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Feb 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5405
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a range of health issues. We set out to identify inflammatory markers linked to alcohol consumption, which might ultimately offer novel insight into genetic underpinnings and have implications for alcohol-associated disease. Alcohol consumption and blood-based multi-omics data were collected by The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Treatment of Alcohol Dependence study. Plasma samples from patients with AUD were used for proteomics analysis using the OLINK “Explore Inflammation” panel (n=410). Liver enzymes were also measured. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to explore the relationship between genetic variants and plasma TREM2 levels. Our findings show thatplasma triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a key gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, was the most significant signal correlated with alcohol consumption, and has also been associated with liver enzyme levels in patients with AUD. We identified the rs7232 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MS4A6A as a key genetic variant associated with plasma TREM2 levels, with the minor allele (A) linked to higher TREM2 levels and increased alcohol consumption, particularly in men. Furthermore, MA4A6A is an ethanol-responsive gene in a SNP-dependent manner, and the variant genotype of the rs7232 SNP was associated with lower expression for MA4A6A due to proteasome-mediated protein degradation. In summary, this study provides insight into the relationship between plasma TREM2 levels, alcohol consumption, and liver function in AUD patients, shedding light on genetic factors underlying alcohol-related diseases.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-23-4713
A global increase in incidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) indicated the necessity of dietary and lifestyle modification. Low glycemic index (GI) diet was reported to have a significant role in controlling diabetes caused by liver dysfunction. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has standardized the determination of GI of a food in healthy individuals. This study aimed to estimate GI value of a high protein, energy dense liver nutritional supplement. This cross-over randomized controlled study randomly allotted 15 participants to consume either reference food 27.5 gm glucose (glucose monohydrate) or 77 gm nutritional supplement (equivalent to 25 gm of available carbohydrates); switching to another arm was done after 3 days wash-out period. After overnight fast, blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes post-consumption of s upplement or reference food. The GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after consumption of 27.5 gm of glucose (glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. Mean GI of the nutritional supplementwas estimated as 11.4 ± 2.4.With the consumption of this nutritional supplement, the blood glucose levels were reduced at all postprandial time points, compared to the reference food. The liver nutritional supplement tested has a low GI, and comparatively slower and more sustained blood glucose response. Therefore, it can be used in patients with CLD to prevent CLD-associated metabolic complications and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-23-4679
Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2) has contributed to control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On the other side, vaccination of SARS-CoV-2 could trigger autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. We present a 50-year-old female with well-controlled optic neuromyelitis with prednisolone (PSL) maintained at a dose of 2.5 mg/day. She ran a fever and liver injury was indicated 5 weeks after a second COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA/Pfizer ). Liver biopsy showed accumulation of macrophages around the central veins, identified using anti-CD68 antibodies. As the treatment, cyclosporine A improved liver injury. COVID- 19 vaccination may have triggered liver inflammation due to cytokine storm via macrophage activation in the liver.
Jun 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-23-4446
A retrospective study quantifies chronic liver disease burden and trends in Eastern Amhara. It summarizes demographics, etiologies, and outcomes to inform regional planning.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-22-4266
The present study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dialiumguineense stem bark on lipid profile and CCl4- induced histological changes in liver of Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 25) weighing 160 – 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group): normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin, aqueous extract and ethanol extract groups. With the exception of normal control, the rats were exposed to CCl4 (single oral dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight, bwt). Silymarin group rats were administered standard hepatoprotective drug, silymarin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg bwt, while those in the two treatment groups received 1000 mg/kg bwt of aqueous or ethanol extract orally for 28 days. Lipid profile parameters were determined in plasma, while rat liver was subjected to histopathological examination. The results showed that the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were significantly lower in CCl4 control group than in normal control group, but they were increased by extract treatment (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in atherogenic coefficient (AC) and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) among the groups (p > 0.05). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) markedly disrupted the structure of hepatocytes and induced steatosis (intra-hepatocyte fat in-growth and inflammation) which was predominantly microvesicular. However, treatment with aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark showed marked regeneration of hepatocytes (unremarkable hepatic lobular architecture). The toxic hepatic injury induced by CCl4 was significantly blocked by the plant extracts.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4325
The aim of this study is determine the prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section among women delivered at Kirehe District Hospital. A retrospective study was conducted among women delivered at Kirehe District Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. The medical files of all women delivered at the hospital who meet the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data were checked for completeness, cleaned, coded and entered into excel sheet, and then exported to SPSS version 22.0 for further analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to estimate the prevalence and description of study participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate risk for CS with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was conducted in accordance with the research protocol Mount Kenya University Rwanda research ethical committee. The majority 806 (69.9%) of women who delivered at Kirehe district hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were aged 22-35 years old. The prevalence of C-section at Kirehe District Hospital was 23.1%. Demographic and economic factors associated with Caesaren section in bivariate and multivariate analysis was respondent’s type of health insurance where women who used private health insurance were 3 times more likely to deliver by C-section. The findings from multivariate analysis revealed that women who experienced eclampisa had 45% risk of C-Setion compared to those without Eclampsia. Women in rural area of Rwanda seem to have increased access to and use of CS. However, the significant increase in the rate of CS is of concern due to the potential of unnecessary CS.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4154
This series summarizes 12 pregnancies complicated by valvular heart disease, focusing on intrapartum management, anesthesia choices, and maternal–fetal outcomes in a resource‑limited setting.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-21-3912
Background Liver disease has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its epidemiologic and clinical pattern, however, is not well characterized in sub-Saharan countries. Objective This study aimed to describe demographic, clinical characteristics, and patterns of liver disease in a community hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted on patients with liver disease admitted at Ras Desta Damtew memorial hospital, in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, from February 2015 to April 2020. Result Of the total 212 patients majority, 78.8% were male, 49.1% of patients were in the age range of 31-50 with a median age of 42. The most common initial clinical presentation was ascites (87.7 %), and more than half of patients (56.6%) had a history of alcohol misuse documented on their medical charts. Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) was found in 177 (83.5%), and Hepatocellular Cancer accounted for 7.5% of the patients. Alcohol misuse caused 45% of chronic Liver Disease, followed by Hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion Chronic liver disease is the most common form of liver disease, and the most affected were middle-aged men. The common cause of chronic liver disease was alcohol followed by hepatitis B virus infection.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-21-3887
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. In Mexico, 4.5% of patients with kidney failure are carriers of this disease; the liver is another of the organs affected by this disease that can manifest as abdominal pain and a mass effect in the abdominal cavity; we present 2 cases of polycystic kidney and liver disease (mother and child), in addition to describing the clinical manifestations, two different stages of the disease are shown, being a hereditary disease it is suggested that once a case is identified, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to first-degree relatives in search of cystic lesions to indicate preventive measures that help us preserve the overall well-being of the patient.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3470
This review discusses lipid assemblies—from liposomes to solid lipid nanoparticles—as platforms for drug delivery. It covers design principles, targeting strategies, and manufacturing considerations.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-20-3439
Background Pregnancy and parturition are events of considerable significance in the life cycle of women. Though it is supposed that the quality of care during labor, birth, and postpartum period plays a great role for adverse outcomes of birth, various reports claimed that cesarean delivery carries a higher maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality compared to vaginal delivery. Therefore, this study assessed the Rate, Maternal and Fetal Outcome of Cesarean delivery performed by IESO at Shenen Gibe General Hospital, Jimma south west Ethiopia. Integrated Emergency surgical officer is a health professional qualified and authorized to perform emergency obstetrical-gynecological and emergency general surgical procedures. The training has started in 2010 in 3 universities and 10 affiliated sites with intake of 43 students. The MSc program in integrated emergency surgery is intended to achieve one of the millennium development goals (MDG): reducing the overwhelming maternal mortality ratio and perinatal mortality rate at the local and national level. (1) Methods Hospital based two-year retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed and data collected from November to December 2019 in shenen Gibe General Hospital ,Jimma south west Ethiopia. A total of 185 mothers who delivered by cesarean delivery from December 2017 to December 2018 and complete data were included in the study. Data were extracted using structured data collection format and cleaned, and entered into Epi data software version 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 26 for further descriptive analysis. Result Among 2115 deliveries in the two years of retrospective data, a total of 186 mothers were delivered by cesarean section, giving cesarean delivery rate 8.8 %. The leading indication for cesarean delivery was fetal distress (24.2%). Among the total cesarean delivery, 22 neonates were died, giving the proportion of neonate mortality rate 16.8%. One mothers were died following cesarean delivery, giving maternal mortality rate following cesarean delivery 12 per 1000 live births. The leading cause for maternal mortality was hemorrhagic shock Conclusion However, cesarean delivery rate in this study was within the WHO recommended range, the health outcome of mothers and neonates’ following cesarean delivery was not acceptable. The neonatal and maternal mortality following cesarean delivery was 16.8% and12 per 1000 live births respectively. The main cause of neonatal death was birth asphyxia.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3198
Aminoforce containing 720g/l of 2,4-dimethylamine salt induced changes on some enzymes and electrolytes in the male Oryclotagus cuniculus (New Zealand rabbit) were assayed. The organisms were exposed to varying sub-lethal concentrations of the toxicant (720g/l). The concentrations were prepared by pipetting 0.4mls, 0.8mls and 0.12mls making it up to 1.5L clean water in a metal container to make 2.0 mgl-1, 4.0 mgl-1 and 6.0 mgl-1. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Acid phosphatase (ACP) were assayed in the liver and blood. Results showed that aspartate amino transferase values in the liver and blood were significant (p<0.05) across the concentration of the toxicants. Aspartate amino transferase increased as the concentration of the toxicant increased in the liver, and decreased as the toxicant concentration increased in the blood. Alanine amino transferase in the blood and liver were akin to AST while ACP values increased in the blood and decreased in the liver as the concentration of the toxicant increased. Electrolytes (Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions) showed statistical deviation across the various concentration of the toxicants. Chloride ion values stabilized in the experimental group being not significantly different (p>0.05) across the various concentration of the toxicants. From the study, AST, ALT and ACP are suitable biomarkers for showing sub-lethal effect of aminoforce on Oryclotagus cuniculus. The effects recorded clearly unveiled the potential effect of this xenobiotics on Oryclotagus cuniculus. Therefore, exposure of Oryclotagus cuniculus to this toxicant will affect the organism’s physiological responses and over prolong period of time it could lead to death. Additionally, via food chain man may be affected. The use of this toxicant close to rabbittory should be done with utmost caution.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-3095
