Stereological Evidences of Epithelial Hypoplasia of Seminiferous Tubules Induced By Mesterolone in Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats

BACKGROUND: Anabolic-androgenic steroid compounds are one of the most widely abused drugs by athletes and muscle builders with the goal of improving performance/ability, appearance, or muscle mass. In addition, these steroids are widely used in the treatment of male infertility and subfertility. However, increasing concern has been shown that these compounds may not only offer unappreciable benefits to infertile and subfertile males, but might have deleterious effects on both human and animal physiology and sperm quality. There is a dearth of knowledge on the structural and quantitative changes of the testis secondary to this group of compounds. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of mesterolone (proviron), an anabolic-androgenic steroid, on some of the histomorphometric and stereological parameters of the seminiferous tubules in Sprague-Dawley rat. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 10 adult male rats were used. The treated group was given 0.06 mg/kg body weight/day of mesterolone by gavage for six weeks while the control group received equal volume of 0.9% normal saline per day. Five μm of uniformly random serial sections of the processed testicular tissues were analyzed using un-biased stereological and histomorphometric studies. Results: The results showed that the percentage mean volume density of both the tubular lumen and epithelial height increased by 35% (p< 0.05) and decreased by 50% (

The Influence of replacing Maize with Chrysophyllum Albidum Seed Meal on Growth Response and Nutrient Utilization in Clarias Gariepinus

The study investigated the effect of replacing maize with Chrysophylum albidum seed meal on the growth performance and nutrient utilization in Clarias gariepinus. Five isonitrogenous diets containing maize which was replaced by Chrysophylum albidum at a rate of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were formulated. Experimental diets were randomly assigned to the fish in tanks and each group of fish was fed 5% body weight in equal proportion per day. Significant variation (P&lt;0.05) existed in weight gain, specific growth rate; feed conversion, and survival rate among the fish fed various dietary treatments. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in all the aforementioned parameters between fish fed diet 75% and 100 Chrysophylum albidum. A decrease in growth and nutrient utilization parameters of fish fed various dietary treatments was observed as the level of Chrysophyllum albidum seed meal increased. Replacement of maize by Chrysophyllum albidum in the diets of Clarias gariepinus significantly reduce the growth and nutrient utilization by Clarias gariepinusKeywords: Chrysophyllum albidum, Clarias gariepinus,maize, fish feed ingredients and energy source

Effect of Hepatitis-B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission, making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function.Study design: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy- naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver  enzymes were determined using standard techniques.Results: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (P-values &lt;0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and coinfected patients with CD4 count&lt;200/μl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/μl. (pvalue of &lt;0.01). The mean ALT and  AST of the co - infected patients and all patients with CD4 count &lt;200 cells/μl were higher than the normal reference range.Conclusion: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Coinfection and CD4 count &lt;200 cells/μl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend those co-infected patients and those with CD4 count &lt;200 cells/μl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.Keywords: HIV, Hepatitis B, CD4 count, liver function, co-infectio

Review of pipeline span analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to mainly review the state-of-the-art developments in the field of hydrodynamics of offshore pipelines, identifying the key tools for analysis of pipeline free spans, their applications, their qualifying characteristics and capabilities and limitations. Design/methodology/approach: These different analytical, numerical and semi-empirical tools available for predicting such hydrodynamic loads and their effects include VIVANA, PIPESIN, VIVSIM, SIMULATOR, FATFREE, amongst others. Inherent in these models are current effects, wave effects and/ or pipe–soil interactions. Findings: Amongst these models, the most attention was given to the new VIVANA model because this model take into account the vortex-induced effects with respect to free-spanning pipelines (which have dominant effect in the span analysis in deep water) better than other semi-empirical models (such as Shear 7). Recent improvements in VIVANA include its ability to have arbitrary variation in speed and direction of current, as well as the ability for calculation of pure IL and combined IL-CF response. Improvements in fatigue assessments at free spans, i.e. pipe–soil interaction have been achieved through the combined frequency domain and non-linear time domain analysis methodology adopted. Semi-empirical models are still the de facto currently used in the design of free-spanning pipelines. However, there is need for further research on free-span hydrodynamic coefficients and on how in-line and cross-flow vibrations interact. Again, there is still the challenge due to VIV complexity in fully understanding the fluid structure interaction problem, as there is no consolidated procedure for its analysis. It has been observed that there is large scatter between the different codes adopted in the prediction of fatigue damage, as there lacks full-scale test data devoted to determination/validation of the coefficients used in the semi-empirical models. A case study of the preliminary design of a typical 48 in. pipeline has been presented in this study to demonstrate the use of the free-span analysis tool, DNV RP F105. Excel spreadsheet has been applied in the execution of formulas. Originality/value: This review paper is the first of its kind to study the state-of-the-art development in pipeline free-span analysis models and demonstrate the use of analysis tool, DNV for MAFSL calculation. Hence, information obtained from this paper would be invaluable in assisting designers both in the industry and academia

