SUMMARYIn an epidemiological survey, plasmid profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 100 shigella isolates in Lagos, Nigeria was done. All the isolates were sensitive to nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin. The commonest antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was resistance to ampicillin, colistin sulphate, co-trimoxazole, streptomycin and tetracycline. All but 4 of 100 isolates screened contained one or more plasmids. Plasmid profile analysis distinguished more strains than did antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A total of 36 isolates was able to transfer resistance plasmids toEscherichia coliK-12 by conjugation. Usingin vitrotransformation, seven isolates transferred resistance. These plasmids specified resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, sulphonamide, trimethoprim and ampicillin.

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.

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.

Milk yields of 66 nursing does recorded in Zaria, Nigeria were used to characterize the lactation curve and study the influencing factors in Red Sokoto goats. Lactation curve parameters obtained by fitting the model: Yt = atbe –ct were subjected to statistical analysis, using herd, season, parity, litter size and litter composition of dams.The results indicate that the lactation curve of these goats was characterized by milk production increasing in early lactation, attaining a peak at approximately 2 to 5 weeks post partum and thereafter declining slowly to the end of lactation. The observed total yield, peak yield, peak day and the estimated persistency defined as c–( b + 1) was 79·3 kg, 1·2 kg, 20·5 and 143·2, respectively. Parameters ‘ a‘ and ‘ c‘ were strongly but negatively correlated ( r = –0·53; P < 0·01). The curve parameters ‘ a‘ and ‘ c‘ differed by herd and season ( P < 0·05); and parity only affected ( P < 0·01) parameter ‘ a‘. None of the factors significantly influenced parameter ‘ b‘ ( P > 0·05).The significant herd and season effects may have practical implications in determining optimal feeding management and season of breeding to maximize total lactation yield.

Matings within pure male and female lines, and between pure male and female lines were carried out to produce purebred male line (AA x AA), female line (BB x BB), cross (AA x BB) and reciprocal cross (BB x AA). A total number of 364 pullets arising from 207 hens and 23 cocks in generation 1 and 440 pullets from 70 hens and 10 cocks in generation 2 under selection were monitored in individual cage units for part period of egg production up to 280 days of age. Parameters considered were age at sexual maturity (ASM), body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age (BW 20 and BW40), egg weight average (EWTAV) and egg production up to 280 days (Egg 280). A nonsignificant difference among purebreds but a significant difference (P<0.05) between them and the crosses for all the traits considered were observed. The crosses (including the reciprocal) had lower ASM (163.10 ± 0.79 to 192.25 ± 0.4 vs 184.02 ± 1.17 to 197.99 ± 0.09 days), higher BW20 (718.61 ± 14.33 to 1477.53 ± 33.01 vs 713.17 ± 11.70 to 1173.17 ± 9.36 g) and BW40 (1858.11 ± 0.41 to 2158.26 ± 10.16 vs 1794.54 ± 32.00 to 2040.05 ± 12.93 g).They also laid heavier eggs (52.95 ± 0.30 to 55.32 ± 0.28 g) vs 52.58 ± 0.22 to 54.67 ± 0.28 g) and produced higher number of eggs up to 280days (45.09 ± 0.78 to 85.32 ± 0.70 vs 45.69 ± 0.98 to 71.62 ± 0.48), than the two purebreds, respectively. Percentage heterosis for ASM was negative for all crossbred groups and was positive for most of the other traits. Since heterosis is favourable in all the traits considered dams of the cross bred groups can be used for commercial egg production.