Regeneration to ensure sustainable production and conservation of mahogany species globally is considered very important to foresters, investors in plantation, conservationists and timber industries ...worldwide. Natural regeneration of the mahoganies has been found to be far less than the rate of exploitation hence strong efforts are being made to develop other methods to regenerate mahogany seedlings to augment the low natural replacement and to ensure sustainability. This study was commissioned to investigate the effect of rooting media (river-sand, top soil and a mix of the two (50:50 v/v) on the rooting ability of four mahogany species (Khaya grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, Entandrophragma angolense and E. utile) using non-mist propagators. We investigated the effects of the source of stem cutting within a shoot (top, middle and basal position) on the rooting ability of stem cuttings from the four species in river-sand. Roots per cutting, longest root length and rooting percentage differed significantly among species in all three rooting media. Rooting ability was greatest in K. grandifoliola, which exhibited the highest average rooting percentage (73 %), longest average single root (9.9 mm) and the most roots per cutting (4.9). Rooting percentage was higher in the Khaya species than in the Entandrophragma species in all three rooting media. The mixed medium had the highest rooting percentage and the highest number of roots per rooted cutting in the two Khaya species, while the topsoil media had the best rooting percentage in the Entandrophragma species. Rooting of the two Khaya species can be maximized using a mixture of river-sand and topsoil. Cutting position within a shoot had significant impact on rooting in all four species with rooting percentage being best from middle positions in all four species. However, length of longest root and the number of roots per rooted cutting varied between the middle and basal portions. The study provides useful information for vegetative propagation of leafy stem cutting of the four African mahogany species, which could contribute to regeneration and conservation of these important timber species in the tropics.
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may experience severe clinical complications when there is low tissue oxygenation due to the increased risk of the polymerization of haemoglobin S in ...deoxygenated environment. The predictors of oxygen desaturation after exercise is not clear in patients with SCD. The current study compared lung function and six-minute walk test (6MWT) between SCD patients with oxygen desaturation after exercise and those without oxygen desaturation.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with SCD (with HbSS and HbSC genotypes) at a large tertiary hospital in Accra, Ghana. Lung function and exercise tolerance (using the 6MWT) were performed for all the study subjects (n=119). Venous blood was collected from all the study subjects for determination of some haemolytic markers. Oxygen saturation was assessed before and after the 6MWT for all the study subjects, and individuals who had oxygen desaturation of ≥3% after the 6MWT were considered as having exercise-induced haemoglobin oxygen desaturation (EIHOD). The lung function and 6MWT were compared between these two groups. Predictors of EIHOD were determined in both HbSC and HbSS patients.
The prevalence of EIHOD in the HbSS and HbSC adults were 41% and 36.1% respectively. Haemoglobin, aspartate amino transaminase, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and six-minute walk distance did not differ in both HbSS and HbSC patients. Decreasing haemoglobin is a predictor of EIHOD in HbSC adults but not HbSS patients. Lung function abnormalities did not predict EIHOD in both HbSS and HbSC patients.
The study demonstrates that SCD patients with EIHOD have similar degree of haemolysis and lung function when compared to those without EIHOD.
Background: Renal disease is a common end organ complication of sickle cell disease(SCD). Risk factors of sickle cell nephropathy include age, genotype, and anemia. We have investigated and ...discovered Lower Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation levels associated with microalbuminuria. To further investigate this, we investigated a patient's history of asthma as a risk factor of renal disease. Asthma has been linked to increased mortality in adult and children with SCD from the National Cooperative SCD Study Group. In our ongoing International CASIRE Renal Cohort study, we investigated the clinical history of asthma and laboratory correlates of albuminuria and proteinuria as measured by Urine Protein/Creatinine and Urine Albumin/Creatinine .
