USE OF FERMENTED CASSAVA, PALM KERNEL CAKE AND DRIED BREWERS«¤?? GRAINS TO PRODUCE MAIZE- FREE LOW-COST DIETS FOR LAYING HENS

An experiment was carried out to determine the performance of laying hens fed maize-free diets based on combinations of fermented cassava tuber meal (FCMT), palm kernel cake (PKC) and dried brewers«¤?? grains (DBG) as source of energy. Diet I (control) contained maize as the main source of energy while diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 contained FCTM, PKC and DBG at percentages of 30, 20, 20; 35, 15, 20; 35, 20, 15; 25, 20, 25 and 25, 25 and 20, respectively, completely eliminating maize. Each diet was fed to a group of 24 laying hens for 12 weeks, using completely randomized design (CRD). The layers on the maize-free diets tended to consume more feed than those on the control diet. The group on diet 3 (35%: 15%: 20%) recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher hen-day egg production (69.50%) than those on the other diets. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in egg weights. The group on the control diet and that on diet 3 recorded significantly (P<0.05) superior feed conversion ratios. Haugh unit of the eggs from diet 4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the others. Diets 3 recorded the lowest feed cost of egg production with the value of N178.67 per kg eggs as against N210.25 per kg eggs from the control. The results of the trial have shown that fermented cassava tuber meal, palm kernel cake and dried brewers«¤?? grains can be used to produce maize-fee low-cost diets for laying hens if properly combined

USE OF FERMENTED CASSAVA, PALM KERNEL CAKE AND DRIED BREWERS’ GRAINS TO PRODUCE MAIZEFREE LOW-COST DIETS FOR LAYING HENS

An experiment was carried out to determine the performance of laying hens fed maize-free diets based on combinations of fermented cassava tuber meal (FCMT), palm kernel cake (PKC) and dried brewers’ grains (DBG) as source of energy. Diet I (control) contained maize as the main source ofenergy while diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 contained FCTM, PKC and DBG at percentages of 30, 20, 20; 35, 15, 20; 35, 20, 15; 25, 20, 25 and 25, 25 and 20, respectively, completely eliminating maize. Each diet was fed to a group of 24 laying hens for 12 weeks, using completely randomized design (CRD). Thelayers on the maize-free diets tended to consume more feed than those on the control diet. The group on diet 3 (35%: 15%: 20%) recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher hen-day egg production (69.50%) than those on the other diets. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in egg weights. Thegroup on the control diet and that on diet 3 recorded significantly (P<0.05) superior feed conversion ratios. Haugh unit of the eggs from diet 4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the others. Diets 3 recorded the lowest feed cost of egg production with the value of N178.67 per kg eggs as against N210.25 per kg eggs from the control. The results of the trial have shown that fermented cassava tuber meal, palm kernel cake and dried brewers’ grains can be used to produce maize-fee low-costdiets for laying hens if properly combined

Effect of Dietary Pumpkin Stem Waste on Haematological Indices, Meat and Serum Lipid Profiles of Rabbits

This study evaluated the effect of different supplementary dietary levels of pumpkin stem waste (PSW) on the haematological indices, meat and serum lipid profile of rabbits. Three experimental feed regime:D1 (control), basal feed+ 0% PSW; D2,basal feed + 5% PSW and D3, basal feed + 10% PSW were randomly assigned to the three treatment groups in a 3x2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design experiment. The PSW percentage were offered on rabbit weight basis. Thirty six (18 males and 18 females) crossbred (California x New Zealand white) weaned rabbits aged 6 and 7 weeks were divided into three treatment groups of 12 rabbits each with 4 rabbits per replicate (2 females and 2 males) and randomly allotted to the three dietary treatments. At the end of 12 weeks feeding trial( prior to slaughtering), blood samples were collected from 6 rabbits (3 males and 3 females) per treatment totalling 18 rabbits and used to determine the serum lipid profile and haematological blood indices. Similarly, breast meat sample was used to determined lipid profile. Results obtained showed that while red blood cell (RBC),haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV),Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration MCHC increased (P<0.05) with increasing dietary PSW. White blood cell (WBC) and MCHC however showed no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatments groups. Lipid profile of both serum and meat indicated that HDL increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in PSW while total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) decreased significantly (P<0.05). Diet by sex interaction showed that male rabbits recorded significantly different (P<0.05) values from their female counterparts in all the blood and meat lipid parameters assessed. These results suggest that pumpkin stem waste is hypolipidaemic therefore could lower rabbits’ meat cholesterol and improve blood constituents

