Effect of Feeding Open-Air Dried Broiler Litter on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth and Carcass Composition in Growing-Finishing Pig Diets

Fifty-four (Large White strain) grower pigs were used to evaluate broiler litter as potential feedstuff for growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments; O, 15 and 30 % broiler litter inclusion levels. Each treatment was replicated six times with three pigs/replicate in a completely randomized block design. Test diets were formulated to contain 20% crude protein and 3200 kcal/kg digestible energy. Pigs were housed in total confinement in a concrete-slatted floor house containing twenty pens; each measuring 7.4 × 1.75 m and equipped with feed and water troughs that were about 3.6 m apart. The apparent digestibility of nutrients decreased with increasing incorporation of broiler litter in the diets of growing-finishing pigs, especially crude protein. The apparent digestibility of crude protein and the daily growth rate were depressed by the increasing inclusion of broiler litter in the diet. Daily feed intake was increased and the feed conversion ratio was highest at 30% broiler litter feeding. Animals on broiler litter-based diets had lower body weight at slaughter while carcass length and backfat thickness decreased with increasing level of broiler litter inclusion. Percent spleen was increased by the inclusion of broiler litter. Ash content of the muscles increased whereas ether extracts and crude protein decreased with increase in the levels of broiler litter in the diet. Feeding broiler litter at 30% level gave higher moisture content (3.8%), calcium (0.04%), phosphorus (0.8%) and a lower gross energy (5649 kcal/kg) content for muscle composition. The inclusion of broiler litter in growing-finishing pigs’ rations reduced growth performance; but improved the carcass quality when fed at 30% inclusion level and reduced feed cost at 15% inclusion level. Appropriate feeding strategies are required to optimise performance, carcass quality and feed cost.Keywords: Carcass quality, feed cost, muscle composition

Performance Analysis of an Experimental Centrifugal Pump

This paper presents results on the performance characteristics of an experimental H47–centrifugal pump. Four dimensionless numbers, namely Reynolds, flow coefficient, head coefficient and power coefficient are used. The pump was operated nominally at Reynolds number of 4x107, 3.4x107 and 2.7x107 respectively. The performance charts show that the maximum possible efficiency of the pump is less than 45% and the best efficiency point is around 42%. The maximum possible power coefficient is 2.48x10-4 at a corresponding flow coefficient of 3.2x10-3 giving a head coefficient of 0.078 at the best efficient point (BEP). Electronic sensors on the H47 rig provided measurements that ensured noticing of fluctuations across the Venturi meter caused by the onset of cavitation.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i2.

Pattern of Ophthalmic Consult from the Ear, Nose and Throat Ward of a Tertiary Hospital

Objective: To study the pattern and indications for ophthalmicreferral of patients with otorhinolaryngology problems.Method: A retrospective study of patients who were admittedinto the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) ward of the UniversityCollege Hospital, Ibadan and had ophthalmic referral betweenJuly 2000 and June 2004. The parameters evaluated were thedemography of the patient, indication for ophthalmic consult,and the contribution of the ophthalmologist towards themanagement of the patient.Results: Reports on 26 patients on whom ophthalmic consultswere sent were available for review. This accounted for 3%of the patients admitted during the period under review.Fourteen (53.8% ) of the consults were sent on account ofproptosis and 7 (26.9%) for complaints of poor vision. In 12(46.2%) of these patients, the otorhinolaryngologicaldiagnosis was sinonasal tumour. The ophthalmologist madepositive contributions to the management of 20 (76.9%) ofthe patients. These included the use of lubricants/protectiveshield (6 [23.1%]), tarsorrhaphy (3 [ 11.5%]), antiglaucomamedication (2[7.7%]) and cataract extraction (2[7.7%]).Conclusion: Proptosis ranked highest for ophthalmic consultfrom the ENT ward in this review. Close collaborationbetween subspecialties should be encouraged when managingvisually-threatening conditions. There is also the need for astandard referral protocol

