The effect of cement dust exposure on haematological and liver function parameters of cement factory workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

This study measured haematological and liver function parameters in workers occupationally exposed to cement dust in order to test the hypothesis that cement dust exposure may perturb these functions. Assessment of haematological parameters and liver function were performed in 23 workers occupationally exposed to cement dust(mean years of exposure = 9.6± 1.5 years) and 46 matched unexposed controls. The haemoglobin concentration (P< 0.001) and packed cell volume (P< 0.02) of exposed workers were significantly lower and the platelet (

Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations in aortic rings obtained from hypertensive hooded (Aguti) rats.

Experimental hypertension studies are few in the hooded (Aguti) rat. The present study was designed to investigate the usefulness of this rat strain for experimental hypertension studies and to test the hypothesis that the hypertension may be associated with a diminution of endothelium dependent and independent relaxations. Hypertension was induced in inbred hooded rats (n=8 each) by administering 8% salt in the diet and /or 100 mg/kg/day Nω-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (LNAME) in the drinking water for six and/or four weeks respectively. The rats were anaesthetized using a 25% urethane and 1% chloralose mixture given intraperitoneally at a dose of 5mg/kg. Their blood pressure was measured invasively. Thereafter, relaxations of rat aortic preparations to acetylcholine, histamine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed using standard organ bath conditions.

Assessment of electrocardiographic parameters of Red Sokoto goats

The study was necessitated due to the economic importance of Red Sokoto goat, its resilient nature and limited literature on electrocardiographic parameter of the breed. The research was conducted using thirty goats comprising of 15 does and 15 bucks within the ages of 1-3 years and an average weight of 35kg. Electrocardiographic parameters were recorded using the three standard limb leads (I, II and III) as well as the  augmented limb leads (aVR, aVL and aVF). Various forms of negative and positive wave deflections were recorded. Positive P and T waves were predominant in all the leads (standard limb leads and augmented leads). Typical QRS complex was predominant in all the leads with little qR in leads II, III and aVF. The mean electrical axis was between -178° and +170°. Cardiac rhythm was determined using P wave orientation and most of the animals had sinus rhythm. The mean heart rate was 141 ± 4.8 beats per minute and ranged from 92 to 164. The various forms of  electrocardiographic waves recorded in Red Sokoto goat differ from those of other breeds of goats. The records obtained suggest that Red Sokoto goat has faster cardiac electrical conduction.Keywords: Assessment, Electrocardigraph, Parameters, Rhythm, Red Sokoto goa

Regression Formulae for Predicting Hematologic and Liver Functions from Years of Exposure to Cement Dust in Cement Factory Workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

Recent studies suggest that occupational exposure to cement dust may have deleterious effects on the lungs and on haematologic and liver functions. The present study was designed to investigate further the relationship between haematologic and liver functions on one hand and years of exposure to cement dust on the other. Haematologic parameters and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels measured previously in 23 cement factory workers were correlated with years of exposure to cement dust. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) correlated negatively with years of service [r= -0.345 (P<0.0001) and -0.154 (P<0.0001) respectively]. The equations defining these relationships are: Hb concentration = 13.394 - 0.119 x years of service and PCV = 41.065–0.154 x years of service. On the other hand platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts in these workers correlated positively with years of service [r = 0.342 (P <0.001) and r = 0.130 (P<0.0001) respectively]. The equations defining these relationships are: platelet count = 205.681 +7.041 x years of service and WBC count = 7.64 + 0.078 x years of service.ALP concentration correlated negatively with years of service [r= -0.144, (P< 0.0001)]. The regression equation defining this relationship is: ALP concentration = 33.68 – 0.075 x years of service. These suggest that there was an adverse effect on the haematological parameters and ALP concentration as years of exposure to cement dust increased. The obtained equations may be useful in predicting haematological parameters and ALP concentrations from years of exposure to cement dust

Attenuation of salt-induced hypertension by aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

The aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent. On account of its antioxidant properties and probably high K+ concentration, we hypothesized that HS may attenuate the development of salt-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8 each) were treated for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal diet + water), salt-loaded (8% salt diet + water), HS (normal diet + 6mg/ml HS), salt+HS (8% salt diet + 6mg/ml HS) and furosemide (normal diet+ 0.25mg/Kg furosemide). Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured and responses to noradrenalin and acetylcholine (0.01mg/kg respectively) were estimated. The cationic concentration of 6mg/ml HS was determined. The Na+ and K+ concentrations of 6mg/ml HS were 3.6 and 840mmol/l respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP±SEM; mmHg) of salt loaded rats (184.6±29.8) was significantly higher than control (113.2±3.0; P<0.05), HS (90.0±7.4; P<0.001) salt+HS (119.4±8.9; P<0.05) and furosemide (94.9±11.5; P<0.01). The MAP of salt+HS and control rats did not differ significantly and the effect of HS was comparable to furosemide. The pressor response to noradrenalin or vasodilator response to acetylcholine remained similar in all groups. These results suggest that HS attenuated the development of salt-induced hypertension and this attenuation may be associated with its high K+ content or high potassium: sodium ratio and not with altered pressor/depressor response to noradrenalin or acetylcholine. Also the effects of HS and furosemide on blood pressure are comparable

The Effect of Chronic Cement Dust Exposure on Lung Function of Cement Factory Workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of cement dust exposure on lung function in Nigerians because of paucity of such data. Lung function tests were carried out on 56 cement factory workers with mean years of exposure to cement dust of 10.2±5.6 years and on 96 non exposed subjects. The vital capacity (3.7 ± 0.5; versus 4.1 ± 0.5L; P<0.001) and forced expiratory volume in one second percent (FEV1%; 78.4 ± 13.8; versus 89.0 ± 6.9; P<0.005) were significantly lower in cement factory workers than in control subjects. However, forced vital capacity (3.9 ± 0.1 versus 4.0 ± 0.1L) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR; 497.0 ± 14.0 versus 527 ± 15.0 L/min) showed no significant difference. These results suggest that chronic cement dust exposure impairs lung function. Since protective gears were available, these findings suggest that either compliance to their use was poor or they were ineffective. It is recommended that the cement factory management embark on health education, acquire effective protective gadgets and enforce their usage. Also there should be containment of dust emission by use of dust filters