Predictors of suboptimal CD4 response among women achieving virologic suppression in a randomized antiretroviral treatment trial, Africa

Background: A subset of HIV-1 infected patients starting highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) experience suboptimal CD4 response (SCR) despite virologic suppression. We studied the rate of and risk factors for SCR among women starting HAART in the ACTG A5208 study conducted in 7 African countries. 741 HAART-naive women with screening CD4 count <200 cells/μL were randomized to start HAART with Tenofovir/Emtricitabine plus either Nevirapine or Lopinavir/Ritonavir. Methods: This analysis includes the 625 women who remained on-study through 48 weeks without experiencing protocol-defined virologic failure. We defined SCR as < 100 CD4 cells/μL increase from baseline and absolute CD4 cell count < 350 cells/μL, both at 48 weeks after HAART initiation. Results: The baseline characteristics for the 625 women prior to HAART initiation were: median age 33 years, screening CD4 count 134 cells/μL, and HIV-1 RNA 5.1 log10 copies/mL; 184 (29%) were WHO Stage 3 or 4. Seventy one (11%) of these 625 women experienced SCR. Baseline factors independently associated with increased odds of SCR included older age, lower HIV-1 RNA, positive Hepatitis B surface antigen, and site location. At 96 weeks, only 6% of the SCR group had CD4 ≥ 350 cells/μL compared with 67% in the non SCR group. Conclusion: After starting HAART, 11% of women with virologic suppression through 48 weeks experienced SCR. These patients were also less likely to achieve CD4 ≥ 350 cells/μL by 96 weeks. The underlying causes and long term clinical implications of SCR deserve further investigation. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT0008950

Remote Sensing Satellite Systems and Capabilities in Mapping Environmental Resources

In the dynamic field of remote sensing, cartography and geographic information systems (geoinformatics), remote sensing is bulk data generating format. This research review tends to present satellite remote sensing environmental data capture capabilities with their mode of images data acquisition method. It involves the presentation of detailed historical background of the systems’ emergence since 80s to the present-day design, modes of data capture, height of sensor, bands and bandwidth, resolutions (m), wavelengths, scene, etc., highlighted for non-professionals to understand. Now, earth resources data are available through land observation satellite, the use of remotely sensed data for environmental baseline studies, have made it possible in acquiring earth's data which are cost effective, timely and repetitive in a consistent manner especially with the high-resolution satellites data promoted with the use of geographic information systems (GIS,) for analysis presentation. This is an effective procedure in establishing trend, nature and in location of surface phenomena for acquisition of environmental remotely sensed that include land, soil, vegetation, water, housing, settlement, climate, security, etc. data and their attributes data derived. Also, limited subsurface data on hydrology, soil, oil and gas, etc. are derivable from space studies and assessment due to increased spatial resolutions in modern satellites. These include: Landsat TM (30m), Landsat ETM plus (15m) and SPOT-HRV (high resolution visible) and HRVIR (high resolution visible infrared) of 10m, Nigeria Sat-l, 2, X (like Landsat TM of (30m)), Ikonos image (3.2m) panchromatic i.e. black and white (0.8m), Quickbird (2.4m) panchromatic (0.6m), and Worldview 1 (the world highest resolution satellite) with 0.5m resolutions respectively, using various wave bands. Thus, increased environmental surveillance and data collection are derivable from the emergence of updated and improved modern satellites’ technology for space studies and assessment due to the increased performance in high-spatial resolutions, cost effectiveness, timeliness and repetitiveness in a consistent manner. Keywords: Remote sensing, Satellite systems, Capabilities, Mapping, Environment, Resources

Nef-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses Contribute to HIV-1 Immune Control

Recent studies in the SIV-macaque model of HIV infection suggest that Nef-specific CD8+ T-cell responses may mediate highly effective immune control of viraemia. In HIV infection Nef recognition dominates in acute infection, but in large cohort studies of chronically infected subjects, breadth of T cell responses to Nef has not been correlated with significant viraemic control. Improved disease outcomes have instead been associated with targeting Gag and, in some cases, Pol. However analyses of the breadth of Nef-specific T cell responses have been confounded by the extreme immunogenicity and multiple epitope overlap within the central regions of Nef, making discrimination of distinct responses impossible via IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays. Thus an alternative approach to assess Nef as an immune target is needed. Here, we show in a cohort of >700 individuals with chronic C-clade infection that >50% of HLA-B-selected polymorphisms within Nef are associated with a predicted fitness cost to the virus, and that HLA-B alleles that successfully drive selection within Nef are those linked with lower viral loads. Furthermore, the specific CD8+ T cell epitopes that are restricted by protective HLA Class I alleles correspond substantially to effective SIV-specific epitopes in Nef. Distinguishing such individual HIV-specific responses within Nef requires specific peptide-MHC I tetramers. Overall, these data suggest that CD8+ T cell targeting of certain specific Nef epitopes contributes to HIV suppression. These data suggest that a re-evaluation of the potential use of Nef in HIV T-cell vaccine candidates would be justified

