The Discovery of a Bone in the Anterior Fontanelle of the Skull of the Sheep (Ovis aries) / Descubrimiento de un Hueso en la Fontanela Anterior del Cráneo de la Oveja (Ovis aries)

SUMMARY: A comparative study of the skull morphology was conducted using 270 prenatal and 750 postnatal skull samples from three breeds of sheep in Nigeria namely, Balami, Uda and Yankasa. A unique bone peculiar to the Yankasa breeds of sheep was found consistently at the centre of the anterior fontanelle in the young (day-old to 1 year). At two years of age and above, the bone was fused and disappeared completely. This brings the total numbers of the neurocranium bones of the skull in the Yankasa breeds to 8, as against the 7 bones documented in the ovine species. Due to the fact that this bone has not been described in the literature, we venture to name it the anterio-fontanelle bone (of Atabo).

Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la morfología del cráneo utilizando 270 muestras de cráneos prenatales y 750 postnatales de tres razas de ovejas en Nigeria, Balami, Uda y Yankasa. Un hueso único peculiar de las razas de ovejas Yankasa se encontró consistentemente en el centro de la fontanela anterior en las crías (de un día a 1 año). A los dos años de edad o más, el hueso se fusionó y desapareció por completo. Esto eleva el número total de huesos del neurocráneo en el cráneo en las razas Yankasa a 8, frente a los 7 huesos documentados en la especie ovina. Debido a que este hueso no ha sido descrito en la literatura, nos aventuramos a denominarlo hueso antero-fontanela (de Atabo).

Histopathological and radiographical evaluation of caprine demineralized bone matrix in a critical ulnar defect in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Caprine species satisfy the conditions of an ideal donor animal when compared to bovine species that has been extensively studied and commercialized for bone xenograft. Histopathological and radiological evaluations of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM) were therefore carried out for fracture healing properties for its possible use in bone grafting procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits were used for this study and were divided randomly into three groups of eight (n = 8) rabbits each. Critical bone defect was created on the ulnar diaphysis under xylazine-ketamine anaesthesia for autogenous bone graft (ABG) group, CDBM group and the last group was left unfilled as negative control (NC). Immediate post-grafting radiograph was taken and repeated on days 14, 28, 42 and 56 to monitor the evidence of radiographic healing. The animals were euthanized on day 56 and defect sites were harvested for histopathology. RESULTS: There was a progressive evidence of radiographic healing and bone formation in all the groups with significance difference (P = 0.0064). When compared with ABG, NC differ significantly (P < 0.0001) whereas the CDBM did not differ significantly (P = 0.6765). The histopathology sections of ABG and CDBM showed normal bone tissue while the NC section was predominated by fibrous connective tissue. There was therefore an overall significant difference (P = 0.0001) in which CDBM did not differ from ABG (P = 0.2946) while NC did (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: The ABG and CDBM groups showed a similar healing effect in the critical bone defect. Therefore, CDBM could be used as an effective alternative to ABG in orthopaedics to circumvent the limitations and complications associated with it. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Hematological Changes after Caprine Demineralized Bone Matrix Implantation in Ulnar Critical Defect of Rabbit Model.

Objective Several animal models have been used in fracture healing and bone graft studies, but hematological responses are seldom reported. Therefore, the present study reported the hematological changes observed in rabbits that underwent xenografting of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Method Twenty-four (24) male rabbits (2.5 ± 0.5kg) were acquired for the purpose of this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), unfilled (NC), and caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on day 0 (baseline), and on days 28 and 56 postsurgery and were analyzed manually within 2 hours of collection. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and a p -value < 0.05 was considered significant. Result There was an overall significant difference in the values of total white blood cell count ( p = 0.0043), neutrophil count ( p < 0.0001), monocyte count ( p = 0.0184), red blood cell count ( p = 0.003), hemoglobin concentration ( p < 0.0001) and packed cell volume ( p < 0.0001) across the days and the treatment groups. There was, however, no overall significant difference in lymphocyte count ( p = 0.4923), basophil count ( p = 0.4183), and eosinophil count (0.4806) within days. Conclusion Response to CDBM grafting in rabbits could, therefore, be said to be characterized by marked leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis by day 28 of postgrafting. This could form the basis with which hematology can be used to monitor body response of bone graft animal models.