Secondary bacterial infections of buruli ulcer lesions before and after chemotherapy with streptomycin and rifampicin

Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is a chronic necrotizing skin disease. It usually starts with a subcutaneous nodule or plaque containing large clusters of extracellular acid-fast bacilli. Surrounding tissue is destroyed by the cytotoxic macrolide toxin mycolactone produced by microcolonies of M. ulcerans. Skin covering the destroyed subcutaneous fat and soft tissue may eventually break down leading to the formation of large ulcers that progress, if untreated, over months and years. Here we have analyzed the bacterial flora of BU lesions of three different groups of patients before, during and after daily treatment with streptomycin and rifampicin for eight weeks (SR8) and determined drug resistance of the bacteria isolated from the lesions. Before SR8 treatment, more than 60% of the examined BU lesions were infected with other bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prominent ones. During treatment, 65% of all lesions were still infected, mainly with P. aeruginosa. After completion of SR8 treatment, still more than 75% of lesions clinically suspected to be infected were microbiologically confirmed as infected, mainly with P. aeruginosa or Proteus miriabilis. Drug susceptibility tests revealed especially for S. aureus a high frequency of resistance to the first line drugs used in Ghana. Our results show that secondary infection of BU lesions is common. This could lead to delayed healing and should therefore be further investigated

The burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria: A desk‐based review of existing literature and data

Background: Pneumonia is a leading killer of children under‐5 years, with a high burden in Nigeria. We aimed to quantify the regional burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and specifically the states of Lagos and Jigawa. / Methods: We conducted a scoping literature search for studies of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in under‐5 children in Nigeria from 10th December 2018 to 26th April 2019, searching: Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science. We included grey literature from stakeholders' websites and information shared by organizations working in Nigeria. We conducted multivariable logistic regression using the 2016 to 2017 Multiple Cluster Indicators Survey data set to explore factors associated with pneumonia. Descriptive analyses of datasets from 2010 to 2019 was done to estimate trends in mortality, morbidity, and vaccination coverage. / Results: We identified 25 relevant papers (10 from Jigawa, 8 from Lagos, and 14 national data). None included data on pneumonia or acute respiratory tract infection burden in the health system, inpatient case‐fatality rates, severity, or age‐specific pneumonia mortality rates at state level. Secondary data analysis found that no household or caregiver socioeconomic indicators were consistently associated with self‐reported symptoms of cough and/or difficulty breathing, and seasonality was inconsistently associated, dependant on region. / Conclusion: There is a clear evidence gap around the burden of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and challenges with the interpretation of existing household survey data. Improved survey approaches are needed to understand the risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, alongside the need for investment in reliable routine data systems to provide data on the clinical pneumonia burden in Nigeria

Health system challenges for improved childhood pneumonia case management in Lagos and Jigawa, Nigeria

Background: Case fatality rates for childhood pneumonia in Nigeria remain high. There is a clear need for improved case management of pneumonia, through the sustainable implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) diagnostic and treatment algorithms. We explored barriers and opportunities for improved case management of childhood pneumonia in Lagos and Jigawa states, Nigeria. / Methods: A mixed‐method analysis was conducted to assess the current health system capacity to deliver quality care. This was done through audits of 16 facilities in Jigawa and 14 facilities in Lagos, questionnaires (n = 164) and 13 focus group discussions with providers. Field observations provided context for data analysis and triangulation. / Results: There were more private providers in Lagos (4/8 secondary facilities) and more government providers in Jigawa (4/8 primary, 3/3 secondary, and 1/1 tertiary facilities). Oxygen and pulse oximeters were available in two of three in Jigawa and six of eight in Lagos of the sampled secondary care facilities. None of the eight primary facilities surveyed in Jigawa had oxygen or pulse oximetry available while in Lagos two of three primary facilities had oxygen and one of three had pulse oximeters. Other IMCI and emergency equipment were also lacking including respiratory rate timers, particularly in Jigawa state. Health care providers scored poorly on knowledge of IMCI, though previous IMCI training was associated with better knowledge. Key enabling factors in delivering pediatric care highlighted by health care providers included accountability procedures and feedback loops, the provision of free medication for children, and philanthropic acts. Common barriers to provide care included the burden of out‐of‐pocket payments, challenges in effective communication with caregivers, delayed presentation, and lack of clear diagnosis, and case management guidelines. / Conclusion: There is an urgent need to improve how the prevention and treatment of pediatric pneumonia is directed in both Lagos and Jigawa. Priority areas for reducing pediatric pneumonia burden are training and mentoring of health care providers, community health education, and introduction of oximeters and oxygen supply

Review of prostate cancer research in Nigeria

Prostate cancer (CaP) disparities in the black man calls for concerted research efforts. This review explores the trend and focus of CaP research activities in Nigeria, one of the ancestral nations for black men. It seeks to locate the place of the Nigerian research environment in the global progress on CaP disparities. Literature was reviewed mainly through a Pubmed search with the terms “prostate cancer”and “Nigeria”, as well as from internet and hard copies of journal pages