A mini-review of literature data on the mechanisms of formation of the stock of free amino acids and their derivatives in liver pathology and methods for correcting metabolic imbalance
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-19-3022
This study assessed the effect of aluminum phosphide on transferases in liver and muscle of Parophiocephalus obscurus (with mean weight of 42.20±1.5 gSD and mean length of 16.50± cmSD, respectively). The fish were obtained from a private fish farm in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, and the fish was allowed acclimatized to laboratory condition for 7 days, and then exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.00mg/L, 4.20mg/L, 6.30mg/L and 8.40mg/L) of aluminum phosphide for 14 days. Renewal bioassay was adopted in this study. At the end of the experimental period, the fish was dissected and the muscle and liver were collected, processed and analyzed for alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase using colorimetric method. Results of the phosphatase at 0.00mg/L, 4.20mg/L, 6.30mg/L and 8.40mg/L were 94.50±6.44µ/L, 134.47±15.27 µ/L, 106.47±9.21 µ/L and 31.00±3.46 µ/L, respectively (liver), 107.50±9.24, 92.00±6.93 µ/L, 116.50±8.95 µ/L and 146.33±9.33 µ/L respectively (muscle) for aspartate aminotransferase; and 40.00±1.15µ/L, 26.50±3.18µ/L, 14.50±2.02µ/L and 9.80±1.44 µ/L, respectively (liver) and 17.00±1.75µ/L, 8.50±0.87µ/L, 21.00±2.89µ/L and 5.50±0.87 µ/L, respectively (muscle) for alanine aminotransferase. Statistically, there were significant variations (p<0.05) among the various concentration in the transferances. In addition, at some concentration, there was significant variations (p<0.05) between the level of the transferases in the muscle and liver. The significant alteration observed in the various concentrations is an indication that aluminum phosphide is lethal to fish. Therefore, caution should be exercise during the use of aluminum phosphide near biological system.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-19-2699
Xanthine oxidase is a commercially important enzyme with wide area of medical applications to develop diagnostic kits. Xanthine oxidase was extracted, purified and characterized from sheep liver (SLXO). The purification procedure involved acetone precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S-300 columns. The sheep liver xanthine oxidase was homogeneously purified 31.8 folds with 3.5 U/mg specific activity and 24.1% recovery. SLXO native molecular weight was 150 kDa and on SDS-PAGE appeared as single major band of 75 kDa representing a homodimer protein. Isoelectric focusing of the purified SLXO resolved into two closely related isoforms with pI values of 5.6 and 5.8. The apparent Km for xanthine oxidase at optimum pH 7.6 was found to be 0.9 mM xanthine. FeCl2 and NiCl2 increased the activity of SLXO, while CuCl2 and ZnCl2 were found to be potent inhibitors of the purified enzyme. Allopurinol inhibits SLXO competitively with one binding site on the purified molecule and Ki value of 0.06 mM.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-18-2547
This opinion challenges fatalistic framing of hepatic cancer prognosis. It advocates for nuanced discussion of staging, treatment advances, and supportive care, with clear communication to patients and families.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-18-2384
Background: Oral ingestion of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) may lead to serious liver injury. Vitamin E (VE) is an important antioxidant factor that can reduce such damage. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possible changes that could take place in the liver of adult male albino rats after oral ingestion of ZnONPs and elucidate the potential protective role of VE against such damage. Material and Methods: Forty eight male albino rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals each. Group (1) served as control group and received normal saline. Group (2) “VE-treated” received 100 mg/kg/day of VE dissolved in normal saline by oral gavage for 21 days. Group (3) “ZnONPs-treated” received a daily dose of ZnONPs dispersed in the fresh sterilized physiological saline solution 1mg/kg for 5 constitutive days. Group (4) “concomitant ZnONPs and VE-treated” was pretreated with VE 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days followed by the same dose of ZnONPs as in group (3) for 5 days. The extent of hepatic damage was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical examination of liver samples and serological analysis of liver enzymes. Results: Body weights and liver weights showed very highly significant decrease (P <0.001) in the ZnONPs-treated group. The histological results in ZnONPs-treated group revealed congested dilated central veins and blood sinusoids, loss of normal arrangement of hepatocytes and most of hepatocytes showed marked vacuolated cytoplasm with darkly stained nuclei. Portal area affection was in the form of congested dilated portal veins with bile duct hyperplasia and cellular infiltration. There was an increase in the mount of blue stained collagen fibers around central veins together with strong positive reaction for Caspase 3 in ZnONPs-treated group. Similarly biochemical analysis indicated that the levels of serum aminotransferase (AST &ALT) significantly increased in ZnONPs-treated group when compared with other groups. Rats pretreated with VE showed improvement of the histological findings and biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Ingestion of ZnONPs could be associated with serious liver affection and pretreatment with VE is suggested to induce some improvement of such deleterious changes.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-17-1789
We aimed to study the effect of buspirone, an anxiolytic drug and 5-HT1A agonist on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Rats were orally treated with CCl4 (2.8 mL/kg in olive oil) along with buspirone at 10, 20 or 30 mg/kg once daily starting with CCl4 and for one week thereafter. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined in the serum. Markers of oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) levels were measured in the liver. Moreover, paraoxonase 1 activity was determined in the liver and serum. The administration of CCl4 led to significant increases in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities. Results showed that there were significantly increased hepatic MDA, nitrite and decreased GSH levels. PON1 activity decreased both in the liver and serum, respectively. The immunohistochemical investigations using anti-caspase-3 antibody revealed that CCl4 caused apoptosis to many hepatocytes. DNA studies showed that CCl4 caused hypoploidy in hepatocytes. Rats treated with 20-30 mg/kg buspirone showed significant decrease in serum ALT and AST by 19.5-34.3% and 24.2-31.4%, respectively. Serum ALP decreased by 21.7% after 30 mg/kg buspirone. In the liver, the higher dose of the drug resulted in decreased MDA (by 15.8%), decreased nitric oxide (17.4%) and increased GSH (by 20.1%). Significantly increased serum PON1 activity by 43.9-53.5% was observed after treatment with 20-30 mg/kg buspirone. On histopathologic examination of liver sections, there was mild protective effect for the drug at 30 mg/kg. Sections stained with anti- caspase- 3 confirmed the results obtained from histopathological examination. Moreover, buspirone given at 30 mg/kg resulted in an increase in % of cells containing normal values of DNA. These results indicate that buspirone decreases liver oxidative stress and exerts protective effect against CCl4- toxicity. The study thus indicates more beneficial effects of buspirone as an anxiolytic drug and that the drug could be used safely in patients with liver disease.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-17-1758
Background: The nature of placenta previa can be unpredictable and harsh on the mother and baby. These complications are often unpredictable, unpreventable and often leave the labour ward team in a dilemma. This Obstetricians' nightmare is fortunately a rare complication. The frequency of placenta previa at the time of delivery average 1/200 births i.e. 0.5%. Placenta previa is still an important cause of maternal and fetal death in our country. The risk factors are Advanced Maternal age, Multi parity, Previous Cesarean Section, Multiple gestation, Previous Abortions, Previous intrauterine surgery, placenta previa in previous pregnancy, Smoking. Objective: Identification of risk factors, the feto-maternal outcome and complications of patients having placenta previa with previous caesarean section. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted from July 2012 to June 2015 in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Dhaka Medical College hospital. 100 patients of placenta previa were included in this study. Non-probability purposive sampling method was used for selection of patients. Results: In this study, Socio-demographic profiles, Identification of risk factors, the feto-maternal outcome and complications of patients having placenta previa were assessed. The frequency of placenta previa associated with previous cesarean section was 61%. In demographic profiles of the patients in this study - with a history of previous caesarean section, 78.7% patients were in the age group 26-35. Multiparity was predominant on scarred uterus group (63.9%). Here, demonstrated that > 2 previous history of caesarean section was associated with 80.3% of placenta previa. Regarding maternal outcome, complications like massive haemorrhage, ureteral injury, bladder injury, wound infection, DIC, maternal and perinatal mortality were more in the scarred patients than in the unscarred patients. In our study, 29.5% of morbid adhesion of placenta observed in scarred uterus. Conclusions: There is significant association of placenta previa with previous cesarean delivery. So, Careful monitoring of high risk pregnancies is of utmost importance. Avoidance of unnecessary caesarean sections and early week’s pregnancy terminations can minimize the Obstetricians' nightmare.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-17-1557
Background and Aims: Establishing the degree of fibrosis is important in determining the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease. Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) has been validated as a reliable method to estimate liver fibrosis. It remains unclear if ARFI readings may be a useful way to stage patients with established cirrhosis and predict the development of complications. The aim of this study was to determine if ARFI liver stiffness measurements correlate with the severity of liver disease in patients with cirrhosis, and predict the development of complications and decompensation. Methods: All patients attending our institution who had a prior clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis and an ARFI liver stiffness measurement (LSM) over 26 months were included. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were calculated for ARFI detection of any complication, any varices, medium or large varices, moderate or severe ascites, encephalopathy, Child Pugh Grade B or C and MELD ≥15. Results: ARFI LSM did not correlate with complications: any complication (AUROC 0.672), any varices (0.631), medium or large varices (0.610), moderate or severe ascites (0.681), Child Pugh B/C (0.691) or MELD ≥15 (0.711). Hepatic encephalopathy did correlate with higher LSM (0.854), but only in a small number of cases. Conclusion: ARFI in patients with cirrhosis does not correlate with the presence of portal hypertension or decompensated liver disease.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1381
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been reported highly prevalent in Chronic liver disease (CLD) and there is an emerging interest to explore the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and severity of various types of CLD. Aim: To evaluate vitamin D level in patients with various type of CLD and clinical significance of its deficiency. Materials and Methods: Serum vitamin D levels were measured by ELFA in 100 patients (91 male and 9 female) suffering from CLD. The degree of liver dysfunction was estimated by Child Pugh criteria and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Results: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 43% and 42% respectively among CLD patients. Low levels of vitamin D were associated with leucopenia or leucocytosis indicating increased risk of infection. On Linear regression vitamin D level showed significant negative correlation with Child Pugh score (r = – 0.7382, p<0.0001) and MELD score (r = – 0.6673, p<0.0001). Our study shows low vitamin D level was associated with poor outcome (mean vitamin D level 10.38 ± 2.35 who died vs 23.14 ± 6.68 who survived and discharged). Conclusion: CLD is associated with a significantly low level of vitamin D which was independent to patient’s gender, BMI, residence and education level. The lower level of vitamin D is associated with severity of CLD, mortality and increased risk for infections. Awareness of serum vitamin D level in patients with CLD is important to improve outcome.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-5424.jgm-16-1170
Background: Skin is one the most important sites for administration of drugs to obtain desired pharmacological effects either locally or through systemic bioavailability; and this has placed the transdermal route of drug delivery as an attractive and as one of the most innovative areas for conducting drug delivery research. However the stratum corneum in skin creates hurdles and acts as significant barrier for the permeation of drugs through skin. Penetration enhancers play a pivotal role to overcome such barriers and help enhance the permeation of drug through skin. However, penetration enhancement technology is challenging development and needs to be properly and skillfully addressed. Objective: The present investigation aimed to study the penetration enhancing effect of a newly synthesized alcohol derivative of an acyclic monoterpene (Tetrahydrogeraniol-THG). Methodology: The new derivative, 5,9-Dimethyl-1-Decanol (DIMDOL), has been synthesized by a chemical reaction of the THG with Grignard reagent and ethylene oxide. Permeation enhancing effect of the synthesized derivative was explored for better transdermal penetration of the two model drugs viz. tramadol hydrochloride and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) through the excised rat skin by conducting in-vitro permeation experiments employing Franz diffusion cells apparatus. The standard enhancers Azone and THG were used to compare penetration enhancing effect of the enhancers. Results: It was revealed that DIMDOL could effectively enhance the permeability of both the drugs by 18.60 and 73.19 folds across the skin used with a lag time of 3.35 and 1.20 h, respectively. The newly synthesized derivative was found to significantly increase the partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient values. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that DIMDOL can more effectively enhance the permeation of these model drugs, expectedly by affecting the stratum corneum and interacting with both lipid-rich layers and keratin-rich layers of the excised rat skin.
