Effect of diet composition on dry matter intake of dairy she-camels

The present paper aims to propose an evaluation of the ingestibility and selectivity of food items, as well as the effect of different levels of energetic supplementation and concentrate feed ingredients, on camels dry matter intake (DMI). With this goal, an experiment on six dairy she-camels receiving every 14-15 days a progressive high level of concentrates was conducted. During experimental periods, DMI ranged from 1.30 to 1.96 kg DMI per 100 kg of body weight (BW) was used. In an effort to examine the feeding behavior, a sign of reduced appetite was observed. Based on the results, it can be unveiled that as soon as the concentrate intake (CI) reached a quantity of 3.3 kg DM/d, which represented 51% of the total DM intake, the camels did not appear to ingest more exceedingly and their eating activity occurred in a distributed manner during daytime. Besides, an amount of concentrate supplements, which can characterize a high selectivity to fermentable carbohydrates, fed camels consumed dates, as well. In addition, food items such as corn, soybean meal, and dates that are rich in simple nutrient improved DMI. However, the statistical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant negative effect of concentrates on hay ingestion used in the experimental diets. Therefore, the intake of concentrates did not substitute the ingested amount of hay. Furthermore, the immense incorporation of dates and the increase in energy density of diet (DER) negatively affected the ingestion of hay.

Old World camels in a modern world - a balancing act between conservation and genetic improvement

Old World camels have served humans in cross‐continental caravans, transporting people and goods, connecting different cultures and providing milk, meat, wool and draught since their domestication around 3000–6000 years ago. In a world of modern transport and fast connectivity, these beasts of burden seem to be out‐dated. However, a growing demand for sustainable milk and meat production, especially in countries affected by climate change and increasing desertification, brings dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) back onstage and into the focus of animal breeders and scientists. In this review on the molecular genetics of these economically important species we give an overview about the evolutionary history, domestication and dispersal of Old World camels, whereas highlighting the need for conservation of wild two‐humped camels (Camelus ferus) as an evolutionarily unique and highly endangered species. We provide cutting‐edge information on the current molecular resources and on‐going sequencing projects. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of balancing the need for improving camel production traits with maintaining the genetic diversity in two domestic species with specific physiological adaptation to a desert environment.

Comparative study of fatty acid and sterol profiles for the investigation of potential milk fat adulteration

Milk fat adulteration is a common issue in Central Asia. To assess the current situation in the commercial milk market, 17 milk samples were checked for fatty acid (FA) and sterol profiles to detect potential adulteration using multivariate analysis. Analysis of FA and sterols was performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection, respectively. Cluster analysis of FA profiles revealed 3 types of milk samples: (1) samples containing a higher proportion of short-chain FA, (2) samples containing a higher proportion of long-chain FA, and (3) samples with significant amounts of C18 FA. Analysis of sterols showed that samples included (1) milk fat containing 100% cholesterol, sometimes with traces of phytosterols, (2) milk fat with high proportions of β-sitosterol and campesterol, and (3) milk fat containing high proportions of brassicasterol. We found significant relationships between FA profiles and sterol profiles. The profiles were compared with vegetable oil patterns reported in the literature. More than 50% of the samples appeared to be counterfeited. We conclude that identification of adulteration in milk can be based solely on determination of sterol patterns.

Correction: Safety of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine when Delivered to Children under 10 Years of Age by District Health Services in Senegal: Results from a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162563.].

Safety of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine when Delivered to Children under 10 Years of Age by District Health Services in Senegal: Results from a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

Background

It is recommended that children aged 3 months to five years of age living in areas of seasonal transmission in the sub-Sahel should receive Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) during the malaria transmission season. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of SMC with SPAQ in children when delivered by community health workers in three districts in Senegal where SMC was introduced over three years, in children from 3 months of age to five years of age in the first year, then in children up to 10 years of age.

Methods

A surveillance system was established to record all deaths and all malaria cases diagnosed at health facilities and a pharmacovigilance system was established to detect adverse drug reactions. Health posts were randomized to introduce SMC in a stepped wedge design. SMC with SPAQ was administered once per month from September to November, by nine health-posts in 2008, by 27 in 2009 and by 45 in 2010.

Results

After three years, 780,000 documented courses of SMC had been administered. High coverage was achieved. No serious adverse events attributable to the intervention were detected, despite a high level of surveillance.

Conclusions

SMC is being implemented in countries of the sub-Sahel for children under 5 years of age, but in some areas the age distribution of cases of malaria may justify extending this age limit, as has been done in Senegal. Our results show that SMC is well tolerated in children under five and in older children. However, pharmacovigilance should be maintained where SMC is implemented and provision for strengthening national pharmacovigilance systems should be included in plans for SMC implementation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00712374

Dromedary Camels and the Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is an existential threat to global public health. The virus has been repeatedly detected in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Adult animals in many countries in the Middle East as well as in North and East Africa showed high (>90%) seroprevalence to the virus. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus isolated from dromedaries is genetically and phenotypically similar to viruses from humans. We summarize current understanding of the ecology of MERS‐CoV in animals and transmission at the animal–human interface. We review aspects of husbandry, animal movements and trade and the use and consumption of camel dairy and meat products in the Middle East that may be relevant to the epidemiology of MERS. We also highlight the gaps in understanding the transmission of this virus in animals and from animals to humans.

Human-Dromedary Camel Interactions and the Risk of Acquiring Zoonotic Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) cases without documented contact with another human MERS‐CoV case make up 61% (517/853) of all reported cases. These primary cases are of particular interest for understanding the source(s) and route(s) of transmission and for designing long‐term disease control measures. Dromedary camels are the only animal species for which there is convincing evidence that it is a host species for MERS‐CoV and hence a potential source of human infections. However, only a small proportion of the primary cases have reported contact with camels. Other possible sources and vehicles of infection include food‐borne transmission through consumption of unpasteurized camel milk and raw meat, medicinal use of camel urine and zoonotic transmission from other species. There are critical knowledge gaps around this new disease which can only be closed through traditional field epidemiological investigations and studies designed to test hypothesis regarding sources of infection and risk factors for disease. Since the 1960s, there has been a radical change in dromedary camel farming practices in the Arabian Peninsula with an intensification of the production and a concentration of the production around cities. It is possible that the recent intensification of camel herding in the Arabian Peninsula has increased the virus' reproductive number and attack rate in camel herds while the ‘urbanization’ of camel herding increased the frequency of zoonotic ‘spillover’ infections from camels to humans. It is reasonable to assume, although difficult to measure, that the sensitivity of public health surveillance to detect previously unknown diseases is lower in East Africa than in Saudi Arabia and that sporadic human cases may have gone undetected there.

[Profile of cytokines associated with protection against malaria episodes during pregnancy in hypo-endemic area in Senegal]

Malarial infection in non immune pregnant women is a major risk factor for pregnancy failure. However in malaria endemic areas, intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) have been adopted to prevent malaria in pregnancy women since 2003 in Senegal. The impact of IPT on the development of immunity is not very well documented. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity hospital of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IL10, IL12, TNFα and IFNγ cytokines production in pregnant women under IPTp. Cytokines were analyzed in 82 sera at inclusion and delivery. P. falciparum HRP2 antigen was detected in 17% of women included by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). At inclusion the mean of IL10 response was higher in P. falciparum negative women (8 UA) compare to RDT-positive women (7 UA) p=0.069 while in delivery the opposite was found p=0.014. Low production of inflammatory cytokines IL12, IFNγ and TNFα was noted in both groups. Between inclusion and delivery, a significant increase of IL-10 production was noted while a decrease of IFNγ and TNFα cytokine was noted. Thus, IL12 and IFNγ responses may synergistically associate as malaria immune response during pregnancy.

[Cryptosporidiosis in Senegalese children: prevalence study and use of ELISA serologic diagnosis]

This is a prospective, descriptive and analytic study conducted from July 2011 to September 2011 at the Children National Hospital Albert Royer of Dakar and at the Vélingara Health District. It was focused on children under 15 without reference to HIV status. For each child, a sample of stool was examined by the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining and by ELISA using the "Cryptosporidium Antigen Detection Microwell ELISA kit" designed to detect Cryptosporidium spp antigens. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in rural and hospital areas and to measure the performance of the ELISA kit that we used. Out of the 375 stool examinations performed with the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining, 17 had revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp (4.53%). The prevalence in rural areas was 2% while the hospital prevalence was 7.4%, of which 1.8% (1/57) were from urban areas and 9.8% (12/122) from suburban areas. No positive case was observed in children over 10 years. By ELISA, 23 positives cases were reported corresponding to a prevalence of 6.13% (1.8% in children living in urban areas, 13.1% in children from suburban areas and 3%living in rural areas).The correlation of this assay with the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining, considered as the reference method, found that this assay had a sensitivity of 58.82% and a high specificity reaching 96.37%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 43.4% while the negative predictive value was 98%. Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of parasitic infection among children in Senegal. Antigen detection of Cryptosporidium spp by ELISA in stool can be a complementary tool in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

Preliminary enquiry into the availability, price and quality of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in the private health sector of six malaria-endemic countries

OBJECTIVES

This enquiry aimed to provide a snap-shot of availability, price and quality of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in private health facilities at selected sites in six malaria-endemic countries in Africa, South East Asia and South America.

METHODS

In each study site, data collectors surveyed private healthcare facilities which were selected based on accessibility from their home institution. Using a questionnaire, information was recorded about the facility itself and the malaria RDT(s) available. Where possible, a small number of RDTs were procured and quality control tested using a standardized procedure.

RESULTS

Of the 324 private healthcare facilities visited, 35 outlets (mainly private clinics and hospitals) were found to supply 10 different types of RDTs products. RDT prices across the six countries ranged from US$1.00 to $16.81. Five of the 14 malaria RDTs collected failed quality control testing.

CONCLUSIONS

In the private outlets sampled, the availability of RDTs was limited. Some of the RDTs whose quality we tested demonstrated inadequate sensitivity. This presents a number of risks. Given the more widespread distribution of antimalarials currently planned for private sector facilities, parasite-based diagnosis in this sector will be essential to adhere to the WHO guidelines for effective case management of malaria. Considerable regulation and quality control are also necessary to assure the availability of accurate and reliable RDTs, as well as adequate case management and provider adherence to RDT results. Public sector engagement is likely to be essential in this process.

[Prevalence of halitosis in patients with dental prostheses in Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

Bad breath is a disease affecting 25% of the world's population. Despite the widespread nature of this problem, people's knowledge about this condition is poor.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of halitosis in a cohort of 62 Senegalese subjects with dental prostheses.

METHODS

Breath analysis was based on measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) using a halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed ifVSC level was > or = 125 ppb.

RESULTS

Mean VSC level was 157.7 +/- 152.6 ppb. The prevalence of halitosis was of 35.4% overall, 72.7% in persons with fixed dentures and of 27.3% in persons with removable prostheses.

CONCLUSION

The relatively high prevalence of halitosis observed in this study indicates a need to enhance patient awareness of daily hygiene measures for dental prosthesis.

[Update on toxoplasmosis prevalence based on serological tests in pregnant women in Dakar, Senegal from 2002 to 2006]

The purpose of this study was to update data on toxoplasmosis antibody prevalence based on antenatal surveillance tests in pregnant women in Dakar, Senegal. The study population consisted of 941 pregnant women referred for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology at Le Dantec University Hospital Center from 2002 to 2006. Two tests using the solid-phase immunoenzymatic method were performed on venous blood samples collected at 3 weeks of interval (S1 and S2). This double testing technique was designed to detect increases in IgM and IgG antibody levels in order to confirm diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by ruling out immune response, acquired immunity or nonspecific antibody fixation. Comparison of S1 and S2 results in the 941 patients indicated a prevalence of 7.7% and 0% respectively for IgM+IgG- cases, 23.3% and 24.3% respectively for IgM+IgG-cases, and 11.3% and 10.2% respectively for IgM+IgG+ cases. The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis antibodies was 34.5%. These data showing a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Dakar underscore the need to improve serological screening and follow up.

[Dental caries in the carceral middle of Dakar]

Oral diseases, mainly tooth decay and periodontal disease, are among the most common conditions in the world. The tooth decay is very prevalent in developing countries and particularly in disadvantaged backgrounds where insecurity and its corollaries prevail. Thus, our study focused on one of these places: the prisons, characterized by deprivation of liberty, monotony, boredom, and the difficult conditions of detention, brief by a total dependence of the detainee. The aim of this study was to determine the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) in detainees dwelling in prisons in Dakar. This cross sectional study included 754 detainees aged 18 years and more with a stay exceeding more than a year, in one of the four main prisons of the capital city, Dakar. The majority of detainees was males (90%), aged between 18 and 35 years (63%) and was staying at "Camp penal" (65%). The proportion of inmates with at least one tooth cavity was 81.3%, those with teeth sealed was 26.1% and the prisoners with missing teeth reached 70.6%. The highest average DMFT was noted at "Camp penal" (7.3) among men (6.5) and among inmates aged 36 to 45 years (6.1) with a significant difference. The tooth decay is particularly worrying in the prison population, hence the urgency to establish a programme of prevention and care of oral diseases in this environment.