Hematological Changes after Caprine Demineralized Bone Matrix Implantation in Ulnar Critical Defect of Rabbit Model / Alterações hematológicas após implante de matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina em modelo de defeito ulnar crítico em coelhos

Abstract Objective Several animal models have been used in fracture healing and bone graft studies, but hematological responses are seldom reported. Therefore, the present study reported the hematological changes observed in rabbits that underwent xenografting of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Method Twenty-four (24) male rabbits (2.5 0.5kg) were acquired for the purpose of this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), unfilled (NC), and caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on day 0 (baseline), and on days 28 and 56 postsurgery and were analyzed manually within 2hours of collection. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and a p-value< 0.05 was considered significant. Result There was an overall significant difference in the values of total white blood cell count (p» 0.0043), neutrophil count (p< 0.0001), monocyte count (p» 0.0184), red blood cell count (p» 0.003), hemoglobin concentration (p< 0.0001) and packed cell volume (p< 0.0001) across the days and the treatment groups. There was, however, no overall significant difference in lymphocyte count (p» 0.4923), basophil count (p» 0.4183), and eosinophil count (0.4806) within days. Conclusion Response to CDBM grafting in rabbits could, therefore, be said to be characterized by marked leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis by day 28 of postgrafting. This could form the basis with which hematology can be used to monitor body response of bone graft animal models.

Resumo Objetivo Diversos modelos animais têm sido usados em estudos sobre enxertos ósseos e o tratamento de fraturas, mas as respostas hematológicas são raramente relatadas. Este estudo descreveu as alterações hematológicas observadas em coelhos submetidos a xenoenxertos de matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Métodos Vinte e quatro (24) coelhos machos (2,5 0,5 kg) foram adquiridos para este estudo e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: enxerto ósseo autólogo (EOA); controle negativo sem preenchimento (SP) e matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por punção cardíaca sob anestesia com xilazina-quetamina no dia 0 (para estabelecimento dos valores basais) e aos dias 28 e 56 após a cirurgia; essas amostras foram submetidas à análise manual em até 2 horas após a coleta. A análise estatística foi composta por análise de variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores com medidas repetidas, e o valor de p< 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Houve uma diferença geral significativa nos números de leucócitos totais (p» 0,0043), neutrófilos (p< 0,0001), monócitos (p» 0,0184) e hemácias (p» 0,003), na concentração de hemoglobina (p< 0,0001) e no hematócrito (p< 0,0001) ao longo dos dias e entre os grupos de tratamento. No entanto, não houve diferença global significativa no número de linfócitos (p» 0,4923), basófilos (p» 0,4183) e eosinófilos (p» 0,4806) entre os dias. Conclusão A resposta ao enxerto de MODC em coelhos é, portanto, caracterizada por leucocitose intensa com neutrofilia, linfocitose e monocitose no 28° dia após o procedimento. Esses dados podem basear a utilização da hematologia no monitoramento da resposta corporal em modelos animais de enxerto ósseo.

Assessment of the knowledge of fathers, uptake of routine immunization, and its associated factors in a rural community of North West Nigeria.

Introduction: Father's involvement is essential for the successful immunization of the child, as man is the head of the family and he takes responsibility for all decisions including health and financial issues. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of fathers, uptake of routine immunization (RI), and its associated factors in a rural community of North West Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among the male heads of households residing in a rural community of Sokoto state. Systematic sampling was used to recruit 276 respondents. Data were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data obtained was entered into the IBM Software package and subsequently analyzed. Level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Only 2.5% and 1.4% of the respondents knew the age measles and yellow fever vaccines were given, respectively. Majority (75.4%) of the respondents' last-born child did not receive bacillus Calmette-Guérin at birth. Only (7.6%) of their last-born child were completely immunized for age. Majority of the respondents that had poor knowledge of RI had no formal education (P = 0.043). Conclusion: The study reported the knowledge of RI among fathers was poor. Having formal education and perception that children should be allowed to receive RI were correlates of good knowledge and uptake of RI. Parents, fathers, in particular, should be educated on the schedule of RI.