Jan 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-801
Objectives: To measure the horizontal inequity in the uptake of hospital delivery and quantify the contribution of various social determinants of health (SDH) to such inequity in China from 1993-2008 Methods: With four national representative surveys in China conducted in 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008, we measured horizontal inequity in the uptake of hospital delivery using indirect standardized concentration indices (CIs). By decomposing Cis into components, we explored the contributions of income, health insurance, education, living conditions to such inequities. Oaxaca type decomposition was further used to explain the role for each SDH on the changes of inequities between 1993 and 2008. Results: We found that horizontal inequity in the coverage of hospital delivery approached equal line in the urban areas and shrank by 90% in rural China in 1993-2008. The data also showed that dramatic socio-economic achievement was made across the 16 years, including education, income, health insurance and living conditions, which contributed substantially to the reduction of the inequities in the uptake of hospital delivery. Income’s contribution was mainly made by its protection effect, while health insurance’s role was mainly played by its equal distributions in the rural areas. Conclusions: The horizontal inequity in the uptake of hospital births vanished in urban China and decreased in the rural. The leading contributors to such inequity were income, health insurance, living conditions and education. Decomposition analysis suggests that more investments are warranted for financial risk protection and targeted demand side subsidies may make a difference.
Feb 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-14-539
We present a rare case of a 46-year-old man who presented with recurrent fever and abdominal pain without other symptoms. Laboratory data were no specific for diagnosis. Abdominal imaging revealed a pseudotumor liver. A diagnosis of isolated liver tuberculosis with abscess component was confirmed with US-guided liver biopsy and histopathological examination. The patient received antibacillous drugs with success.
Mar 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-13-333
Carbofuran is a broad spectrum pesticide used in agricultural fields and domestic places throughout the world. It is one of the deadly toxic carbamate pesticide that kills the pest by inhibiting the crucial enzyme of nervous system known as acetyl cholinesterase. In the present study, we report how carbofuran increases the different spectrum of cholesterols, including free cholesterol and esterified cholesterol in the fish hepatocytes. It is observed that induced-cholesterol can inhibit the enzymatic activity such as Ca++-ATPase, which is a critical protein for maintaining the calcium homoeostasis in the cellular microenvironment. Carbofuran integrates into human body through foods and drinks. As trace of carbofuran is identified in our daily food and drinks, we examined the homology of Ca++-ATPase between the fish and human, so our data can illuminate the effects of carbofuran on this crucial enzyme. While studying the homology with the help of bioinformatics, we recognized that there is around 70% homology in the protein sequence of Ca++-ATPase between fish Heteropneustesfossilisand human (Homo sapiens), which appears as sufficient to simulate our fish-model data in human. This study demonstrates that carbofuran affects our day-to-day life by inhibiting Ca++-ATPase through modulation of lipid synthesis, a critical regulatory system that controls overall homeostasis in our body.
Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-12-119
The purpose of the research is to evaluate Sterculiaurens gum as a carrier for oral colon targeted drug delivery system. Sterculia gum has been reported to have wide pharmaceutical applications such as tablet binder, disintegrant, gelling agent and as a controlled release polymer, but it has not been exploited as colon targeting carrier. For evaluation as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs characterization of gum was done. Microflora degradation studies of gum were conducted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4 containing rat caecal content under anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were: gum concentration (10–40%), concentration of citric acid (10–30 %) on swelling index and in-vitro drug release. The results of the isothermal stress testing (IST) shows no degradation of samples of model drug, azathioprine, in the drug polymer mixture and the core tablet excipients. DSC and FT-IR study has proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum can be used as tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region by utilizing the action of enterobacteria. Sterculia gum exhibits premature drug release in the upper GIT without enteric coating and may not reach to the colonic region. From the study, Sterculia gum as colon targeting carrier is possible via coating with chitosan/Eudragit mixed blend polymers which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance; but undergo enzymatic degradation once it reaches the colon.
May 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-140
Analyzing SNPs linked to fatty liver disease, this study finds no association with HAART‑related hepatic steatosis in HIV patients. The work underscores the multifactorial nature of antiretroviral toxicity and points to metabolic and pharmacologic contributors beyond common variants.
Dec 2025
Background Research and drug development industries have multiphase drug screening procedures, which can be debated. As a result, harmful products may still reach for public health service delivery due to vulnerabilities in the process. Main body A wide range of test compounds have delayed manifestation of undesired effect on the study subject, with the time to undesired effects after acute exposure being weeks and months. Acute toxicology in a preclinical trial also has limited clinical value as its lethal dose is the endpoint for a conclusion, and death sometimes occurs after a scheduled period of acute toxicology. Countless resources are wasted, and numerous new drugs are introduced into the pharmaceutical market with assumed safety analysis every year due to vulnerable multi-procedures in preclinical trials. The principal use of collected data from a preclinical trial is to support regulatory categorization and harmful labelling decisions. However, the data can also be used to derive safe use threshold levels, which may lead to the use of unsafe material. The criteria for classification and labelling also differ among countries, sometimes among authorities within the same country. The fundamental concept of toxicology states that ‘all chemical substances are potential poisons depending on the amount and duration of exposure. However, the toxic property of a test compound cannot be created or eliminated by simply the amount administered to study animals. Conclusion All xenobiotics are poisons at any amount with different severity that can be calculated using biological parameters.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3360.ijco-24-5294
Ayurveda is a traditional and scholarly medical system practiced in South Asia since the Vedic period. It integrates science and philosophy to promote a healthy, happy and prosperous life. Ayurvedicbhasmas are classical formulations that contain non-toxic forms of metals and minerals, enriched with therapeutic metabolites. These bhasmas are produced through repeated trituration of metals and minerals with the extracts from potent Ayurvedic herbs, followed by intense heating at temperatures above 650 °C. The preparation process of bhasmas closely resemble top-down approach in nanoparticle synthesis, resulting in very fine calcined nano-powders. These powders are used effectively in Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments, particularly chronic diseases. Recent studies have highlighted that bhasmas possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor properties and may serve as potential carriers for drug delivery. This paper aims to compare bhasma particles prepared by traditional and modern methods, explore the therapeutic benefits of different bhasmas, and investigate the nanomedicinal features of various Ayurvedicbhasmas.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5580
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a school-based intervention aimed at correcting misinformation surrounding sexual education among youth, often influenced by social media, peer groups and misleading online content. In The Gambia, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has developed and introduced a national framework to integrate CSE from Grade 4 (primary school level) to Grade 12 (senior secondary school level). This study explores the perceptions and recommendations of 50 secondary school teachers from 43 public and private schools in Region 1 on the implementation of CSE in schools. While some teachers expressed concerns that CSE might promote perverted and lewd early sexual behavior, others saw it as essential for increased awareness and youth well-being. Cultural, religious, and societal norms pose significant implementation barriers towards the implementation of CSE in schools. Teachers’ insights are vital for successful CSE delivery and educational strategy improvements.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-24-5317
Adolescence in Cameroon, as in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, is often marked by early childbearing. Studies have shown a national prevalence of adolescent deliveries to be around 14.2% - 14.4%, a higher rate than the average for sub-Saharan Africa This presents a unique challenge for young mothers, who must navigate the complex process of identity reorganization while still navigating their own adolescence with its multiple changes. This article explores the experiences of primiparous (first-time) Cameroonian adolescents as they transition from daughters to mothers. The objective of this article is to understand how identity reorganization takes place among primiparous Cameroonian adolescents who pass without transition from the status of daughter to the status of mother. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, with seven participants chosen on the basis of selection criteria, the article examines the psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape this identity shift. An interview guide with three main themes made it possible to collect verbatim comments from the participants. The thematic analysis highlights the challenges faced by these young mothers, such as navigating social stigma, managing emotional upheaval, and balancing motherhood with their own developmental needs. The findings of this study highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of identity reorganization among primiparous Cameroonian adolescents. The social stigma associated with early childbearing, coupled with the emotional and practical demands of motherhood, can pose significant challenges to these young women. However, a study on a larger sample could reveal the resilience and resourcefulness of some adolescents, who find support within their communities and employ various coping mechanisms to navigate this transition. Finally, the article discusses the implications of these findings for adolescent maternal health interventions and social policy in Cameroon.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-22-4184
Sarcoidosis is granulomatous autoinflammatory autoimmune remitting relapsing disease affecting every organ in the body, it is the most difficult disease to diagnose in the absence of serum or imaging biomarker. Differential diagnosis is broad which included inflammatory, infective, neurodegenerative and neoplastic, histological biopsy is the only confirmative marker, and even histological confirmation is not robust as infection, malignancy and some drugs can induce granuloma, the most common organs affected are lung, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, liver, and less commonly pituitary gland, bones, brain, peripheral nerves, and heart, causing bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, granulomatous lymphadenitis.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-4211.jalr-23-4813
This study systematically reviews the literature on non-pharmacological interventions for disrupted sleep-in people meeting established criteria for moderate-severe dementia, and to analyze the methodological quality of the included studies. The PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, Virtual Health Library, APA PsycInfo databases were searched using a systematic literature review approach to identify various types of non-pharmacological treatments that improve disrupted sleep-in subjects with moderate-severe dementia. In accordance with the inclusion criteria, eight studies were systematically reviewed and analyzed according to the type of non-pharmacological treatment carried out. This systematic review showed that 50% of the studies used bright light therapy, 12.5% the use of manual therapy, and 37.5% sleep hygiene or walking or a combination of these interventions. Based on the results of the present study, although there is some evidence to support these strategies, it is not significantly supported and highlights variation in the way the interventions were delivered. Disrupted sleep is highly prevalent in people with dementia and have a negative impact on the quality of life of the sufferer and the caregiver. Non-pharmacological approaches to its treatment are increasingly popular as an alternative to drugs, whose efficacy and side effects have raised concerns among the population. Currently, there is a need to carry out more future research to establish its effectiveness and to be able to provide clear guidelines at the time of clinical practice.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-23-4879
Background Cancer and diabetes are risk factors for COVID-19 mortality rates. Remdesivir, dexamethasone, and vaccines are used to improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality rates. Methods This retrospective study enrolled moderate to critical COVID-19 patients. The index day was the day of the COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients were followed up until either death or discharge. A two-way analysis of variance examined the interaction between independent mortality risk factors. Results A total of 205 patients were analyzed, and the mortality rate was 29.5% (n=60/205). The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a CCI score ≥ 6, cancer, and diabetes. In multivariate analysis, critical illness, cancer, diabetes, chronic liver disease, a CCI score ≥ 6, unvaccinated, and early use of remdesivir/dexamethasone were independent risk factors for mortality. The onset of remdesivir/dexamethasone ≥ 2 days and < 3 doses of vaccinations were higher mortality rate, with its impact being more significant amongst patients with cancer/diabetes, compared to those without cancer/diabetes (p for interaction = 0.046/0.049, 0.060/0.042, and 0.038/0.048 respectively). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination ≥ 3 doses and early administration of remdesivir and dexamethasone can significantly reduce mortality rates, particularly in patients with cancer or diabetes.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-23-4835