[Evaluation of the need for periodontal treatment in prisons near Dakar, Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

Oral diseases qualify as major public health problems due to their high prevalence and incidence. They usually affect poor and marginal segments of the population. This study focused on the prison population that is characterized by poor living conditions and malnutrition. The aim of study was to assess the need for periodontal care in prisoners serving time in the Dakar region of Senegal.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 375 prisoners serving in three facilities, i.e. the penal camp, Liberte VI prison for women, and Rufisque prison for women. Data were collected using a modified WHO information sheet. The community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) was used for scoring. Statistical analysis with stratification by sex and age was performed and tests were considered as significant for p < or = 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 335 men (89.3%) and 40 women (10.7%) with a sex ratio of 8.3. Mean age was 35 years +/- 11.5 (range, 16-88). Mean prison time was 39.29 months +/- 17.73. The proportion of prisoners needing periodontal treatment increased gradually according to prison time with significant differences (p < 0.05) even after stratification.

CONCLUSION

Better management taking into account the environment and prison time would reduce the need for periodontal treatment in prisons in Dakar.

[Periodontal treatment needs in prisoners in the region of Dakar (Senegal)]

INTRODUCTION

Oral diseases qualify as major public health problems, because of their high prevalence and incidence. They usually reach the poor and socially marginalized populations. This study looked at the prisoner's population who is characterized by precarious conditions. Thus the aim of this study was to assess periodontal treatment needs in prisoner's population of Dakar.

METHODOLOGY

This was a cross sectional study which interested 375 prisoners living in camp penal, in Prisons for Women in Liberte VI and in Rufisque. The data were collected by a modified WHO sheet. The indicator of periodontal treatment needs (CPITN) was used. Statistical analysis with stratification by sex and age was performed and the tests were significant for p < or = 0.05.

RESULTS

They were 335 men (89.3%) and 40 women (10.7%) with a sex ratio of 8.3. The age mean was 35 years +/- 11.5 with a maximum of 88 years and a minimum of 16 years. The mean stay was 39.29 months +/- 17.7. The proportion of prisoners with a periodontal treatment need increased gradually according to the prison stay with significant differences (P < 0.05) even after stratification.

CONCLUSION

A more developed and taking into account the environment and the prison stay would reduce the periodontal treatment needs in prisoner's population in Dakar.

[Interaction between malaria and intestinal helminthiasis in Senegal: influence of the carriage of intestinal parasites on the intensity of the malaria infection]

Co-infection between intestinal parasites and Plasmodium falciparum is very frequent in inter tropical zone. Our study carried out in the North of Senegal (zone of high prevalence of schistosomiasis) aimed at measuring the influence of the carriage of intestinal parasites on the intensity of malaria infection. The Plasmodium falciparum densities were significantly higher during Plasmodium falciparum/Schistosoma mansoni and Plasmodium falciparum/Ascaris lumbricoides co-infection in children under 14 years old. Other intestinal parasites did not seem to have negative influence on the intensity of Plasmodium falciparum infection.

[Epidemiological study on lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti) in Sénégal]

The purpose of this descriptive study conducted in an area endemic for lymphatic filariasis was to update information on the prevalence, clinical aspects, and awareness of this parasitic disease. All consenting inhabitants over 10 years old in three selected sectors were included. An entomological investigation was carried out to estimate the rate of vector infection. Out of a total of 3.359 subjects examined, 57.3% reported familiarity with the disease and provided an accurate description. The prevalence of clinical manifestations, i.e., mainly adenopathy, attributable to the disease was 14.11%. The overall prevalence rate of parasites was 4.7% with significant variations between sectors. The only parasite species found was Wuchereria bancrofti. Parasite load was low with 68.8% of subjects having less than 10 microfilariae per microliter of blood. Data analysis identified the following risk factors: age with 77.2% of microfilariae carriers over the age of 45 years, sex with 61.4% of carriers being female, and duration of residence in endemic area with 80.4% of carriers living in the area for more than 10 years. Differences were statistically significant. Dissection of 511 female culicidae showed no microfilariae carriers. These data indicate a declining ten-dency in this endemic zone in Senegal.

Lactoferrin and immunoglobulin contents in camel's milk (Camelus bactrianus, Camelus dromedarius, and Hybrids) from Kazakhstan

Lactoferrin (Lf) and IgG were estimated in camel's milk from Kazakhstan, where 2 species of camels (Camelus bactrianus, Camelus dromedarius) and their hybrids cohabit. The concentrations of Lf and IgG were determined according to 3 variation factors: region (n = 4), season (n = 4), and species (n = 5; sample 4 was mixed milk and sample 5 was of unknown origin). The mean values in raw camel's milk were 0.229 +/- 0.135 mg/mL for Lf concentration and 0.718 +/- 0.330 mg/mL for IgG concentration. The seasonal effect was the only significant variation factor observed, with the highest values in the spring for Lf and in the winter for IgG. The Lf concentration varied in 1-wk postpartum milk from 1.422 to 0.586 mg/mL. The range in IgG concentration was wide and decreased from 132 to 4.75 mg/mL throughout the 7 d postpartum, with an important drop after parturition. In fermented milk, the lactoproteins are generally hydrolyzed. For milk samples from undefined species, discriminant analyses did not allow the origin of the species to be determined. A slight correlation between Lf and IgG concentrations was observed in raw milk. The values were slightly higher than those reported in cow's milk, but this difference was insufficient to attribute medicinal virtues to camel's milk.

[Prevalence of oro-dental injuries in wrestling in Senegal]

Wrestling is a sport that is deeply-rooted in Senegalese cultural values. It is a popular sport that comes from local traditions but that has been influenced by boxing. This influence has made wrestling evolve to include the practice of boxing without gloves. Howeve, this practice causes many traumas in the mouth and teeth. The general objective of this study is to determine the frequency of the traumas among wrestlers who practice this form of wrestling associated with boxing. The specific objectives are to appreciate the bucco-dental conditions of the wrestlers, to evaluate the frequency and nature of the traumas in the intention to make recommendations and offer perspectives. 63.2% of wrestlers have at least presented a buckle or dental trauma. 28.8% of bucco-dental traumas occur among young wrestlers between 25 and 30 years and, 22.4% relate to the group between 19 and 24 years. 24.8% of bucco-dental traumas occur among wrestlers of the first category, followed by these of the second category with 21.6%, the fourth category with the lowest rate, 4% being last. It has been noted that 60% of buck-dental traumas occur in championship matches. 77.2% of dental and bucco traumas affect the upper jaw while. 22.8% affect the lower jaw. Affect teeth are often the group incisivo-canin. The National committee for the Management of wrestling in Senegal should make mandation the wearing of adapted gloves to attenuate the impact of blows. The Committee could also ban the inclusion of boxing practices in traditional wrestling and make compulsory the wearing of teeth protect in devices to minimize cases of bucco-dental traumas.

Antidiabetic properties of aqueous barks extract of Parinari excelsa in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The aqueous extract of the Parinari excelsa barks at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days has a significant antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. At the same dose the acute oral administration of aqueous extract of the P. excelsa barks (100 and 300 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease of blood glucose on glucose-loaded normoglycaemic rats. Our results seem to confirm the rational bases for its use in traditional medicine.

[Evaluation of the canal shaping duration with Pro Taper: 50 cases--clinical experience]

INTRODUCTION

Shaping canal is one of the most important steps in endodontic treatment. It allows the cleaning solutions to reach the totality of the canal and to control any infection of the canal system. To achieve this goal is not without difficulty with the steel instruments, because of their rigidity. Recently, the Nickel Titanium instruments were introduced in Endodontics, to allow a setting form technically simplified and faster The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of the canal shaping with the Pro Taper system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This exploratory study was carried out in Conservative Odontology and Endodontics service (OCE) of the department of Odontology of Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology of the University CheikhAnta Diop of Dakar in 2006. Sixty nine root canals (50 teeth) were shaped with ProTaper.

RESULTS

The results showed that an average time of 17.35 minutes was necessary for the shaping of the long canals against 15.38 minutes for the middle canals and 14.29 minutes for the short canals. The average duration of canal shaping of the one-root teeth is 13.76 minutes and 17.77 minutes for the plural root teeth.

CONCLUSION

Taking into account the necessity of maintaining the teeth on the arcade during long year; include that we have now to respect imperatively the biological principles during the canal shaping in a restricted duration to realize a dense and hermetic canal obturation of the canal system in the same meeting. The Pro Taper system is so a reliable means.

[Monoclonal IgM interference with immunoturbidimetric determination of ferritin and transferrin]

When they are present in important blood concentration, the monoclonal immunoglobulins are known to interfere with many immuno-analyze assays. We report the case of a patient presenting a Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, for which the determination of some parameters of the martial assessment was impossible because of the presence of IgM kappa. The analysis of analytical alarms of the automat as well as the installation of simple and fast pre-treatment protocol of the interference enabled us to quickly make a result useful for the management of this patient.

