Haematological and serum electrolyte responses in goats undergoing tibial fracture reduction

Haematologic, biochemical, electrolyte and acid base values were determined in twelve goats prior to (baseline) tibia surgery, during surgery (at 45 min) and subsequently at 24 h and 72 h post operatively. The haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, sodium, potassium, chlorine, total carbon diaoxide (TCO2), anion gap, base excess, pH, partial carbon diaoxide (PaCO2) concentration and bicarbonate concentrations in the samples were obtained using the i-STAT EC8+ handheld biosensor analyzer. The osmolarity of the blood was also estimated. To investigate changes in the variables during and after fracture fixation, the control (baseline) values of the data were compared with the mean variables obtained per time point during and after surgery using ANOVA. The haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood glucose, osmolarity, anion gap, chlorine, sodium and potassium concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) than control values during surgery and at 24 and 72 h post-surgery. Blood urea nitrogen, base excess, pH, PaCO2 TCO2 and bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-) increased significantly (p<0.05) above control values at 24 and 72 h post-surgery. The results obtained from this study showed that tibia surgery led to alteration in fluid, electrolyte and acid base status of goats. Most importantly, metabolic alkalosis ensued post tibia fracture creation and fixation.Keywords: Haematolgy, Electrolytes, Acid-base, Tibia, Fracture, Surger

Animal models in surgical training: choice and ethics

The use of animals in scientific research dates back to 500 BC, with research from Greece by Alcmaeon and other temporary scientists. Techniques for dissecting living animals were improved by Galen of Pergamum and his experiments were later valuable in the discovery of blood circulation in the16th century. Until the 18th century humans were envisaged as the only alternative to animals in scientific research, and it was advocated that criminals in particular should be the subjects of vivisection. By the 19th century, however, even the use of cadavres came under regulation. Claude Bernard and other leading scientists defended the focus on animal experimentation, which increased its use. Louis Pasteur, who pioneered research in infectious diseases, developed antibiotics following experiments in animals. Advocates of non-animal research, such as Lawson Tait, claimed that the diseases of animals were different from those of human beings and concluded that vivisection was worthless. In 1959 Burch and Russell formed the concept of humane research to help develop experiments that utilized animal-free techniques. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol. 7(3&4) 2005: 260-26

Serum biochemical parameters and cytokine profiles associated with natural African trypanosome infections in cattle.

BACKGROUND: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) greatly affects livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana prevalence of AAT is estimated to range between 5 and 50%. Studies have reported serum biochemical aberrations and variability in cytokine profiles in animals during infection. However, information regarding the biochemical parameters and cytokine profiles associated with natural infections are limited. This study was therefore aimed at investigating changes in the levels of serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines during a natural infection. METHODS: Nested internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based PCR and sequencing were used to characterise trypanosome infection in cattle at two areas in Ghana (Adidome and Accra) of different endemicities. The cattle were sampled at four to five-week intervals over a period of six months. Levels of serum biochemical parameters, including creatinine, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin and total protein and cytokines (interleukin 10, interleukin 4, interleukin 12, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were measured in serum samples and then compared between infected cattle and uninfected controls. RESULTS: The predominant trypanosome species detected in Accra (non-endemic) and Adidome (endemic) were Trypanosoma theileri and Trypanosoma vivax, respectively. Serum biochemical parameters were similar between infected and uninfected cattle in Accra. Infected cattle at Adidome however, had significantly higher levels of ALP, creatinine, total protein and total bilirubin (P < 0.05) and significantly lower levels of cholesterol (P < 0.05) at specific time points. At basal levels and during infection, significantly higher pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (Th1/Th2) cytokine ratios were observed in cattle at Adidome compared to Accra (P < 0.05), indicating a shift towards Th1 immune response in Adidome. Levels of IL-10 were, however, significantly elevated in infected cattle in Accra (P < 0.05), suggesting high anti-inflammatory cytokine response in Accra. CONCLUSION: These results suggests that cattle in an endemic area repeatedly infected with trypanosomes of different species or different antigenic types demonstrate high pro-inflammatory (Th1) immune response and biochemical alterations whereas cattle in a non-endemic area with predominantly chronic T. theileri infections demonstrate high anti-inflammatory response and no biochemical alterations

An evaluation of the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in a hydroxyapatite carrier on the rate of cortical restoration of large bone defects using the dog ulna model

To evaluate the rate of establishment of cortical continuity and union of large bone defects with the use of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein (rh-BMP- 2)/hydroxyapatite implants. Six adult male dogs were used to evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) in filling large cortical defects. A 1.5cm cortical ulnar defect was created in two groups of dogs. First group had 1.5cm BMP implant in a carrier of hydroxyapatite in the cortical defect; the control (group 2) defect was left  intact. Evaluation was through serial radiographic determination of mean fracture gaps. There was progressive filling of osseous defects in group 1, which was total at the 16th week post-surgical (PS); group 2 dogs had radiographic non-union at the 16th PS week. It was concluded that BMP implanted with a hydroxyapatite carrier significantly  enhanced the rate of cortical restoration of massive bone defects in dogs.Keywords: Bone healing, Bone morphogenetic protein-2, Cortical growth, Dogs, Segmental bone defects, Uln