Effects of photoperiod and pinealectomy on domestic chickens

A series of investigations was undertaken to study the relationship between the photoperiod, the pineal gland and various physiological attributes of domestic chickens. Live body, comb, eye, testis and pineal weights were deter-mined at the end of the trials as well as eye depth, intra ocular pressure and osmolality. Birds maintained under constant dark conditions were heavier, though not significantly, at 10 weeks of age, than those kept in constant light or 12L:12D, Pinealectomised birds were only slightly lower in weight than birds with intact pineals (P\u3c 0.05). Combs were more supple and heavier if birds were reared under 12L:12D. Eye weight was depressed in the presence of the pineal gland but increased in either 24 hour darkness or 24 hour light. Testis weight was signi-ficantly (P\u3c0.05) reduced in the birds with functional pineals, and a similar decline occurred when chicks were subjected to 24 hours of darkness. Eye pressures as well as ocular osmolalities were not significantly affected by either the photoperiod or the pineal gland, although birds kept under 24 hour light or darkness developed varying degrees of glaucoma. Shifting birds from one photoperiod to another at 5 weeks of age had varying effects on measured parameters. Although the pineal gland was adversely affected by shifting or constant photoperiods, the effects were not statistically significant

HANDLING, SAFETY AND HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF FROZEN MEAT AND FISH DURING VENDING IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

This study assessed the extent to which cold store operators and table-top meat and fish sellers in Kumasi, employed safe meat and fish handling practices.  The meat and fish safety knowledge and attitudes of food vendors and household consumers were also assessed. Data was collected from 155 respondents comprising 53 cold store operators, 42 table-top vendors and 60 consumers using semi-structured questionnaires. The majority of respondents were females aged between 20 – 40 years. Cold store operators were generally more educated than the table-top meat and fish sellers who had only basic or no formal education. However, formal education had little effect on respondents’ knowledge and adoption of meat       handling and safety practices. Neither meat and fish vendors nor consumers considered hygiene as necessary in their selection of suppliers and purchase of products. Although most claimed to be aware of meat and fish contaminants, they could not mention specific pathogens that contaminated either products. While most table-top vendors wore overalls, the purpose was not to reduce contamination of meat and fish but to promote personal cleanliness. The findings indicate the need for further studies and interventions to bridge the existing gap between knowledge and practice in the frozen meat and fish industry. We propose a conceptual framework for an integrated approach involving all key stakeholders for safe vending of frozen fish and meat. Other urban cities in developing nations could adopt the framework to promote safe and hygienic practices in the frozen meat and fish industry

Factors associated with knowledge and hypoglycemia experience among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background Among persons with diabetes on treatment, hypoglycemia is the most common iatrogenic acute metabolic complication. Many factors influence hypoglycemia, highlighting the need for diabetic patients to recognize, and manage these potential factors in order to reduce the rate of hypoglycemia. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, experiences of hypoglycemia, and associated risk factors among Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This cross‐sectional study included 444 clinically diagnosed DM patients from the Suntreso Government Hospital, who were on treatment for at least a year. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data from the participants. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 20.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Results More than half (52.7%) of the study participants had poor knowledge of hypoglycemia. Moreover, 52.9% of diabetics had experienced hypoglycemia. Participants who were in the age groups of 55–64 and 65–80 years, being retired, being diagnosed with diabetes for 11–20 years and more than 20 years, taking in alcohol, and having adequate knowledge were independent determinants of experiencing hypoglycemia. Conclusion Knowledge level of hypoglycemia among Ghanaian diabetics is low. Prompt recognition of risk factors of hypoglycemia and the careful monitoring and management of glycemic levels in high‐risk groups are important to lessen the prevalence of hypoglycemia in these populations

A mixed methods study of symptom perception in patients with chronic heart failure

Background,br> Early heart failure (HF) symptoms are frequently unrecognized for reasons that are unclear. We explored symptom perception in patients with chronic HF. Methods We enrolled 36 HF out-patients into a longitudinal sequential explanatory mixed methods study. We used objectively measured thoracic fluid accumulation and daily reports of signs and symptoms to evaluate accuracy of detected changes in fluid retention. Patterns of symptom interpretation and response were explored in telephone interviews conducted every 2 weeks for 3-months. Results In this sample, 44% had a mismatch between objective and subjective fluid retention; younger persons were more likely to have mismatch. In interviews, two patterns were identified: those able to interpret and respond appropriately to symptoms were higher in decision-making skill and the quality of social support received. Conclusion Many HF patients were poor at interpreting and managing their symptoms. These results suggest a subgroup of patients to target for intervention