Survey of Animal Neoplastic Cases Diagnosed in Nigerian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, 2000-2017.

Incidence data from 17-year veterinary neoplasm surveillance and registration were reviewed. Most of the neoplastic cases diagnosed in Nigerian veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) were in the avian (49%) and canine species (44%). Fewer cases were recorded in the equine (3.2%), bovine (2.4%), ovine (1.5%), caprine (0.3%) and porcine (0.15%) species. Marek's disease was the most prevalently diagnosed neoplastic disease of domestic animals in Nigerian VTHs from 2000-2017. Also, the Nigerian local breed had a higher mean distribution than any other dog breed and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nearly all of the neoplastic cases diagnosed, were found in females (60.4%) and so the mean distribution of sex was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The digestive system, with 296 (46.25%) cases, was the anatomic location where the majority of the neoplastic cases were found. However, the mean distribution of different neoplastic anatomic sites was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, little emphasis is given to the appropriate diagnosis and recording of neoplastic cases that are diagnosed. The study provides information regarding the prevalence and distribution of tumours in different animal species consulted in Nigeria veterinary teaching hospitals. To illustrate all of this, ArcGIS software was used. Veterinary clinicians, pathologists and epidemiologists from Nigeria may benefit from the results of this study by freely accessing some specific data regarding the breed, the age group or the gender of some animal species diagnosed with different tumours.

A review of preclinical evidence of Cryptolepis nigrescens (Wennberg) L. Joubert. and Bruyns., Prosopsis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. and Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schum. traditionally used to manage tumours in Ghana.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cancer stands as one of the leading causes of death worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and it has led to approximately 10 million fatalities in 2020. Medicinal plants are still widely used and accepted form of treatment for most diseases including cancer in Ghana. This review presented Cryptolepis nigrescens (Wennberg) L. Joubert. and Bruyns., Prosopsis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. and Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schum. as medicinal plants that are traditionally used to treat tumour growth, amongst other diseases, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. AIM OF REVIEW: This paper aims to present a comprehensive review on the botanical description, ecological distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition and ethnopharmacological relevance of C. nigrescens, P. africana and P. macrocarpa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review covers works published between 1962 and 2023 from various countries. Published books, thesis, scientific and medical articles on C. nigrescens, P. africana and P. macrocarpa were collected from the following databases: 'Scopus', 'Science Direct', 'Medline', 'PubMed', 'Research Gate' 'Google Scholar, and 'Springer link' using the keywords. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis of C. nigrescens, P. africana and P. macrocarpa revealed the presence of some prominent bioactive compounds such as convallatoxin, 7,3,4-trihydroxy-3-methoxyflavanone and dioxane, respectively. Plant extracts and isolated compounds of these medicinal plants exhibited a wide range of ethnopharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, cytotoxic, antimalarial, antipyretic, haematinic, hepato-protective, aphrodisiac and antihypertensive properties. CONCLUSION: The present review on C. nigrescens , P.africana and P. macrocarpa provided a credible summary of the ethnopharmacological research conducted on these medicinal plants till date. The data also highligted the potential therapeutic profiles of these plants in Ghana that could serve as foundation for future studies. Additionally, the information significantly supported the traditional and commercial use of these plants among the people.

Effects of dietary supplementation with microbial phytase on the growth, bone minerals, antioxidant status, innate immunity and disease resistance of African catfish fed on high soybean meal-based diets.

