l'étiquetage des blocs de tissus, la flottaison des tissus, le bain, la fabrication de la lame et la numérotation, la coloration, le séchage, le recouvrement et l'examen microscopique. DISCUSSION: Les erreurs courantes observées dans les laboratoires d'histopathologie ont été évitées grâce aux pratiques de contrôle de qualité des résidents, consultants, des scientifiques et des techniciens de laboratoire au sein du service. CONCLUSION: Cet article élucide les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tel qu'il est effectué dans le laboratoire de l'OMFPCMUL en détaillant leurs protocoles observés et les mesures de prévention des erreurs afin que ces principes et mesures puissent être adoptés dans d'autres laboratoires d'histopathologie ayant des conditions de travail similaires. MOTS CLÉS: Manuel, traitement des tissus, laboratoire de pathologie, Lagos, Nigeria.

Pathophysiologically based antihypertensive pharmacotherapeutics rationality, efficacy and safety in Sub Saharan African Nations - A review.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HT) prevalence, Uncontrolled Blood Pressure (UBP), morbidity and mortality are highest in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Correlating pathophysiology of HT to pharmaco-therapy with antihypertensive drugs (AHD) may bring amelioration. Aims:To review peculiarities of HT in SSA, UBP causes, diagnostic modalities, AHD use, rationality and efficacy. METHODS AND RESULTS: 14 published therapeutic audits in 4 SSA nations on Google Scholar or PUBMED, (total n = 6496 patients) were evaluated. Calcium Channel blockers (CCB) amlodipine, and thiazide diuretics (TD), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) were the commonest AHD. Thiazide Like Diuretics (TLD) were underutilized. The % of patients on AHD were: 1 drug 5.4-55%; 2 drugs 37-82%; >/ = 3 drugs 6-50.3%. 2-drug combinations were: ACEI/ARB + TD (42%); CCB + TD (36.8%); ACEI + CCB (15.8%) of studies. Triple/quadruple therapy included Methyldopa (MTD) with ACEI + CCB or TD. The (%) attaining BP < 140/< 90 mmHg, ranged from 29 to 53.6%, median, 44%. The co-morbidities, range and median were: Diabetes Mellitus (DM): 9.8-64%, 19.2%; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): 5.7-7.5%, 6.9%, and Coronary artery Disease (CAD): 0.9-2.6%, 2.3%. ACEI + CCB ± TD were the preferred AHD for comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic inertia; Non-compliance; co-morbidities; refractory HT; ignorance; substandard AHD; contribute to UBP. Studies relating 24 hour ABPM to complications and mortality in SSA hypertensives; and impact of different AHD classes on ABPM, are needed. Study of ACEI + alpha-1 blockers + TLD on 24 hour ABPM and personalized care, are required.

COMMITTED EFFECTIVE DOSE FROM NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN FARM-RAISED AND WILD CATFISH IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.

There is extensive contamination of the aquatic environment when rivers and streams flow through areas of high human activities such as industrial cities and major towns. These contaminations may include enhanced background levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials resulting from rapid urbanization and other human activities. The natural radionuclides (40K, 238U (226Ra) and 232Th (228Ra)) contents of farm-raised and wild catfish in five fish farms and three major rivers within Ibadan metropolis have been studied using gamma spectrometry. The results indicate that the average committed effective doses from the ingestion of the two sets of catfishes are 104 ± 37 and 104 ± 32 µSv/y for farm-raised and wild catfish, respectively. It can be concluded that the consumption of the catfishes poses no immediate radiological hazards to the population of the study area.

Effect of sodium acetate on serum activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

Malaria is a global health problem with severe morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Resistance of Plasmodium spp to the current anti-malaria drugs necessitates further search for novel effective drugs. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of sodium acetate on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Thirty male Albino mice were randomly distributed into 6 groups, A-F. Animals in Groups B-F were inoculated with P. berghei, intraperitoneally. Subsequently, Group C mice were treated with 20 mg/kg chloroquine, while groups D, E and F received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg sodium acetate, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 4 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for the analyses of serum glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), uric acid and lipid profile. Our results showed that Sodium acetate (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) parasitaemia (67.11% and 77.62%, respectively) than chloroquine (61.73%). Besides, body weight and serum G6PD activity in P. berghei infection were improved. Similarly, sodium acetate reduced elevated serum uric acid. Effects of sodium acetate and chloroquine on biochemical parameters were comparable (p > 0.05) but atherogenic lipid ratios were not affected by sodium acetate. These data put together suggested that activity of sodium acetate may be harnessed for development of novel anti-malaria drugs. However, more studies are required to delineate its mechanisms of action.

Adsorption of Methylene blue and Congo red from aqueous solution using synthesized alumina-zirconia composite.