Variation of blood pressure during topical phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND

The changes of blood pressure in patients undergoing cataract procedure are not well studied. The blood pressures of cataract patients often become uncontrolled intraoperatively causing the procedure to be postponed. Intraoperative rise in blood pressure has been associated with ocular complications such as suprachoroidal haemorrhage and can be fatal from stroke or even myocardial infarction. We attempt to study the changes in blood pressure of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

AIM

Prospective study on the variation of blood pressure pre- and intra-operatively.

METHOD

The blood pressure readings of patients going for cataract procedures were measured in five stages during the pre-assessment clinic, on arrival at the day surgery, at the anaesthetic room, on the operating table intraoperatively; and postoperatively. The readings were compared to their age, sex, past medical history, and use of antihypertensive medication.

RESULTS

The rise in systolic blood pressures between intraoperative readings and those at the preassessment and anaesthetic room was highly statistically significant.Being older (>65 years of age), taking more than two antihypertensive drugs, being hypertensive, or having a family history of hypertension does not appear to increase the risk.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that there is a significant rise in systolic blood pressures especially in females during topical phacoemulsification. Further studies are needed on the factors that determine this increase and the changes in blood pressures during different stages of the procedure.

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): today and tomorrow

The assay of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a gold standard in bioanalysis, and is essential to ensure the optimal care of diabetic patients. Accordingly, the principal scientific societies in diabetology and clinical chemistry have made efforts to standardize this assay in order to select and validate certain analytical methods and achieve consistency in the results obtained therewith. However, clinicians have to be aware of the caution required when interpreting HbA1c assay results owing to modified lifetime and (or) abnormal synthesis of haemoglobin. Although this biological examination has now become an essential part of diabetes monitoring, its status as a screening tool is still controversial, even after 30 years of debate. Other uses of HbA1c assay are currently being assessed in cardiology (coronary syndromes), vascular diseases (arteriopathy), nephrology (renal insufficiency), haematology (anaemia) and oncology (factors of predisposition).

The place of Sanga cattle in dairy production in Uganda

A survey was carried out on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle: 24 farms, with a total of 900 animals and distributed in four agro-ecological zones, were visited every 15 days over 18 months. Cows were fed on natural pastures as the only source of feed, and animal performance was dependent on the season and exhibited a dramatic drop in dry spells. Numeric productivity indices integrating productive performance for settler's, multipurpose, crop-livestock integrated and modern farms were 0.56, 0.74, 0.69 and 0.63, respectively. Milk productivity was higher on modem farms (6.7 L/cow per day) than in the other systems, and higher with Holstein-Friesian cows (7.7 L/cow per day) than with indigenous cattle (1.8 L/cow per day) or crossbred animals (3.7 L/cow per day). This paper speculates on the opportunity to improve the genetic potential of indigenous cattle, concomitantly with the efforts to adapt exotic cattle to a mountainous equatorial environment.

[Culture and characterization of porcine coronary endothelial cells]

INTRODUCTION

Vascular endothelium possesses biological properties that are involved in important physiological functions such vascular permeability, vascular tone regulation and angiogenesis. The difficulty of culture and long-term maintenance of sufficient amount of normal endothelial cells has proven to be the limitation for the understanding of the biological function of the endothelium. Therefore, the aim of this study was to culture and characterize the porcine coronary endothelial cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The endothelial cells were isolated by collagenase treatment and cultured in culture dishes coated with collagen, prepared from rat tail, containing medium RPMI1640/M199 and 15% fetal calf serum supplemented with antibiotics and fungizon. The cells were maintained to grown at 37 degrees C. The medium was changed one day after and then every two day. The cells were incubated with Dil-labeled-acetylated-LDL for determination of acetylated-LDL uptake. Confluence cultures of cells were examined by phase-contrast and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

After a day of culture, the endothelial cells adhere to the collagen and began to grow. While multiplying themselves, they colonize little by little the body of the surface of culture to form to confluence a monolayer of flat cells relatively homogenous. To confluence, the proliferation of the endothelial cells is inhibited by the contact and the cells present a polygonal aspect. Our results show that all the cultivated cells were strongly positive for acetylated-LDL markers. The endothelial cells, cultivated until the second passage corresponding to the second culture of the primary cultures, continued to present a good fluorescence.

CONCLUSION

Porcine coronary endothelial cells represent a useful in vitro model to study biological and physiopathological properties of vascular endothelium.