Evaluation of Post-vaccinal Antibody Response to Canine Distemper Virus Vaccine Following a Single Dose of Multivalent (DHLPPi) Vaccines to Nigerian Local Breeds of Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

The current level of morbidity and mortality among dogs due to canine distemper virus infection raise concerns about the effectiveness of commercially available DHLPPi vaccines. The prevalence of the disease despite vaccination warranted the evaluation of the potency of vaccines that are used for routine vaccination in Nigeria. This study was conducted to investigate antibody responses to the three common brands of DHLPPi vaccines for dogs and to recommend the best immunogenic brand for routine vaccination in dogs in Nigeria. Twenty local breed of dogs, age 8 -14 weeks were purchased from dog breeders in Ibadan, Oyo-State, Nigeria. The dogs were screened for heamoparasites and endoparasites. Those that were positive were treated appropriately and they were acclimatized for three weeks in the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital kernels. They were divided into four groups tagged A, B, C and D. They were fed with rice and meat and formulated rations and served fresh clean water ad-libitum. Groups A, B and C were vaccinated while Group D was not vaccinated and served as the control. Blood samples were collected before vaccination (day 0) and weekly for four weeks and 90 days post-vaccination. The sera of collected blood samples were subjected to ELISA test. Mean values of ELISA antibody titers were calculated and the mean values obtained were compared for significant differences using ANOVA test and student t-test. The antibody titres of the three groups A, B and C were observed to increase within a week of vaccination, and the three vaccinated groups showed variable antibody responses on different days of samplings.characterised with rising and waning of antibodies. Group D was observed to be low titres of antibody throughout the study period. From these findings, all the vaccines were potent, however, comparatively vaccine C was the best, vaccine B was better than A. Vaccine C is therefore strongly recommended for use in dogs for routine vaccination and a booster dose should be administered 4-5 weeks after first dose for optimum humoral immunity against canine distemper virus infection. Seromonitoring is essential in planning vaccination regimen for dogs. Other factors that can affect the effectiveness of vaccine during storage, transportation and administration should be considered for a desirable resul

Antidiabetic and anti-oxidant activities of the methanol leaf extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats

The methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MLVA) was assessed to evaluate its antidiabetic potential in rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of alloxan monohydrate at 100 mg/kg of body weight. After 48 h, rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dL and above were considered diabetic and used for the study. The experimental animals were grouped into five groups (A–E) of 10 animals each. Group A rats were non-diabetic normal control, Group B consisted of diabetic control rats that received no treatment, groups C, D and E rats were diabetic rats but treated with glibenclamide, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of MLVA respectively. Blood samples were collected at days 14 and 28 after induction for haematological and serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, LDL, cholesterols etc. The intestine was collected and intestinal homogenate was prepared for the antioxidant studies. The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in extract-treated diabetic rats and also significantly increased weight gain in these rats. Most haematological parameters in treated rats experienced, while platelets and neutrophils were decreased. Biochemical indices measured were reduced in MLVA-treated groups compared with diabetic control. Treatment with MLVA also produced significant (p < 0.05) decrease in markers of oxidative stress but increased levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant markers in intestinal homogenates of treated groups compared with diabetic control. This study showed that V. amygdalina has antihyperglycaemic and in vivo antioxidant effects

The three main monotheistic religions and gm food technology: an overview of perspectives

Abstract Background Public acceptance of genetically modified crops is partly rooted in religious views. However, the views of different religions and their potential influence on consumers' decisions have not been systematically examined and summarized in a brief overview. We review the positions of the Judaism, Islam and Christianity – the three major monotheistic religions to which more than 55% of humanity adheres to – on the controversies aroused by GM technology. Discussion The article establishes that there is no overarching consensus within the three religions. Overall, however, it appears that mainstream theology in all three religions increasingly tends towards acceptance of GM technology per se, on performing GM research, and on consumption of GM foods. These more liberal approaches, however, are predicated on there being rigorous scientific, ethical and regulatory scrutiny of research and development of such products, and that these products are properly labeled. Summary We conclude that there are several other interests competing with the influence exerted on consumers by religion. These include the media, environmental activists, scientists and the food industry, all of which function as sources of information and shapers of perception for consumers