The microbial phytase, derived from Buttiauxella gaviniae, Yersinia mollarettiv and Hafnia spp., is proven to be safe for avian and porcine feeding and promotes their overall growth performance. Here, we have evaluated microbial phytase's effects on the growth, bone mineral content, antioxidant status, immune responses and the resistance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed with high soybean meal-based diets against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% protein) were supplemented with different levels of microbial phytase ranging from 0 as a control to 250, 500, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg diet. African catfish (n = 300; 8.5 ± 0.3 g) were allocated in 15 50-L tanks (in triplicates) and were fed on the prepared tested diets for 12 weeks. After the end of the feeding period of 12 weeks, 10 fish from each replicate was intraperitoneally infected with A. hydrophila (0.5 × 105 CFU/ml) and monitored for 14 days. Dietary phytase levels linearly and quadratically improved the growth performance of African catfish and stimulated feed intake. Bone levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc were also positively modulated in phytase-fed fish, especially at 750-1000 FTU/kg diet. Similarly, counts of red and white blood cells as well as haemoglobin, packed cells volume, platelets, lymphocytes and heterocytes were significantly modulated in all fish fed with phytase-supplemented diets. Higher levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin were also observed in fish fed with a 750-1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase. Conversely, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities were lower in fish fed with a 750-1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase, compared to those fed the control diet. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), reduced glutathione levels and immune responses (lysozyme, respiratory burst, protease and alkaline phosphatase activities) biomarkers were linearly and quadratically elevated, while malondialdehyde values were linearly and quadratically decreased in fish groups fed with phytase-based diets. After administering A. hydrophila, 60.0% of the fish fed the control diet perished, while no mortalities were observed in fish fed with 750-1000 FTU/kg diets. Taken together, the current study reveals that dietary phytase could improve the growth performance, blood profile, bone mineralization, antioxidant activities, immunity and overall protection of African catfish against A. hydrophila infection. Dietary phytase may be efficiently used in the feeding of African catfish to enhance their overall performance and mitigate health conditions with optimum level of 900 FTU/kg diet.

Hura crepitans stem bark extract: A potential remedy to sub-acute liver damage.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND AIM: Hura crepitans is commonly used to treat liver diseases in Nigeria and Ghana. Previous studies have supported its ethnomedicinal use in protecting the liver. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of H. crepitans stem bark on the subacute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protective activities of ethanolic extract of H. crepitans stem bark was evaluated in CCl4-induced subacute liver damage in rats (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks). Blood samples were obtained from the rats and used for some biochemical analysis such as liver function test (Aspartate transaminase, AST; Alanine aminotransferase, ALT; and Alkaline phosphatase, ALP), liver fibrotic indices (Aspartate platelet ratio index, APRI; AST/ALT and AST/PLT ratios) and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, MDA; Reduced glutathione, GSH; Glutathione S-transferase, GST; Glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and superoxide dismutase, SOD). Histopathological analyses were carried out to determine the expression of pro-inflammatory (NF-κB, COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23) using immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Oral administration of H. crepitans to CCl4-induced hepatic injured rats significantly decreased oxidative stress, increased the levels of SOD, GSH, GST and GPx with reduced MDA levels. The plant also mitigated liver injury as evidenced in the significantly reduced levels of AST, ALT and ALP, while it inhibited the inflammatory process via the inhibition of NF-κB, and consequently down-regulateed the pro-inflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23, respectively. Biochemical observations were supported by improvement in liver microarchitecture. CONCLUSION: The Hura crepitans demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect in hepatic injured rats. The study in a way justifies the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of subacute liver diseases in Nigerian Traditional medicine.

Cement Dust Exposure Alters Secretory Functions, Biochemical Profile and Morphology of Gastrointestinal Tissues in Rats Exposed to Cement Dust.