Methods: 538pediatric and adult SCD (3-59 y/o) patients were recruited at baseline from 6 Centers (USA: Univ of Michigan, Case Medical Center/Rainbow Babies, Albert Einstein-Montefiore Medical Center, Univ of Connecticut; Italy: Univ. of Padova, Univ of Naples;). Clinical history and laboratory studies, including Pain crisis patterns, SBP, DBP, BMI, CBC, Serum Crt, Urine ph, Urine SG were collected. For this report, we concentrated on patient’s comorbidities and sickle cell medical history, specifically pain crisis patterns, acute chest history and asthma. Urine Microalbumin/Crt(UMA) (mg/gm) was obtained in 172 patients and we categorized patients into No Albuminuria: (No UMA)<30mg/gm and Albuminuria(UMAlbum): Microalbuminuria(MicroUMA) 30-299mg/gm and Macroalbuminuria (MacroUMA)>300mg/gm.334 subjects answered the question of medical history of asthma and of those 172 had Urine Microalbumin (UMA) levels. 75% of SCD-Asthma group (N=56) and 78% of SCD-NoAsthma group (N=204) had severe SCD (SS or SBeta Zero). Children (<18y/o) comprised 58% of the SCD-Asthma group (N=43) and 62% of the SCD-NoAsthma group (N=161). Mean age was 16 y/o in both SCD-Asthma and SCD-NoAsthma Groups.
Results: No Albuminuria (NoUMAlbum) was reported in 80% (138/172) while Albuminuria(UMAlbum) was recorded in 20% (34/172) of the Cohort. Severe SCD pts represented 91% (n=33) of the Albuminuria pts. Adult UMA levels were higher (mean=61) than Peds UMA levels (mean=22) (p=0.025). Patients with History of Asthma had higher mean UMA levels ( 94 vs 21, p=0.005). Further, a history of asthma was associated with higher mean UMA levels (122 vs 23, p=0.003) within the Severe Genotype group (p=0.002), within all Pediatric SCD patients ( 60 vs 17, p=0.002), and within Severe Pediatric SCD patients ( 68 vs 19, p=0.004) (One Way Anova). Within the Medical history, BMI in the underweight range and a history of priapism were associated with elevated UMA levels.
Conclusions: Age and Severe Genotype was associated with Albuminuria. A history of asthma was strongly associated with renal disease in Pediatric SCD patients in addition to a very strong association within Pediatric Severe Genotype patients. Optimal control of asthma could possibly mitigate the risk of kidney disease with SCD patients. A more in-dept analysis of patient's history of asthma would provide stronger evidence of these findings.
Asare:Intramural University of Ghana Research fund: Research Funding; Vanderbilt University Medical Center Gift Funds: Research Funding. Piccone:Novartis: Other: Speaker. Rivers:Acetylon: Research Funding.
Background: A large percentage (16% of maternal mortality in developed countries, compared to 9% in developing countries), is due to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The etiology of preeclampsia ...remains unknown, with poorly understood pathophysiology. Magnesium and calcium play an important role in vascular smooth muscle function and therefore a possible role in the development of preeclampsia. Aim: We aimed to compare serum magnesium and total calcium levels of preeclamptic and normal pregnant women at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Patients and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 30 normal pregnant and 30 preeclamptic women with >30 weeks gestation and aged 18-35 years, was conducted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Magnesium and calcium were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: Mean serum magnesium and total calcium levels in preeclamptic women were 0.70+ or -0.15 and 2.13+ or -0.30 mmol/L, respectively. Mean serum magnesium and total calcium levels in normal pregnant women were 0.76+ or -0.14 and 2.13+ or -0.35 mmol/L, respectively. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference in serum magnesium and total calcium in preeclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women, with p-values of 0.092 and 0.972, respectively. Conclusion: Serum magnesium and total calcium, therefore, seem not to differ in preeclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women in Ghana. Keywords: electrolytes, maternal deaths, pregnant, hypertension, Ghanaian women
Rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus) is highly priced for furniture, flooring and cabinetry for its rich hue and durability. Its coppiced wood augments the timber for regular supply and sustainable ...utilization. Fibre morphology from macerated slivers within its coppiced and non-coppiced stems and their utilization potential were assessed. Derived ratios for the fibres were also calculated. The axial positions (butt, middle, crown) affected the fibre dimensions. Fibre length was greater for coppiced trees i.e., 1663±11, 1488±5, 1511±10µm (for sapwood) and 1498±10, 1486±9, 1394±4µm (for heartwood) than the non-coppiced i.e., 1240±7, 1013±5, 1137±5µm (sapwood) and 1094±8, 1002±2, 1041±9µm (heartwood). In all, those for sapwoods were greater than heartwoods’. Significant differences (P˂0.05) existed between fibre lengths from the coppiced (1394±4-1663±11µm) and non-coppiced trees (1002±2-1240±7µm). Fibre diameters for coppiced sapwood and heartwood were 23±1, 20±1, 22±0.8µm and 21.5±0.3, 20.7±0.5, 21.3±2µm and noncoppiced recorded 21±0.6, 20.7±0.3, 20.6±0.1µm and 21±0, 21±0.4, 21±0.8µm respectively. Their respective double wall thicknesses were 8.4±0.2, 7.2±0.2, 9.4±1µm and 8.2±0.2, 9±0.3, 9.1±0.4µm for coppiced wood, and 9.1±1, 7.8±0.1, 8.1±0.3µm and 8.5±0.3, 8±0.4, 8±1 for non-coppiced. Thus, radial stem position also influenced fibre morphology. The fibre indices i.e., Runkel Ratio, Slenderness Ratio and Flexibility Coefficient for coppiced wood (0.6±0.06-0.85±0.06, 68±4-77±6, 56±4-64±2 respectively) and non-coppiced (0.64±0.12-0.8±0, 49±1-58±4, 57±3-62±2 respectively) indicate the timber’s aptness for pulp and paper. Besides, the Wood Industry could exploit the fibre characteristics of coppiced wood also for engineering of fibre-based products and structural applications.
