Use of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaf powder as feed additive in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

The effect of dietary Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal on growth,  heamatological profile and body composition was investigated in African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Fingerlings of about 5 g were fed diets supplemented with four concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1) of T. occidentalis leaf powder for eight weeks. Fish fed supplemented diets showed significantly improved growth performance, haematological  parameters and feed utilization over the control (0 g kg-1 T. occidentalis leaf meal) treatment. The highest specific growth rate (7.33 ± 2.37% day–1) and best food conversion ratio (0.86 ± 0.06) were obtained in the 5 g kg-1 T. occidentalis leaf meal diet treatment. Protein efficiency ratio was higher in fish fed with T. occidentalis leaf meal and lowest in the control. No differences occurred in fish carcass moisture, protein or ash content amongthe treatments (p > 0.05). The results suggest that dietary   supplementation with T. occidentalis leaf powder improved growth; feed utilization and survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings.Keywords: Medicinal plant, growth performance, blood parameters, carcass composition, mudfish

Effect of four feeding rations on the growth performance of african giant catfish Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings

Feed ration is one of the important variables considered for the improvement in production of fish. The effects of four feeding rations on growth performance of Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings were investigated for 7 weeks. The specific growth rate (SGR) at 4.0% feed ration was significantly higher than 10.0% feed ration, and there was no significant difference in SGR between 4.0%, 6.0% and 8.0%. The growth performance was best at 6.0 % feeding ration while the best feed utilization was obtained at 4.0 % feeding ration with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the fish fed at 4.0 % and 6.0 % feeding rations. Based on the results, an intermediate feeding ration between 4.0 % and 6.0 % body weight per day is ideal for adequate growth and development of H. bidorsalis fingerling during culture period.Keywords: Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Survival, growth performance, feed utilization

Effect Of Garcinia kola seed meal on egg quality of the north african Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (Burchell, 1822) Broodstock

Study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of G. kola (Bitter kola) powder on egg quality in African catfish, C. gariepinus broodstocks. Catfish broodstocks (mean weight, 911.25 ± 1.77 g) were randomly distributed into concrete tanks (2 x 2 x 1.2 m) at ten fish/tank in triplicates. Five diets with 40 % crude protein containing 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 G. kola seed powder in the feed were formulated and added to the tanks to give 3 % of body weight per day. Fecundity, Percentage fertilization, percentage hatchability and egg size (diameter) of C. gariepinus were investigated.The results of the study show that G. kola seed powder affects the fecundity, percentage hatchability and percentage survival of C. gariepinus larval. The fish fed 200 g kg-1 G. kola seed powder had higher oocyte diameter but not significantly different (p<0.05) from those of the fish fed the other diets. However, the egg diameter was largest in the group of fish fed diet 200 g kg-1 G. kola seed powder and this had negative effect on the fertilization of the eggs. Significantly higher (p<0.05) percentage fertilization and percentage hatchability were recorded for the fish fed dietof 150 g kg-1 G. kola seed powder than for the fish fed the alternative diets. The results showed that as the inclusion level of G. kola seed powder increased, the percentage egg fertilization increased, except when the fish were fed diet of 200 g kg- 1 G. kola seed powder where a sharp decrease was recorded. Survival of larval ranged from 88 % to 100 % and was not related to the G. kola seed powder inclusion in the diet. In this study, the larval of the fish fed on diets 150 and 200 g kg-1 G. kola seedpowder survived better than the fish fed other supplemented diets. The results suggest that dietary supplementation with G. kola seed powder improved fecundity, hatchability and survival of C. gariepinus larval and has a potential pro-fertility property which can be exploited in fish seed production

Cytomegalovirus antibodies among healthy blood donors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Objectives. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is found worldwide in all geographical locations and socio-economic groups and is the virus most frequently transmitted to a developing child before birth. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for CMV antibodies among healthy blood donors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out among consecutively recruited replacement blood donors attending the blood donor clinic at LUTH. A 5 ml blood sample was collected from each consenting participant and serum-assayed for CMV IgG/IgM using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based kit.Results. A total of 122 healthy donors were recruited; 96% of the donors were IgG anti-CMV positive while 19.5% were IgM anti-CMV positive. Previous history of blood transfusion was not significantly related to CMV positivity.Conclusion. The seroprevalence of CMV appears to be very high in this environment among healthy blood donors. Based on previous studies that showed a decrease in the incidence of CMV disease when blood is screened for CMV (IgM), the incidence of the disease can be decreased in Lagos if blood is screened for CMV

Observation of an α-synuclein liquid droplet state and its maturation into Lewy body-like assemblies.

Misfolded α-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies, which are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). A large body of evidence shows that α-synuclein can aggregate into amyloid fibrils, but the relationship between α-synuclein self-assembly and Lewy body formation remains unclear. Here, we show, both in vitro and in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of PD, that α-synuclein undergoes liquid‒liquid phase separation by forming a liquid droplet state, which converts into an amyloid-rich hydrogel with Lewy-body-like properties. This maturation process towards the amyloid state is delayed in the presence of model synaptic vesicles in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that the formation of Lewy bodies may be linked to the arrested maturation of α-synuclein condensates in the presence of lipids and other cellular components.Wellcome Trust (065807/Z/01/Z) (203249/Z/16/Z). Also, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/K02292X/1), Alzheimer Research UK (ARUK) (ARUK-PG013-14), Michael J Fox Foundation (16238) and from Infinitus China Ltd

Observation of an α-synuclein liquid droplet state and its maturation into Lewy body-like assemblies.