Asides direct gastrointestinal exposure, inhalation route is another major xenobiotic exposure pathway to the gastrointestinal tract via mucociliary escalator. This triphasic study assesses cement dust inhalatory exposure effect on the possible alterations of the gastrointestinal tissues and secretion. 72 male, sixteen (16) weeks old Wistar rats were randomized into 3 different phases of 24 animals. Each phase comprised of 3 group of 8 animals. Group 1 (control) were sham-operated with clean ambient air, group 2 (14-days exposed) were exposed to cement dust for 14days, and group 3 (28-day exposed) were exposed to cement dust for 28 days. Biochemical indices including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl group, carbonyl group, Na+-K+ATPase pump activity, Nitric oxide (NO) were investigated spectrophotometrically in gastric and hepatic tissues while histopathology was studied using standard procedure. There was significant increase in the level of MDA, NO and carbonyl- an observation that contrasts with the level of CAT, SOD and sulfhydryl; no significant difference in Na+-K+-ATPase pump was observed in the exposed groups compared with control. Histopathological alterations in salivary gland and gastric tissues includes edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular congestion. There was significant alteration in basal salivary, gastric and biliary secretions; increased stimulated salivary and gastric secretion via cholinergic stimulation. Conclusively, histopathological and spectrophotometric analyses reflect that inhalatory experimental exposure to cement dust significantly alter gastrointestinal secretions and predisposes the gastrointestinal tract to an array of deleterious effects via protein oxidation and antioxidant depletion and tissue peroxidation.

The Relevance of Bioinformatics Applications in the Discovery of Vaccine Candidates and Potential Drugs for COVID-19 Treatment.

The application of bioinformatics to vaccine research and drug discovery has never been so essential in the fight against infectious diseases. The greatest combat of the 21st century against a debilitating disease agent SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) virus discovered in Wuhan, China, December 2019, has piqued an unprecedented usage of bioinformatics tools in deciphering the molecular characterizations of infectious pathogens. With the viral genome data of SARS-COV-2 been made available barely weeks after the reported outbreak, bioinformatics platforms have become an all-time critical tool to gain time in the fight against the disease pandemic. Before the outbreak, different platforms have been developed to explore antigenic epitopes, predict peptide-protein docking and antibody structures, and simulate antigen-antibody reactions and lots more. However, the advent of the pandemic witnessed an upsurge in the application of these pipelines with the development of newer ones such as the Coronavirus Explorer in the development of efficacious vaccines, drug repurposing, and/or discovery. In this review, we have explored the various pipelines available for use, their relevance, and limitations in the timely development of useful therapeutic candidates from genomic data knowledge to clinical therapy.

Knowledge and Perception of Veterinary Students in Ghana on Telemedicine.

This study aimed at assessing the knowledge base and perception of telemedicine among veterinary students in Ghana.  It involved a cross sectional survey and online structured questionnaires were administered to 114 veterinary students to access their knowledge of telemedicine and the perceived utilisation, benefits, complexity and disadvantages of telemedicine. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the data collected using SPSS version 20 and Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the significant association between categorical variables which were grouped. Statistical significance was tested at 5% significance level. The students exhibited good knowledge and perception of telemedicine with a mean response of 4.947 ± 1.374 and 3.473±1.115; represented by 86.8% and 78.9% of the students respectively. 92.1% had heard of the term 'telemedicine' from the internet and social media platforms. The level of study of veterinary students had a significant effect (p<0.05) on their knowledge of telemedicine; knowledge increases with an increase in the year of study. Veterinary students showed good knowledge level and perception of telemedicine. However, exposure to the use of telemedicine system is low. Issues of patients' information privacy being threatened by the usage of telemedicine were indicated. Development, incorporation of telemedicine in the curriculum in formative years of veterinary students training is critical to ensure effective and efficient training of students in telemedicine in the COVID era.

An Assessment of Physicochemical characteristics of Awotan dumpsite in Ibadan, South western Nigeria.