The prevalence of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide, majorly due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment methods of differentiated thyroid cancer. The emergent and potent preclinical models, high-throughput molecular techniques, and genetic expression microarrays have delivered deeper insights into understanding the molecular features in oncogenesis. Thus, molecular markers have become a promising tool in managing thyroid cancer for differentiating benign and malignant tumors, prognosis, recurrence, and determination of novel therapeutic targets. In differentiated thyroid cancer, molecular markers are majorly utilized for guiding the development of indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine needle aspiration (FNA) histologies. Dissimilar to this, in advanced thyroid cancer, molecular markers permit targeted treatment of a modified signaling cascade. Determining causal mutation of targeted kinase receptors in advanced thyroid cancer can depict a promising treatment strategy with mutation-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors to reduce progression and eradicate mutation effects when conventional methods fail to manage. This review will focus on the molecular landscape and discuss the impact of molecular markers on the prognosis, treatment, and surveillance of differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-23-4722
Background Patients with distant metastatic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) have an estimated 40% ten-year survival rate. Gain of function mutations in the REarranged during Transfection or RET gene in MTC can result in an aggressive phenotype resistant to traditional therapy. In this case report, we describe the treatment of an MTC patient with a unique RET kinase deletion mutation. Case presentation Since diagnosis, 21 years ago, this patient has had chronically elevated calcitonin levels (>40,000 pg/mL) that was unable to be controlled by conventual therapy and clinical trials. As result of uncontrolled MTC, metastatic disease was found in the spine, liver, and lungs. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis identified a RET 898-901Del mutation, reported as a variant of unknown significance. The treating physician identified that the deletion was in the activation loop of RET kinase and considered that the mutation was constitutively activating RET kinase. The patient was prescribed Pralsetinib, a small molecule inhibitor targeting the ATP binding site of RET. Pralsetinib treatment achieved a durable response and was able to significantly decrease serum calcitonin levels (<200 pg/mL) and tumor size. Conclusion This RET deletion mutation is a pathogenic mutation with comparable enzymatic activity to the more common RET M918T mutation. The case report highlights the versatility of structural biologic approaches to guide therapeutic decisions.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4255
Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost important to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes after delivery. This study examined the utilization of nutrition services provided at health facilities to pregnant women. A cross sectional study design, involving 105 pregnant women and 5 RCH providers from 2 health facilities was used. Structured questionnaires, and structured observations were used in data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used in data analysis. Results showed that, RCH providers had inadequate nutrition knowledge due to limited nutrition courses during nursing training and on job trainings/seminars. All RCH providers advised that, nutrition knowledge is important to pregnant women hence they were responsible for its delivery. In adequate staff and lack of teaching materials contributed to the poor delivery of quality nutrition education to all pregnant women as it was observed that there is variations in nutrition information given to women. More than a half of all pregnant women (63%) started their ANC clinic during their first trimester where they received all nutrition services including education on importance of nutrition during pregnancy which helped them to be aware of the relationship between diet maternal nutrition and birth outcomes (63.8%). Most common food group that has been consumed more by pregnant women was grains, roots and tubers and plantains, while also there was high consumption of fruits and vegetables by all women as they are being more emphasized during routine clinics to prevent anemia. Also, there are some barriers that were identified by the service providers which makes their work difficult such as inadequate teaching materials like brochures, posters and jobs aids, also shortage of staff was found to be the core cause of services being provided occasionally as it is the RCH nurse who provide the education and counselling as there is no any nutritionist hired by government at the facility. Regional and district nutrition officers should coordinate and conduct on job training to health providers on issues related to nutrition in order to update their nutrition knowledge and facilitate clear, accurate and more evidence based nutrition information delivered.
Jun 2023
Insulin is a frequent peptide hormone addition in serum-free mammalian cell culture media. It contributes in a variety of biological functions, including as promoting cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and glucose uptake. However, it is unknown how stable insulin is under in vitro cell culture media treatment conditions. The instability of insulin in aqueous solutions has caused a number of issues, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies that can keep insulin stable and functioning. Such choices are required to accommodate updated insulin delivery guidelines as well as the storage and transportation of insulin. To preserve structural and functional integrity, protein medicines are frequently stabilized with antioxidants in aqueous solutions. In the present study, the effects of the antioxidants disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dihydrate (EDTA) and sodium selenite (Se) and their ability to scavenge free radicals on insulin stability in the medium Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) were examined. To investigate the stability of human recombinant insulin, in vitro serum-free DMEM and RPMI media were utilized for 5 days at 37˚C containing different EDTA and Se concentrations. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to detect and quantify insulin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) electrophoresis was used to assess conformational stability. The results demonstrated that, when EDTA and Se were added separately to DMEM and RPMI media, insulin stability was improved compared to when neither compound was added.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-23-4442
Objective Women have continued to bear a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality with hypertension as the flagship. This is partly because as the modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors are falling in rate, gender specific risk factors have persisted. One of them is age at first pregnancy and delivery. Methods In order to contribute to this discourse, we secondarily analysed data generated in a previous field study on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in free living adults in Plateau State, Nigeria. The women were divided into four groups and we looked at blood pressure at the time of study from the perspective of age at first pregnancy. Reults It was found that those who had their first pregnancy in the late teenage years had the lowest mean arterial blood pressure many years down the line; better than those who started child bearing earlier and those who started later. There was also significant within and between group differences in the blood pressures (p = 0.000). Conclusion To stem the tide of female hypertension later in life, child bearing should not start in the early teenage years nor be unnecessarily delayed. Sociocultural conditions that promote early teenage marriage and pregnancy should be discouraged.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4333
The motivations and barriers experienced by community health workers (CHWs) during the delivery of maternal and child health (MCH) services are less documented in Rwanda. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of implementing MCH care as perceived by CHWs. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, and Semi-structured interviews with flow-up probing questions were used to collect data. A number of 24 interviews were conducted with CHWs from three selected sectors of the Gicumbi district including four supervisors of CHWs from each selected health center and one at the district hospital. Three focus group discussions with CHWs from each site were also conducted. Ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University and permission to collect data from the study sites was granted. NVIVO software was used for analysis, and then the content analysis was adopted to identify themes merging from the interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings revealed emerged factors that facilitate the CHWs to deliver MCH services to their communities: liking their work, trust by the community, respect from the community, the willingness to help, desire to gain knowledge, being human, and sacrifice for the wellness of the community. On another hand, the findings indicated that the work of CHW has various barriers including working many hours, lack of equipment, lack of knowledge, unsatisfactory salary, heavy workload, lack of working space, lack of facilitation for communication, family conflicts, lack of specified working time, and believes.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4197
Aim and Objective Despite the growing concerns about the relationship between exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and detrimental health effects due to the changes in biological processes of experimental animals, there is still ongoing debate on the significance of these findings in causing significant public health problems with the growing advancement in internet technology. The aim of this study is to review existing literature on the effects of high RFR on wistar rats. Method A search was conducted on Google scholar and PubMed to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles to be included into the review. Studies eligible for inclusion included free full text articles on wistar rats exposed to ≥ 2.45GHz RFR conducted in the past 5 years. Studies included in this review were written or transcribed in English language. From 286 titles, 36 eligible studies were included in the review and assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Report of Observational Studies in Epidemiology – Veterinary Extension (STROBE-Vet) quality assessment tool. Results Studies included in this review generally had good quality (>60%) based on the STROBE-Vet assessment. This review identified numerous biological changes in wistar rats exposed to high RFR including variations in biochemical, cholinergic, genetic, histopathologic, psychological, optical, and dermatological parameters. In this review, studies identified variations in protein and liver enzymes while high RFR was found to induce oxidative stress and cellular damage of exposed wistar rats compared to the unexposed groups. This was seen in the changes in protein, lipids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Studies also identified changes in expression of genes and neurotransmitters with imbalance in hormones. In addition, this review identified structural changes of cells, tissues and organs indicative of apoptosis, damage and death. Exposed rats were identified to have behavioral changes indicative of anxiety and memory decline while studies identified optical and dermatologic changes in exposed rats compared to the unexposed. Conclusion With numerous biological changes identified in wistar rats exposed to high RFR, there is an increasing risk of detrimental health events giving the advancement in internet technology and limited regulations to control exposures to RFR. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify strategies to mitigate human exposure to RFR while policies are developed and enforced to protect human health.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-22-4054
A cross-sectional study was conducted on bovine hydatidosis from May 2018 to November 2020 with the aims of finding its incidence and economic losses in bovine slaughtered for human consumption in Dalomana municipality abattoir. Usual ante mortem and post-mortem inspection was carried out on overall of 430 selected slaughtered cattle. From this total inspected, 82(19.1%) of them had harboured hydatid cyst (s) in one or more of their organ’s. Age and body condition as a risk factor were statistically significant as older zebus and medium were more infected (P<0.05, χ2= 14.597 and p value<0.05 χ2=9.68) respectively. Similarly, the geographical origin of the animals had significant contribution on hyadatid cyst distribution (P < 0.05, χ2 =12.724). Sex was statistically non-significant (P>0.05,χ2 =0.74) and have no difference. The single and multiple organs were infected by hydatid cysts. From the total of 282 hydatid cysts collected and characterized lung and livertook more percentage in harboring cysts, from this 137(48.58%) and 126(44.68%) cysts were observed in lung and liver respectively and 19(6.74%) are observed in other organ, such as spleen, kidney, and heart. The study indicated that annual economic failure due to direct organ condemnation and indirect carcass weight loss from the disease in Dalomana was estimated to be 105769.657 ETB. Hence, bovine hydatidosis is significantly a common disease in cattle, with severe public health fears and leads considerable servable and undetectable losses in bovine in Dalomana and its surroundings.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-22-4105
Aflatoxins are toxigenic metabolites that are definitely occurring by lethal strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus that commonly dwell and colonize in feed components and various nutritive foodstuffs particularly milk and milk based products. This Review has three main objectives; those are causes of aflatoxin, effects and methods of control in milk and milk products. Drinking of cow milk polluted with aflatoxin may overwhelm immunity and subsidize to stunting in young children, as the young children are not immune-competent during early stage. It has been internationally assessed that aflatoxin is possibly accountable for 30% of the annual cases of liver cancer. Generally, control approaches of aflatoxin can be applied during pre-harvest, cautious management in the time of harvest and postharvest decontamination. Moreover, choosing breed for aflatoxin impervious crop diversities, prevention of aflatoxin production through biological decontamination by microorganisms and their metabolites, rejection of aflatoxin by physical means in addition to inactivation by chemicals are the typical approaches that have been described in different studies. For the reason that cow milk is the most important and principal diet of children, but the risk of exposed to the cancer are more in infants. In addition, according to various investigations it also well thought that young animals are also found to be more vulnerable to aflatoxin than adults. Thus; the contamination of cow milk and milk products by AFM1 should understood as undesirable for young human and animals.
