scholarly journals Assessment of the Knowledge, Perceptions, and Reactions towards the African Apefly (Spalgis lemolea lemolea) in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 942
Author(s):  
Sayuni P. Nasari ◽  
Patrick A. Ndakidemi ◽  
Ernest R. Mbega

This paper reports on farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and reactions towards the African apefly (Spalgis lemolea lemolea), which appeared to be associated with some vegetables in some locations in Tanzania. Information was obtained from a sample of 100 key respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and from focus groups selected from key locations in five districts in the country with histories with the African apefly. Acute and sub-acute toxicity tests of the African apefly were performed on female Swiss hybrid mice (Mus musculus) to assess whether or not the African apefly was toxic to mammals. The mice were exposed to increasing apefly meal concentrations in acute and sub-acute tests, and signs of toxicity were observed for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for hematological and biochemical analysis. Gross and microscopic examinations of the internal organs were done. The survey results showed that 92.1% of the respondents perceived the African apefly as poisonous and had stopped consuming the vegetables associated with it. In the toxicity tests, however, no death or toxic signs were displayed, and there was no significant difference between the control and treated mice in weight, hematological parameters, and histo-pathological examination results. These findings strongly indicate that, despite the negative perception by farmers regarding the African apefly, it is not poisonous. However, further studies on how farmers can be trained to have a positive perception of the African apefly and how the insect can be conserved for further research regarding its role in Tanzania are recommended.

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 572-577
Author(s):  
Bashiru Garba ◽  
S. A. Habibullah ◽  
Bashir Saidu ◽  
Nasiru Suleiman

Aim: This research project investigates the effect of mastitis on some hematological and biochemical parameters of Red Sokoto goats (RSGs). Materials and Methods: In this investigation, 16 clinically and subclinically diagnosed mastitic and 20 non-mastitic RSGs, within Sokoto metropolis, were sampled. Blood samples were collected both in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and anticoagulant free sample bottles for hematology and biochemical analysis, respectively. Results: A statistical analysis of the results revealed no significant difference in all the hematological parameters analyzed for both the mastitic and non-mastitic goats except mean corpuscular hemoglobin where significant difference (p<0.05) was observed. Similarly, no significant difference was recorded in the serum biochemistry except for the increase in total protein (p<0.001), globulin (p<0.05), and alanine aminotransferase activity (p<0.05). Conclusion: This finding is a pointer to the fact that mastitis could be regarded as a localized problem affecting the udder without serious systemic or metabolic involvement in RSGs.


1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.R. Bennett ◽  
A.P. Farrell

Abstract The primary goal of this study was to investigate the possibility of using early life stages of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) (eggs, larvae and fry) as a species relevant to the Fraser River, B.C., for the acute and sublethal toxico-logical testing of forest industry effluents. Here we report the first successful acute toxicity tests for 8-day-old larvae and 42-day-old fry exposed to several chemicals known to be released into the Fraser River (i.e., 6 monochlorovanillin [6 MVAN], 4,5 dichloroguaiacol [4,5 DCG], 4,5 dichlorocatechol [4,5 DCAT], pentachlorophenol [PCP], and didecyldimethylammonium chloride [DDAC]). In most cases, white sturgeon fry were at the lower end of the range for acute toxicity values for chlorinated phenolic compounds, when compared with other juvenile fish species, and they were extremely sensitive to DDAC. The larval stage was usually more sensitive than the fry stage. Acute toxicity tests with fertilized eggs were unsuccessful. A postexposure growth study was inconclusive because neither control nor toxicant-exposed larvae and fry withstood the additional handling used for measuring body mass. At 62-days-old, fry were more tolerant of handling. This allowed measurement of their swimming performance. Although we have concerns about the reliability of using larvae for acute toxicity testing at this time, 60-day-old white sturgeon fry would appear to be both a sensitive and relevant species for assessing environmental impacts relevant to the Fraser River.