Misfolded α-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies, which are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). A large body of evidence shows that α-synuclein can aggregate into amyloid fibrils, but the relationship between α-synuclein self-assembly and Lewy body formation remains unclear. Here, we show, both in vitro and in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of PD, that α-synuclein undergoes liquid‒liquid phase separation by forming a liquid droplet state, which converts into an amyloid-rich hydrogel with Lewy-body-like properties. This maturation process towards the amyloid state is delayed in the presence of model synaptic vesicles in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that the formation of Lewy bodies may be linked to the arrested maturation of α-synuclein condensates in the presence of lipids and other cellular components.Wellcome Trust (065807/Z/01/Z) (203249/Z/16/Z). Also, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/K02292X/1), Alzheimer Research UK (ARUK) (ARUK-PG013-14), Michael J Fox Foundation (16238) and from Infinitus China Ltd

Improved mapping strategy to better inform policy on the control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Sierra Leone

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are endemic in Sierra Leone confirmed by national mapping in 2008. To better inform planning of preventive chemotherapy strategy, another survey was conducted before mass drug administration (MDA) in seven districts according to the mapping results or local knowledge. Fifty-nine chiefdoms and one school in every chiefdom were selected. Thirty school children aged 9-14 years from each school (total: 1760) were examined by parasitological methods for infection with <it>Schistosoma mansoni </it>and STHs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall prevalence of <it>S. mansoni </it>was 40.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 37.9-42.5%), particularly in Kailahun (63.3%), Kenema (46.7%), Koinadugu (41.9%) and Kono (71.7%). The results demonstrated the focal distribution of <it>S. mansoni </it>in Bo, Tonkolili and Bombali districts with prevalence ranging from 0.0-63.3%, 3.3-90.0% and 0.0-67.9% respectively. The arithmetic mean intensity of <it>S. mansoni </it>infection was 95.4 epg (95% CI: 61.4-129.5 epg), Heavy mean intensity of infection was found in Kailahun (120.2 epg), Kenema (104.5 epg), Koinadugu (112.3 epg) and Kono (250.3 epg). Heavy or moderate infection with <it>S. mansoni </it>occurred in 20.7% of children examined. Hookworm prevalence was moderate: 31.2% (95% CI: 29.1-33.4%), but high in Bo (50.0%) and Tonkolili (56.7%). Hookworm intensity of infection was light with a mean epg of 53.0 (95% CI: 38.4-67.7 epg). Prevalence and intensity of <it>Ascaris lumbricoides </it>(1.5%, 17.8 epg) and <it>Trichuris trichiura </it>(2.5%, 20.3 epg) was low.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The prediction by previous spatial analysis that <it>S. mansoni </it>was highly endemic across north-eastern Sierra Leone was confirmed with a significant proportion of children heavily or moderately infected. The distribution of <it>S. mansoni </it>in Bo, Tonkolili and Bombali districts ranged widely, highlighting the importance of considering the nature of focal transmission in national mapping exercises. These results were used to refine the MDA for schistosomiasis control to chiefdom implementation units rather than the entire district in these 3 districts. The survey demonstrated that sufficient number of survey sites for schistosomiasis mapping in each district should be used to provide a better national planning of MDA activities, and that it is affordable with the contributions from all parties involved and national resources mobilized.</p

Serum testosterone levels of HbSS (sickle cell disease) male subjects in Lagos, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Infertility is a major problem in sickle cell disease patients, especially in males. In addition to low serum testosterone, other abnormalities involving the accessory sex organs, such as the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, as well as marked decrease in ejaculate volume may be observed in male HbSS patients. Hence, the need to study the role of sex hormones as a cause of infertility in male HbSS patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An unmatched case-control study was performed using seventy-five consenting subjects from Lagos University Teaching Hospital. These included 47 patients with haemoglobin phenotype SS from the Sickle cell clinic and 28 volunteered medical students and members of staff with haemoglobin phenotype AA. Demographic data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 5 mls of blood was collected from each subject between 9.00 am & 11.am, and assayed for serum testosterone concentration.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The concentrations of serum testosterone in HbSS patients ranged from 0.2 to 4.3 ng/ml with a mean of 1.28 ± 0.72 ng/ml whilst the values in HbAA controls ranged from 1.2 to 6.9 ng/ml with a mean of 2.63 ± 1.04 ng/ml. Seven (25.0%) of the 28 controls had serum testosterone concentration lower than the quoted reference (normal) range whereas 44 (93.6%) of the 47 HbSS subjects had serum testosterone concentration lower than the reference range.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, subjects with HbSS have significantly lower mean serum testosterone than HbAA controls.</p

Toxocariasis: a silent threat with a progressive public health impact

Background: Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats, respectively. In this article, recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed. Main text: Over the past two decades, we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis. However, lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden. Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms: visceral, ocular, covert and neural. Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending. Fortunately, multiple diagnostic modalities are available, which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies, can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity. Conclusions: Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients, there remains much work to be done. Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers, which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy. Also, further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease