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.

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.

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.

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.

Investigation of the torque-tension characteristics of a flanged external fixator pin.

The torque-tension characteristics of standard, conical and flanged external fixator pins and a cortical screw were compared using a commercially available testing apparatus. The flanged pin and the screw were similar in behaviour, and converted torque into tension more efficiently than conical and standard external fixator pins.

External fixation of upper limb fractures: the effect of pin offset on fixator stability.

A Shearer fracture fixator was applied to a hardwood model using various pin configurations and load-displacement curves were obtained from compressive and bending loads. The results show that offsetting the pins by 60 degrees increases rigidity by a factor of 4-5.

Pin-hole shear stresses generated by conical and standard external fixation pins.

Pin-hole shear stresses generated by tapered (conical) and untapered (standard) external fixator pins were compared using a photoelastic technique. The results show that shear stresses progressively increase as a conical pin is inserted but remain the same for the standard pin irrespective of the depth of insertion.

Comparison of the stresses generated at the pin-bone interface by standard and conical external fixator pins.

The stresses generated at the pin-bone interface by external fixator pins have been compared using finite element analysis. The results show that higher stresses are generated by conical pins compared with standard pins of the same diameter. This raises the possibility that the rate of pin loosening may be higher for conical pins.

Bending stiffness of conical and standard external fixator pins.

The bending stiffnesses of a conical and a standard external fixator pin have been compared. The pins were inserted into pilot holes in a piece of teak hardwood and loads of different magnitudes were applied at a fixed moment arm. Force-deflection curves were obtained for each pin, and stiffness (newtons per metre) and percentage stiffness reduction were calculated for each pilot hole size. The results show that deflection increased (i.e. stiffness decreased) with increasing force or diameter of pilot hole. This loss of stiffness was linear for the standard pin but was bimodal for the conical pin.

Localisation of bone-forming cells during fracture healing by osteocalcin immunocytochemistry: an experimental study of the rabbit tibia.

An immunocytochemical method was used to localise osteocalcin-producing cells during fracture healing in a rabbit model. In preliminary studies, tibial growth plates from young rabbits were used as a source of new bone formation, in order to determine the optimal tissue preparatory techniques. In the present study, a tibial shaft fracture was created in adult rabbits to study closed fracture healing. An indirect peroxidase method was used to stain paraffin-embedded tissue sections for osteocalcin. Osteocalcin-producing cells were positively identified at the periosteal and endosteal surfaces near the fracture site. Osteocalcin staining was not demonstrated in the surrounding soft tissues. At the interface between newly formed bone trabeculae and the cartilage layer within the callus, chondrocytic cells consistently showed localisation of osteocalcin. Within cartilaginous areas of the callus, some chondrocytes showed positive staining for osteocalcin. These cells were often seen in the proximity of blood vessels. The findings suggest that during fracture healing, under certain conditions, chondrocytes are capable of producing osteocalcin and thus could be considered capable of possible transformation into osteoblasts.

The value of shoulder distension arthrography with intraarticular injection of steroid and local anaesthetic: a follow-up study.

A series of 51 patients, seen in Leicester, with "frozen shoulder", and referred for arthrographic examination, were assessed both before and after distension arthrography, using air and a low-osmolar contrast media combined with a steroid and local anaesthetic injection. 38 attended for further assessment at up to 6 months later. 16 patients were found to have a rotator cuff tear. There was no significant change in the mean range of active movement in the patients with rotator cuff tears, but symptomatic improvement ensued in 44% of cases. In those found to have no rotator cuff tear, and external rotation of less than 35 degrees, a significant improvement in range of movement was seen. While those with less limitation of external rotation showed no change in their range of movement, they did experience symptomatic improvement in 73% of cases. We conclude that shoulder distension arthrography, with steroid and local anaesthetic injection, may be of symptomatic benefit in patients with frozen shoulder and without a rotator cuff tear, while only those with external rotation of less than 35 degrees are likely to improve their range of motion.

