Optimisation of biomass, exopolysaccharide and intracellular polysaccharide production from the mycelium of an identified Ganoderma lucidum strain QRS 5120 using response surface methodology

Wild-cultivated medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum was morphologically identified and sequenced using phylogenetic software. In submerged-liquid fermentation (SLF), biomass, exopolysaccharide (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) production of the identified G. lucidum was optimised based on initial pH, starting glucose concentration and agitation rate parameters using response surface methodology (RSM). Molecularly, the G. lucidum strain QRS 5120 generated 637 base pairs, which was commensurate with related Ganoderma species. In RSM, by applying central composite design (CCD), a polynomial model was fitted to the experimental data and was found to be significant in all parameters investigated. The strongest effect (p lt 0.0001) was observed for initial pH for biomass, EPS and IPS production, while agitation showed a significant value (p lt 0.005) for biomass. By applying the optimized conditions, the model was validated and generated 5.12 g/L of biomass (initial pH 4.01, 32.09 g/L of glucose and 102 rpm), 2.49 g/L EPS (initial pH 4, 24.25 g/L of glucose and 110 rpm) and 1.52 g/L of IPS (and initial pH 4, 40.43 g/L of glucose, 103 rpm) in 500 mL shake flask fermentation. The optimized parameters can be upscaled for efficient biomass, EPS and IPS production using G. lucidum

An audit of basic practical skills acquisition of final year medical students in a Nigerian medical school

Background/Objective: Young medical graduates undertaking their housemanship are naturally expected to demonstrate reasonable competence in basic practical skills. Failure to do this may not only be a source of anxiety to the doctor but also potentially dangerous to the patient. The objective was to assess the level of exposure of final year medical students of a Nigerian medical school to basic practical skills. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Structured questionnaires were distributed to a set (all) of 86 final year medical students of the University of Port Harcourt immediately after their last lecture in their final posting in medicine and surgery. The questionnaires listed some selected basic practical skills (e.g. phlebotomy, male urethral catheter insertion, etc.) that house officers are expected to be competent in. The students were asked to anonymously fill them and return same before leaving the lecture hall. Results: Of the 86 students, 84 completed and returned the questionnaires, giving a 97.7% response rate. No student had performed an arterial puncture for an arterial blood sample. Seventy-six students (90.5%) had not inserted a naso-gastric tube. Only 14 (16.7%) students had successfully inserted more than 10 intravenous canulae. A significant number, 38 (45.2%), had never inserted a urinary catheter (for male patients) nor had any experience with bag/mask skills. Majority, 59 (70.2%) had had some experience with intravenous antibiotics administration. Forty-one (48.7%) students had had 6 or more successful attempts at venous blood sampling. Conclusion: The exposure level of final year medical students to basic practical skills was low

Acute abdominal conditions in people with sickle cell disease: A 10-year experience in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Abdominal crises (vaso-occlusive) are not infrequent in patients with sickle cell anemia. They usually present as acute abdomen. These patients none the less present with other causes of acute abdomen like others without hemoglobinopathy. Six cases of surgical acute abdomen in sickle cell disease patients treated in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) are presented. Materials and Methods: Six sickle cell anaemia patients presenting with acute abdominal conditions from 1999 to 2008 (inclusive) in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were studied retrospectively (two patients) and prospectively (four patients). After initial resuscitation, appropriate surgical procedures, namely, appendicectomy (2), cholecystectomy (1), open drainage of splenic abscess (1), and release of adhesive band (1) were performed. Results: Six cases were treated (female/male ratio 2:1). Four patients were in the 11-20 year age group. Two patients had appendicectomy and two presented with acute cholecystitis/cholelithiasis, one of whom had open cholecystectomy. One young girl had drainage of splenic abscess and a 42-year-old male had division of obstructive adhesive band at laparotomy. There were two complications, namely, postoperative haemorrhage (in cholecystectomy patient) and acute chest syndrome (in one appendicectomy patient). These were successfully managed with blood transfusion and antibiotic/oxygen therapy, respectively. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Sickle cell anaemia patients are not exempt from acute abdominal conditions requiring surgery. A high index of suspicion coupled with repeated clinical examination is needed for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment

Acute abdominal conditions in people with sickle cell disease: A 10-year experience in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Abdominal crises (vaso-occlusive) are not infrequent in patients with sickle cell anemia. They usually present as acute abdomen. These patients none the less present with other causes of acute abdomen like others without hemoglobinopathy. Six cases of surgical acute abdomen in sickle cell disease patients treated in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) are presented. Materials and Methods: Six sickle cell anaemia patients presenting with acute abdominal conditions from 1999 to 2008 (inclusive) in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were studied retrospectively (two patients) and prospectively (four patients). After initial resuscitation, appropriate surgical procedures, namely, appendicectomy (2), cholecystectomy (1), open drainage of splenic abscess (1), and release of adhesive band (1) were performed. Results: Six cases were treated (female/male ratio 2:1). Four patients were in the 11-20 year age group. Two patients had appendicectomy and two presented with acute cholecystitis/cholelithiasis, one of whom had open cholecystectomy. One young girl had drainage of splenic abscess and a 42-year-old male had division of obstructive adhesive band at laparotomy. There were two complications, namely, postoperative haemorrhage (in cholecystectomy patient) and acute chest syndrome (in one appendicectomy patient). These were successfully managed with blood transfusion and antibiotic/oxygen therapy, respectively. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Sickle cell anaemia patients are not exempt from acute abdominal conditions requiring surgery. A high index of suspicion coupled with repeated clinical examination is needed for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment

The choice of career by final year medical students: the Port Harcourt experience

Background: The distribution of specialists in our environment is not even. Several factors affect the choice of career by intending specialists. Aim: To assess the attitude of final year medical students to specialist training, and the factors affecting their choice of career. Methods: Structured questionnaires were distributed to a set of final year medical students of the University of Port Harcourt for completion during their final rotation in medicine and surgery. They were designed to assess the students\' biodata, the likely area of specialization, the reasons for the choice made, and the stage in their training when the choice was made. The responses were then analyzed. Results: Of the 86 students, only 64 fully completed the questionnaires. Their ages ranged from 22 to 40 years (mean 26; SD 2.78). The male to female ratio was 1:1. Most of the students (70.3%) had spent 6-7 years in school. All students believed it was necessary to undertake specialist training. Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Surgery were the most favoured choices. Satisfactory practice outcome and motivation by a mentor were the most common reasons for their choices. Majority of the students made their choices in their 5th and 6th year in school. Conclusion: All the students believed that it is necessary to undertake specialist training, majority of them choosing Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Surgery. The influence of mentors could help in getting students interested in careers that are considered unattractive. Keywords: Choice of career, Final year medical students, Port HarcourtPHMJ Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 161-16

Formulation And Evaluation of a Combined Chloroquine Phosphate and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Product

Chloroquine phosphate granules (B1) and chlorpheniramine maleate granules (B2) were separately formulated with maize starch and lactose with polyvinylpyrrolidone (10% w/v) as binder. B1 was coated with 5% w/v ethylcellulose to varying degrees by increasing the spray time of the coating solution by 2 minutes between successive batches to produce B1A, B1B, B1C, B1D, B1E, B1F, B1G, B1H and B1I of increasing coat thickness. B2 was not coated. The release profiles of the coated and uncoated granules were studied using the US Pharmacopoeia XXIV (2000) dissolution apparatus II. The release profiles showed a significant and progressive retardation of the release of chloroquine phosphate from B1A to B1I as the coating time was increased. Batch B1I which gave the most desired release profile was selected and combined with the chlorpheniramine maleate granules, encapsulated and the release profiles studied. Each capsule contained granules equivalent to 4mg chlorpheniramine maleate (uncoated) and 250mg chloroquine phosphate (coated). Almost all the chlorpheniramine (97.4%) in the combined product (capsule) was released in 35 min while only about a quarter (24.4%) of the chloroquine component was released in the same period. The combined formulation appears to possess the ability to protect susceptible patients from chloroquine-induced itching by releasing a greater amount of the antihistamine before the chloroquine is released. Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 26 (3) 2003: pp. 32-3

Assessment of lead, copper and zinc contamination of soil from University of Cape Coast School of Agricultural farmland, Ghana

The extent of heavy metal contamination viz. lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the soil of the University of Cape Coast School of Agricultural farmland, Ghana, were assessed. Thirty soil samples were taken from six demarcated areas in the farm. The mean metal concentrations (mean ± cv) and ranges of the metals were (5.37 ± 45.44) 1.93- 11.88 for (Pb); (2.52 ± 118.9) 0.04-24.63 for (Cu); (475.87 ± 26.54), 135.6-887.01 and for Al, (393.83 ± 33.38) 138.32-1051.56. The results showed that the metal concentrations in the soil at six sites decreased in the order: Zn > Pb >Cu. The variation in the distribution of the metals in the soil was found to be in the order Cu > Pb > Zn. The enrichment factor indicated that the soil was enriched with the metals, and the extent of enrichment was in the order, Zn > Pb > Cu. The geoaccumation index and the mean enrichment quotient indicated that the soil was polluted. This contaminated soil sediments could act as a source of pollutant for crops grown in the farm.Keywords: Heavy metal pollution, enrichment, soi