The application of immunohistochemistry as a research technique in veterinary medical schools in Nigeria

Immunohistochemistry involves the use of commercially prepared colour labelled antibodies to detect the presence and distribution of specific cellular proteins known as antigens. It is a diagnostic and research technique employed in medicine, but may have limited veterinary medical application in Nigeria. The present paper accessed the level of awareness and application of immunohistochemistry as a research technique among staff of the veterinary medical schools in Nigeria. As at the time of the study, ten veterinary schools were accredited by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, thus used for the analysis. Respondents to a structured questionnaire from the veterinary schools included laboratory technologists and academic staff of the departments of veterinary anatomy, pathology and public health. Design of the questions progressed from mere awareness to theoretical and practical knowledge of the technique. Although 93.33 % of respondents who are academic staff were aware of the technique, and an equally high percentage of those aware of the technique have varying levels of theoretical knowledge, only 32.65 % of these respondents have practical experience of immunohistochemistry technique. Similarly, among the laboratory technologists who were aware of the technique, only 34.78 % have actively conducted it. Respondents of the veterinary anatomy specialty had the highest percentage of practical knowledge. Results also indicated that there was only one veterinary medical school with a functional immunohistochemistry laboratory in Nigeria. The paper recommended, among other things, the introduction of immunohistochemistry as a practical course in the curriculum of the veterinary schools in Nigeria.Keywords: Immunohistochemistry; Nigerian veterinary schools; NU

The effects of singeing on the histological appearance of some visceral organs in the red Sokoto goat (Capra hirrcus)

The histology of visceral organs from singed Red Sokoto goats were assessed for reliability for use as histopathological samples from singed abattoir specimen. This becomes important as samples for histopathology and histology of goats in Nigeria have been sourced from singed carcasses, with no available literature reporting on the effect of singeing on the histological appearance of tissues from such sample. Hence, this study will fill this knowledge gap. The unfixed samples post-singeing were grouped into time periods of an hour interval up to 3 hours. They were subsequently fixed after allocated tie framed and processed for histological observation. The slides were graded on a scale of 1 to 3, where 1 referred to highly distorted, 2 referred to moderately distorted and 3 referred to mildly distorted. The samples from unsigned viscera that were fixed immediately served as control. Most of the visceral organs showed moderate distortions, except the intestines which degenerated to highly distorted architecture after 3 hours. The stomach compartments displayed normal organ structure similar to the control samples. Blood extravasations were observed in most of the organs. This project shows that samples from singed carcasses that are fixed within 2 hours post-singeing are stable for histology or histopathological studies. It also implied that abattoir samples for histopathogy should be sent to the nearest laboratory about 2 hours radius for fixation and processing to generate reliable data.Key words: Singeing, organ architecture, fixation, histology, histopathology, Nigeri

Overview of human and animal brucellosis in Nigeria and its economic impacts on production

Brucellosis is a wide spread zoonotic bacterial disease of humans and animals. In humans the disease is recognized commonly as undulant fever, characterized by headache malaise, and arthritis. Brucellosis can occur in any age group, but mainly found in young men between the ages of 20 and 40 years because of occupational hazards. Domestic animals (cattle, sheep and goat, pigs, dogs etc) are highly susceptible to brucellosis.  Generally, brucellosis manifest in female animals as abortion, retained placenta, stillbirth and death of young ones soon after birth. In males, the  main features are vesiculitis, orchitis, and epididymitis, which may render infected male infertile for life. The endemicity of brucellosis has remained  a threat in low- income countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and has multiple economic implications across agriculture and public health  sectors, and broader implications on economic and social development sectors. Google and Google Scholar were used to retrieve articles used for  this review, which included published research articles and local, national and international reports on brucellosis. In this review, we summarised  human and animal brucellosis, prevalence of infections in Nigeria, and economic impacts on production. It is believed that this review will guide  researchers on the state of brucellosis in developing countries where the disease is still endemic, using Nigeria as a case study

Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Human Capital is an integral part of any country’s development and economic growth has human capital as an important factor. This study evaluates the relevance of human capital development on the growth of the economy pin pointing the relationship that exists between them. In this study, the ordinary least square (OLS) technique was adopted. The GDP was used as a proxy for economic growth; Per Capital Real Gross Domestic Product, primary school enrolment, public expenditure on education and health, life expectancy, stock of physical capital as proxy for human capital. From the analysis, it was deduced that there is a strong positive relationship between human capital development and economic growth. The recommendations drawn from the study centered on revisiting the man-power needs of the various sectors of the economy. Also, while workable policies should be put in place to bring about an overall economic growth, expenditures on health and public education should be utilized effectively and efficiently so that the country would experience quality health care services and quality educational system. Key words: Human Capital, GDP, Economic growth, Ordinary Least Squares, Nigeri

Morfología de la cavidad orofaríngea y esófago del bagre africano adulto (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Burchell, 1822)