Congenital Corneal Opacity in a Nigerian Local Puppy (A case report)

A four-week old Nigerian local puppy was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan with a history of bilateral corneal opacity. This was observed as the eyes opened at the age of seven days. General examination did not reveal any other abnormality. There was a gradual clearing of the opacity and by the age of eighteen weeks, it was completely resolved. Keywords: keCongenital corneal opacity, local dog Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences Vol. 5 (1) 2006 pp. 1-

Use of goat interleukin-6, cortisol, and some biomarkers to evaluate clinical suitability of two routes of ascorbic acid administration in transportation stress

Aim: The study determined the effect of ascorbic acid (administered orally and intramuscularly) in short-term transportation stress. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four apparently healthy Kalahari goats were grouped into four groups (A, B, C, and D) of 6 animals each: Group A - untreated and unexposed to stress; Group B - treated with 200 mg/kg Vitamin C orally and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; Group C - treated with Vitamin C 200 mg/kg intramuscularly and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; and Group D - untreated and exposed to 2 h transportation stress. The animals were stocked using standards stipulated by the Nigerian Animal Disease Control Act and transported at 40 km/h. Cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assayed using quantitative sandwich ELISA. Classical stress hematological parameters and antioxidative stress markers such as glutathione s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were determined. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also assessed. Results: The route of ascorbic acid administration did not influence the expression of IL-6, and changes in cortisol surge, antioxidative stress markers, and other hematological parameters in Kalahari goats though Group C goats showed higher HRV values (p<0.05) than others. This gives credence to the enhanced cardiac responsiveness and stress survivability in Kalahari goats. Conclusion: Both routes could be used in the administration of ascorbic acid. Kalahari goats exposed to short-term stress; however, the intramuscular route had better heart variability and thus improved the survivability of the animals

Determinants of Child Labour and Schooling in Rural Northeastern Nigeria

Child labour interferes with proper schooling and negatively affects the pace of economic growth by preventing full realization of positive externalities associated with human capital formation. The study examined the determinants of child labour and schooling in rural northeastern Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 969 children. Information was collected on child, parent/household and community characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index and Multinomial Logit regression. Most (59.8%) of the children were Combining School with Work (CSW); boys (59.6%) were more involved in this activity than girls (45.6%). Girls (26.9%) were more involved in schooling only (SCH) than boys (17.8%). The regression results showed that a unit increase in the age of children reduced the probability of SCH (0.03) relative to Neither School Nor Work (NSNW) while it increased the probability of CSW and Working (WRK) (0.03 and 0.02)respectively. Being a boy increased the probability of CSW (0.13) and reduced that of SCH (0.09) relative to being in NSNW. Also, being a child of a non-poor household increases the probability of SCH (0.09) and reduces that of WRK (0.06) relative to NSNW. The determinants of child labour and schooling in northeastern Nigeria are age, sex, poverty status of households among others. In essence, it is recommended that households should be encouraged to allow all children aged 5-14 years to participate in schooling in order to acquire the required 9 years of basic education as specified by the International Labour Organization

Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin-Nisin Based Poly Lactic Acid Nanoparticle on Myocardial Infarction in Guinea Pigs

Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most prevalent cause of cardiovascular death. A possible way of preventing MI maybe by dietary supplements. The present study was thus designed to ascertain the cardio-protective effect of a formulated curcumin and nisin based poly lactic acid nanoparticle (CurNisNp) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced MI in guinea pigs. Animals were pretreated for 7 days as follows; Groups A and B animals were given 0.5 mL/kg of normal saline, group C metoprolol (2 mg/kg), groups D and E CurNisNp 10 and 21 mg/kg respectively (n = 5). MI was induced on the 7th day in groups B-E animals. On the 9th day electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded, blood samples and tissue biopsies were collected for analyses. Toxicity studies on CurNisNp were carried out. MI induction caused atrial fibrillation which was prevented by pretreatment of metoprolol or CurNisNp. MI induction was also associated with increased expressions of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) which were significantly reduced in guinea pig’s pretreated with metoprolol or CurNisNp (P < 0.05). The LC50 of CurNisNp was 3258.2 μg/mL. This study demonstrated that the formulated curcumin-nisin based nanoparticle confers a significant level of cardio-protection in the guinea pig and is nontoxic