FLUORIDE CONTENT OF COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED SACHET WATER IN IBARAPA LAND, SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA.

Background: Fluoride concentration (F conc) in water is a major determinant for the occurrence of dental caries and dental fluorosis. In most homes of rural communities, especially in developing countries, there is a major reliance on sachet water as an alternate low-cost drinking water. This study aims to determine the fluoride concentrations of common commercially packaged sachet water in Ibarapa land, Southwestern, Nigeria. Methods: An observational study was conducted using convenience sampling of all commercially packaged sachet water for drinking in Ibarapa land, Southwestern, Nigeria. Thirteen samples of sachet water were obtained from Ayete (2), Igboora (6) and Lanlate (5). F conc of the sachet water was determined in triplicate using the Fluoride Ion-Selective Electrode by direct analysis. Temperature and pH of water were also measured. Results were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: The F conc, temperature and pH range were 0.03 mgF/l - 2 mgF/l, 26.4°C - 27.2°C and 6.90 - 8.19 respectively. The minimum F conc in all samples was 0.03ppm at pH 6.90 while maximum was 2ppm at pH 7.78. F conc in 2 (15.4%), 8 (61.5%) and 3 (23.1%) water samples were 0.5-0.6 mgF/l, <0.5 mgF/ l and >0.6 mgF/l respectively. No sachet water had fluoride levels printed on their labels. Conclusion: F conc of the sachet water varied, with the majority of samples having low concentrations. Attention needs to be paid to both low levels and high levels of fluoride in drinking water to ensure safety and protective benefit.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus in chickens from Ogun State, Nigeria.

Marek's disease (MD) is caused by oncogenic MD virus serotype 1 (MDV1) and is characterized by lymphoproliferative lesions resulting in high morbidity and mortality in chickens. Despite being ubiquitous on poultry farms, there is a dearth of information on its molecular characteristics in Nigeria. This study aimed at characterizing three virulence genes (Meq, pp38, and vIL-8) of MDV1 from chickens in Ogun state, Nigeria. Blood, feather quill, and tumour samples of chickens from different commercial poultry farms in Ogun State were pooled, spotted on 107 FTA cards, and screened for MDV1 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis was carried out to compare Nigerian MDV1 Meq, pp38, and vIL-8 genes sequences with the published references. Thirteen samples were MDV1-positive and the Meq, as well as pp38, and vIL-8 genes from the different samples were 100% identical. The Meq genes contained 339 amino acids (aa) with three PPPP motifs in the transactivation domain and two interruptions of the PPPP motifs due to proline-to-arginine substitutions at positions 176 and 217 resulting in a 20.88% proline composition. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Meq gene clustered with strains from Egypt and very virulent ATE2539 strain from Hungary. Mutations were observed in the pp38 protein (at positions 107 and 109) and vIL-8 protein (at positions 4 and 31). Based on the molecular analysis of the three genes, the results indicate the presence of MDV1 with virulence signatures; therefore, further studies on in vivo pathotyping of Nigerian MDV1 from all states should be performed.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Meq, pp38 and vIL-8 genes were 100% identical between Nigerian MDV strains.Proline content in Nigerian meq gene was 20.88% with two PPPP motifs interruptions.Meq, pp38 and vIL-8 genes of Nigerian MDV were similar to Egyptian and Indian strains.

Hypertension and its Clinical Correlates in a Rural Community in South Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular risk factor globally and is a cause of untold morbidity and mortality. However, its clinical correlates at the community level have not been well elucidated. METHODS: History taking, anthropometric measurements, electrocardiograms and laboratory investigations were done for all the study subjects. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution's ethical body. Analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Two hundred people were recruited for the study. The prevalence of hypertension in the community was 58.5% with 31(15.5%) being newly diagnosed. The Body Mass Index [BMI] (28.2±6vs 25.6±5.3; P=0.003),Waist-Hip ratio (0.9±0.08 vs 0.86±0.06; p= 0.001), total cholesterol (5.675±1.8 vs 4.6±1.7, P=0.000), triglycerides (1.19±0.85 vs 0.91±0.59; p=0.019), LDL cholesterol (3.38±1.6 vs 2.66±1.5; p=0.002), heart rate (82.4±15.8 vs 76.8±11.2; p=0.018) QRS duration (84.8±13.4 vs 80.5±11.2; p=0.040), and QTc (0.423±0.041 vs 0.402±0.035; p=0.001) were higher in those with hypertension. NYHA functional class was worse in hypertensives (p=0.041). Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensives ranged from 2.6 to 48.2%, depending on the criteria used. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressures, HDL levels and hip circumferences were higher in those with electrocardiographic LVH. Systolic blood pressure (OR:1.045, P=0.006; CI: 1.013-1.079) and a normal BMI (OR: 0.159, p= 0.004; CI: 0.045-0.559) were the independent predictors of LVH in this study. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension is rising, even in rural populations, with accompanying LVH, higher QTc and florid cardiovascular risk factors. It is therefore imperative to tighten the reins of control of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors before the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality explode in the rural communities.