Alumina-zirconia (Al2O3-ZrO2) composite was prepared by combustion method and used to remove Congo red and Methylene blue from aqueous solutions. It was characterized using SEM-EDS, XRD and gas adsorption techniques. The results obtained from gas adsorption and SEM agree with each other, showing meso- and macro-porosity of inter-agglomerate pores. The removal of the two dyes was pH dependent, acidic pH favoured Congo red removal, while basic pH favoured Methylene blue. The, mechanism of adsorption was not limited to electrostatic attraction between the adsorbent and the dye molecules. Adsorption kinetic of both dyes was consistent with Pseudo-second-order model. The data obtained fitted to Langmuir and Liu isotherm models, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 57. 50 and 53.44 mg g-1 for Congo red and Methylene blue, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic. The mechanism of adsorption was elucidated using XRD and FTIR techniques.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Heart Disease Risk Factors Among Staff of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Hence, awareness of cardiovascular risk factors is an essential step towards effective reduction of the disease burden. This study determined the knowledge and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Staff of Ekiti State University. Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study which comprised of 223 members of staff. RESULTS: There were 103 males (46.2%). Low knowledge of heart disease risk factors was found in 68.6% of the respondents. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity was 35.4%, 12.1%, 31.8%, 23.3%, and 83% respectively. Family history of hypertension was a predictor of a high level of knowledge. CONCLUSION: A low level of knowledge and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors existed among staff of Ekiti State University, Nigeria. Hence, there should be a step-up of awareness campaigns and promotion of healthy lifestyle among this category of people.

The dispersion of spherical droplets in source-sink flows and their relevance to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of spherical droplets in the presence of a source-sink pair flow field. The dynamics of the droplets is governed by the Maxey-Riley equation with the Basset-Boussinesq history term neglected. We find that, in the absence of gravity, there are two distinct behaviors for the droplets: small droplets cannot go further than a specific distance, which we determine analytically, from the source before getting pulled into the sink. Larger droplets can travel further from the source before getting pulled into the sink by virtue of their larger inertia, and their maximum traveled distance is determined analytically. We investigate the effects of gravity, and we find that there are three distinct droplet behaviors categorized by their relative sizes: small, intermediate-sized, and large. Counterintuitively, we find that the droplets with a minimum horizontal range are neither small nor large, but of intermediate size. Furthermore, we show that in conditions of regular human respiration, these intermediate-sized droplets range in size from a few µm to a few hundred µm. The result that such droplets have a very short range could have important implications for the interpretation of existing data on droplet dispersion.

Investigating the electron tunneling effect on photovoltaic performance of almond (Prunus dulcis) dye-sensitized solar cell.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are characterized by several special attributes such as low cost, ease of fabrication, all year availability of sunlight, and capacity to operate under diffuse lighting conditions. However, their universal adoption is still restricted by a low efficiency photovoltaic output. Thus, this research seeks to explore avenues of present photon mitigation which could be corrected in future DSSC technology in order to improve on existing efficiency records. A preliminary phytochemical screening of Prunus dulcis (P. dulcis) leaf extract revealed a variety of chromophores which renders high possibility for charge transport. UV/VIS spectroscopy showed P. dulcis with peak absorbance wavelength within the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum of light. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy specifically highlighted the fingerprint of the chromophores present in this organic extract. Photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc), maximum power (Pmax), fill factor (ff) and efficiency (ƞ) were the factors taken into consideration for the determination of the photovoltaic outcome. In P. dulcis DSSCs, KBr electrolyte recorded the best ƞ of 10.18%. However, P. dulcis DSSC with electrolyte KI indicated the best Isc, Voc and Pmax of 0.135 mA, 280 mV and 34.2 mW respectively. The similarity of this photovoltaic result with previous DSSC results necessitated further analysis. Consequently, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of P. dulcis was modelled first with Gwyddion software and this output was analyzed with Excel and Origin programs. The outcome is a scientific discovery of electron tunneling in the P. dulcis shells, effect of dopant ions boosting the electrolytic Fermi level and a high probability of influencing the future efficiency outcome in P. dulcis DSSCs. Using mathematical algorithms from the Origin and Excel software applications, a direct function of the impact of doping, relative speed of electrolyte molecules as they percolate P. dulcis framework was obtained. Thus, the significance of this work lies in the relationship of behavioral dynamics of dopants to photovoltaic performance of P. dulcis. This indicates that a vital optical tunable characteristic of DSSCs lies in electrodynamics of dopant ions, which presents a viable prospect for application in DSSC technology research.