1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 173-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liesl Hill ◽  
Sebastian Jooste

With the increasing focus on environmental issues, the objective of this study is to evaluate the potential impact of contaminated sediments of the Blesbok Spruit near Witbank - which receives acid mine drainage (AMD) inter alia - on biota. Direct transfer of chemicals from sediments to organisms is considered to be a major route of exposure for many species, and therefore focusing attention on sediment contamination and highlighting the fact that sediments are an important resource. Acute toxicity tests were performed on Daphnia pulex using both extracted sediment interstitial water and surface water. Chemical analyses were also performed on the sediment, interstitial water and surface water samples. The toxicity results suggest that metal toxicity adds significantly to the toxicity of the stream water which is enhanced by the effect of pH. The pH of the stream and interstitial water was consistently below 4.5.


Author(s):  
Mozhgan Ghorbani ◽  
Atefeh Araghi ◽  
Nabi Shariatifar ◽  
Seyed Hooman Mirbaha ◽  
Behrokh Marzban Abbasabadi ◽  
...  

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effect of Echium amoenum plants on the liver and kidney of animal model. Background: Echium amoenum is one of the medicinal plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids with several properties which has widely consumed among different communities. Objective: The toxic effects of Echium amoenum on the liver and kidney were investigated in this study. Methods: Sixty mice were kept for 28 days under the appropriate laboratory conditions. Echium amoenum extract (25, 12.5, 50 mg / kg, ip.) was administered for 28 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were drawn and liver and kidneys were removed for evaluating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of extract. Additionally, experiments were conducted to assay the enzymatic and oxidative activities. Results: There was no significant difference in the levels of copper ion in the liver and kidneys among all groups. There was a significant difference in the levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver of treated groups versus control group. The significant difference was not observed in the levels of glutathione of the liver of all groups. However, the levels of glutathione of the kidney significantly decreased in the treated groups versus control group. There was no significant difference in the liver enzymes including ALP, SGOT, and SGPT between all groups. This indicates that damage increase with enhancing the time and concentrations of extract. Biochemical analysis showed the creatinine and urea levels did not change in the treated groups versus control group. Conclusion: According to the present findings, it is suggested that Echium amoenum causes hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity effects in dose and time dependent manner.


2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isadora Carvalho Medeiros Francescantonio ◽  
Leandro Augusto Rodrigues dos Santos ◽  
Paulo Luiz Carvalho Francescantonio ◽  
Luiz Eduardo Coelho Andrade ◽  
Wilson de Melo Cruvinel

Abstract Objective To evaluate the perception of rheumatologists regarding the recommendations of the Brazilian Consensus for detection of Autoantibodies (BCA) on HEp-2 Cells by Indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and how BCA recommendations help in clinical practice. Methodology A structured questionnaire regarding the BCA recommendations for detection and interpretations of autoantibodies in HEp-2 cells was applied to randomly selected rheumatologists. The results were tabulated using the Microsoft® Excel program, expressed as a simple percentage and the dichotomous data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Epi Info® program. Results Four hundred fuorteen rheumatologists participated in the study: 70% of them considered their knowledge of the HEp-2 IFA test satisfactory or excellent, and 43% said they knew the BCA recommendations in general, without distinguishing the edition of the BCA to which they refer. The Revista Brasileira de Rheumatologia/Advances in Rheumatology was the means of dissemination most consulted by specialists (50%). According to the rheumatologists’ opinion, the most relevant pattern was the homogeneous nuclear (78%) and 65% stated they were satisfied with the BCA recommendations at a level of satisfaction greater than or equal to 80%. There was no significant difference in the perception of rheumatologists from the several Brazilian geographic regions. Conclusion Brazilian rheumatologists are aware of the BCA guidelines and most are satisfied with the content published, considering that the BCA recommendations assist positively in the clinical practice. Most rheumatologists recognize the patterns associated with rheumatic autoimmune diseases and have used BCA recommendations to interpret the results of the HEp-2 IFA test.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110164
Author(s):  
Abbie West ◽  
Cara Cawley ◽  
Elizabeth Crow ◽  
Alexis M. Stoner ◽  
Natalie M. Fadel ◽  
...  