CONTEXTE: L'hypertension est le facteur de risque cardiovasculaire le plus courant dans le monde et est une cause de morbidité et de mortalité indicibles. Cependant, ses corrélats cliniques au niveau communautaire n'ont pas été bien élucidés. MÉTHODES: Des antécédents, des mesures anthropométriques, des électrocardiogrammes et des examens de laboratoire ont été effectués pour tous les sujets de l'étude. L'approbation éthique a été obtenue de l'organe déontologique de l'institution. L'analyse a été effectuée à l'aide de la version 20 de SPSS. Deux cents personnes ont été recrutées pour l'étude. La prévalence de l'hypertension dans la communauté était de 58,5%, 31 (15,5%) nouvellement diagnostiqués. L'indice de masse corporelle [IMC] (28,2 ± 6 vs 25,6 ± 5,3; P = 0,003), le rapport taille-hanches (0,9 ± 0,08 vs 0,86 ± 0,06; p = 0,001), le cholestérol total (5,675 ± 1,8 vs 4,6 ± 1,7, P = 0,000), triglycérides (1,19 ± 0,85 vs 0,91 ± 0,59; p = 0,019), cholestérol LDL (3,38 ± 1,6 vs 2,66 ± 1,5; p = 0,002), fréquence cardiaque (82,4 ± 15,8 vs 76,8 ± 11,2; p = 0,018) Durée du QRS (84,8 ± 13,4 vs 80,5 ± 11,2; p = 0,040) et l'intervalle QTc (0,423 ± 0,041 vs 0,402 ± 0,035; p = 0,001) étaient plus élevés chez les personnes souffrant d'hypertension. La classe fonctionnelle NYHA était pire chez les hypertendus (p = 0,041). La prévalence de l'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche (LVH) chez les hypertendus variait de 2,6 à 48,2%, selon la critères utilisés. La pression artérielle systolique, les pressions de pouls, les taux de HDL et la circonférence de la hanche étaient plus élevés chez les personnes atteintes de LVH électrocardiographique. La pression artérielle systolique (OR: 1,045, P = 0,006; IC: 1,013­1,079) et un IMC normal (OR: 0,159, p = 0,004; IC: 0,045­0,559) étaient les prédicteurs indépendants de l'HGV dans cette étude. CONCLUSION: La prévalence de l'hypertension est en hausse, même dans les populations rurales, accompagnée de LVH, d'un QTc plus élevé et de facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires florissants. Il est donc impératif de resserrer les rênes du contrôle de la pression artérielle et des autres facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire avant que la morbidité et la mortalité cardiovasculaires n'explosent dans les communautés rurales. Mots clés: Hypertension, hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche, indice de masse corporelle, HDL.

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea among Adults in a Rural Community in Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common medical condition which has long been recognized as a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in developed countries but that remains underdiagnosed, particularly in rural communities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of adults who have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea in a sample of adults living in Ejigbo, a rural community in south western Nigeria. METHODS: This was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study done to assess the prevalence of high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea in adult residents of the community using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Data collected include socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. A blood sample was also taken for lipid profile. Factors associated with a high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea were identified. RESULTS: The study involved 257 participants out of which 88 (34.2%) had a high risk of OSA. Risk of obstructive sleep apnoea was significantly associated with male sex (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.001), neck circumference (p<0.001), cigarette smoking (p=0.039) and low density lipoprotein (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Obstructive sleep apnoea is relatively common in the study area. This calls for urgent preventive measures to stem the tide and mitigate the associated morbidity and mortality.

Effect of dietary supplementation with clay-based binders on biochemical and histopathological changes in organs of turkey fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diets.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with molecular or nano-clay binders on biochemical and histopathological examination of organs of turkeys fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Two hundred and sixteen unsexed 1-day-old British United Turkeys were randomly allotted to nine diets in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of diets supplemented with no toxin binder, molecular toxin binder (MTB) and nano-clay toxin binder, each contaminated with 0, 60 and 110 ppb aflatoxin B1 respectively. There were three replicates per treatment with eight turkeys per replicate. Biochemical analyses, organ weights and histopathological changes of some organs were examined at the end of the study which lasted for 84 days. Turkeys fed diets supplemented with molecular and nano-binders showed higher (p < 0.001) total serum protein, reduced (p < 0.001) serum uric acid and GGT concentration values when compared with those fed aflatoxin-contaminated diets supplemented with no binder. Turkeys fed aflatoxin-contaminated diets supplemented with no binder had increased (p < 0.001) AST and ALT concentration when compared with other treatments. The heaviest (p < 0.001) liver and intestinal weight was noticed with turkeys fed diets supplemented with no binder and contaminated with 110 ppb aflatoxin B1 . Pathologically, there was no visible morphological alteration noticed in all turkeys fed uncontaminated diets and nano-clay-supplemented group. Hepatic paleness, hepatomegaly and yellowish discolouration of the liver were observed with turkeys fed diets containing no binder but contaminated with 60 and 110 ppb aflatoxin B1. Intestinal histopathological changes such as goblet cell hyperplasia, villous atrophy and diffuse lymphocytic enteritis were more prominent in turkeys fed diets containing no toxin binder and MTB. In conclusion, there were improved biochemical parameters and reduced deleterious effects of aflatoxin B1 in turkeys fed diet supplemented with clay binders. However, the improvement was more conspicuous in the nano-clay-supplemented group than molecular clay group.

Chemical composition and in sacco degradability of four varieties of cassava leaves grown in Southwestern Nigeria in the rumen of sheep.

The nutritive value of leaves of four varieties of cassava (MS 6, TMS 30555, Idileruwa and TMS 30572) were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the rumen of sheep. Results of the chemical analyses showed that the leaves of the four varieties contained different proportions of organic matter which was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in TMS 30572 with value of 935 g/kg DM, while CP (gram per kilogramme DM) was significantly highest in TMS 30555 (240), followed by MS 6 (235), TMS 30572 (208) and least in Idileruwa (177). Mean metabolisable energy (megajoules per kilogramme DM) was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in TMS 30572 (8.2) and similar with Idileruwa (8.0) but different from TMS 30555 and MS 6, respectively (7.8 and 7.6). The mineral contents (gram per kilogramme DM) showed that leaves of MS 6 and Idileruwa had the highest concentrations of K (2.86) and a significantly lowest value (1.83) in TMS 30555. Also, the highest concentration of Ca and Fe (6.81 and 6.23) was recorded in MS 6. The highest Ca:P of 3.20 was obtained in TMS 30555. DM degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were consistently highest in TMS 30572. The washing loss (a) ranged from 15.9% in MS 6 to 21.3% in TMS 30572. TMS 30572 tended to have higher (P = 0.546) insoluble but fermentable fraction (b) than all other varieties. Moreover, the potential degradability (a + b) tended to be higher (P = 0.041) in TMS 30572 (69.5%) followed by TMS 30555 (67.1%) and the lowest was in Idileruwa (42.7%). The highest effective degradability was recorded in TMS 30572 (63.9%) and the lowest in Idileruwa (40.7%). The degradation rate constants (c) of Idileruwa was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those of MS6, TMS 30555 and TMS 30572. The results generally indicated that the leaves could be ranked for their potential feeding value as TMS 30572 (71.5%) > MS6 (65.8%) > Idileruwa (63.0%) > TMS 30555 (50.4%). It is therefore concluded from this study that leaves of TMS 30572 and MS 6 have good potential as feed resources for ruminant animals and could be used in ruminant feeding as protein source ingredient.

Effects of underfeeding on semen quality of Rhode Island cocks.

Fifty Rhode Island chickens were randomly assigned to five treatments with ten cocks in each treatment. Group I cocks (full fed control) received 140 g of a 16% CP growers ration per cock per day. Cocks in Group II, III, IV and V received 98, 70, 42 and 28 g of the same ration per cock per day, representing 70, 50, 30 and 20% of Group I intake, respectively. The feeding trials lasted for 8 weeks during which one ejaculate per day was collected from each cock using the massage technique. The ejaculated semen samples were subjected to both physical and biochemical evaluations. Results showed that cocks that were severely underfed (i.e., Groups IV and V) took significantly longer time (p<0.01) to ejaculate. In addition, ejaculation failures were encountered more frequently with the severely underfed cocks than in cocks that were moderately underfed (i.e., Groups II and III). There were however, no significant differences in most of the biochemical parameters between cocks I all the treatment groups. Ejaculate volume, progressive sperm motility and sperm concentration were significantly depressed (p<0.01) in the severely underfed cocks than in the moderately underfed cocks. Thus, this study revealed that providing Rhode Island red and white cocks with one-halfto three-quarter (i.e., 50-70%) of their normal daily ration would neither undermine their semen producing ability nor affect their semen quality adversely.