Early results of two methods of posterior spinal stabilization in Nigerians

Background: In this study, early outcomes of the spinous process wiring with vertical strut (SPWVS) were compared with that of standard pedicle screw and rod (PSR) in our patients.Materials and Methods: We obtained patients' bio‑data, diagnosis, investigations, cost of implant, operative circumstances, complications, and outcomes from clinical documentation. Outcome measures, including postoperative infection and persistent/recurrent instabilities, implant related problems, operative blood loss and time and cost, were compared in the two groups of patients.Results: Forty one (M:F‑0.9:1) patients had PSR and 35 (M:F‑2.2:1) had SPWVS. There was no difference in the occurrence of post‑operative instability (P = 0.630), surgical site infection (P ≥ 0.416), neurological deficits (P ≥ 0.461) and implant related complications (P ≥ 0.461) in the two groups of patients. Cost of implant in the PSR group range from N138,000 (for 2 level fusion) (1USD = N159) to N246,000 (for 4 level fusion) with an average of N192,000 (Standard deviation [SD] N44,090.81) depending on the number of level fused while the cost of implant for SPWVS was N8,000 irrespective of the number of level of fusion being carried out (P = 0.000). Mean estimated blood loss intra‑operatively was higher for PSR (761.33 [SD 396.24] ml) than SPWVS (524.58 [SD 504.70] ml) (P = 0.005). Mean operation time was 397.17 (SD 122.183) min and 249.44 (SD 130.31) min PSR and SPWVS (P = 0.000).Conclusion: SPWVS appears to be a good alternative to PSR, especially in our resource limited environment, in view of similar post‑operative infection rate, implant complication, stability and post‑operative neurological  deterioration as well as shorter operation time, less estimated blood loss and much cheaper cost of implant in the former.Key words: Fusion, outcome, pedicle screws, spinal wirin

Assessment of the water quality parameters in relation to fish community of Osinmo reservoir, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Physicochemical indices of water body changed seasonally and this necessitated an investigation to assess the water quality parameters of Osinmo reservoir in relation to its fish species. The water quality parameters were measured using standard methods. Results obtained show that the reservoir is alkaline in nature with dissolved oxygen  concentration (1.8-7.2 mgl-1) and alkalinity (64 CaCO3 mgl-1-108 CaCO3 mgl-1) which were within the optimum range for growth and survival of fish. Four families of fish comprising eight species were encountered. The sex-ratio of five species which were statistically different (P<0.05) indicatedreproductive efficiency populations while other fish species whose sex-ratio differed insignificantly (P>0.05) revealed a growing population. The  well-being of the fish species was adequate as observed in the least meancondition factor of 0.666±0.057 in C. gariepinus and the highest mean of 2.000±0.242 in S. galilaeus. The productivity of the reservoir can be  improved through proper management of the water body.Keywords: Water quality, fish abundance, diversity, fish biometrics, sex-ratio, condition factor

Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Nigeria: A Community-Based Study From 3 Sites

BACKGROUND: We determined the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for epilepsy in Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a door-to-door survey to identify cases of epilepsy in 3 regions. We estimated age-standardized prevalence adjusted for nonresponse and sensitivity and the 1-year retrospective incidence for active epilepsy. To assess potential risk factors, we conducted a case-control study by collecting sociodemographic and risk factor data. We estimated odds ratios using logistic regression analysis and corresponding population attributable fractions (PAFs). RESULTS: We screened 42,427 persons (age ≥6 years), of whom 254 had confirmed active epilepsy. The pooled prevalence of active epilepsy per 1,000 was 9.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.6-11.1), 17.7 (14.2-20.6) in Gwandu, 4.8 (3.4-6.6) in Afikpo, and 3.3 (2.0-5.1) in Ijebu-Jesa. The pooled incidence per 100,000 was 101.3 (95% CI 57.9-167.6), 201.2 (105.0-358.9) in Gwandu, 27.6 (3.3-128.0) in Afikpo, and 23.9 (3.2-157.0) in Ijebu-Jesa. Children's significant risk factors included febrile seizures, meningitis, poor perinatal care, open defecation, measles, and family history in first-degree relatives. In adults, head injury, poor perinatal care, febrile seizures, family history in second-degree relatives, and consanguinity were significant. Gwandu had more significant risk factors. The PAF for the important factors in children was 74.0% (71.0%-76.0%) and in adults was 79.0% (75.0%-81.0%). CONCLUSION: This work suggests varied epidemiologic numbers, which may be explained by differences in risk factors and population structure in the different regions. These variations should differentially determine and drive prevention and health care responses

