Ionic fluxes in erythrocyte membranes of sickle cell anaemia subjects at different tonicities

Background: Cells with markedly increased Haemoglobin concentration are a prominent feature of sickle cell disease, as a consequence of the loss of K+, Cl- and water from the erythrocyte. This affects the erythrocyte microrheology, resulting in cellular abnormalities. The potentials of reversing this phenomenon is currently being studied as a mechanism of rehydrating the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate ionic fluxes in membrane of erythrocytes at different tonicities with a view to highlighting any selective ionic-fluxing potential of homozygous HBS when compared to normal haemoglobin. Methods: 5ml heparinized blood samples were obtained from subjects with different haemoglobin genotypes (AA, AS and SS). Erythrocytes were washed until a clear supernatant was seen and haematocrit was adjusted to 50% for each. Equal volumes were dispensed into 1ml (v/v) of de-ionized water, 40mM high potassium Physiological salt solution (PSS), 80mM K+ PSS and fresh coconut water respectively. The samples were then centrifuged at 2000 r.p.m. for 10 minutes and electrolyte (Na+, K+, and Cl-) concentrations were determined from the supernatant obtained, using flame photometry. Values are expresse d as means ± SEM and analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance; post-hoc analysis was done using Bonferroni test. Results: HbS, at high K+ PSS, exhibited a significantly higher concentration of potassium ion in the supernatant with relatively lower concentration of Sodium and Chloride ions compared to that of HBA and HBAS (P<0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference between ionic fluxes across membrane of erythrocytes with genotype AA and AS. Conclusion: Relatively high potassium ion could possibly inhibit Na+/K+ -ATPase activities within the membrane of HBS, thereby allowing for significantly higher potassium ion efflux and influx of sodium, Chloride and water to account for the rehydration/ sickling-reversal process.Keywords: Ionic fluxes, Haemoglobin Genotypes, Na+/K+ -ATPase, Rehydratio

Mechanism of the extraction of Molybdenum(VI) from diluted HCl and HNO3 solutions with di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid

The mechanism of extraction of Mo (VI) from diluted HCl and HNO3 solutions with di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) dissolved in n-hexane has been investigated. The mechanism of extraction from both acids at pH 1.0 – 6.0 was found to be majorly by cation exchange of MoO22+ for H+ of the extractant (H2R2), while at lower pH value, it was observed to be by neutral, unstable isopoly acid, H4Mo8O26 or nMoO3.2H2O and MoO22+. The extraction efficiency was maximal at pH 1.0 for both acids, E% = 84.8 and 80.0 for HCl and HNO3 media respectively. From the method of slope analysis, the number of D2EHPA molecules associated with MoO22+ was found to be two at pH = 1.0.Keywords: Extractant, cation exchange, isopoly acid, slope analysis

Current Status of Canine Babesiosis and the Situation in Nigeria: A Review

Nigerian Veterinary Journal, Vol. 32(2): 2011; 69 - 7

Survey of gastro-intestinal protozoans of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir, Plateau State, Nigeria

An investigation on the incidence of gastro-intestinal protozoans of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abatoir  was carried out between May and November, 2007 using direct smear, floatation method and sporulation of oocysts of coccidia. Out of the 532 pigs examined 236 (44.36%) were positive for five genera of   intestinal protozoans. The study identified five genera of intestinal protozoans which include: Giardia   lamblia 36(6.77%) Isospora sp 42(7.90%) Eimeria sp 38(7.14%) Balantidium coli 50(9.40%) Entamoeba  sp 25(4.70%). Mixed infection of the intestinal protozoans involving some of the five genera of the  parasites recovered in this studies accounted for 45(8.46%) out of the 532 samples. The parasites  occurred more in female Pigs 148(49.66%) than in the male pigs 88(37.61%). However statistical  analysis revealed no significant difference in the sex related incidence of gastro-intestinal parasites  (P.0.05). Adult pigs haboured more of the parasites 282(67.14%) than the young pigs 54(48.21%). The  incidence rate of infection for adult pigs ranged between 6.67% and 9.05% while that of young pigs ranged  between 4.46% and 10.71%  Statistical analysis showed significant difference in the rate of infection between the young and adult pigs at (P.0.05). The large white breed was more infected 212(44.92%) than any other breeds. Which was followed by the mixed breed 14(43.75%) and the least rate of 10(35.71%) was recorded in the large black. Generally the incidence rate of infection with intestinal protozoans was low in this investigation as compare to previous researches.KEY WORDS: Endemecity, Gastro-intestinal, Occurrence, Pigs, Protozoans