RésuméIntroduction: L'implication du père est essentielle à la réussite de la vaccination de l'enfant que l'homme est le chef de famille et il assume la responsabilité de toutes les décisions, y compris les questions de santé et financiers. Cette étude visait à évaluer les connaissances des pères, l'absorption de la vaccination de routine et de ses facteurs associés dans une communauté rurale du nord-ouest du Nigeria. matériaux et méthodes: L'étude était une communauté étude transversale basée menée entre les chefs de famille résidant dans une communauté rurale de l'Etat de Sokoto. L'échantillonnage systématique a été utilisé pour recruter 276 répondants. Les données ont été obtenues à l'aide d'un enquêteur structuré questionnaires. Les données obtenues ont été saisies dans progiciel IBM et ensuite analysés. Le niveau de signification a été fixé à 5%. Résultats: Seulement 2,5% et 1,4% des personnes interrogées connaissaient la rougeole d'âge et les vaccins contre la fièvre jaune ont reçu respectivement. La majorité (75,4%) des répondants de l'enfant dernier-né n'a pas reçu le BCG à la naissance. Seulement (7,6%) de leur dernier enfant ont été complètement vaccinés pour l'âge. La majorité des répondants qui avaient une mauvaise connaissance du RI avait pas d'éducation formelle (p = 0,043). Conclusion: L'étude des connaissances déclarée de vaccination de routine chez les pères était pauvre. Avoir l'éducation formelle et de la perception que les enfants devraient être autorisés à recevoir RI étaient corrélats de la bonne connaissance et l'absorption de la vaccination systématique. Les parents, les pères en particulier, doivent être éduqués sur le calendrier du RI.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection among pregnant women in a semi-urban community of north-western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem, with substantial risks for the mother, her foetus and the newborn. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria and possible risk factors for malaria infection among pregnant women in a semi-urban area in north-western Nigeria. Pregnant women are among the most susceptible to malaria infection. Knowledge of their malaria infection status is an important yardstick to measure the effectiveness of any malaria control programme. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study in the semi-urban area of Argungu, Kebbi State Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty five pregnant women were included in the study after informed verbal consent was obtained. For each participant, the socio-demographic profile, stage of pregnancy and attitude to the use of insecticide- treated nets (ITNs) were investigated using a questionnaire. Peripheral blood samples were collected and thick blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa stains to check for malaria parasitaemia. The associations between age, education level and use of ITNs with occurrence of malaria infection during pregnancy were analysed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred and six (41.6%) out of 255 pregnant women were infected with malaria parasites, with a mean parasite density of 800 parasitesµl(-1). It was found that prevalence and parasite density decreased as age increased. The chi-square test indicated that a lack of education and non-usage of ITNs were significantly associated with malaria infection. CONCLUSION: Malaria is still a major public health issue among pregnant women mainly due to illiteracy and non -compliance to using ITNs. Increasing awareness about malaria preventive measures and early attendance of antenatal care services will help to reduce malaria and, consequently, its associated morbidities and mortalities.

Age-appropriate feeding practices and nutritional status of infants attending child welfare clinic at a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate infant feeding is the key to optimum infant and child development and survival. This study investigates age-appropriate infant feeding practices and nutritional status of infants attending the immunization and child welfare clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, a sample of 300 sets of infants (age ≤12 months) and caregivers was systematically selected and studied. The data were analyzed using the MINITAB(®) 12.21 (USA) statistical software. RESULTS: All the infants studied were still on breast milk. Most of the mothers demonstrated correct body positioning (89.9) and attachment (78.7%) during breastfeeding, and effective suckling was demonstrated in 77.0%. Interestingly, none of the infants was either exclusively breastfed for 6 months or currently on exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, only 64 (58.2%) of the 110 infants that were more than 6 months of age had appropriately been started on complementary feeding from 6 months of age. Overall, most caregivers (88.7%) had "fair" to "good" infant feeding practices. The practices were significantly associated with their level of education, and their relationship with the infants. Up to 40.0% and 73.7% of the infants had varying degrees of wasting and stunting respectively. Infant feeding practices and the age of the infants emerged as the only factors significantly associated with stunting, while both the caregivers' practices and age of the infants emerged as significant predictors of wasting in the infants. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Barely 3 years to the 2015 target of the millennium development goals (MDGs), infant feeding and nutritional status still poses a serious threat to the dream of realizing the MDG-4. The Ministry of Health and relevant developing partners in this region should as a matter of urgency, formulate and implement a strong community-based public health intervention program to improve the knowledge and practices of mothers on infant feeding.