Mar 2022
Dolutegravir suppresses this integration enzyme, so human immune virus can’t create every greater copies of itself, thus ‘’integrase inhibitor.’’ Dolutegravir is hastily absorbed pursuing oral administration. The median maximum plasma concentration is reached 1.5–2.5 hours after oral uptake with a mean half-life of 12–15 hours, rendering feasible for once-daily dosing without the need for pharmacological boosting. The terminal half-life is about 14 hours. The apparent oral clearance is about 1 liter/hour. Fifty three percent of the total oral dose of dolutegravir is excreted unchanged in the feces, thirty two percent through urine as glucuronide (eighteen percent) or alkylated product (three point five percent), and other organic conjugated products sequencing from phase II liver metabolisms. Dolutegravir’s categorized as pregnancy category B (no confirmation of pitfall in humans) means either animal-reproduction inquests have not substantiated a fetal peril but there are no restrained inquests in pregnant women or animal-reproduction inquests have reveal an adverse effect (distinctive than a de-escalate in fertility) that was not inveterate in restrained inquests in women in the first trimester (and there is no confirmation of a pitfall in later trimesters) or there is survey in animal that revealed the medication is safe in pregnant animal, but there is no fetal pitfall confirmation in pregnant women.Antiviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) revealed that as of January 2017, pregnancy outcomes and birth defects were analyzed from 142 pregnancies with reported exposure to DTG during pregnancy. There were 128 live births reported (3 terminations, 11 miscarriages, no stillbirths). Only 4 (3.0%) reported birth defects, which is similar to the expected rate of birth defects in the general population. European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPIC) displayed that as of July 2017, 101 pregnancies with exposure to DTG had been identified with 84 birth outcomes. Rates of preterm delivery and “small for gestational age” were identical to outcomes reported from women on alternative regimens (standard of care in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4117
Several mRNA vaccines are used on the population in the U.S. I started predicting the dangers of mRNA vaccines before March 2021 and update my findings periodically. My prior model study enabled me to identify many flaws in clinical trials, side-effect evaluation methods and mechanism studies, and I also considered consistent failure in predicting drug side effects in the past and systematic failure of FDA in keeping out dangerous drugs from market. I found that the risks of vaccination cannot be determined by experiments alone and must be determined by using a combination of methods. By studying mRNA expression dynamics and kinetics, I predict that vaccination with mRNA vaccines may increase cancer risks, multiple organ failure risks, earlier death risks, genome alteration speeds by one or more mechanisms, alter the normal selection process for viral evolution resulting in more virulent viruses, and aggravate chronic diseases or cause healed diseases to relapse. Two root problems are practical inability to control expression sites and severe adverse reactions from repeated vaccination. Based on mRNA bio-distribution, the mRNA mainly strikes the liver and other vital organs, and poses grave dangers to persons whose vascular functional reserves are relatively small, or whose vascular systems are temporarily burdened by other causes such as viral infections or life activities. If an mRNA vaccine is administered on a pregnant woman by second or booster shots, spike protein synthesis in fetus brain disrupts the highly regulated protein synthesis processes, resulting in potential brain damages. In less than a year, most of my early predicted damages are being materialized or are on the track to hit the population. In this update, I present a benefits-and-risks map to show how the number of deaths caused by mRNA vaccines is grossly underestimated and why claimed benefits like 95% effectiveness rate and 90% death rate reduction are meaningless and misleading.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4053
Drug industry, controlling medical publishers and large media promote flawed medicine for their revenues by systematically laundering medical knowledge in decades. They maintain and promote flawed research models and suppress disruptive discoveries, thereby precluding reform of medicine. In this study, I will deeply explore how the wrong life model, population-based research model, misused clinical trials, flawed statistical models, the symptom based research methods, binary disease classification, failure to address the massive vital organ capacities, failure to correct biases caused by expected delay in realizing side effects, and failure to address the interference effects of non-controllable factors affect the conclusions of “effectiveness and safety” for mRNA vaccines. I will directly analyze three studies that have been relied upon by FDA in approving mNRA use authorizations: one BNT162b2 effectiveness study published in NEJM, one booster shot study published in NEJM and a Seven Integrated Health Care Organizations study published by CDC. I will expose fatal flaws in the frequency risk concept, effectiveness rate, and hazard reduction ratios, and show why 3% death rate, 95% effectiveness rate and 90% mortality reduction are all meaningless and misleading, and should never have been used as treatment guidance. I will also examine common biases that can be easily practiced by sponsors’ researchers to alter conclusions in favor of approval. By relying on laundered medical “knowledge”, FDA has consistently failed to predict latent drug side effects for any drugs and vaccines in its history. FDA approved disastrous DES in 1941, Swine Flu vaccine in 1976, and mRNA vaccines in 2020. The vaccines are used to deliver short-term benefits on a small percent of persons at the costs of damaging health, causing deaths that could be avoided, and shortening lifespans for all people in the population. I thus urge FDA to reevaluate all mRNA vaccines and revoke their use authorizations.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4067
Introduction Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart and intra-thoracic great vessels that are present at birth and may be of functional significance. They are the most frequently occurring congenital anomalies and babies born with severe forms of these defects are likely to die in the neonatal period. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CHDs among neonates delivered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Methods Using a stratified sampling technique, 530 neonates were selected from three hospitals in Port Harcourt. The biodata of the parents and socio-demographic information were obtained through an interviewer-administered questionnaire to the mothers. Physical examination and echocardiograghy were performed on all the neonates. Results Five hundred and thirty (530) neonates aged 0-7days (5.2±1.8) participated in this study and the male to female ratio was 1.1:1. Forty-three neonates were found to have CHD giving a prevalence of 8.1% 95%CI: 6.0. Thirty-nine were acyanotic and four cyanotic. Congenital Heart Defects were found in 21 (48.8%) males and 22 (51.2%) females. The more common heart defects were isolated Atrial Septal Defect in 16(37.2%), isolated Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 11(25.6%) and isolated Ventricular Septal Defect in 6 (13.9%). The most common cyanotic CHD was Transposition of the Great Arteries in 2 neonates (4.7%). The clinical features identified in neonates with CHD were tachypnoea, dysmorphia, cyanosis, hypoxia and murmur Conclusion The prevalence of CHD is considerably high in Port Harcourt and further studies need to be carried out to ascertain the risk factors.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-22-4072
This translational paper discusses differentiation‑stage factors from zebrafish embryos as epigenetic regulators with potential to reverse neurosensory hearing loss. It outlines experimental evidence, delivery concepts, and research gaps.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4025
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect a large swath of the global population. The Philippine records four hundred seventy-four thousand sixty-four (474, 064) confirmed COVID 19 cases since December 31 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic recently highlighted the role of systemic hyperferritenemia as a major cause of death. In this study, we were able to correlate the serum ferritin level and predict 30 day in hospital mortality in COVID 19 pneumonia. Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between serum ferritin level and disease mortality in COVID19 pneumonia with subset analysis on demographics and co-morbidities of patients with COVID 19 pneumonia. Methodology We reviewed the records of all laboratory confirmed COVID 19 patients from World Citi Medical Center from April 2020 up to April 2021.A statistically significant sample size of seventy nine (79) admitted patients were used in this study. A serum ferritin level was assayed using electrochemilumenescence immunoassay with a Roche COBAS analyzer. Results Result showed that high ferritin level is associated with in hospital mortality. With ferritin level of 1437.07ng/ml, poor clinical outcome and in hospital mortality was considered. We also observed that demographics and co morbidities of patients in this study were significant to predict in hospital mortality. Further sub-analysis of co morbidities such as Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Cerebrovascular disease showed poor outcome which were directly related to ferritin levels with p value of <0.0001. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that elevated ferritin levels were shown to correlate with 30 day in hospital mortality as well as medical comorbidities such as Hypertensive Cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and chronic kidney disease have shown significant evidence for in hospital mortality.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-3869
Rotenone is well known environmental neurotoxin used to induce Parkinson’s disease (PD) model. Numerous studies are investigated its toxicity on the brain but few studies are available that examined its toxicity on the liver and kidney. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to explore the toxicity of rotenone on the liver and kidney and its protection through quercetin. Administration of rotenone orally at the dose of (5mg/kg b.w daily for 60 days) caused a significant increase in the levels of liver function and renal function biomarkers as compared to controls. A significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione, reduction in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in the liver and kidney as compared to control. The histopathological and SEM study in rotenone-treated mice showed alteration and signs of inflammation in the liver and kidney. While co-treatment of quercetin orally (30 mg/kg b.w for 60 days) together with rotenone, reversed the above parameters. In conclusion, rotenone significantly damages the liver and kidney, and the administration of quercetin along with rotenone shown a protective role. This study provides a new insight into where rotenone-induced liver and kidney dysfunction could be successfully protected by quercetin.
May 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3820
In Rwanda the prevalence of mother-to-child HIV transmission is 1.5%, the prevalence was found to be higher in rural area. The purpose of this study was to determine the Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Infection among Children born from HIV Positive Women in Musanze District. The study findings help to decrease the rate of HIV infection among children born from mother HIV positive to zero. This study was conducted in Musanze District, Northern Province in Rwanda. The study targeted 420 HIV positive mothers who delivery in different health facilities located in Musanze district form January 2019 to December 2020 and their children. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis. Of 420 children born from HIV positive mothers 91.7% were aged between 18-24 months, 55.2% were female. The majority of HIV positive mothers 80.2% who participated in the study were married. The prevalence of HIV infection among children born from HIV positive women was 2.9%. Children whose mother had poor adherence to ART were 1.5 times more likely to get HIV at birth compared to those whose mother had good adherence (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: (1.12-2.21)). Children born from mothers in WHO stage II were more likely to get HIV from their mother (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: (1.32-2.207)). Children born from HIV positive mother with one ANC visit were 2.5 times more likely to get HIV from their mothers (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: (2.31-5.17)).