Differential Rheology Among ABO Blood Group System In Nigerians

Background: ABO blood groups have been reported to have rheological significance and association with different disease conditions. The non-O blood groups (A, B, and AB) have shown more susceptibility to arterial and venous thrombotic diseases with no rheological delineation. The determinants of these blood groups are based on the presence or absence of the inherited antigenic substances on the erythrocyte membrane which are responsible for the alterations in membrane and cytoskeletal properties that could affect the rheology of blood. This study was therefore aimed at ascertaining how the varying membrane biochemical antigenic architecture affects the erythrocyte’s rheological properties and that of the whole blood. Methods: A total of 138 young healthy subjects were studied; they comprised 40, 38, 50 and 10 subjects divided into blood groups (A, B, and O and AB) respectively. Hemorheological parameters such as Relative plasma viscosity (RPV), Hematocrit (HCT), Plasma Fibrinogen concentration (PFC), White blood cell count (WBC), Red blood cell count (RBC), Platelet count, Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Erythrocyte deformability (ED) were analyzed. The transit time model (the higher the transit time, the lesser the deformability) was used in analyzing RBC deformability. Results: We observed that blood group AB had significantly higher values of PFC, RPV and Platelet counts but significantly lower transit time (p<0.05, respectively) when compared with other blood groups. The transit times were in the order of B>A>O>AB (p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, blood group AB seems to have a positive advantage of better RBC deformability despite its comparatively high RPV. This shows that hemorheological variations exists amongst the ABO blood groups and the red cell antigenic biochemistry may be a determinant of their membrane mechanical properties. Also, a slight increase in Plasma Fibrinogen Concentration seems to have a significantly profound effect on plasma viscosity and indeed RBC deformability via transit times.Keywords: Hemorheology, Deformability, Plasma Viscosity, Transit time, antigenic biochemistr

A survey for haemo-parasite of pigs slaughtered in Jos Abattoir plateau state Nigeria

A survey for haemo-parasite of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir was carried out between May and November 2007, to determine the sex, age, breeds related incidence and possible risk factor(s) to the spread of infection using direct smear and staining technique. Out of the total of 532 pigs examined, 92(17.29%) were positive for four genera of protozoan parasites with Trypanosoma spp accounting for 10(1.88%), Babesia spp 23(4.32%), Anaplasma spp 17(3.20%), and Eperythrozoon spp 42(7.80%). The female pigs haboured more of the blood parasites, 50(9.40%), than the male pigs, 42(7.80%). The sex related rate of infection ranged from 1.5% - 4.51% and from 0.75% - 3.38% for female and male pigs respectively. However, chi square analysis shows no significant differences in the sex related prevalence of haemo-parasites (p0.05). The parasites established themselves more in the adult pigs, 79(18.8%) than in the young pigs 13(11.61%). The infection rates ranged from 0.89% to 5.36% and from 2.14% to 8.57% for adult and young pigs respectively. Chi square analysis shows a significant difference in the infection rate between  adult and young pigs (p0.05). The blood parasites encountered in the different breeds of pigs were as follows: 87(17.51%) in the large white, 2(17.51%) in the large black and 2(15.00%) in the mixed breed. There was no significant difference in the rates of infection among the different breeds of pigs (p0.05). Generally there was low rate of occurrence 17.29% for haemo parasites of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir.Keywords: Endemicity haemo-parasite, infection, pigs, rate

Occurrence of gastro-intestinal helminths of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir, Plateau state, Nigeria.

An investigation on the occurrence of gastro intestinal helminthes of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir was carried out between May and November 2007, to determined sex, age, and breed related rate of infection, and the possible risk factors to the spread of the epidemic, using direct smear and floatation techniques. Out of the total of 532 examined, 245 (46.10%) were positive for five species of helminthes parasites, namely Taenia solium 44(8.27%) Ascaris suum 52(9.77%), Trichuris suis 40(7.52%) Strongyloids ransomi 16(3.0%) Ascarops strongylina 28(5.26%). Of the 532 pigs sampled, 65(12.22%) were recorded with mixed infection. The parasites were more established in the female pigs 149(50%) than in the male pigs 96(41.02%) However, chi square analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence rate between female and male pigs (p>0.05). Apparently adult pigs haboured more of the helminthes parasites 240(57.14%) than the young pigs 41(36.61%) although the difference was not statistically significance. The large white breed was infected most, among the various breeds 239(48.28%). The infection rate for the large black was 2(26.67%) and for the mixed breed was 4(20.00%). There was no significant difference in the infection rate among the various breed of pigs (p>0.05). The study shows that breeds and sex are not the promoting factors to infection rate but age.Keywords: Endemicity, Gastro-intestinal, Helminths, Occurrence, Pigs