The morphology of the adult farmed African catfish -Clarias gariepinus a prominent omnivorous cultivable species in Nigeria was investigated. It revealed cornified horny plates lining the buccal surfaces of the lips. The tongue was not free moving, and the oesophagus was a narrow tube connecting the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach with no valve or constriction separating it from the later. Histologically, the cavity wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium containing eosinophilic club cells, mucous cells and taste buds. The laminar propria contained dense collagen fibres. No taste bud was seen on the tongue suggesting it non involvement in food selection through gustation unlike the cavity wall which contained taste buds. The oesophagus was lined by stratified mucous epithelium containing club cells. Histochemistry revealed the presence of neutral, acid and combination of the two. The large extent of oesophageal mucification indicates need for mucin lubrication of food since teleost is known to lack salivary glands and also an adaptation to ingestion of varied feed.La morfología bagre africano del adulto cultivado -Clarias gariepinus- una especie omnívoras cultivables prominente en Nigeria fue investigada. Reveló placas córneas que cubren las superficies vestibulares de los labios. La lengua no tiene movimiento libre y el esófago es un tubo estrecho que conecta la cavidad orofaríngea al estómago sin válvula o constricción que lo separe. Histológicamente, la pared de la cavidad estaba revestida por epitelio escamoso estratificado que contiene células eosinófilas, células mucosas y papilas gustativas. La laminar propia contenía fibras de colágeno denso. No fie vista ninguna papila gustativa en la lengua lo que sugiere la no participación la selección de los alimentos a través gustación a diferencia de la pared de la cavidad que contiene papilas gustativas. El esófago estaba revestido por epitelio estratificado que contiene células mucosas. La histoquímica reveló la presencia de ácido a neutro, y la combinación de los dos. La gran extensión de mucificación esofágica indica la necesidad de lubricación de mucina de los alimentos se sabe que los teleósteos carecen de glándulas salivales y también una adaptación a la ingestión de alimentos variados.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Morfología de la cavidad orofaríngea y esófago del bagre africano adulto (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Burchell, 1822)

The morphology of the adult farmed African catfish -Clarias gariepinus a prominent omnivorous cultivable species in Nigeria was investigated. It revealed cornified horny plates lining the buccal surfaces of the lips. The tongue was not free moving, and the oesophagus was a narrow tube connecting the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach with no valve or constriction separating it from the later. Histologically, the cavity wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium containing eosinophilic club cells, mucous cells and taste buds. The laminar propria contained dense collagen fibres. No taste bud was seen on the tongue suggesting it non involvement in food selection through gustation unlike the cavity wall which contained taste buds. The oesophagus was lined by stratified mucous epithelium containing club cells. Histochemistry revealed the presence of neutral, acid and combination of the two. The large extent of oesophageal mucification indicates need for mucin lubrication of food since teleost is known to lack salivary glands and also an adaptation to ingestion of varied feed.La morfología bagre africano del adulto cultivado -Clarias gariepinus- una especie omnívoras cultivables prominente en Nigeria fue investigada. Reveló placas córneas que cubren las superficies vestibulares de los labios. La lengua no tiene movimiento libre y el esófago es un tubo estrecho que conecta la cavidad orofaríngea al estómago sin válvula o constricción que lo separe. Histológicamente, la pared de la cavidad estaba revestida por epitelio escamoso estratificado que contiene células eosinófilas, células mucosas y papilas gustativas. La laminar propia contenía fibras de colágeno denso. No fie vista ninguna papila gustativa en la lengua lo que sugiere la no participación la selección de los alimentos a través gustación a diferencia de la pared de la cavidad que contiene papilas gustativas. El esófago estaba revestido por epitelio estratificado que contiene células mucosas. La histoquímica reveló la presencia de ácido a neutro, y la combinación de los dos. La gran extensión de mucificación esofágica indica la necesidad de lubricación de mucina de los alimentos se sabe que los teleósteos carecen de glándulas salivales y también una adaptación a la ingestión de alimentos variados.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Assessment of peripheral arterial disease in diabetic adults with foot ulcers in an African population

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a recognized risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration. It was thought that PAD is not common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies show otherwise. It becomes necessary to assess the prevalence of PAD among diabetic adults with foot ulcers in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of PAD in diabetic subjects with foot ulcers in Nigeria.Methods: Diagnosis of PAD was made with the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Edinburgh claudication questionnaire was administered to the patients. An ABI of &lt;0.9 is diagnostic of PAD. Risk factors for PAD were assessed. A control group of non-diabetic adults was used.Results: Sixty-seven per cent (67%) of the test group has PAD as compared to 18% of the control group. Smoking, duration of diabetes and systemic hypertension were strongly associated with PAD.Conclusions: Diabetic adults with foot ulcers in Nigeria have a high prevalence of PAD

Morphology of the oropharyngeak cavity and oesophagus of the farmed adult African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822)