May 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3824
Zimbabwe like many other sub-Saharan African states has been struggling to provide a quality health service delivery system. Nations with rampant corruption and ineffective bureaucracy made worse, the response towards the fight against COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019. Despite the Zimbabwean government setting out protocols with international agencies such as WHO, World Health Organization to mount an effective response against COVID-19, the health system has been overstretched with lack of personal protective equipment, shortage of drugs and essential equipment and wanton corruption practices coupled with shortage of staff. Timely delivery of orders is still a challenge due to strict bureaucratic measures when transporting goods and the existing competition between countries. Manufacturers and donors are shifting their focus to their countries leaving the Zimbabwean health service underfunded and under-resourced. However, among the challenges experienced the country has been given a chance to revisit its priorities and strategize how best the government and organizations can move essential medical goods, utilize current trade agreements such as ACFTA, African Continental Free Trade Area and local drug manufacturers to produce essential medicines. Launching an efficient mechanism to end corrupt practices in procurement and supply as well as improve interagency cooperation and communication may help improve efforts to end COVID-19 in Zimbabwe.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3747
A proprietary formulation was designed that consisted minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, and copper), vitamins (pyridoxine HCl, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, and cholecalciferol), Panax ginseng extract, and cannabidiol isolate. The study was aimed to assess the potential of the novel test formulation (blessed) and per se to the animals with the Trivedi Effect® in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The test formulation consisted above mentioned ingredients was divided into two parts. One part was left aside as the untreated test formulation without any Biofield Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues was significantly reduced by 34.59%, 34.91%, and 65.81% (p≤0.001) in test formulation treated with Biofield Energy (G5), Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15 (G7), Biofield Treatment per se with Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8) groups, respectively as compared to the disease control group (G2). Moreover, level of catalase enzyme in liver tissues was also increased by 8.64% in the G7 group as compared to the G2 group. Besides, in brain homogenate the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly increased by 433.94%, 266.97%, 133.94%, 467.89%, and 489.86% in the G5, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15 (G6), G7, G8, and Biofield Treatment per se animals plus untreated test formulation (G9) groups, respectively than G2. Antioxidant enzyme like superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly (p≤0.001) increased by 14.16% in the G9 group as compared to the G2 group. Allover, results signified that the Biofield Treated test formulation significantly increased antioxidative parameters, could be able to give support against oxidative stress induced by free radical and to maintain a good human health.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3685
The current uncontrollable outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has unleashed severe global consequences in all aspects of life and society, bringing the whole world to a complete halt and has modeled significant threats to the global economy. The COVID-19 infection manifests with flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, and fever resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung dysfunction, and other systemic complications in critical patients are creating panic across the globe. However, the licensed vaccine has started to show up; some resulted in side effects that would limit its possibility in some circumstances as allergic personnel, for example. Moreover, the production and approval of new drugs is a very complicated process and takes a long time. On the other hand, stem cells have gone the extra mile and intensively investigated at preclinical and clinical studies in various degenerative diseases, including infectious ones. Stem cells are proposed as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent, which may suppress the exaggerated immune response and promote endogenous repair by enhancing COVID-19 infected lung microenvironment. Also, stem cells have different application manners, either direct transplantation, exosome transplantation, or drug delivery of specific cytokines or nanoparticles with antiviral property by engineering stem cells. This review discusses and summarizes the possible emerging role of cell-based therapy, especially stem cell therapy, as an alternative promising therapeutic option for the treatment and control of novel COVID-19 and its potential role in tissue rejuvenation after COVID-19 infection.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3670
Purpose This paper assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Education, Staff development and Training in Africa. Online Research Methodology/Approach The data use in this paper was generated from online survey questionnaire, in which the participants were asked about certain questions in which covid-19 affect their social-economic situation. The questionnaire was design to help Africa to understand covid-19 impacts on their social and economic live. Results The results of this study reveal that coronavirus pandemic affected Africa in a number of ways; 1) 52.2 percent of the respondents said they should open school now in Africa, while 47.8 percent fear they should not open schools 2) 81 percent said before educational institution are closed there is public or official announcement that institutions must be closed due to pandemic—may be 3 months, ……,,…,, one week it depends on the severity of how covid-19 is spreading across the regions in Africa, 10.7 percent of the respondent said it may be and only 8.3 percent said it is not official announced.3) 65.4 percent of the respondents said government implemented an education response for continue of learning in Africa while educational institutions are closed 4) 61.5 percent said use of online/digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes provided by government, while 50 percent said television, radio, or podcast broadcast and 17.9 percent said assigning reading and exercises for home study. 5) 45.3 percent out of 100 percent said use of online or digital learning platform are the proportion of children affected by education institution closure. 38.7 percent said the proportion of children affect are the one that concentrate of using television, radio or podcast broadcasts to get academic content. 14.7 percent of the respondents are the proportion of the children affected by educational institute closure if they are assigning reading and exercises for home study. 6) 52.6 percent of the respondents from non-government organization, private schools said use of online or digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes, while 61.5 percent said use of online/digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes provided by government. The same thing government said as well. Similar respondents from government as do the non-government or private schools and 35.9 percent respondent said television, radio and podcast broadcast are method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes-provided by non-governmental organization, private schools etc, whereas 50 percent of the respondents said assigning reading and exercises for home study is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes-provided by government.7) 48.1 percent of the respondents said for the impact of covid-19 pandemic on staff development and training that their enterprise or organization partially suspended operation due to the pandemic and 34.2 percent of the responded said they completely suspended operation because of coronavirus pandemic and 16.5 percent said no closures on in operation for staff development and training because of pandemic. 8)According to the results of this question of the online survey, 49.3 percent said the challenges their enterprise face in delivery staff training programmes and activities using online learning or offline learning during covid-19 was due to infrastructure issues such the problem associated with internet and the like. The survey of the study also confirmed that 32.9 percent twice said limited digital skills of trainers and cost of staff training was a major setback to train staff in their enterprise or organization or department or establishment while 30.1 percent said it is due to limited digital literacy of users are the main challenges face by their department in order to train staff. Policy Implications The implication of the results from this online survey is that it has serious impacts on education closure and staff development and training. As educations are closed due to covid-19 pandemic, it will affect already problems of human capital that are hampering the development of Africa. Due to covid-19 pandemic, the achievement of sustainable development goals on quality education will be seriously halted. The government and the ministry in Africa should work hand in hand to solve the problems of children affected by schools closure after the pandemic by either additional hours or provide more study hours for schools to catch-up with what happened during the pandemic, the study noted. Originality/value The impact of covid-19 on education, staff development and training.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3247
Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that represent one of the greatest worldwide medical problems nowadays. Recently, an increased attention/ interest for natural antioxidant/ hypercholesterolemia as WG/WGO is increasing. Wheat germ/ Wheat germ oil (WG/WGO) is an excellent source of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It is one of the richest natural sources of tocopherol. This work aims to evaluate the effect of administration of wheat germ (WG) /wheat germ oil (WGO) for 6 weeks on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (liver malondialdehyde) in hypercholesterolemic rats. One hundred and twenty maleSprague Dawelyrats weighing 180-192 gm were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into six groups (20 rats/ group) as follow: g1: normal control, G2: hypercholesterolemic rats; G3: Normal rats treated with WG; G4: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG; G5: Normal rats treated with WGO; G6: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WGO for 6 weeks. Also WG was analysed for its nutritive value, while WGO was analysed for fatty acid profile, and studied for its physico-chemical properties. The results showed significant elevation of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lipid profile in untreated rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. Hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG/WGO showed an improvement in the biochemical assay of their lipid profile compared with untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. WG/WGO may be able to protect against atherosclerosis and CVD. The administration of WG /WGO to diets of rats caused a marked reduction in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG and MDA. This improvement effect may be mediated via enhancement of the antioxidant defence system and other factors. However, further clinical studies on human beings are required to assess the efficacy and safety of the WG/WGO.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3641
Background Evidence based message design and efficient dissemination of messages are critical to the success of tobacco control mass media campaigns. Although evidence to measure effectiveness of messages is emerging within low -and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, evidence-based approaches for mass media message dissemination is currently lacking due to challenges in accurate assessment of gross rating points (GRPs) for efficient delivery of campaign messages. Approaches to more accurately predict optimal campaign impact are required to achieve best-buys in resource constrained settings Method A case study approach compared findings from two national tobacco control mass media campaigns implemented in Bangladesh. Stage one reviewed protocols to assess the efficacy of message designs. Second stage analysis involved a review of the mass media campaign recall findings from cross-sectional, post-intervention surveys. Last, a post assessment of GRPs for both campaigns was conducted to support the development of an algorithm to better predict campaign impact at the greatest cost-efficiencies. Results Message mean pre-test scores identified that the Baby Alive campaign scored approximately 20% lower than mean pre-test scores of messages for the Graphic Health Warning campaign. Media dissemination for the Baby Alive campaign was also relatively low at 165GRPs achieving 16.8% prompted recall while the Graphic Health Warning campaign delivered 292GRPs to achieve 47.0% prompted recall. The analytic-predictive model identified that for messages with high pre-test scores an increase of only 1.5GRPs was required to the existing media plan to potentially achieve an additional percentage point of recall. Discussion Given the weaknesses in GRP calculations in LMIC settings, analysis of multiple metrics should be considered to achieve best buys for tobacco control mass media campaigns. Based on optimal message mean pre-test scores of 90%+ and delivery of 292GRPs, which achieved 47% campaign recall, optimal recall of 70% could be predicted with a media plan delivering 342GRPs. More analytical-predictive mass media programming models need to be developed in other LMIC settings examining multiple campaign findings to confirm if this algorithm can provide better returns on investment with efforts directed toward delivering interventions that are supported by a strong evidence base.