Association of anthropometric status and residential locality factors with cognitive scores of 4-6-year-old children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: The Asenze study has the long-term goal of promoting better physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning of children in a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, 50 km from Durban with a view to planning interventions to promote growth and development for very young children. The specific objective in this paper was to provide information for the Child Health and Development project of the Valley Trust to assist with intervention planning. The broader goal was to assess developmental delays in communities ravaged by the HIV epidemic.The Asenze study was designed in two phases from 2008 and 2012. The current paper reports on 1581 4-6years old children in the baseline phase (2008-2010) in the five adjacent tribal areas in the study area. Method: The participants included all the 4 - 6 year olds whose parents had consented to inclusion in the project and their caregivers. Data were derived from a brief questionnaire administered in the homes of participants, and subsequently from medical and psychological assessments of the children and their caregivers at the Asenze clinic. The association between child factors and other factors (geographic area, socioeconomic status (SES), parental level of education, the child's pre-school education) on the one hand and, the child's cognitive performance (as measured by the Grover Counter and subtests of the KABC-11) were analysed. Linear regression models were employed to determine which predictor variables of interest in a model were associated with the children's cognitive scores as the dependent variables. Results: Based on the data, the principal factors associated with children's cognitive outcomes were height-for-age z-score (HAZ), preschool education and the area of residence, Generally children who had low cognitive scores were more often stunted (as defined by the WHO anthropometric tables), had not had pre-school education, and came from areas less favourable in terms of local infrastructure and access to employment opportunities and arable land. Conclusion: The finding from this cross-sectional analysis of baseline data showed that in addition to height for age and pre-school education, which are commonly thought to impact on cognition, the local authority area where the children lived was associated with their scores on cognitive tests. This has implications for intervention planning. The functioning of local government in promoting the type of community development which will protect the rights of children should be taken into account.

Impact of red blood cell transfusions on intestinal barrier function in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and enteral feeding to changes in intestinal permeability (IP) measured by the relative intestinal uptake of lactulose (La) and rhamnose (Rh) in preterm infants <33 wk gestation. DESIGN/METHODS: Infants 240-326wk gestation received La/Rh solution enterally on study days 1, 8 and 15.Urinary La/Rh ratio was measured by HPLC. Hematocrit preceding transfusion, total RBC transfusion volume, volume/kg, and feeding status during each study interval (birth-d1; d1-d8, and d8-d15) were determined. RESULTS: Of the seventeen (40.5%) subjects who received≥1 transfusion during the study period, 12 (70.6%) infants were <28 wk gestation and 5 (29.4%) infants were≥28 wk gestation, p < 0.0001. Lower pre-transfusion hematocrit was observed in intervals preceding high IP (La/Rh > 0.05) than in intervals preceding low IP (La/Rh≤0.05) measurements (33 vs 35.8, p = 0.1051). RBC transfusions occurred more frequently in intervals preceding high IP than in intervals preceding low IP (26.8%; vs 8.3%, p = 0.0275) with 5-fold higher total RBC volume and volume/kg in intervals preceding any time point with high IP. RBC transfusion during an interval was associated with a three-fold increased risk of high IP (aOR 2.7; 95% C.I 0.564-12.814; p = 0.2143). Exclusive breast milk exposure and post-menstrual age reduced the risk for high IP following RBC transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Both RBC transfusion number and volume was associated with subsequent high IP measurements in preterm infants <33 weeks gestation and potentially may contribute to impairment of the preterm intestinal barrier.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Anthocleista vogelii leaf extracts.

BACKGROUND: Anthocleista vogelii (Planch) is used in folk medicine in conditions related to inflammation and oxidative stress. This suggests that some of its constituents could possess ability to reduce oxidative damage to cells and ameliorate inflammatory conditions which are two prominent features in the brain of a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease. AIM OF STUDY: The leaf extracts were investigated for their bioactive constituents in our quest for novel compounds for the management of Alzheimer's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthocleista vogelii crude leaf extract obtained from 80% methanol was successively partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol. This gave four solvent fractions of the crude extract. These fractions and isolated compound were subjected to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity test using the microplate assay method. The structure of the isolated compound was determined using spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, and MS). RESULTS: The results of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory assay revealed that n-BuOH and ethyl acetate fractions had the best activity with IC50 of 564.58 and 727.63 µg/mL respectively. Activity directed fractionation of each of these fractions led to the isolation of the same compound identified as a C-glucosylflavone; isovitexin-7-O-methyl ether (swertisin). This rare C-glucosylflavone co-exist as two rotamers and exhibited duplication of NMR signals. It is reported from this plant for the first time. Swertisin displayed better acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 32.09 µg/mL than physostigmine (eserine) with IC50 of 56.09 µg/mL used as a standard. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports isolation and characterization of a rare C-glycosylflavone; isovitexin-7-O-methyl ether (swertisin). Isolated compound exhibited duplication of NMR signals and better acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity than eserine used as a standard. The activity exhibited by this compound suggests that it could be useful in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