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Pooled analysis of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist use and mortality after emergency laparotomy

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist has fostered safe practice for 10 years, yet its place in emergency surgery has not been assessed on a global scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate reported checklist use in emergency settings and examine the relationship with perioperative mortality in patients who had emergency laparotomy. Methods In two multinational cohort studies, adults undergoing emergency laparotomy were compared with those having elective gastrointestinal surgery. Relationships between reported checklist use and mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression and bootstrapped simulation. Results Of 12 296 patients included from 76 countries, 4843 underwent emergency laparotomy. After adjusting for patient and disease factors, checklist use before emergency laparotomy was more common in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI) (2455 of 2741, 89.6 per cent) compared with that in countries with a middle (753 of 1242, 60.6 per cent; odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95 per cent c.i. 0.14 to 0.21, P <0001) or low (363 of 860, 422 per cent; OR 008, 007 to 010, P <0.001) HDI. Checklist use was less common in elective surgery than for emergency laparotomy in high-HDI countries (risk difference -94 (95 per cent c.i. -11.9 to -6.9) per cent; P <0001), but the relationship was reversed in low-HDI countries (+121 (+7.0 to +173) per cent; P <0001). In multivariable models, checklist use was associated with a lower 30-day perioperative mortality (OR 0.60, 0.50 to 073; P <0.001). The greatest absolute benefit was seen for emergency surgery in low- and middle-HDI countries. Conclusion Checklist use in emergency laparotomy was associated with a significantly lower perioperative mortality rate. Checklist use in low-HDI countries was half that in high-HDI countries.Peer reviewe

Prognostic model to predict postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery based on a national prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Acute illness, existing co-morbidities and surgical stress response can all contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was prospectively to develop a pragmatic prognostic model to stratify patients according to risk of developing AKI after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective multicentre cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection, liver resection or stoma reversal in 2-week blocks over a continuous 3-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery. Bootstrap stability was used to select clinically plausible risk factors into the model. Internal model validation was carried out by bootstrap validation. Results: A total of 4544 patients were included across 173 centres in the UK and Ireland. The overall rate of AKI was 14·2 per cent (646 of 4544) and the 30-day mortality rate was 1·8 per cent (84 of 4544). Stage 1 AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (unadjusted odds ratio 7·61, 95 per cent c.i. 4·49 to 12·90; P < 0·001), with increasing odds of death with each AKI stage. Six variables were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model: age, sex, ASA grade, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, planned open surgery and preoperative use of either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Internal validation demonstrated good model discrimination (c-statistic 0·65). Discussion: Following major gastrointestinal surgery, AKI occurred in one in seven patients. This preoperative prognostic model identified patients at high risk of postoperative AKI. Validation in an independent data set is required to ensure generalizability

A review of modelling methodologies for flood source area (FSA) identification

Flooding is an important global hazard that causes an average annual loss of over 40 billion USD and affects a population of over 250 million globally. The complex process of flooding depends on spatial and temporal factors such as weather patterns, topography, and geomorphology. In urban environments where the landscape is ever-changing, spatial factors such as ground cover, green spaces, and drainage systems have a significant impact. Understanding source areas that have a major impact on flooding is, therefore, crucial for strategic flood risk management (FRM). Although flood source area (FSA) identification is not a new concept, its application is only recently being applied in flood modelling research. Continuous improvements in the technology and methodology related to flood models have enabled this research to move beyond traditional methods, such that, in recent years, modelling projects have looked beyond affected areas and recognised the need to address flooding at its source, to study its influence on overall flood risk. These modelling approaches are emerging in the field of FRM and propose innovative methodologies for flood risk mitigation and design implementation; however, they are relatively under-examined. In this paper, we present a review of the modelling approaches currently used to identify FSAs, i.e. unit flood response (UFR) and adaptation-driven approaches (ADA). We highlight their potential for use in adaptive decision making and outline the key challenges for the adoption of such approaches in FRM practises