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The prevalence of renal disease in sickle cell disease (SCD) is strikingly high and is associated with morbidity and mortality (Becker et al 2010, Powars et al 2005). In SCD children there is ...initially hyperfiltration with high GFRs followed by increasing proteinuria in the adolescent and adult SCD pts. (Becker at al 2010). Historically, hypertension (HTN) has been associated with Renal Disease in the general population and a few adult sickle cell nephropathy studies. HTN has been associated with Stroke in SCD. In an ongoing multicenter, international Renal SCD Cohort Study, we investigated the association Microalbuminuria and Macroalbuminuria to Patients Blood Pressure (SBP and DBP), Hypertension based on CSSCD Group Age Defined BP for SCD patients >90%tile (Pegelow et al 1997), and Family history (FH) of Hypertension and Renal Disease in a Crossectional (Peds and Adults), International, Multicenter group of SCD patients.
272 pediatric and adult SCD (3-59 y/o) patients were recruited at baseline from 6 Centers (USA: Univ of Michigan, Case Medical Center/Rainbow Babies, Albert Einstein-Montefiore Medical Center, Univ of Connecticut; Italy: Univ. of Padova, Univ of Naples; Ghana: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital). 88%(N=236) were severe SCD (SSorSBeta Zero) and 12%(N=31) were Mild Phenotype (SC or SBetaPlus). 58% were Children (<18y/o) and 42%(>18y/o) adults. FH of HTN and Renal Disease were obtained in 1st and 2nddegree relatives. Clinical history and laboratory studies including Pain crises patterns, SBP, DBP, BMI, CBC, Serum Crt, were collected. We obtained Urine Microalbumin/Crt(UMA) (mg/gm) obtained in 169 patients and categorized patients into 1) No Microalbuminuria(No UMA)<30mg/gm, 2) Microalbuminuria(MicroUMA) 30-299mg/gm and 3) Macroalbuminuria (MacroUMA) and obtained Urine protein/crt gm/gm(UProtCrt) in 101 SCD pts and were categorized 1) No proteinuria(NoUProt) <0.2 and 2) Macroproteinuria(MacroUProt)>0.2. Patient's HTN was defined based on CSSCD SBP or DBP> 90%tile for each specifically defined age group( Pegelow et al 1997).