Total knee replacement in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Total knee replacements were performed on three patients with Parkinson's disease. The rehabilitation of all three was, however, hampered by inhibition of the extensor mechanism, hamstring rigidity and poor muscular co-ordination. Medical treatment of the disease did not help. None of the patients became mobile, and all three gradually weakened and died. We suggest that, at least in some patients with Parkinson's disease, knee replacement is contra-indicated.

The healing of closed tibial shaft fractures. The natural history of union with closed treatment.

One hundred consecutive closed fractures of the adult tibial shaft treated by closed methods were surveyed prospectively in order to observe their natural history. The fractures were analysed with regards to speed of healing and the influence of age, sex, causal force, radiological morphology and concurrent fibular fracture. At 20 weeks 19 fractures had not yet united, but 15 of these had united by 30 weeks with conservative treatment alone. The remaining four cases were operated upon because no further progress in healing was anticipated. These findings suggest that, with regard to healing, open reduction and internal fixation is rarely justified in closed adult tibial shaft fractures.

An investigation of the contribution of the extraosseous tissues to the diaphyseal fracture callus using a rabbit tibial fracture model.

The contribution of the extraosseous tissues to diaphyseal fracture healing was investigated using a new fracture model. A transverse osteotomy of the tibial diaphysis of 18 New Zealand White rabbits was reamed and nailed, and a 2-cm length of the periosteum was excised from either side of the osteotomy. Healing was studied by radiography and by haematoxylin/eosin histology at intervals over 2 weeks. None of the osteotomies had united at the end of the observation period. Within days, cellular activity was observed in the remnant of the periosteum, which subsequently resulted in cartilage and bone formation. The repair tissue derived from the periosteum advanced in the direction of the osteotomy site. The extraosseous tissues did not appear to contribute significantly to the fracture callus.

The relative contribution of individual osseous circulations to diaphyseal cortical blood supply.

The potential contributions of periosteal, nutrient (medullary), and epiphyseo-metaphyseal circulations, respectively, to cortical blood supply have been investigated by isolating each using a diaphyseal segment model. The periosteal circulation was isolated by creating and nailing a 2-cm segment of the adult rabbit tibial diaphysis. The medullary circulation was isolated by external application of a silastic sheath to a diaphyseal segment. The epiphyseo-metaphyseal circulation was isolated by combining both techniques. The residual potential routes of blood supply to each isolated segment were studied by arterial radiography and by histology in a postmortem study and in a survival study at various times up to 4 weeks after the isolation procedure. Both centrifugal and centripetal arterial supply were observed in the postmortem study. In the survival study, cortical arterial perfusion was observed up to 4 weeks following isolation of the periosteal circulation but only up to 2 weeks following isolation of the nutrient (medullary) circulation. At 4 weeks, the segment was not perfused when supplied only by the epiphyseo-metaphyseal system. It would appear, therefore, that the periosteal circulation provides a potential source of arterial supply to the diaphyseal cortex. Furthermore, an intact periosteal circulation seems to be necessary if an isolated segment of cortical bone is to continue to be adequately perfused with blood.

An investigation of the bending stiffness of and the plane stresses generated by a flanged external fixator pin.

In an attempt to reduce pin loosening, a flanged external fixator pin has been designed and its bending stiffness has been compared with that of a standard pin. The pins were inserted into pilot holes previously drilled into a piece of teak hardwood. Loads of different magnitudes were applied at a fixed moment arm and force-deflection curves were obtained. Thereafter, percentage stiffness increase was calculated for each pilot hole size. The results show that the addition of a collar to the external fixator pin increases its stiffness and its ability to resist bending forces. In a parallel study, the stresses generated at the pin-bone interface by this pin and a standard pin were compared using finite element analysis techniques. The results show that the flange significantly reduced the stresses generated at the pin-bone interface. In addition, stresses were dissipated over a wider area.