Dec 2020
Background In Brunei Darussalam, cancer has been the leading cause of death, and breast cancer as the leading cause of death among women. With a nationally-funded cancer treatment, it is essential to determine the survival rates among breast cancer patients which can serve as a basis for comparison across timelines with the end view of improving healthcare delivery, hence, survival among the patient population. Methods This study was conducted from January – May 2019. Medical records data were abstracted for breast cancer patients treated between years 2011-2016 in a tertiary specialist cancer center. Kaplan-Meier Product Limit estimation was used for the over-all observed survival rates within 5 years after diagnosis. STATA Version 15 was used for statistical analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results Over-all, five-year breast cancer survival rates was favorable at 88.89%. . Survival rates according to TNM staging showed lowest at stage IV at 59% five-year survival. Survival rates according to age at the time of diagnosis showed favorable survival across age groups except for age groups 30-39 years and 80 years old and above. Survival rates according to treatment combinations were highest in surgery (mastectomy) and hormonal therapy. Conclusions The Center’s 5-year breast cancer survival rates were relatively high and comparable to survival figures of developed countries. The Center’s high survival rates could have been related to the ‘treatment factors’ due to the following: prompt treatment of early stage breast cancer stages, responsive coordination, government-funded cancer treatment which allowed patients uninterrupted, free access to standard treatment.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3618
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and useful for the antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of metronidazole using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. Metronidazole sample was divided into two parts, one part of metronidazole was considered as control (no Biofield Energy Treatment was provided), while the second part was treated with the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Alice Branton and termed as a treated sample. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples of metronidazole at the retention time (Rt) 2.61 minutes exhibited the mass of the protonated molecular ion peak at m/z 172 M+H+ (calculated for C6H10N3O3+, 172.07). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/214N or 17O/16O) in the treated metronidazole was significantly increased by 8.24% compared with the control sample. Thus,13C, 2H, 15N,and17O contributions from (C6H10N3O3)+ to m/z 173 in the treated sample were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated metronidazole was significantly increased by 5.92% compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 15N, and217O contributions from (C6H9N3O3)+ to m/z 172 in the Biofield Energy Treated sample were significantly increased compared with the control sample. However, the isotopic abundance ratio of PM+2/PM in the treated metronidazole was significantly decreased by 18.2% compared with the control sample. Hence,18O contributions from (C6H9N3O3)+ to m/z 173 in the treated sample were significantly decreased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/14N or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated metronidazole was significantly altered compared to the control sample. From the results, it can be hypothesized that the changes in isotopic abundance and mass peak intensities could be due to changes in nuclei possibly through the interference of neutrino particles via the Trivedi Effect® - Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment. The new form of treated metronidazole would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might offer better therapeutic response against bacterial and protozoal infection in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), stomach (giardiasis, trichomoniasis, pseudomembranous colitis), joints (pelvic inflammatory disease), liver, skin, brain, and respiratory tract, aspiration pneumonia, rosacea, intra-abdominal infections, lung abscess, fungating wounds, periodontitis, amoebiasis, oral infections, etc.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-20-3584
Objective To examine the current linkage between different medical services for hypertension patients for enhanced integration among medical service systems. Methods A total of 18 hospitals and community medical centers from a district of Shanghai were enrolled for social network analysis which covered emergency visits and hospitalization records of 171,177 outpatients with hypertension. Stata software was used for data preprocessing and UCINET software was used for network analysis of medical service providers to quantify and visualize the network tightness and the "main role" of information delivery of the medical institution network in the area. Results The service network of hypertension consultation institutions in the region is closely connected as a whole, but the level of diagnosis and treatment of medical services in various communities varies widely, and the degree of association with higher-level medical institutions is not uniform. Conclusion Based on the limited tightness of various medical service providers, it is necessary to implement the responsibilities of individual medical institutions at different levels and pay more attention to improving the service capabilities of primary medical institutions for enhanced integrating medical services in future.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3545
Public health professionals working in rural communities are aware of the health disparities which result from lack of physicians, limited services, and income during the pandemic. Also they are aware that some populations are more vulnerable than others. People in the rural areas are experiencing problems on their physical, social and economic life styles because the pandemic is exacerbating some inequities. Individuals especially women and children in the rural areas are facing barriers in accessing health care services due to lack of resources and availability of health care providers in the communities. With COVID-19, women are less likely to seek services, including sexual and reproductive health services. Such services may be postponed to limit exposure to COVID-19 infection. This is particularly disturbing because in addition to the women maintaining their own health, they are also responsible for taking care of the mental, emotional and physical health needs of their families as well as all domestic responsibilities. As such, women in rural settings face special challenges as a result of these significant roles they play. Therefore, the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated on women by virtue of their sex and the roles they play in the family. This is a qualitative study that reviewed the reports of the 36 health care professionals under the aegis of members of COVID-19 committee working in partnership with state government to control, prevent and cushion the effects of COVID-19 in the society. This study is therefore, a summary of the observations of the COVID-19 committee members made up of 10(27.8%) females and 26(72.2%) males. The study focused on exploring how individual lifestyles in the rural areas have been affected in the face of COVID- 19 pandemic by identifying the vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems which can amplify the impacts of the pandemic. Findings showed that preventive measures like lockdown and social distancing rules, wearing of face mask, hand washing with soap, and environmental cleanliness were not observed. The study noted that health seeking behaviours, sexual and marital life including income, education, employment and social interactions were all negatively affected. Most hospitals were battered and health care professionals boycotted the hospitals for fear of being infected. It was found that lack of health workers in the hospitals caused a good number of individuals to engage in self-medications. Also most pregnant women delivered their babies at home and few with traditional birth attendants. Some of the women who had deliveries at home experienced complications during and after delivery. Unfortunately, the report showed that governments’ financial supports to these women and their family members were insignificant as the government was more concerned with mitigating the spread of COVID-19 than assisting women to have safe deliveries. Therefore, the vulnerable groups especially women, children, and the elderly who experienced threats to their safety and wellbeing as a result of the services that were disrupted during the pandemic, should be assisted so as not to lose their lives to preventable diseases.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1198.jge-20-3515
The solution of a genetic-mathematical problem of interaction of the human population cells and virus population to a problem of pandemic COVID-19 is submitted. The mathematical model based on the Hardy - Weinberg law consisting of two interdependent differential equations is used. The equations reflect time dynamics of the human cells and virus populations during their interaction. Solutions of the differential equations are found and results of these solutions are analyzed. The estimation of duration pandemic is received at use of parameters of the human liver cells and a flu virus.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-20-3413
Two analgesic were determined opium (morphine) and tramadol and comparison between two methods of extractions from biological samples. Opium and its derivatives and tramadol are the most commonly used medications for treatment of acute and chronic pain. opium was used as a sedative and hypnotic, but it was determined to be addictive and tramadol prescribed narcotic analgesic; main metabolite of opium is morphine and tramadol overdose was reported old male 40 years. Morphine and tramadol isolated by two methods of extraction, Stas Otto and ammonium sulfate extraction from liver tissues and comparison between efficiency of the two methods. Liver extractions have morphine and tramadol was quantified by GC-MS. Morphine was determined in liver concentration 176 u/g in Stas Otto. Liver concentration of morphine 267 u/g in ammonium sulfate extraction. Tramadol was determined in liver concentration 26.18 u/g in Stas Otto. Liver concentration of tramadol 22.41 u/g in ammonium sulfate extraction.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-20-3346
Coccidiosis in poultry is caused by protozoan parasites of the Eimeria species, which is responsible for worldwide economic losses. The aim of this study was to evaluated the therapeutic effect of NeemAzal® on Eimeria tenellain broiler Chickens as compared to Amprolium as a standard anticoccidial drug. A total of One Hundred and Sixty (160) broiler chicks were purchased, acclimatized and randomly divided into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3 & G4). G1 non-infected, non-treated (negative control), (G2) infected with 20000 E. tenella oocysts (positive control), (G3) infected and treated with Amprolium (Standard, 7 mg/kg b.w. for 5 days) and (G4) infected and treated with NeemAzal®200 mg/kg b.w. for 5 days). Evaluation was by clinical signs, performance data (weight gain, oocyst shed/gram faeces (OPG) and histopathology of the Caecum, Liver and Kidney. The data showed that birds infected with E. tenellahad an output of 1.3×105±3,333 oocysts per gram faeces on day 5 post inoculation. This output is significantly decreased to 0.37×105±3,111 oocysts in neem-treated birds. Infection with E. tenellainduced marked histopathological alterations in the caecum in the form of inflammation, vacuolation of the epithelium, and destruction of some villi. NeemAzal® decrease body weight loss of infected chickens. Moreover, the number of goblet cells stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) within the infected villi was significantly lowered (P≤0.05). The results revealed that chicks of G1 had the best performance data compared to G2, G3& G4. In G3 & G4 there were a remarkable improvement in the data on performance, clinical signs, gross and microscopically caecal lesions compared to G2. Amprolium (G3) was shown to be superior to NeemAzal® (G4) compared to G2. NeemAzal® could be a good alternative for use as a coccidiostat to supplement the expensive anti-coccidiostats in the market.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3100
Aflatoxins (AFs)B1, B2, G1, and G2 are important hepatotoxic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nominus. They are converted into metabolites of AFM1, AFM2, B2a, and aflatoxicol by cytochrome P450-related enzymes in the liver after digestion of the feed. These metabolites accumulating in the animal-derived food products such as eggs, milk, cheese, and honey cannot be destroyed by pasteurization or heating process and may influence public health negatively. Therefore, it is very important to prevent or limit the aflatoxin contamination in the animal feeds to decrease the risk of contamination of these metabolites in animal-derived foods.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3289
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) accounts for only 5% of all salivary gland tumors and is most often seen in the parotid glands. MEC occurrence in the larynx is, however, rare. The incidence of primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of salivary glands is also scarce and comprises only about 1.6% of all salivary gland malignancies. Hereby, we share our experience in managing two patients with rare and opposite variants of malignancy which were diagnosed at the same time; MEC of the larynx and SCC of the parotid. In MEC tumors, the presence of the intermediate and mucous cells with positivity in mucicarmine stain are the significant features. For SCC tumors, identification of the usual tumor markers (p40, CK 5/6 and p63) are pathognomonic. Although MEC and SCC are common in the head and neck regions, the existence of these malignancies in exceptional locations must be considered. The key features mentioned in our comparison table can help distinguish both these tumors and to deliver the correct treatment modalities. The prevalence of genomic and carcinogenic factors in the occurrence of these tumors in uncommon locations needs to be explored in future studies.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3232