In our SCD Renal Cohort Study, NoUMA in 71%(110/169), MicroUMA in 29%(48/169), MacroUMA in 2.2%(6/169) were observed. We also found NoUProt in 75%(N=75) and MacroUProt in 25%(n=25) within our cohort. Severe SCD pts represented 96%(n=46) of the MicroUMA pts, 100% or MacroUMA pts(N=6), and 92% MacroUProt pts(N=23). Proteinuria was disproportionately represented within the Adult SCD pts : 50% of Adults with MicroUMA(n=31) while only 16%(n=17) of Peds. UMA Mean Adult levels was 102(mean) vs. Peds UMA levels of 22(mean),(p=0.009); Also, Adult UProtCrt=0.21(mean)levels were >Peds=0.16, (p<0.001). HTN defined as SBP>90%tile or DBP >90%tile was present in 30%of the subjects(n=77).Thirty-One Percent(n=32) of Adults and 30%(n=45) of Peds pts had HTN. In a Bivariate Analysis(Pearson's Correlation), HTN was not associated with UMA levels(p=0.919) or UPrtCrt levels(p=0.330). Further, mean UMA was lower in HTN SCD pts( m=24) vs NonHTN(SBP) pts(m=51). Mean UProt levels lower in the HTN group(0.15 ) vs NonHTN(0.20). SBP alone was not associated with UMA( p=0.083), UPrt( p=0.804) levels, MicroUMA(p=0.596). While FH of HTN was common in 75% of pts, FH HTN was not associated with UMA and UProtCrt levels, MicroUMA, MacroUMA, MacroUProt( p>0.05) patients. FH of Renal Disease was not associated with Proteinuria within our Cohort. However, Age( p<0.001: UProtCrt levels, UMA levels, MicroUMA, SBP) and hemoglobin(p=0.034: UProt Crt levels) was significantly associated with proteinuria within our cohort based on Bivariate Analysis. BMI was associated with SBP(p<0.001) and DBP(p<0.001) but not UProt or UMA levels. Further analysis revealed increasing proteinuria(UMA) within aging SCD pts:( 6-10 UMA= 15, 11-19 UMA =42, >20y/o UMA=114)(p=.035 One Way Anova)
Systolic Blood Pressure, HTN defined as SBP>90%tile or DBP >90%tile from the CSSCD Group, FH of HTN was not associated with Micro or Macroproteinuria based on UProtCrt and UMA levels in an international, cross-sectional cohort of SCD patients. Hemoglobin level and older age were strongly associated with proteinuria within our cohort of patients, consistent with previously well established studies. These findings are supportive of other factors outside of HTN including those intrinsic to SCD contributing to early onset SCD nephropathy.
Perrotta:Novartis: Research Funding.
Objective. This study investigated the elemental composition of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), its effect on nitric oxide, and its hepatoprotective potential during simultaneous ...administration with high-dose artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Method. Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with EDXRF spectroscopy. Thirty (30) male guinea-pigs were then divided into five groups. For groups 3 (low-dose), 4 (medium-dose), and 5 (high-dose), the animals received oral UNCP prophylactically for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water (14 days) and group 2 A/L for the last 3 days (days 12 to 14). After euthanisation, biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out in all groups. Results. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Thirty-eight (38) macro- and microelements were found. UNCP produced significant decreases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST levels. A significant increase in total protein levels was observed during A/L+UNCP administration in comparison to 75 mg/kg A/L group. Histopathological examinations buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. UNCP administration increased nitric oxide levels 149.71% ( P < 0.05 ) compared to controls. Conclusion. UNCP increases nitric oxide levels and has hepatoprotective potential during A/L administration. A high level of copper was observed which may be detrimental during high daily consumptions of UNCP.
Malaria is the most common life-threatening infectious disease among travellers and chemoprophylaxis is recommended. The overall effectiveness, medication types and cost of malaria chemoprophylaxis ...in Accra are not well documented. This study investigated the use of chemoprophylaxis for malaria prevention in air travellers departing from Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, Ghana.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the departure lounge of the KIA between February and May 2012. A total of 424 respondents voluntarily completed a semi-structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics, duration of stay, nationality, country of permanent residence, chemoprophylaxis used, number of doses missed, cost and side effects experienced, and cost of treatment.
The mean age of respondents was 37 ± 0.84 years with a male:female ratio of 1.2:1.The mean duration of stay in Ghana was 47.9 days SD 56.8 and 73.5% had made one trip to the country in the preceding year. Of the respondents, 50.7% were from Europe, 24.1% from North America and 17.5% from Africa. The most popular malaria prevention method used was prophylactics (37%) with atovaquone/proguanil used most frequently (34.9%), followed by mefloquine (11.6%) and doxycycline (7.8%). Compliance was high: 73.8% of respondents did not miss a single dose. The most commonly reported side effects were dreams, abdominal discomfort and headaches. Malaria incidence was 7.1% with 80% of them receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic; incurring a cost of up to $30 to treat a person.
Most air travellers from Accr a take atovaquone/pr oguanil. Malaria incidence was low and most travellers were compliant with their chemoprophylaxis with very few side effects. The cost of chemoprophylaxis is low and is thus recommended for all travellers to Accra, Ghana.
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