Nutritive value, growth performance and haematological parameters of West African dwarf sheep fed preserved pineapple fruit waste and cassava by- products

Twelve West African dwarf sheep, aged between 6 to 8 months and weighing 9 to 10.5 kg were randomly allocated to four treatments consisting of ensiled pineapple fruit waste and cassava root meal (CRM+PFW); sun-dried pineapple fruit waste (PFW); ensiled cassava peels and pineapple fruit waste (CP+PFW); cassava peel and cassava root meal (CP+CRM), to determine the performance, digestibility and haematological parameters in a completely randomised design in a 56 day feeding trial. The results revealed that there were differences (p<0.05) in the daily weight gain of the animals. Animals fed CP+PFW had significantly (p<0.05) higher daily weight gain than other treatments. Daily DM intake also followed the same trend. Daily weight gain observed for CRM+PFW, PFW, CP+PFW, CP+CRM were 23.57g/day, 59.28g/day, 66.43g/day and 40.71g/day, respectively. Sun-dried pineapple fruit waste diet induced (p<0.05) the highest water intake of 1.93litre/day. All the haematological and serum biochemical indices were influenced (p<0.05) by the treatments. Packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 28% to 37%, while haemoglobin concentration (Hb) ranged from 9.5g/dl to 12.5g/dl. Albumin and total protein values ranged significantly (P<0.05) from 32.7 to 37.8g/dl and 41.7 to 78.2 g/l respectively. It was concluded that animals on CP+PFW had the best growth performance, hence, ensiled pineapple fruit waste +cassava peels can be recommended to sheep farmers for better intake and performance especially during the austere periods.Keywords: Sheep, Pineapple waste, ensiling, cassava pee

Adult Nephrectomy: Our Experience At Ile-Ife

Objectives: To determine indications for adult nephrectomy in our community and the outcome of the procedure in our Institution. Materials andMethod: Records of adult patients scheduled for nephrectomy at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital from January 1993 to December 2004 were reviewed. Information extracted and analysed included age of patient, sex, presentation, investigations, indication, type and outcome of nephrectomy, histopathology result and duration of follow up. Results: During the period, thirty adult patients mean age 42.73yrs (range 16-80yrs, M: F=2:1) were scheduled for nephrectomy. Indications included suspicion of malignancy in 19(63.3%) patients, protracted loin pain in non-functioning kidney in 2(6.7%), uncontrollable bleeding in a patient with bilateral polycystic kidney (3.3%), pyonephrosis with septicaemia in a patient (3.3%), kidney injury (grade 5) in 2(6.7%) and kidney donation for transplantation in 3(10%). Ultrasound and intravenous urography were useful in the patients\' evaluation. Twenty-seven (90%) patients were operated upon, but only 25(83.3%) had nephrectomy. Sixteen (53.3%) had radical nephrectomy, 5(16.7%) had simple nephrectomy, 3(10%) had nephro-ureterectomy, and one (3.3%) had partial nephrectomy. Major surgical complications included wound sepsis (18.5%) and primary haemorrhage (7.4%). The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 7.4% and 3.7% respectively. Post-uninephrectomy, patients\' renal function remained stable after an average of 34.05months follow-up. Conclusion: Renal tumours constitute the main indication for adult nephrectomy in our community. Kidney injury, kidney donation, and pyonephrosis are relatively uncommon indications. Open nephrectomy, which remains our local practice, is safe and unilateral nephrectomy is compatible with normal life. Keywords: Nephrectomy, renal tumours, loin pain, haematuria, kidney injury and kidney donation.Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (2) 2008: pp. 121-12

KNOW-Ped CKD (KoreaN cohort study for outcomes in patients with pediatric CKD): Design and methods

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. In children, CKD exhibits unique etiologies and can have serious impacts on children’s growth and development. Therefore, an aggressive approach to preventing the progression of CKD and its complications is imperative. To improve the understanding and management of Asian pediatric patients with CKD, we designed and launched KNOW-Ped CKD (KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease), a nationwide, prospective, and observational cohort study of pediatric CKD with funding from the Korean government. METHODS/DESIGN: From seven major centers, 450 patients <20 years of age with CKD stages I to V are recruited for the comprehensive assessment of clinical findings, structured follow-up, and bio-specimen collection. The primary endpoints include CKD progression, defined as a decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate by 50 %, and a requirement for renal replacement therapy or death. The secondary outcomes include the development of left ventricular hypertrophy or hypertension, impairment of growth, neuropsychological status, behavioral status, kidney growth, and quality of life. DISCUSSION: With this study, we expect to obtain more information on pediatric CKD, which can be translated to better management for the patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02165878 (ClinicalTrials.gov), submitted on June 11, 2014