First reported case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana

Background: Pig rabies is uncommon and there is paucity of information on rabies in pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated pig rabies in Adidome, Ghana.Materials and Methods: Case history, Dog assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected pigs were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Fluorescent antibody technique.Results: Stray dog bitten affected pigs showed anorexia, constipation, hyper excitation, twitching of head, roaring and foaming with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 17% mortality and 75% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of swine brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus using Fluorescent Agglutination Test.Conclusion: This report described the first documented case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana and emphasis was laid on continued advocacy and prompt reporting of suspected neurological conditions in pigs in GhanaKey words: Dog associated Rabies, Pig, Ghan

Human Campylobacteriosis in Developing Countries1

Campylobacteriosis is a collective description for infectious diseases caused by members of the bacterial genus Campylobacter. The only form of campylobacteriosis of major public health importance is Campylobacter enteritis due to C. jejuni and C. coli. Research and control efforts on the disease have been conducted more often in developed countries than developing countries. However, because of the increasing incidence, expanding spectrum of infections, potential of HIV-related deaths due to Campylobacter, and the availability of the complete genome sequence of C. jejuni NCTC 11168, interest in campylobacteriosis research and control in developing countries is growing. We present the distinguishing epidemiologic and clinical features of Campylobacter enteritis in developing countries relative to developed countries. National surveillance programs and international collaborations are needed to address the substantial gaps in the knowledge about the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis in developing countries

Force-velocity relation and density profiles for biased diffusion in an adsorbed monolayer

In this paper, which completes our earlier short publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 511 (2000)], we study dynamics of a hard-core tracer particle (TP) performing a biased random walk in an adsorbed monolayer, composed of mobile hard-core particles undergoing continuous exchanges with a vapor phase. In terms of an approximate approach, based on the decoupling of the third-order correlation functions, we obtain the density profiles of the monolayer particles around the TP and derive the force-velocity relation, determining the TP terminal velocity, V_{tr}, as the function of the magnitude of external bias and other system's parameters. Asymptotic forms of the monolayer particles density profiles at large separations from the TP, and behavior of V_{tr} in the limit of small external bias are found explicitly.Comment: Latex, 31 pages, 3 figure

Assessment of the impact of abattoir effluent on the quality of groundwater in a residential area of Omu‑Aran, Nigeria

Background: Water pollution from abattoir effluents may create substantial environmental and public health hazards. Available literature is scanty on the quality of groundwater located near abattoirs in tropical developing countries like Nigeria. This study, therefore, accessed the impact of abattoir activities on the quality of groundwater in Omu-Aran Nigeria. Methods: A total of eighteen water samples were taken from five privately own wells and one control well located at varying distances and elevations to the abattoir. The physicochemical characteristics of the water were determined using the standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results: The mean values of parameters in the water samples collected from the studied wells ranged from 5.80 ± 0.20 to 7.23 ± 0.55 mg/L, 12.0 ± 1.0 to 26.0 ± 2.0 mg/L, 0.06 ± 0.02 to 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/L and 208.0 ± 24.25 to 254.67 ± 12.22 cfu/mL for dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, lead and total coliforms, respectively. There was a significant difference in the quality of water from the studied and control wells in the parameters except that of total coliform. The quality of the groundwater improved with increasing distance from the abattoir. Conclusions: Findings revealed that abattoirs have the potential to impact the quality of groundwater. Therefore, careful consideration is required when choosing a location for siting new abattoirs. For existing ones, particularly those close to residential areas, effective pollution control measures should be put in place to protect groundwater

Economic Potentials of Ikere Gorge and Oyan Dams for National Development

A study was carried out to review the works of different researchers on Ikere gorge dam and Oyan dam; the two main multipurpose dams in the southwest Nigeria under the control of Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority. The two gigantic dams and other smaller dams in the area were found to be grossly under- utilized considering the water storage capacity and purposes for which the dams were built. The dams were meant to serve the people in the region in terms of water provision, irrigation farming, hydro power generation, fishery, recreation, navigation and other purposes. The economic potential of the two engineering water infrastructures were highlighted. An appeal is now being made to the relevant authorities through this medium to explore areas of utilizing the two dams for regional and national economic development

Pressure Dependence of the Irreversibility Line in Bi2_{2}Sr2_{2}CaCu2_{2}O8+δ_{8+\delta}:Role of Anisotropy in Flux-Line Formation

One of the important problems of high-temperature superconductivity is to understand and ultimately to control fluxoid motion. We present the results of a new technique for measuring the pressure dependence of the transition to superconductivity in a diamond anvil cell. By measuring the third harmonic of the {\it ac} susceptibility, we determine the onset of irreversible flux motion. This enables us to study the effects of pressure on flux motion. The application of pressure changes interplanar spacing, and hence the interplanar coupling, without significantly disturbing the intraplanar superconductivity. Thus we are able to separate the effects of coupling from other properties that might affect the flux motion. Our results directly show the relationship between lattice spacing, effective- mass anisotropy, and the irreversibility line in Bi$_{2}$Sr$_{2}$CaCu$_{2}$O$_{8+\delta}$. Our results also demonstrate that an application of 2.5 GPa pressure causes a dramatic increase in interplanar coupling.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure