Dietary monoglyceride supplementation to support intestinal integrity and host defenses in health-challenged weanling pigs.

Frequent incidence of postweaning enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) diarrhea in the swine industry contributes to high mortality rates and associated economic losses. In this study, a combination of butyric, caprylic, and capric fatty acid monoglycerides was investigated to promote intestinal integrity and host defenses in weanling pigs infected with ETEC. A total of 160 pigs were allotted to treatment groups based on weight and sex. Throughout the 17-d study, three treatment groups were maintained: sham-inoculated pigs fed a control diet (uninfected control [UC], n = 40), ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the same control diet (infected control [IC], n = 60), and ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the control diet supplemented with monoglycerides included at 0.3% of the diet (infected supplemented [MG], n = 60). After a 7-d acclimation period, pigs were orally inoculated on each of three consecutive days with either 3 mL of a sham-control (saline) or live ETEC culture (3 × 109 colony-forming units/mL). The first day of inoculations was designated as 0 d postinoculation (DPI), and all study outcomes reference this time point. Fecal, tissue, and blood samples were collected from 48 individual pigs (UC, n = 12; IC, n = 18; MG, n = 18) on 5 and 10 DPI for analysis of dry matter (DM), bacterial enumeration, inflammatory markers, and intestinal permeability. ETEC-inoculated pigs in both the IC and MG groups exhibited clear signs of infection including lower (P < 0.05) gain:feed and fecal DM, indicative of excess water in the feces, and elevated (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures, total bacteria, total E. coli, and total F18 ETEC during the peak-infection period (5 DPI). Reduced (P < 0.05) expression of the occludin, tumor necrosis factor α, and vascular endothelial growth factor A genes was observed in both ETEC-inoculated groups at the 5 DPI time point. There were no meaningful differences between treatments for any of the outcomes measured at 10 DPI. Overall, all significant changes were the result of the ETEC infection, not monoglyceride supplementation.

Infection caused by the bacterium known as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common disruptor of weaned pigs' health, leading to economic losses for the producers. To determine if nutritional supplementation could help protect against these losses, weaned pigs were assigned to one of three treatments: 1) uninfected and fed a standard nursery pig diet, 2) infected with ETEC and fed the same standard diet, or 3) infected with ETEC and fed the standard diet supplemented with a combination of butyric, caprylic, and capric fatty acid monoglycerides. Growth performance was tracked throughout the 17-d study and health outcomes were measured at the peak and resolution of ETEC infection. At the peak-infection time point, pigs that were infected with ETEC had lower fecal moisture content, greater fecal bacterial concentrations, and elevated body temperatures compared with uninfected pigs. Additionally, infection reduced expression of genes related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and the intestinal barrier during the peak-infection period. Overall, all significant changes were the result of the ETEC infection, and there were no meaningful differences observed between the different treatments.

Impact of Epilepsy on Adolescents in a Rural Nigerian Community: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is associated with impaired physical, psychological and social functioning. Assessing its impact on these parameters is important to improving the wellbeing of those with the disorder. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of epilepsy on the physical, psychological and social status of adolescents in a rural community. METHODS: Adolescents with epilepsy (Subjects) were identified in a community house to house survey. Controls (adolescents without epilepsy) matched for age and sex were randomly selected from the community. Information obtained from the subjects, controls and their care givers using a structured questionnaire included: Age, Sex, Social Class, Knowledge of epilepsy, Characteristics of epilepsy, Treatment options utilized, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Body Mass Index (BMI), Academic performance and Epilepsy related problems. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects, 10.5/1000 of the adolescent (10-19 years) population, had epilepsy. The mean age was 16.7± 2.6 years and 16.3± 2.6 years for the subjects and controls respectively. Most of the subjects were males (83.3%). All the subjects had generalized epilepsy, were on traditional medication and none was on orthodox medical therapy. Occurrence of seizures, cost of accessing orthodox medical treatment and stigma were the major problems identified. Ingestion of traditional medication was the commonest modality for overcoming the major problems identified. Seven (38.8%) were underweight but it was not significant (p>0.05). Epilepsy was significantly associated with impaired HRQOL, academic performance and social relationships (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy had a negative impact on the psychosocial and academic status of adolescents. It highlights the need to provide comprehensive adolescent health and social services in epilepsy management.