Growth and subsequent egg production performance of shika-brown pullets fed graded levels of cooked Lablab purpureus beans.

The lablab seeds were cooked for 30 min, sundried for three days and thereafter milled and incorporated into chickens' diets. Six treatments, comprising of six dietary levels of lablab at 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, 30.0 and 37.5%, respectively was fed during the grower's phase. Results obtained for the growers phase indicate that final weight (g/bird), weight gain (g/bird) and feed cost (N kg(-1)) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the level of lablab increased in the diet. Feed intake (g/bird and g/bird/day) as well as feed cost (N/bird) and total cost (N/bird) also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the level oflablab increased in the diet up to 22.5% inclusion level before increasing as the level of lablab in the diets continued to increase. The level of lablab in the diet had no effect on mortality throughout the experimental period. In addition haematological parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Total Protein (TP) were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by feeding diets containing graded levels of cooked lablab beans to pullets. Results obtained during the laying phase indicates that feeding lablab seed meal up to 22.5% in the diets at the growers stage had no significant adverse effect (p < 0.05) on final weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, percent henday and henhoused egg production, percent production at peak, kilogramme feed per twelve eggs, feed cost per twelve eggs, Haugh Unit and yolk index. However, age of birds at first egg, age at 50% production and age at peak egg production were increased significantly (p > 0.05) with increase in the level of lablab seed meal in the growers diets.

Risk factors associated with mental illness in Oyo State, Nigeria: a community based study.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mental illness in Oyo State at community level using the general health questionnaire as a screening tool. METHOD: This cross-sectional, community- based survey was carried out among adults in three randomly selected LGAs using multi-stage sampling technique. RESULTS: A total of 1105 respondents were assessed in all. The overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in Oyo state Nigeria was found to be 21.9%, (18.4% in the urban areas and 28.4% in the rural areas, p = 0.005). Young age < or = 19 yrs (X2 = 20.41, p = 0.00013), Unemployment (X2 = 11.86 p = 0.0005), living condition below average (X2 = 12.21, p = 0.00047), physical health (X2 = 6.07, p = 0.014), and large family size (X2 = 14.09 p = 0.00017) were associated with increase risk for psychiatric morbidity. Following logistic regression analysis, Unemployment (C.I = 1.18-3.70, OR -2.1) and living conditions perceived to be above average (C.I = 1.99-5.50, OR-3.3) were significant predictors of mental illness while family size less than 6 (C.I = 0.86-0.97, OR-0.91) was protective. CONCLUSION: The teenagers and the rural populations are in greater need of mental health promotional services. Family planning should be made freely available in order to reduce the family size and hence incidence of mental illness in the African population.

The ultrastructure of the peri-articular osteophytes - an evaluation by scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Osteophytes are intra-articular osteochondral tissues, which are usually found at the margins of degenerating synovial joints. The aetiology or pathogenesis of this tissue has been a subject of protracted debate. The aim of this study was to offer a possible aetiology and or pathogenesis of this expendable yet important osteochondral tissue using the scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the structure of the cartilage mantle of osteophytes and the relationship of this mantle with that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. METHODS: Sections of periarticular osteophytes and osteophyte-normal articular cartilage composite tissues were obtained during total knee replacement for osteoarthritis (OA). These sections were routinely processed and examined using the scanning electron microscope with emphasis on the osteophytic cartilage mantle and the merger of the osteophyte and the adjoining normal articular cartilage. RESULTS: The cartilage mantle of osteophytes was found to be thinner but continuous with that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. However, a longitudinal bar of acellular tissue was found to separate the subchondral bones of both tissues. The cellular (chondrocyte) arrangement in the osteophytic cartilage was similar to that of the adjoining normal articular cartilage. In addition, in the superficial layer, there was looping of collagen fibres between the normal articular cartilage mantle and that of the osteophytic tissues. CONCLUSION: The continuity between the cartilage mantle of osteophytes and the adjoining normal articular cartilage may suggest that in the formation of osteophytes, the chondrocytes from the adjoining normal articular cartilage greatly influence the mesenchymal tissue precursor of osteophyte to differentiate along a chondrocytic pathway initially. With subsequent vascular invasion probably from the periosteum, the neocartilage develops a bony core with a completely separate blood supply from that of the adjoining subchondral bone.

Milk production by agropastoral Red Sokoto goats in Nigeria.