Gaseous emission, particulate emission, biological molecules and other harmful substances discharge into the atmosphere from dumpsite environment. The carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) content of the gaseous emission from different platforms and offsets of the Awotan dump site were measured. P Sense CO2 Meter AZ 7755 was used to measure the level of carbon dioxide gas, temperature and relative humidity. K60 Gas detector was used to measure the level of methane (CH4) gas and Pm 2.5. Thermo-scientific MIE pDR 1500 PM monitor was used to measure the particulate matter on the dumpsite. The CO2 levels (697±28.84 - 502±2.19) were above the minimum permissible levels of ASHRAE of 400ppm for all platforms at the dumpsite. CH4 levels range (73.33±3.32 - 18.33±4.27) was above the methane explosive limits (MEL) of 15% for all Platforms, however the level at 25m and 50m offsets (14.83±4.11 - 13.83±2.48) was below the MEL for 75m and 100m offsets. PM2.5 levels were lower in the morning and peaked in the afternoon at Platform 5, 6 and 9 locations with values of 62.76±6.03, 63.9±11.37 and 32.06±3.89 respectively which is not within the WHO minimum permissible limit of 25µg/m3. There was a significant positive correlation between CO2 and CH4 (r=0.7558, p=0.028) but no significant correlation between CO2 and other meteorological parameters (temperature and humidity) (r=-0.1309, p=0.67and r=0.09644, p=0.754). The carbon dioxide and methane content of the gaseous emission from the Awotan dump site are potential health hazard, hence the need for an engineering design that will reduce the quantum of the emission thereby reducing the hazard.

Combating COVID-19 Lockdown Inactivity in the African Population: Use of Cultural practices and One Health Approach.

A novel pulmonary illness caused by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) of unknown origin was first reported in China. This disease has claimed over a million human lives worldwide. This pandemic respiratory disease spread through droplets on surfaces and community spread. Government of different countries adopted a total lockdown to reduce human to human contact and keep families safe from the disease. This compulsory movement restriction reduces physical activity of individuals which could pose cardiovascular risk to physically inactive African population. This brief states the various cultural and one health approaches that could be adopted to increase physical activity within the home setting. Literature search using pubmed, scopus and google scholar and views of one health personnel in the promotion of physical activity at home during the compulsory lockdown were sought for to identify some simple approaches and gaps that need to be researched on. The overview identified culturally related indoor physical activities in Africa such as ampe or tente that could enhance health. It encouraged dog walking, tending backyard farm and catering for indigenous chicken and small ruminants as means of increasing physical activity. Counseling was proffered by nurses to increase health promotion activities such as setting reminders for physical activities and routine house chores. This submission bring to bear indigenous, flexible and simple measures to combat boredom, promote cardiovascular health by increasng physical activity during the compulsory lockdown currently being experienced in Africa, a known cardiovascular risk, physically inactive population.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines as Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ocimum americanum L Extract in Carbon Tetrachloride and Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in Rats.

Liver diseases have now become a global canker due to increasing drug abuse and several viral infections. The current medicines on the market are woefully inadequate and limited in the application against these diseases. Fortunately, medicinal plants continue to serve as a potential source of drug discovery that could be explored to improve the situation. The present study, therefore, evaluated the hepatoprotective activities of the aqueous extract of various parts (leaves, flower and stem) of Ocimum americanum L on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats. The protective effect of the plant was assessed using biochemical parameters, histology, levels of liver antioxidants, and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κß and IL-1) in the liver. The leaves and stem extracts, orally administered for 7 days at 250 mg/kg, effectively prevented CCl4-induced elevation of serum biochemical parameters, prooxidants, as well as the expression of NFk-B and IL-1, which were comparable to Silymarin (standard drug). A comparative histopathological analyses of the liver exhibited virtually normal architecture compared with CCl4-treated group. The findings showed that the hepatoprotective effect of Ocimum americanum was probably due to the inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by the effective parts of the medicinal plant.

Haematological changes associated with Newcastle disease vaccination in chickens using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents.