Effects of supplementing Leucaena leucocephala and conserved forages from natural pasture on the performance of grazing calves.

Twelve white Fulani × N'dama cross-bred calves weighing 83.79 ± 1.16 kg were used in an 84-day experiment to investigate the utilization of forage resources from natural grazing land. The experimental diets were sole grazing, grazing + hay, grazing + silage and grazing + Leucaena leucocephala leaves. The calves were divided into four groups of three animals each and were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets. Crude protein (CP) contents of the forages ranged from 59 to 171 g/kg dry matter (DM). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents of the forages ranged from 560 to 705 g/kg DM and 363 to 440 g/kg DM, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher values in mineral contents (Ca, K, P and Mg) were recorded for L. leucocephala leaves compared to other forage resources. Variations (P < 0.05) were observed in the average daily gain. Animals on grazing + L. leucocephala leaves diet had the highest (113 g/day) average daily gain, while those on sole grazing showed the least value (26.2 g/day). Packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, urea and calcium concentration showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Effective utilization of forage resources from the natural pasture by the calves was attained on supplementation with conserved forages and L. leucocephala leaves without any deleterious effects on the haematological and serum parameters.

Free radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity of root extracts of Anchomanes difformis Engl. (Araceae).

Antioxidants activities from plants sources have attracted a wide range of interest across the world in recent times. This is due to growing concern for safe and alternative sources of antioxidants. The free radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity of the phosphomolybdenum method and the total phenolics content using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were carried out on the acetone, n-butanol and methanol root extracts of Anchomanes difformis. The results of the total phenolics content expressed in mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) showed that the n-butanol extract has significantly (p < 0.05) higher phenolics content (381 +/- 1.13) than the methanol and acetone extracts. All the extracts displayed strong concentration dependent radical scavenging activity. It was also observed that the n-butanol extract showed higher activity of 70.87% and 78.59% at low concentrations of 31.25 microg/mL and 62.5 microg/mL, respectively, than methanol and acetone extracts. The results also showed that the n-butanol extract has strongest reducing ability which is comparable to that of gallic acid at all the concentrations tested. Phytochemical screening on the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The results suggest that n-butanol extract of the plant is very rich in antioxidant compounds worthy of further investigations.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of Vernonia ambigua, Vernonia blumeoides and Vernonia oocephala (Asteraceae).

Some Vernonia species (Vernonia ambigua, Vernonia blumeoides and Vernonia oocephala) used in Northern Nigerian traditional medicine, were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard procedures. The antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method as outlined by the NCCLS was carried out on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynbacterium ulcerans, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysentriae, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas fluorescence. The results of the antibacterial activity as indicated by zone of growth inhibition ranged from 14 to 27 mm for the crude ethanol extracts and chloroform fractions of the Vernonia species being studied. The activity of chloroform fraction of V. blumeoides was higher on C. ulcerans and K. pneumoniae (27 mm), while the chloroform fractions of V. oocephala and V. ambigua were more active on P. mirabilis (27 mm) and S. typhi (22 mm), respectively. It is worth of mention that the chloroform fractions of the three Vernonia species demonstrated activity (20 mm) against MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 1.25-2.5 mg/mL for all the organisms tested. The MIC of 1.25 mg/mL exhibited by the chloroform fractions on both Gram positive and negative bacteria indicates broad spectrumactivity of the Vernonia species being studied. Phytochemical screening of the extracts/fractions revealed the presence of steroids/terpenes, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. The antibacterial activity exhibited in this study may be attributed to flavonoids, saponinss or sesquiterpene lactones. The overall results indicate that the extracts/fractions are potent antibacterial preparations at least in vitro. This lends credence to the use of these plants for the treatment of various infectious diseases.

Point-of-use micronutrient fortification: lessons learned in implementing a preschool-based pilot trial in South Africa.

This current pilot trial assessed the feasibility of implementing a point-of-use (PoU) micronutrient fortification in preschool settings. Preschool children (n = 151) aged 36-79 months were randomized into intervention (n = 76) and control (n = 75) groups, both receiving breakfast maize-porridge with added micronutrient or placebo powder for 52 school days. Process evaluation and early childhood development indicators were used to assess trial feasibility. Process evaluation results showed that the implementation components were feasible and could be delivered with high fidelity. The improvement in hemoglobin concentration in intervention and control groups were not significantly different (P = 0.250). There was medium likelihood for practical significance for the two global cognitive scores assessed: non-verbal index (intervention effects: 7.20; 95% confidence interval: 2.60, 11.81; P = 0.002, effect size: 0.55) and mental processing index (intervention effects: 2.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.25, 5.70; P = 0.072, effect size: 0.36) on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition. The lessons from this trial could help in planning/implementing future PoU micronutrient fortification trial among South African preschool children.

Resin-dentine interfacial morphology following CPP-ACP treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of bonded resin-dentine interfaces produced by two self-etching primer adhesives after casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatment, in comparison to untreated dentine. METHODS: Thirty-four adult molar teeth were sectioned to obtain dentine with tubule orientations parallel/oblique or perpendicular to the surface. The specimens were divided into 'smear layer' (1A, 1B) and 'no smear layer' groups, after treatment with 15% EDTA (2A, 2B). The specimens were then left either untreated (1A, 2A) or treated (1B, 2B) with CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse, GC Corp.) for 60 min x 7 days. Each treatment group was divided into three subgroups and specimens etched/conditioned (no conditioning; 30-40% phosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)); 20% polyacrylic acid) and bonded with either a 2-step self-etching primer adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Medical) or an 'all-in-one' adhesive (G-Bond, GC Corp.) and a hybrid resin composite. After 24-h water storage, the bonded specimens were sectioned, polished up to 4000-grit abrasive silicon carbide paper and 0.25-microm diamond paste, prepared for FE-SEM using the acid-base technique, critical point-dried, gold-coated and examined. Bonded and fractured dentine interfaces were also prepared and examined. RESULTS: The 2-step adhesive produced a similar appearance of bonded resin-dentine interface irrespective of smear layer group, treatment or etching/conditioning. After polyacrylic acid conditioning, the 'all-in-one' adhesive exhibited more areas with bond failures. The bond failures were within the hybrid layer and more pronounced following CPP-ACP treatment. CONCLUSION: The quality of the bonded resin-dentine interface produced after CPP-ACP treatment may depend on the adhesive system used.

An SEM evaluation of conditioned and bonded enamel following carbamide peroxide bleaching and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate, (a) the surface morphology of acid etched/conditioned enamel following carbamide peroxide bleaching with/without casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (Tooth Mousse (MI Paste); GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) treatment; and b) the nature of the bonded resin-enamel interfaces formed with a self-etching primer adhesive. METHODS: Twenty-four human adult molars were each sectioned into four, the specimens divided and treated according to four experimental groups: 1, no treatment; 2, 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching; 3, CPP-ACP paste; 4, bleaching and CPP-ACP paste. A self-etching primer adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, CSE) was used. The specimens were further divided into four subgroups for etching/conditioning: A, CSE Primer only; B, 30-40% phosphoric acid and CSE primer; C, 15% EDTA and CSE primer; D, 20% polyacrylic acid and CSE primer. Bonded specimens were also prepared. The morphology of the etched/conditioned enamel surfaces and polished resin-enamel interfaces of the bonded specimens were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). RESULTS: Treatment with CPP-ACP did not inhibit phosphoric acid etching of enamel. Poorly defined enamel etch patterns were observed with the other conditioners in all the groups. The morphology of the bonded resin-enamel interfaces observed on FE-SEM for each acid etching/conditioning subgroup was similar in all the experimental groups, except after bleaching. Resin infiltration into enamel was observed with prior phosphoric acid etching and polyacrylic acid conditioning and was unaffected by experimental group treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a CPP-ACP paste with or without prior bleaching did not inhibit enamel etching. Enamel etching/conditioning may help improve bonding efficiency of the self-etching primer adhesive after CPP-ACP treatment.