The morphology of the adult farmed African catfish -Clarias gariepinus a prominent omnivorous cultivable species in Nigeria was investigated. It revealed cornified horny plates lining the buccal surfaces of the lips. The tongue was not free moving, and the oesophagus was a narrow tube connecting the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach with no valve or constriction separating it from the later. Histologically, the cavity wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium containing eosinophilic club cells, mucous cells and taste buds. The laminar propria contained dense collagen fibres. No taste bud was seen on the tongue suggesting it non involvement in food selection through gustation unlike the cavity wall which contained taste buds. The oesophagus was lined by stratified mucous epithelium containing club cells. Histochemistry revealed the presence of neutral, acid and combination of the two. The large extent of oesophageal mucification indicates need for mucin lubrication of food since teleost is known to lack salivary glands and also an adaptation to ingestion of varied feed.La morfología bagre africano del adulto cultivado -Clarias gariepinus- una especie omnívoras cultivables prominente en Nigeria fue investigada. Reveló placas córneas que cubren las superficies vestibulares de los labios. La lengua no tiene movimiento libre y el esófago es un tubo estrecho que conecta la cavidad orofaríngea al estómago sin válvula o constricción que lo separe. Histológicamente, la pared de la cavidad estaba revestida por epitelio escamoso estratificado que contiene células eosinófilas, células mucosas y papilas gustativas. La laminar propia contenía fibras de colágeno denso. No fie vista ninguna papila gustativa en la lengua lo que sugiere la no participación la selección de los alimentos a través gustación a diferencia de la pared de la cavidad que contiene papilas gustativas. El esófago estaba revestido por epitelio estratificado que contiene células mucosas. La histoquímica reveló la presencia de ácido a neutro, y la combinación de los dos. La gran extensión de mucificación esofágica indica la necesidad de lubricación de mucina de los alimentos se sabe que los teleósteos carecen de glándulas salivales y también una adaptación a la ingestión de alimentos variados

Morfología de la cavidad orofaríngea y esófago del bagre africano adulto (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Burchell, 1822)

The morphology of the adult farmed African catfish -Clarias gariepinus a prominent omnivorous cultivable species in Nigeria was investigated. It revealed cornified horny plates lining the buccal surfaces of the lips. The tongue was not free moving, and the oesophagus was a narrow tube connecting the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach with no valve or constriction separating it from the later. Histologically, the cavity wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium containing eosinophilic club cells, mucous cells and taste buds. The laminar propria contained dense collagen fibres. No taste bud was seen on the tongue suggesting it non involvement in food selection through gustation unlike the cavity wall which contained taste buds. The oesophagus was lined by stratified mucous epithelium containing club cells. Histochemistry revealed the presence of neutral, acid and combination of the two. The large extent of oesophageal mucification indicates need for mucin lubrication of food since teleost is known to lack salivary glands and also an adaptation to ingestion of varied feed.La morfología bagre africano del adulto cultivado -Clarias gariepinus- una especie omnívoras cultivables prominente en Nigeria fue investigada. Reveló placas córneas que cubren las superficies vestibulares de los labios. La lengua no tiene movimiento libre y el esófago es un tubo estrecho que conecta la cavidad orofaríngea al estómago sin válvula o constricción que lo separe. Histológicamente, la pared de la cavidad estaba revestida por epitelio escamoso estratificado que contiene células eosinófilas, células mucosas y papilas gustativas. La laminar propia contenía fibras de colágeno denso. No fie vista ninguna papila gustativa en la lengua lo que sugiere la no participación la selección de los alimentos a través gustación a diferencia de la pared de la cavidad que contiene papilas gustativas. El esófago estaba revestido por epitelio estratificado que contiene células mucosas. La histoquímica reveló la presencia de ácido a neutro, y la combinación de los dos. La gran extensión de mucificación esofágica indica la necesidad de lubricación de mucina de los alimentos se sabe que los teleósteos carecen de glándulas salivales y también una adaptación a la ingestión de alimentos variados.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

The histomorphology of the African palm squirrel (Epixerus ebii) lacrimal gland.

The histomophology of the dorso-lateral lacrimal gland of the African Palm Squirrel –Epixerus ebii, was investigated to establish its normal histology. The grossly almond shaped organ appeared as a pink coloured U-shaped structure with lobules on low magnification. The organ was coated by thin connective tissue fibres. The lobules averaging seven in number contained tubuloalveoalar glands. The cells of the glands were typically serous cells with low columnar shape containing basally located ovoid to spherical nucleus. While some gland acini lumen contained foamy eosinophilic secretions, other acini contained foamy eosinophilic secretions with basophilic materials. These acini were designated types I and II respectively. Periodic acid Schiff reaction revealed that the basement membrane were PAS positive while the gland secretions were poorly PAS positive. This data will fill the knowledge gap and aid biologists’, comparative anatomists’ in further investigative research, while it will be of interest to wildlife clinicians in this species disease management