Objective: Approximately 1 in 6 adults 60 and older have experienced a form of abuse in the past year. Many cases remain under-reported due to lack of knowledge and awareness. This study created an educational program on elder abuse for medical students to determine if participation would increase knowledge and awareness of elder abuse. Methods: This study used a pre and post survey methodology to evaluate students’ knowledge and awareness of elder abuse before and after participating in this educational program. Sixty first and second year osteopathic medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus participated in this study. Students were emailed a pre-survey to evaluate their pre-existing knowledge and awareness. The survey was, previously created by the Student Training on Preventing Domestic Violence (STOP-DV) team using validated measures. Participants then attended educational events about various forms of elder abuse and recognizing its associated signs, and afterward completed the post-survey. The results were compared using t-tests to determine if there was a significant difference. Results: First and second year students differed significantly in pre-survey results of knowledge but not post-survey results. The results showed a significant difference in overall mean knowledge ( P-value < .001) and awareness scores ( P-value < .001) in all students. Conclusion: These results suggest education on elder abuse can enable future physicians to better recognize, understand, and support older adults regarding elder maltreatment.


Author(s):  
Fengfeng Kang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Zhiguo Wang

AbstractAccurate and reliable testing reports play an important role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease. However, little is known about the appropriateness of laboratory testing reporting in China. This national survey takes clinical biochemistry as an example to investigate the state of reporting appropriateness in our country.An electronic questionnaire was sent to 1209 laboratories. The participants were asked to retrospectively evaluate the error rates of the following quality indicators: report template integrity, report content filling integrity, report delay, report recall, non-conformities between instrument and laboratory information system (LIS) data, non-conformities between report and request, report notification error, and report modification. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to identify the potential impacts of reporting appropriateness.A total of 662 of the 1209 laboratories (55%) submitted the survey results, with three returning incomplete data. For the integrity of the report, only 31% of the laboratories had a complete report template that contained all of 21 elements. In addition, the overall error rate of content filling integrity was 45.9% for 19,770 pieces of reports. The overall σ-values of other six quality indicators were all >4, and no significant difference was found among different departments. Group comparison suggested that reporting electronically had a better performance.The laboratory reporting system in China needs to improve, particularly the integrity of the report. Strengthening information technology will not only promote reporting appropriateness, but also guarantee accurate, standardized and traceable data collection and long-term monitoring.


Author(s):  
A. Abilov ◽  
A. Azhmyakov ◽  
I. Novgorodova ◽  
N. Bogolyubova

Purpose: to study hematological parameters of blood in bulls-producers of dairy breeds on the day of semen collection in the Udmurt Republic after a long winter period of operation, depending on the breeds, age and place of selection.Materials and methods. The work was performed at the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L. K. Ernst on the basis of AO "Udmurtplem" of the Udmurt Republic in the period from 2020 to 2021 on dairy bulls (n=20) aged 15-69 months, including a purebred Holstein breed of domestic selection (n=6), a Holstein black-and-white breed of European selection (the Netherlands, n=6), a black-and-white breed with blood transfusion on Holsteins on at the level of 94-98% (n=8). The content of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit, depending on age and breed, was studied on the ABC VET hematological analyzer on the day of taking the seed.Results. It was found that on average, in 20 bulls aged 15-69 months, the level of white blood cells was at the level of reference values of 8.8±0.25 x 109/l, red blood cells 10.3 x 1012/l, which is 50% more than the reference values. The concentration of hemoglobin is 128.0±2.92 g/l, hematocrit is on average 54.3%, with a norm of 24-46%. Breeding bulls at a reliable level, differing in age, showed that some animals had high indicators for red blood cells of 10.3±0.26 x 102, for hematocrit of 54.3% against 24-46% of reference values. Also, according to hematological indicators, there was a tendency to increase the concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit in European-bred bulls.Conclusion. The study of the variability in hematological parameters depending on the selection showed that there is no significant difference in leukocytes and all indicators are at the level of reference values, and in erythrocytes more than 50% than the highest indicators. The highest hemoglobin values were at the level of 141-156 g/l instead of 128 g/l according to the highest reference values. Hematocrit also showed high max values in all groups in comparison with the reference values of 59-66% versus 46% in the norm. It is necessary when analyzing hematological blood parameters in addition to the average statistical indicators (M+m) also, monitor the variability (min-max) in order to obtain more objective information.


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