An audit of the diagnosis and reporting of soft tissue sarcomas at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: : The effective management of patients with cancer is predicated on the right diagnoses and other relevant parameters included in the pathology report. This is particularly important in soft tissue pathology where arriving at the right diagnosis is often challenging. The aim of this study, therefore, was to perform an audit of sarcoma diagnosis and reporting in our institution. METHODS: Slides of soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in our institution over a 5-year period were reviewed with specialist soft tissue pathologists. Ancillary immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization were performed where necessary. The contents of the reports were assessed using a diagnostic checklist developed by the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology. RESULTS: Fifty-five of the 62 patients studied (88.7%) were correctly identified as sarcomas. However, the correct diagnoses were made in only 27 patients (43.6%). Kaposi sarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were the most recognized sarcomas, while leiomyosarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor were the least recognized sarcomas. The most reported parameters included the histologic type (100%) and size (89.7%), while the percentage of necrosis (0%) and the stage (0%) were the least reported parameters. CONCLUSION: A pattern based approach is important for the accurate diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas. Some essential prognostic parameters and information needed for management were not included in the histopathology reports. The adoption of a structured reporting format and multidisciplinary team meetings will help to ensure the inclusion of such important information in the pathology report.

Dataset on the comparison of synthesized and commercial zeolites for potential solar adsorption refrigerating system.

The purpose of this dataset is to provide a comparison between synthesized and commercial 4A and 13X type zeolites. Metakaolin produced from the calcination of beneficiated kaolin at 750 °C for 4 h was dealuminated using sulphuric acid to get the required silica to alumina ratio for the zeolite synthesis. Zeolite 4A and 13X samples were characterized along-side with the commercial variants using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. These analyses revealed that, the zeolites synthesized are of comparatively acceptable quality. The pore size of 120.859 nm, pore volume of 0.0065 cm3/g and surface area of 22 m2/g were obtained from BET analyses for zeolite 4A synthesized from kaolin, while the commercial zeolite 4A used as control gave pore size of 58.143 nm, pore volume of 0.2462 cm3/g and surface area of 559.13 m2/g. In the same vein, the pore size of 10.5059 nm, pore volume of 0.135847 cm3/g and surface area of 324.584 m2/g were obtained from BET analyses for zeolite 13X synthesized from kaolin, while the commercial zeolite 13X gave pore size of 7.2752 nm, pore volume of 0.135951 cm3/g and surface area of 310.0906 m2/g.

Haematological, biochemical and organ changes in broiler chickens fed varying levels of Morinda lucida (brimstone) leaf meal supplementation in the diets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf meal (MLLM) on the haematology, biochemical and organ changes of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-eight day-old Marshall broiler chicks were completely randomised into 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of three levels of M. lucida leaf meal supplementation (0, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) with or without medication. The treatment consisted of both negative (without MLLM and routine medication) and positive (containing no MLLM but with routine medication) control groups while each treatment was replicated thrice. MLLM-supplemented diets and routine medication decreased (p < 0.05) the white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Dietary supplementation with MLLM in combination with normal routine medication increased (p < 0.05) total serum protein when compared with treatment group without MLLM and routine medication. Dietary supplementation with MLLM and routine medication reduced (p < 0.05) serum creatinine concentration of the broiler chickens. Birds fed with 0.2 g/kg MLLM supplement coupled with medication and those on negative control had higher (p < 0.05) creatinine values. Serum enzyme activities reduced (p < 0.05) following supplementation. MLLM supplementation recorded no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the liver, kidney, heart and gizzard. M. lucida leaf meal can be compared to routine medication for improved health status of broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion with 0.1 g/kg MLML combined with routine medication could be used in producing healthy and safe chickens.

Intra- and inter-specific variation in alarm pheromone produced by Solenopsis fire ants.

Some fire ants of the genus Solenopsis have become invasive species in the southern United States displacing native species by competition. Although the displacement pattern seems clear, the mechanisms underlying competitive advantage remain unclear. The ability of ant workers to produce relatively larger amount of alarm pheromone may correspond to relative greater fitness among sympatric fire ant species. Here we report on quantitative intra-specific (i.e. inter-caste) and inter-specific differences of alarm pheromone component, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine (2E36DMP), for several fire ant species. The alarm pheromone component was extracted by soaking ants in hexane for 48 h and subsequently quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at single ion monitoring mode. Solenopsis invicta workers had more 2E36DMP than male or female alates by relative weight; individual workers, however, contained significantly less pyrazine. We thus believe that alarm pheromones may serve additional roles in alates. Workers of Solenopsis richteri, S. invicta, and hybrid (S. richteri × S. invicta) had significantly more 2E36DMP than a native fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata. The hybrid fire ant had significantly less 2E36DMP than the two parent species, S. richteri and S. invicta. It seems likely that higher alarm pheromone content may have favored invasion success of exotic fire ants over native species. We discuss the potential role of inter-specific variation in pyrazine content for the relationship between the observed shifts in the spatial distributions of the three exotic fire ant species in southern United States and the displacement of native fire ant species.