Some Aspects of Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Goat Does Post Synchronization with Prostaglandin F2-Alpha And Progesterone Sponges

A study on reproduction of 52 Red Sokoto Goat (RSG) does was conducted to evaluate some aspects of their reproductive performance for clinical application and as an update. Does were randomly divided into 18, 18 and 16 as prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF2α),&nbsp; progesterone sponges (P4S) and control groups respectively. Double injection protocol of PGF2α, 12-days apart, and P4S inserted for 12-days were used to synchronize oestrus, while the control group received no treatment. Thirteen bucks were used, seven as breeders and six as heat detectors. Oestrus detection employed visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was the cardinal&nbsp; sign of oestrus. Breeding was by hand-mating and at detected oestrus. Results indicated heterosexual and homosexual mounting, thin stringy clear mucous discharge and standing-to-be-mounted as signs of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 100 %, 94.4 % and 75.0 %&nbsp; for PGF2α, P4S and Control respectively; P4S retention rate was 94%. Effect of synchronization agent on on-set of oestrus was 15.86 + 0.73 h (PGF2α), 15.08 + 0.84 h (P4S) and 17.73 + 0.85 h (Control), while parity on on-set of oestrus was 12.12 + 1.87 h (first), 17.77 + 0.77&nbsp; h (second) and 18.79 + 1.95 h (third). Effect of synchronization agent on duration of oestrus was 44.76 + 2.13 h, 45.78 + 2.46 h and 42.40 + 2.50 h for PGF2Α P4S and Control respectively, while parity on duration of oestrus was 42.26 + 5.48 h (first), 45.02 + 2.27 h (second) and 45.67 + 5.73 h (third). There were no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) for oestrus on-set and duration. Overall pregnancy and&nbsp; conception rates were 65.4 % and 72.3 % respectively, kidding rate was 76.5 %, abortion rate was 23.5 % and late embryonic mortality rate was 26.5 %. Mean gestation were 146.29 + 1.59 and 146.63 + 1.64 for single and twin births respectively. Age, parity and body condition score of dam had significant effect on litter size (P &lt; 0.05). It was concluded that some aspects of the reproductive&nbsp; performance of the RSG does studied following oestrus synchronization with PGF2α and P4S had clinical application, good and acceptable. Key Words: Reproductive, Red Sokoto, Does, Prostaglandin F2-alpha and Progesterone

Progesterone profile of red Sokoto does treated with prostaglandin F2-alpha and progesterone sponges for clinical application

Progesterone profiles of Red Sokoto does were evaluated for clinical application. Fiftyone Red Sokoto goats does were assigned into three groups: (a) prostaglandin F2-alpha (n = 17), and given double injection of prostaglandin F2-alpha at 12-days interval; (b) progesterone sponges (n = 17), and administered progesterone sponges, inserted for 12-days; and (c) control (n = 17), no treatment. Blood samples were collected from all groups from day 0 to 6, day 9, day 12 to 15, day 19, and day 21 to 23 for progesterone profile. Group A had four profiles: 1) does in luteal phase at first and second injections; 2) does in luteal phase at first injection but insensitive at second; 3) does in follicular phase at first injection but luteal phase at second; 4) does, insensitive at first and second injections. Group B profile were: 1) does in luteal phase at sponge insertion; 2) does in luteal phase with decreased progesterone concentration; 3) does in follicular phase at sponge insertion; 4) does with insensitive corpus luteum at sponge insertion. It was concluded that progesterone profile assisted in describing exhibitions and nonexhibitions of behavioural oestrus in Red Sokoto does

Oestrus synchronisation in Red Sokoto does treated with prostaglandin F2α and progesterone pessaries