Our previous ex-vivo and in vivo investigations have established immunopotentiating property of Khaya senegalensis and Cedrela odorata gums; however the safety of the use of this gum combination in chicken has not been described. Hence this study evaluates the haematological profile of chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine delivered through the oral and ocular routes using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents. 252 one-day old chickens were grouped gum-vaccine oral (GVOR), vaccine oral (VOR), gum-vaccine ocular (GVOC), vaccine ocular (VOC), gum oral (GOR), gum ocular (GOC), no-gum-no-vaccine but challenged (NGNV/C), no-gum-no-vaccine unchallenged (NGNV/U). They were vaccinated on days 21 and 42 and challenged day 84. Blood samples were collected before first vaccination and at selected intervals afterwards. Analysis was done using one way ANOVA with P<0.05 considered significant. Packed cell volume, total white cell count, heterocyte-lymphocyte ratios and platelet count varied insignificantly (P>0.05) throughout the period of observation across groups with no observable derangements. Hence, the absence of derangement in haematological indices from this study suggests that the dilution rate recommended from the ex-vivo study is safe for administration of Newcastle disease vaccine in chickens irrespective of the routes of delivery.

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of canine parvoviral enteritis in Nigeria: case report.

This report describes the clinical presentation, pathology and molecular diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection in male Boerboel and female Alsatian puppies. The history of the dogs was considered, examined clinically for vital parameters, haemogram changes and faeces screened for parasites and canine parvovirus faecal antigen. Tissue samples were taken at necropsy for confirmatory diagnosis using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. There was a severe regenerative anaemia, leucopenia and lymphopaenia. The positive antigen faecal test and pathological findings of haemorrhagic enteritis suggested canine parvoviral enteritis disease. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis confirmed canine parvovirus-2a as the aetiology of the disease. Informed management is important to avoid complications resulting from secondary to severe dehydration, hypovolemia from marked gastrointestinal fluid and protein loss and sepsis from bacterial translocation and leukopenia.

Syndromic survey and molecular analysis of influenza viruses at the human-swine interface in two West African cosmopolitan cities suggest the possibility of bidirectional interspecies transmission.

Influenza viruses are frequently transmitted between pigs and their handlers, and among pig handlers. However, reports on socio-environmental variables as potential risk factors associated with transmission of influenza in West African swine production facilities are very scarce. Syndromic survey for influenza was therefore conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria, and Kumasi, Ghana, in order to identify and elucidate selected socio-environmental variables that may contribute to the occurrence and distribution of influenza-like illness (ILI) among swine industry workers. In addition, molecular analyses were conducted to elucidate the nature of influenza viruses circulating at the human-swine interface in these cities and better understand the dynamics of their transmission. Influenza viruses were detected by type-specific and subtype-specific RT-PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Socio-environmental variables were tested by both univariable and multivariable regression methods for significance at p < 0.05. Three risk factors for ILI were identified in each city. These included "frequency of visit of pig handler to pig pen or lairage" (Ibadan: risk ratio [RR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-1.79, p = 0.02; Kumasi: RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.11-1.71, p = 0.01) and "pig handler's awareness about biosecurity measures" (Ibadan: RR = 7.09, 95% CI = 2.36-21.32, p < 0.001; Kumasi: RR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.98-11.80, p < 0.001). Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, with M genes closely related to those which circulated among pigs in the two cities during the same period, were detected among Nigerian and Ghanaian pig industry workers. These findings suggest the possibility of bidirectional transmission of influenza at the human-swine interface in these cities and underscore the need for more extensive molecular studies. Risk factors identified may assist in the control of human-to-human and human-to-swine transmission of influenza in the West African swine industry.

Oxidative stress changes observed in selected organs of African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus) exposed to sodium metavanadate.

Vanadium is a contaminant of crude oil that released into the atmosphere through burning of fossil fuels. The mechanism by which it exerts toxic influences had not been fully elucidated in African giant rat (AGR). This study investigates the mechanisms of sodium metavanadate (SMV) induced oxidative stress in AGR. A total of 24 adult male AGR weighing 600-850 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Groups 1, 3 and 5 served as control while groups 2, 4 and 6 were treated with intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg body weight of SMV for 3, 7 and 14 days, respectively. Serum, brain, liver, testes, kidneys, spleen and lungs were harvested for biochemical assays. SMV induced significant increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, sulfhydryl (total thiol) and protein carbonyl levels but decreased non-protein thiol levels in tissues accessed. A significant decrease was observed in glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in SMV treated rats compared to controls. Serum myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase and Advanced Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP) were markedly increased while nitrous oxide levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups. SMV exposure to AGR induced oxidative stress through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of the antioxidant defence system. These conditions could become severe with prolonged exposure.