Awareness of Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Rural Women in Ife-North Local Government Area, Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women in globally and in Nigeria. In Nigeria, cases of breast cancer cases have been prevalent for three decades and more than 90% of cases can be detected by women themselves through breast self – examination. The objective of this study therefore, was to assess rural women's level of awareness and knowledge of breast cancer and the practice of breast self- examination.Methods: The data for this was collected in the months of March and April, 2011. A structured interviewer–administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 420 randomly selected volunteered women from two randomly selected wards in Ife North Local Government Area (a rural Local Government Area) in Osun State, SW Nigeria.Results: 400 questionnaires were properly filled and subsequently used for data analysis and results showed that a large proportion (78.8%) had erroneous belief that keeping money in the brassier can cause breast cancer despite the fact that majority (87.8%) of them claimed to be aware of the disease. Cigarette smoking had the highest percentage (51.5%) among the correct risk factors for breast cancer being agreed to by the respondents. Their awareness and practices of breast self- examination (BSE) were also low (47% and 29% respectively). Age and religion of the respondents had significant effect on the practices of BSE (p=0.013 and p=0.0001 respectively).Conclusion: Appropriate educational program is suggested in order to improve the knowledge of women regarding breast cancer and increase their practices of breast self examination.Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Self- Examination, Knowledge, Rural Wome

SELECTED MARKERS OF OXIDANT CHALLENGE IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE SMOKERS

Aim: The study was set to assess the relationship between antioxidant status, smoking and hypertension, the argument being whether there would be a significant difference in antioxidant status and perhaps, a significant difference in blood pressure. Methods: A total of105 samples were collected. 36 samples were collected from type I hypertensive smokers; 47 from hypertensive non smokers, the remaining 22 were collected from normal non smokers, who served as control. The blood pressure of each subject was measured. Determinations of SOD activity and TBARS content were carried out on each of the samples. Determination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was also carried out using a digital sphygmomanometer. The results of all investigations were thereafter subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 17, the student’s t test being the tool of choice. Significance was tested at P<0.05. Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressureof hypertensive smokers and non smokinghypertensives was found to be significantly increased. Similarly the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive smokers was found to be significantly increased. SOD activity was significantly decreased while TBARS levels were significantly higher in both hypertensive groups. Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher while SOD activity was significantly lower in hypertensive smokers when compared with hypertensive non smokers Conclusion: It appears that cigarette smoking as a social lifestyle depletes SOD levels but increases lipid peroxidation. It also seems to favour the progression of essential hypertension from mild to severity

Visual outcome after cataract surgery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the visual outcome of patients who had cataract surgery in the University College Hospital Ibadan. Methodology: This is an observational descriptive, longitudinal study of consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery at the University College Hospital conducted between May and October 2007. A total of 184 patients who presented to the hospital and met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Patients were examined preoperatively, 1st day postoperatively and 8th week postoperatively. Results: The mean age was 66.5 years; and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Preoperatively, 137 patients (74.5%) were blind in the operated eye, while 39 patients (23.6%) were blind in both eyes at presentation. At 1st day postoperatively, 87 patients (47.3%) had pinhole visual acuity of 6/6-6/18. Best corrected vision after refraction eight weeks postoperatively showed that 127 patients out of 161 patients (78.8%) had good vision while 28 patients (17.4%) had borderline vision, and six patients (3.8%) had severe visual impairment after refraction. The number of bilaterally blind patients also reduced from 39 (23.6%) to one (0.6%). Uncorrected refractive error was the commonest cause of poor vision prior to refraction. Glaucoma was the commonest ocular co-morbidity accounting for poor vision in 9.1% of patients eight weeks after cataract surgery. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that good results can be obtained with cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in the developing world. More attention should be directed towards ensuring that successful outcomes are indeed being realized by continued monitoring of postoperative visual outcomes and prompt refraction for all patients.Keywords: Cataract, Visual outcome, Cataract surger