Surface enhanced deep Raman detection of cancer tumour through 71 mm of heterogeneous tissue

Detection of solid tumours through tissue− from depths relevant to humans− has been a significant challenge for biomedical Raman spectroscopy. The combined use of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging agents with deep Raman spectroscopy (DRS), i.e., surface enhanced deep Raman spectroscopy (SEDRS), offer prospects for overcoming such obstacles. In this study, we investigated the maximum detection depth through which the retrieval of SERS signal of a passively targeted biphenyl-4-thiol tagged gold nanoparticle (NP) imaging agent, injected subcutaneously into a mouse bearing breast cancer tumour, was possible. A compact 830 nm set-up with a hand-held probe and the flexibility of switching between offset, transmission and conventional Raman modalities was developed for this study. In vivo injection of the above SERS NP primary dose allowed surface tumour detection, whereas additional post mortem NP booster dose was required for detection of deeply seated tumours through heterogeneous animal tissue (comprising of proteins, fat, bone, organs, blood, and skin). The highest detection depth of 71 mm was probed using transmission, translating into a ∼40% increase in detection depth compared to earlier reports. Such improvements in detection depth along with the inherent Raman chemical sensitivity brings SEDRS one step closer to future clinical cancer imaging technology

Early Economic Evaluation of Diagnostic Technologies: Experiences of the NIHR Diagnostic Evidence Co-operatives

Diagnostic tests are expensive and time-consuming to develop. Early economic evaluation using decision modeling can reduce commercial risk by providing early evidence on cost-effectiveness. The National Institute for Health Research Diagnostic Evidence Co-operatives (DECs) was established to catalyze evidence generation for diagnostic tests by collaborating with commercial developers; DEC researchers have consequently made extensive use of early modeling. The aim of this article is to summarize the experiences of the DECs using early modeling for diagnostics. We draw on 8 case studies to illustrate the methods, highlight methodological strengths and weaknesses particular to diagnostics, and provide advice. The case studies covered diagnosis, screening, and treatment stratification. Treatment effectiveness was a crucial determinant of cost-effectiveness in all cases, but robust evidence to inform this parameter was sparse. This risked limiting the usability of the results, although characterization of this uncertainty in turn highlighted the value of further evidence generation. Researchers evaluating early models must be aware of the importance of treatment effect evidence when reviewing the cost-effectiveness of diagnostics. Researchers planning to develop an early model of a test should also 1) consult widely with clinicians to ensure the model reflects real-world patient care; 2) develop comprehensive models that can be updated as the technology develops, rather than taking a “quick and dirty” approach that may risk producing misleading results; and 3) use flexible methods of reviewing evidence and evaluating model results, to fit the needs of multiple decision makers. Decision models can provide vital information for developers at an early stage, although limited evidence mean researchers should proceed with caution

Clustering superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles produces organ-targeted high-contrast magnetic resonance images

AIM: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents; however, a number of T2-weighted imaging SPIONs have been withdrawn due to their poor clinical contrast performance. Our aim was to significantly improve SPION T2-weighted MRI contrast by clustering SPIONs within novel chitosan amphiphiles. METHODS: Clustering SPIONs was achieved by encapsulation of hydrophobic-coated SPIONs with an amphiphilic chitosan polymer (GCPQ). RESULTS: Clustering increases the spin-spin (r2) to spin-lattice (r1) relaxation ratio (r2/r1) from 3.0 to 79.1, resulting in superior contrast. Intravenously administered clustered SPIONs accumulated only in the liver and spleen; with the reduction in T2 relaxation confined, in the liver, to the extravascular space, giving clear MRI images of the liver vasculature