Dentine bonding after CPP-ACP paste treatment with and without conditioning.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate microshear bond strength (MSBS) to dentine following application of a casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate paste (Tooth Mousse (TM)), and the effect of smear layer removal before paste application and preconditioning. METHODS: Specimens of polished human dentine were divided into two groups: 1, smear layer retained; 2, smear layer removed using 15% EDTA for 90 s. In each group, half the specimens were left untreated and half treated with TM for 60 min daily x 7 days. Each subgroup was divided into three further subgroups for conditioning (Primer only; 30-40% phosphoric acid (PA)+primer; 20% polyacrylic acid (CC)+primer). Two self-etching/priming adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) and G-Bond (GB)) were used for bonding resin composite to superficial/deep dentine and after 24h, stressed in shear until failure. Maximum loads at failure and bond failure modes were recorded. Group means were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at alpha=0.05. RESULTS: TM did not significantly affect MSBS in group 1. In group 2, there was a statistically significant increase in MSBS for CSE on deep dentine (P=0.002) and a reduction for GB (P=0.013) on superficial dentine. PA conditioning did not significantly affect MSBS for CSE and GB while CC significantly reduced MSBS for GB. CONCLUSIONS: TM application did not reduce MSBS for CSE but significantly reduced MSBS for GB when the smear layer was removed before paste treatment. Preconditioning did not improve or worsen dentine MSBS for CSE or GB with/without TM, except when CC was used with GB.

Effects of conditioners on microshear bond strength to enamel after carbamide peroxide bleaching and/or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate (a) the enamel microshear bond strength (MSBS) of a universal adhesive and (b) the effects of conditioning with a self-etching primer adhesive with/without prior bleaching and/or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) application. METHODS: Thirty-five molars were cut into four sections, assigned randomly to four groups (no treatment; 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching; CPP-ACP-containing paste (Tooth Mousse, TM); bleaching and TM) and treated accordingly. Specimens were divided into two for bonding with either a self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond, CSE) or a total-etch adhesive (Single Bond, SB). Specimens for CSE bonding were subdivided for one of four preconditioning treatments (no conditioning; 30-40% phosphoric acid (PA); 15% EDTA; 20% polyacrylic acid conditioner (Cavity conditioner, CC) and treated. The adhesives were applied and resin composite bonded to the enamel using microtubes (internal diameter 0.75mm). Bonds were stressed in shear until failure, mean MSBS calculated and data analysed using ANOVA with Tukey's HSD test (alpha=0.05). The modes of bond failure were assessed and classified. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between treatments (P<0.0001), conditioners (P<0.0001) and a significant interaction between treatments and conditioners (P=0.001). One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in MSBS following any of the treatments for SB; following TM application for CSE without preconditioning; and significant differences in MSBS following bleaching with and without TM application for CSE. With preconditioning, applying PA before CSE post-bleaching and either PA or CC before CSE post-TM application, resulted in significant differences in MSBS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of conditioners prior to bonding with the self-etching primer adhesive system on treated enamel may significantly improve bond strengths.

Integrating mental health into primary health care in Nigeria: management of depression in a local government (district) area as a paradigm.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, the primary health care (PHC) manned by non-physician health workers, forms the bedrock of the health care system. And mental health care has not yet been integrated into primary health care system. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate how the training of primary health care workers in the recognition and management of depression can form an example of systematic integration of mental health into primary health care. METHODS: The training needs and knowledge of 62 primary health care workers were assessed through focus group discussions and structured self-administered questionnaire. A two-day training program on the recognition and management of depression was conducted using an adapted version of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) guidelines for the management of depression in primary health care. The trainees completed a pre and post-training assessments to determine the immediate outcome of the training. RESULTS: Pre-training, the health workers had very poor knowledge of depression. None of the participants could mention any antidepressant. There were significant improvements in knowledge post training, with the greatest gain in knowledge occurring in drug management of depression. General outcome evaluation showed significant increase in knowledge and skills for the recognition and management of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The training increased PHC workers knowledge about the concept, recognition and management of depression. And the methods adopted could be helpful means of integrating mental health into PHC.