Comparative oestrus synchronisation was carried out in 52 Red Sokoto does with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness and tightness of synchrony of prostaglandin F2- alpha (PGF2α) and progesterone pessaries for clinical application. Does were randomly divided into PGF2α treated (n = 18), progesterone pessaries treated (n = 18) and control (n = 16) groups. A double injection protocol of PGF2α, 12-days apart, and progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days were used to synchronise oestrus, with no treatment to the Control group. Six sexually active bucks were used as heat detectors. Intensive and non-intensive oestrus detections were employed using visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was used as the main sign of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 88.9 %, 33.3 % and 37.5 % for PGF2α, progesterone pessaries and Control groups respectively. Tightness of oestrus synchrony for PGF2α was within four days, while that of progesterone pessaries was within three days. Progesterone pessaries retention rate was 94.4 %. It was concluded that PGF2α double injection, 12-days apart, synchronised oestrus in Red Sokoto doe was more effective with a tighter synchrony and recommended for clinical use than progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days.Keywords: Oestrus, Progesterone, Prostaglandin F2-alpha, Red Sokoto doe, Synchronisatio

Early Pregnancy Diagnosis using Trans-Abdominal Ultrasonography in West African Dwarf Goats

The purpose of this study was to determine the earliest time pregnancy could be detected and the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis in the West African Dwarf goat using trans-abdominal B-mode real-time ultrasonography. Seventeen does of varying parities (allotted to 2 groups; group 1 = 12 and group 2 = 5) and a buck of proven fertility were used for this study. The group 1 does were hand-mated following synchronized estrus while does in group 2 were left in the company of the intact fertile buck. Trans-abdominal scanning using an ultrasound machine equipped with a transducer of multiple frequency (5.0 to 8.0 MHz) was carried out every day in the group 1 does starting from Day 15 (Day of estrus/ breeding = day 0 of gestation) to Day 40 and, thereafter, every other day to Day 60 of gestation. Ultrasound scan of the group 2 does was undertaken randomly until confirmed pregnant. Acoustic coupling gel, Wavelength® was liberally applied on the animal skin area to be scanned. Sonograms were printed using UP 897MD thermal printer on Sony ultrasound paper; UPP110S. The earliest sonographic evidence of pregnancy was the imaging of circumscribed anechoic fluid in the uterus (EV) on Day 18.8 ± 0.29 and the embryo on Day 20.2 ± 0.24. Heartbeat was detected in the embryos on Day 23.8 ± 0.91, embryo cephalization and development of limb buds on Day 31.4± 0.88, and the appearance of placentomes on Day 34.4 ± 0.42 of gestation. Fifteen (ten from group 1 and all 5 from group 2) does (88.24%) were diagnosed pregnant by ultrasonography. All pregnant does subsequently kidded. The kids were born alive with no apparent morphological abnormalities. The computed average gestation length using the group 1 does was 144± 0.12 days.Key words: Pregnancy detection, accuracy, ultrasound, WAD goat

Abortion and its probable cause in gilts experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei

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Pneumonia as the cause of death in gilts experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei

application/pdfA study was conducted in 24 gilts to determine the effect of Trypanosoma brucei infection on their reproductive efficiency. The infected gilts developed clinical trypanosomosis following a prepatent period of 2-3 days with 1.8 x 10⁶ trypanosomes per gilt. The clinical signs were observed intermittent fever, pale mucus membranes, short moist cough, moist rales, mucopurulent ocular discharges and hyperemia of the skin, reduced feed intake, and loss of body condition, recumbency, uncoordinated movements, posterior paresis and death of gilts. The cause of death in the pigs was pneumonia caused by Escherichia coli. Grossly, the lungs were severely congested and had undergone gray hepatization. Histopathologically, the lungs had thickened and congested alveolar walls, and were infiltrated by mononuclear cells which were noticed more in the lung parenchyma. The role of secondary bacterial infection in the pneumonia observed, orchestrated by immunosuppression, which is a classical attribute of trypanosome infection is discussed.journal articl

Fractional extracts of Azadirachta indica leaf affect spermiogram, testosterone profile, and testis histology of rabbit bucks

The effect of fractions from a crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology and testosterone concentration of New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated in this study. Twenty-five matured male New Zealand White rabbits were used for this study and were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as the control and was administered distilled water (0.5ml); while groups B, C, D and E served as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol treated groups, respectively at the same dosage of 300 mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina weekly for twelve weeks and were evaluated for volume, colour, motility, concentration, percentage live-dead ratio and morphological abnormalities. A blood sample (2ml) was also collected from each buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times at regular intervals for the determination of testosterone concentration. Two bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) sperm motility, higher dead sperm cells, sperm abnormalities, degenerative changes, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group C at the end of the experiment. The present study has shown that the chloroform fraction of methanolic crude Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract is detrimental to sperm cells and testicular histology