Intraperitoneal sodium metavanadate exposure induced severe clinicopathological alterations, hepato-renal toxicity and cytogenotoxicity in African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse, 1840).

Pollution of environment due to increased exploitation of minerals has been on the rise, and vanadium, a metal in the first transition series essential for mammalian existence, is a major component of air pollution. This study investigated the clinico-pathological, hepato-renal toxicity, and cytogenotoxicity of intraperitoneal exposure of African giant rats (AGRs), a proposed model for ecotoxicological research to sodium metavanadate. A total of 27 adult male African giant rats weighing 975 ± 54.10 g were distributed into two major groups: sodium metavanadate (SMV) treated and control. They were observed daily for clinical signs of toxicity. Four rats from each group were randomly collected and sacrificed after 3, 7, and 14 days of SMV treatment. Liver, kidney, and bone marrow were analyzed for histopathology and micronucleated normochromated and polychromated erythrocytes (MNNCE and MNPCE), respectively. Clinical signs in treated AGR include sluggish and weak movements, un-groomed fur, and labored breathing. Histology of the kidney revealed severe glomerular atrophy, tubular ectasia, and vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelium, while liver histology showed sinusoidal congestion and severe hepatocellular necrosis after 14 days SMV exposure. Also, MNNCE and MNPCE significantly increased with a decrease in PCE/NCE ratio in SMV-treated AGR, suggestive of alternations in bone marrow cell proliferation. Hence, SMV treatment to AGR resulted to severe clinicopathologic alterations, kidney, and liver dysfunction and cytogenotoxicity evident by somatic mutation induction which could be severe with prolonged exposure. This suggests African giant rat as an ecotoxicological model to measure major health risks to animals and human populations in highly polluted environment.

Accelerated gastric ulcer healing in thyroxine-treated rats: roles of gastric acid, mucus, and inflammatory response.

The roles of gastric acid, mucus, and inflammation on the pro-ulcer-healing effect of thyroid hormone were investigated. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, thyroidectomised, thyroidectomised with thyroxine treatment (100 µg·kg-1·day-1), and sham-operated animals treated with thyroxine. Thirty-five days after thyroidectomy, sham surgery, or thyroxine treatment, an ulcer was experimentally induced. Healing was assessed 3, 7, and 10 days post-ulceration by measurement of the ulcer area, gastric mucus and acid secretion, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an index of inflammation. By day 10, the ulcer area had decreased in all groups. Recovery was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in thyroxine-treated rats (78.5% ± 1.6% reduction in ulcer area) than in controls (72.3% ± 1.2% reduction) or thyroidectomised rats (63.3% ± 1.9% reduction). Thyroxine-treated animals also had the highest reduction in NLR (65.0% ± 2.5%). Mucus secretion was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in thyroidectomised rats by days 3 and 7. Furthermore, by day 10, the concentration of basal acid decreased by 77.4% ± 2.6% in thyroxine-treated, 65.0% ± 0.0% in control, and 51.5% ± 3.3% in thyroidectomised rats. We conclude that thyroxine accelerates gastric ulcer healing by altering mucus and acid secretion and reducing NLR.

Interactions between gastrointestinal parasitism and pneumonia in Nigerian goats.