The mild yield characteristics of smallholder agropastoral Fulani Red Sokoto goats were evaluated using records obtained from a total of 92 does in 6 herds, collected over a 2-year period. The results indicated that the total yield was 79.8 +/- 3.2 kg, the daily yield 0.66 +/- 0.03 kg, the peak yield 1.21 +/- 0.07 kg and the day of peak production 28.7 +/- 2.1 day of lactation. The milk yield characteristics were highly variable with a coefficient of variability of 38.6% to 69.8%. The characteristics were significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) influenced by herd, season, parity and litter size of the dam. Highly positive and significant (p < 0.01) correlations (r = 0.66-0.99) existed between the total yield and the average daily yield, peak yield, initial yield and day 120 yield. A negative and significant (p < 0.05) correlation (r = -0.33) was observed between the peak day and the initial yield. The non-homogeneity of the milk yield characteristics in Red Sokoto does suggests the possibility of improving their daily productivity by selection of high yielding does. Selection for higher initial milk yield may also improve other milk yield characteristics.

The mechano-biology of the epiphysis of the long bones as revealed by photoelastic models.

Stress contours have been generated in photoelastic models simulating cartilaginous and bony epiphyses. According to the findings, the secondary centre of ossification is formed in areas of the cartilaginous epiphysis shown to have reduced mechanical stress. The bony epiphysis appears to have been developed as a more mechanically efficient structure.

The expression of the nuclear oncogenes c-myc and c-jun in the groove of Ranvier of the rabbit growth plate.

An immunohistochemical technique has been used to localise nuclear oncoproteins in the groove of Ranvier. The densely packed cells deep in the groove were immunoreactive positive for the myc protein. Cells and matrix in the same location were immunoreactive positive for the jun protein. These findings confirm the presence of proliferating cells in the groove. Injury to these cells is probably responsible for growth disturbances associated with trauma.

Teaching hospital perspective of the quality of trauma care in Lagos, Nigeria.

Information including respiratory rate, blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, and anatomic injuries were obtained for all injured patients consecutively admitted to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) during the 9-month period from September 1995 to May 1996. The data were analyzed using the UK Major Trauma Outcome Study (MTOS) methodology. The Revised Trauma Score (RTS), the Injury Severity Score (ISS), and the Probability of Survival (Ps) were calculated for each patient. In addition, the "M," "z," and "w" scores were calculated for blunt injuries. Of the 253 patients (median age 28 years; male/female ratio 4:1) studied, 85% suffered blunt trauma, 75% of which were due to RTA. About 60% of RTA victims were pedestrians. Only 8% of nonpedestrian victims wore protective devices. The mean ISS was 10, the mean RTS 6.98, and the mean Ps 0.96. The "m" statistic for blunt trauma was 0.91, and there were 122 survivors compared to the 163 predicted. The "z" and "w" scores were -18.49 and -24.55, respectively. Altogether, 42.7% of patients with ISS > 15 and 40.7% with RTS < 7.5 died. According to these results, the severity of injuries encountered in Lagos is comparable to those reported from the United Kingdom and the United States, but the death rate is higher.

Proto-oncogene expression during fracture repair.

The possibility that proto-oncogenes play a role in fracture repair has been investigated in this study. Closed fractures were created in the tibiae of NZW rabbits and treated with a plaster cast. At intervals of 1 and 2 weeks, sections of the fracture callus were obtained and stained using an immunocytochemical technique which localised c-myc and c-jun. Osteogenic cells of the periosteum, endosteum, Haversian canal and new bone trabeculae expressed proto-oncogenes while hypertrophic chondrocytes were generally immunoreactive negative. The results suggest that proto-oncogene expression may be involved in post-fracture osteogenesis but not in the chondrogenic processes which precede endochondral bone formation. This could be used as a tool for diagnosing slow healing in the early stages of fracture repair.

An investigation of the frequency of co-existence of osteophytes and circumscribed full thickness articular surface defects in the knee joint.

Osteophytes are osteochondral repair tissues formed usually at the margins of synovial joints in response to a more central full thickness articular cartilage defect. These defects can be managed using the autologous chondrocytes implantation technique or with composite osteochondral grafting. Materials for osteochondral grafting of circumscribed full thickness articular surface defects may be obtained from osteophytes. In this study, the frequency of co-existence of these two intra-articular lesions was studied prospectively in patients undergoing therapeutic arthroscopy for painful knee conditions. Thirty-three of 88 knees (37.5%) had full thickness articular surface defects and 23 of these (69.7%) had associated osteophytes formation.