A cost-effectiveness analysis of provider and community interventions to improve the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence of poor adherence by health service personnel to clinical guidelines for malaria following a symptomatic diagnosis. In response to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that in all settings clinical suspicion of malaria should be confirmed by parasitological diagnosis using microscopy or Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). The Government of Nigeria plans to introduce RDTs in public health facilities over the coming year. In this context, we will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two interventions designed to support the roll-out of RDTs and improve the rational use of ACTs. It is feared that without supporting interventions, non-adherence will remain a serious impediment to implementing malaria treatment guidelines. METHODS/DESIGN: A three-arm stratified cluster randomized trial is used to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of: (1) provider malaria training intervention versus expected standard practice in malaria diagnosis and treatment; (2) provider malaria training intervention plus school-based intervention versus expected standard practice; and (3) the combined provider plus school-based intervention versus provider intervention alone. RDTs will be introduced in all arms of the trial. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients attending facilities that report a fever or suspected malaria and receive treatment according to malaria guidelines. This will be measured by surveying patients (or caregivers) as they exit primary health centers, pharmacies, and patent medicine dealers. Cost-effectiveness will be presented in terms of the primary outcome and a range of secondary outcomes, including changes in provider and community knowledge. Costs will be estimated from both a societal and provider perspective using standard economic evaluation methodologies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01350752

Examining equity in access to long-lasting insecticide nets and artemisinin-based combination therapy in Anambra state, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In order to achieve universal health coverage, the government of Anambra State, southeast Nigeria has distributed free Long-lasting Insecticide treated Nets (LLINs) to the general population and delivered free Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) to pregnant women and children less than 5 years. However, the levels of coverage with LLINS and ACTs is not clear, especially coverage of different socio-economic status (SES) population groups. This study was carried out to determine the level of coverage and access to LLINs and ACTs amongst different SES groups.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A questionnaire was used to collect data from randomly selected households in 19 local government areas of the State. Selected households had a pregnant woman and/or a child less than 5 years. The lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) methodology was used in sampling. The questionnaire explored the availability and utilization of LLINs and ACTs from 2394 households. An asset-based SES index was used to examine the level of access of LLINS and ACTs to different SES quintiles.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>It was found that 80.5 % of the households had an LLIN and 64.4 % of the households stated that they actually used the nets the previous night. The findings showed that 42.3 % of pregnant women who had fever within the past month received ACTs, while 37.5 % of children ≪5 years old who had malaria in the past month had received ACTs. There was equity in ownership of nets for the range 1–5 nets per household. No significant SES difference was found in use of ACTs for treatment of malaria in children under five years old and in pregnant women.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The free distribution of LLINs and ACTs increased household coverage of both malaria control interventions and bridged the equity gap in access to them among the most vulnerable groups.</p

Oral particle uptake and organ targeting drives the activity of amphotericin B nanoparticles

There are very few drug delivery systems that target key organs via the oral route, as oral delivery advances normally address gastrointestinal drug dissolution, permeation, and stability. Here we introduce a nanomedicine in which nanoparticles, while also protecting the drug from gastric degradation, are taken up by the gastrointestinal epithelia and transported to the lung, liver, and spleen, thus selectively enhancing drug bioavailability in these target organs and diminishing kidney exposure (relevant to nephrotoxic drugs). Our work demonstrates, for the first time, that oral particle uptake and translocation to specific organs may be used to achieve a beneficial therapeutic response. We have illustrated this using amphotericin B, a nephrotoxic drug encapsulated within <i>N</i>-palmitoyl-<i>N</i>-methyl-<i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-dimethyl-<i>N</i>,<i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-trimethyl-6-<i>O</i>-glycol chitosan (GCPQ) nanoparticles, and have evidenced our approach in three separate disease states (visceral leishmaniasis, candidiasis, and aspergillosis) using industry standard models of the disease in small animals. The oral bioavailability of AmB-GCPQ nanoparticles is 24%. In all disease models, AmB-GCPQ nanoparticles show comparable efficacy to parenteral liposomal AmB (AmBisome). Our work thus paves the way for others to use nanoparticles to achieve a specific targeted delivery of drug to key organs via the oral route. This is especially important for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index