This study was carried out to determine the burden and interactions between parasitism and pneumonia in Nigerian goats. A total of 430 goats were examined for gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites by faecal analysis using sedimentation by gravity, Modified Winconsin sugar floatation method, McMaster egg counting techniques and for lung consolidation, pathology and morphometry of pneumonia were evaluated by standard techniques. The results from the faecal examination revealed the presence of nine (9) gastrointestinal parasites namely Eimeria, Trichuris, Oesophagostomum, Strongyloides, Moniezia, Haemonchus, Bunostomum, Trichostrongylus, and Nematodirus species and at an overall high prevalence of 74%. Eimeria species was found to have the highest prevalence of 26% for single infection, while co-infection of Eimeria and Trichuris species 21% was highest amongst other parasites, and of the breeds of goats examined for GIT parasites, the Red Sokoto (RS) breed had the highest infection rate 37%. The results from the lungs analysis showed 59% prevalence with the highest consolidation in RS (48.2%), followed by WAD (34.2%). The age of the goats was key in the infection rate of both parasites and pneumonia, which was seen to be highest in younger goats, with a significant (2.10 ± 0.4 × 103) GI parasite burden in >1-2 years group. The prevalence of GIT infection with lung consolidation in the goats, was observed to influence their Body condition scores (BCS) (p < 0.05). This study showed that body condition score, age and breed of goats may be predisposing factors to gastrointestinal parasites and pneumonia in Nigerian goats. There was a strong correlation (+0.243, p = 0.00) of occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism and pneumonia in this study. Possibility of combined prophylactic measures should be considered in the nearest future.

Heavy metal pollutants in selected organs of African giant rats from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria: evidence for their role as an environmental specimen bank.

An assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in the liver, brain, kidney, bone, and lungs of African giant rats (AGRs) from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria having different industrial activities was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Twenty adult AGRs from cities in mangrove/freshwater swamp, rainforest, and woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were used for this study. AGRs were euthanized, carefully dissected, and the brains, liver, lungs, bone, and kidneys were harvested, digested, and analyzed for concentrations of vanadium (V), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). All data generated were evaluated for statistical significance using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple post-test comparison. Results showed the major environmental heavy metal pollutants of the mangrove/freshwater swamp to be vanadium and selenium while those of woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones were lead, selenium, and zinc. The vanadium concentration was more than twofold higher in the observed tissues of AGR from the mangrove/freshwater swamp, and this may be related to increased exploitation of minerals and the activities of militants in pipeline vandalization in this zone. Interestingly, the highest concentration of this metal was seen in the lungs suggestive of a respiratory route of exposure. Among the potential adverse effects derived from exposure to metals, developmental toxicity is a serious risk. This type of investigation can assist in knowing the level of animal and human exposure to environmental pollutants both in highly industrialized and non-industrialized areas and is more ideal in environmental monitoring. This study therefore suggests AGR as model for ecotoxicological research and environmental specimen banks (ESBs) in this part of Africa.

THE PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE AND THEIR HANDLERS IN NORTH TONGU, VOLTA REGION, GHANA.

BACKGROUND: The need to understand the contribution of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) to the general tuberculosis burden in a poor resource setting is paramount. The aim of this study is to determine the burden of BTB among herdsmen and cattle in the North Tongu district of Volta Region in Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross- sectional study was conducted in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region between the period of October 2011- March 2012. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor information on cattle from participants. Sputum samples from 68 herdsmen and blood samples from 200 cattle belonging to these herdsmen were also collected. Sputum samples were analyzed using Ziehl- Neelsen staining while Anigen Rapid BTB Test was used for Cattle blood samples. RESULTS: Ninety percent (61/68) of respondents were also found to consume fresh milk while 84% (57/68) do not use protective clothing. Of a total of 1580 cattle owned by the herdsmen, 200 cattle consisting of 14 bulls and 186 cows were screened where the prevalence of bovine TB was 19% (38/200) and those affected were all females. All (100%) human sample tested negative for Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB). However, the seropositivity of cattle and kraal density were statistically associated (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle in North Tongu district. Although herdsmen indulge in risky lifestyles that expose them to BTB, a zero prevalence of BTB was observed, further study is envisaged using a larger sample size.