Objective Exposure of dichlorvos-contaminated foods, water and environment can lead to decrease in proper liver function. Thus, Mimosa pudica(MP)is being investigated in the present study to determine its protective effect on dichlorvos induced hepatotoxity in Mice. Methods Fifty adult male BALB/c mice weighing between 20-30g were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 10 animals each (Groups A, B, C, D, and E). Group A as the control Group received normal feed, group B received 0.1 ml of MP, group C was given 40 g of 2.5% Dichlorvos (DDVP) for 28 days. While, group D were given 40 g of 2.5% DDVP with 0.1ml of MP and group E animals were given DDVP for half the period of administration, normal feed and 0.1ml MP for 14 days. Histological and biochemical preparations of the liver were processed and data were expressed as mean± SEM. Significant difference was set at p<0.05. Results ALT activity and the total protein level of the liver show no significant increase (P < 0.005) when compared with the control. AST and ALP activities were significantly increased in animals given DDVP with subsequent MP treatment when compared with the controls. Histological studies revealed distortion of normal hepatic histoarchitecture in DDVP group B and MP groups mitigated these changes in the treated groups. Conclusion Dichlorvos caused tissue distortion in the mice with prominent toxic effects on the liver while MP extract showed ameliorative effects on the liver that was exposed to DDVP
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-19-3143
Emergence of various nanoscale drug carrier platforms as Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) has revolutionized the field of medicine.Nonetheless, theside-effects due to non-specific distribution of anticancer therapeutics in normal, healthy tissues remain to be a prime pitfall in curing cancers. Therefore, to achieve a better therapeutic efficacy, the use of a target-specific delivery, combined with a stimuli-responsive nanocarrier system, particularly pH-sensitive nanosystems offer an attractive strategy. Targeted drug delivery through pH-sensitive nanosystems offer the potential to enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer agents, either by increasing the drug concentration in tumor cells and/or by decreasing the exposure in normal host tissues. Therefore, nanoscale-based drug delivery through pH-sensitive nanosystems seem to be a boon for treating gynaecological cancers (as well as other cancers) without side-effects or with least harm to normal healthy tissues.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-19-2852
Obesity can be defined as a condition of abnormal or excess fat accumulation in adipose tissue, to the extent that health may be impaired. Fennel is one of the oldest spice plants which widely grows in arid and semi-arid and due to its economic importance and pharmaceutical industry usage. This plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is effective in gastrointestinal disorder treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical characteristics and therapeutic properties of this medicinal plant. The current study demonstrates that the alteration induced by high fat diet causing changes in blood parameters. These changes are exhibited through a decrease in RBCs, Ht, Hb and platelet and these changes could be due to oxidative stress, which lead to lipid peroxidation in RBCs membranes, auto oxidation of hemoglobin. As regards the total WBCs, lymphocytes and monocytes showed marked decrease. While a distinct increase in the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophil. The present, demonstrates that rats treated with (fennel), (ator) and (fennel with ator) exposure provided significant protection to the altered hematological variables. The effect of the treatment with fennel and ator more effect than fennel only and ator only. The finding of this study indicates that the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in liver homogenates of the fennel and ator group significant decrease than group (3) and group (4) and the obese group. There is a growing awareness that obesity is a prime risk factor for the development of dyslipidemia profile and that oxidative stress may play a role in various adverse effects of obesity.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-3040
Many lay people along with some so called “key opinion leaders” have a common slogan “There's no answer for cancer”. Again, mistake delays proper treatment and make situation worse, more often. Compliance is crucial to obtain optimal health outcomes, such as cure or improvement in QoL. Patients may delay treatment or fail to seek care because of high out-of- pocket expenditures. Despite phenomenal development, conventional therapy falls short in cancer management. There are two major hurdles in anticancer drug development: dose-limiting toxic side effects that reduce either drug effectiveness or the QoL of patients and complicated drug development processes that are costly and time consuming. Cancer patients are increasingly seeking out alternative medicine and might be reluctant to disclose its use to their oncology treatment physicians. But there is limited available information on patterns of utilization and efficacy of alternative medicine for patients with cancer. As adjuvant therapy, many traditional medicines shown efficacy against brain, head and neck, skin, breast, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, prostate, colon and blood cancers. The literature reviews non-pharmacological interventions used against cancer, published trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3011
The skeletal muscle mass varies by race. Dietary habits over generations are a factor that influences the skeletal muscle mass, as well as genetic factors. Therefore, we investigated the effects of diets with different macronutrient contents on exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy in rats. Male 4-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: a normal-diet (N), high-protein diet (HP) and high-fat diet (HF) group. The food intake was manipulated to gain comparable body weight across the three groups. All rats were performed a climbing exercise training for 8 weeks. The final body weight and weight of the liver, kidneys and adipose tissues did not significantly differ among the groups. The flexor hallucis longus was significantly higher in the HF group than in the HP group. The total lipid content in the muscle was significantly higher in the HF group than in the N group, while it did not differ significantly between the HF and HP groups. There were no marked differences in the water or protein content in the muscle among the groups. The plasma amino acid concentration was significantly or tended to be lower in the HP group than in the HF or N group, except for the branched-chain amino acid concentration, which tended to be higher after ingesting the HP diet than other diets. These findings suggest that consuming an HP diet is not likely to facilitate exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy, partly due to the plasma amino acid imbalance induced by habitual HP diet consumption.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-19-2797
Background There is substantial evidence, from well-conducted epidemiological studies, that low vitamin D levels are correlated with increased risk for MS, and multiple case control studies have implicated the involvement of vitamin D deficiency in MS etiology. Narrow-band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB; 300nm - 311 nm) induced vitamin D production has not previously been studied in a multiple sclerosis (MS) randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Objectives To investigate NB-UVB induced vitamin D production, immunomodulation and MS symptomology following NB-UVB phototherapy in a MS cohort. Methods Using a blinded RCT study design, twelve individuals 18 years or older with MS were enrolled and assigned (1:1) into individualized NB-UVB dose (10-30kJ/m) phototherapy, or into placebo treatment, delivered 3 times per week, for 8-weeks. Serum vitamin D levels, walking performance, strength, cognitive function, mood and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs: CD34+CD45dim), monocyte populations (Intermediate CD14+CD16+, Classical CD14+CD16-), and T regulatory cell (CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+Tregs) count were assesed. The data were analyzed by 2 x 3 mixed factor ANOVA. Results A statistically significant condition by time interaction on vitamin D levels (F=7.14, p<.005, partial η2=.42) was identified. NB-UVB phototherapy may provide immunomodulation in a select group of MS individuals. Conclusion UVB phototherapy corrects vitamin D deficiency. This study adds to the growing research investigating UVB treatment in MS.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-19-2945
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation using multiple cell-lines. The test formulation and cell media (Med) was divided into two parts; one part was untreated (UT) and other part received Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Krista Joanne Callas, USA and labeled as Biofield Energy Treated (BT) test item (TI)/Med. Based on cell viability, test formulation was found safe. Cytoprotective action of test formulation showed significant restoration of cell viability by 89.9% and 106.4% in human cardiac fibroblasts cells (HCF) cells, while improved restoration of cell viability by 77.3% and 69% in HepG2 cells compared to untreated. Cellular restoration in A549 cells was also improved by 141.2% and 157.1% compared to untreated. ALP activity was significantly increased by 118.7% and 140.7% in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + UT-TI, respectively at 0.1 µg/mL than untreated. Percent cellular protection of HCF (heart) cells (decreased of LDH activity) was significantly increased by 89.9% and 106.4% in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated. HepG2 cells protection (decreased ALT activity) was increased by 59.8% in BT-Med + BT-TI than untreated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was increased by 22.8% in BT-Med + BT-TI than untreated. Serotonin level was significantly increased by 361.7% and 197.6% in BT-Med + UT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). However, relative quantification (RQ) of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was significantly increased by 116.5%, 214.7%, and 241.5% in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated in MG-63 cells. Overall, data showed a significant improvement of organ-specific functional enzyme biomarkers. Thus, Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation (the Trivedi Effect®) would be useful for multiple organs health that can be beneficial against coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, etc.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-19-2946
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or failure is one of the major concerns against healthcare services in order to maintain the normal function. The present study aimed to explore the impact of the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation on the function of vital organs such as bones, heart, liver, lungs, and brain using standard activity parameters in specific cell-based assays. The test formulation and cells medium was divided into two parts, one untreated (UT) and other part received the Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Ariadne Esmene Afaganis, Canada and was labeled as the Biofield Treated (BT) test formulation/media. The test formulation was tested for cell viability, and the data suggested that the test formulation was found safe and non-toxic against all the cell lines. Cytoprotective activity among the experimental groups showed a significant improved activity by 94.4% at 1 µg/mL in untreated medium (UT-Med) + Biofield Treated Test Item (BT-TI) group in human cardiac fibroblasts cells (HCF) cells, while 84.4% at 10 µg/mL in BT-Med + BT-TI groups in human hepatoma cells (HepG2), and 124% increased cytoprotective action at 1 µg/mL in UT-Med + BT-TI group in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) cells as compared with the untreated test group. ALP activity in MG-63 cells was significantly increased by 85.9% at 10 µg/mL in the UT-Med + BT-TI group, while in Ishikawa cells showed maximum increased ALP activity by 59.2% at 0.1 µg/mL in BT-Med + BT-TI groups as compared to the untreated group. The percent protection of HCF (heart) cells (decreased of LDH activity) was significantly increased by 53% and 40.5% at 1 and 10 µg/mL concentrations respectively, in UT-Med + BT-TI group, while BT-Med + UT-TI group showed increased protection by 68.5%, 70.7%, and 16.8% at 0.1, 1, and 10 µg/mL respectively, and 86.5%, 62.5%, and 34.2% improved cellular protection at 0.1, 1, and 10 µg/mL respectively, in BT-Med + BT-TI group as compared to the untreated test group. The percent protection of HepG2 (liver) cells (decreased of ALT activity) was reported by 33.5%, 63.2%, and 99.2% at 10 µg/mL in the UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI groups, respectively compared to the untreated group. Cellular protection of A549 (lungs) cells (increased of SOD activity) in terms of percentage was increased by increased by 39.8% (at 10 µg/mL), 44% (at 25.5 µg/mL), and 59.7% (at 25.5 µg/mL) in the UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI groups, respectively compared to untreated group. Serotonin level was significantly increased by 59.2% (at 0.1 µg/mL), 190.3% (at 0.1 µg/mL), and 201% (at 1 µg/mL) in the UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI groups, respectively compared to untreated in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). However, the relative quantification (RQ) of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was significantly increased by 159.1% (at 50 µg/mL), 212.7% (at 1 µg/mL), and 278.3% (at 10 µg/mL) in the UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI groups, respectively as compared to the untreated in MG-63 cells. Thus, the present data concluded that the overall multiple organ health using various standard biomarkers in specific cell lines were significantly improved with respect to health of bones, heart, liver, lungs, and brain after treatment with the Biofield Energy treated test formulation (The Trivedi Effect®). Thus, it can be used as a complementary and alternative therapy approach against many multiple organ disorders such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, etc.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2944
The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation using six differentcell-lines. The test formulation/item (TI) and cell media (Med) was divided into two parts; one part was untreated (UT) and other part received Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Janice Patricia Kinney, USA and labeled as Biofield Energy Treated (BT) test item (TI)/media. Based on cell viability assay, test formulation was found as safe at tested concentrations. Cytoprotective activity of test formulation showed a significant restoration of cell viability by 60.6% (10 µg/mL), 67.5% (63.75 µg/mL), and 117.5% (63.75 µg/mL) in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively compared to untreated in human cardiac fibroblasts cells (HCF) cells. Moreover, restoration of cell viability was improved by 64% and 127.3% in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + UT-TI, respectively at 1 µg/mL compared to untreated in human liver cancer (HepG2) cells. Cellular restoration in A549 cells was improved by 314% and 112.3% at 1 µg/mL in BT-Med + UT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated. ALP activity in Ishikawa cells was significantly increased by 175.5%, 547.2%, and 220.8% in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively at 0.1 µg/mL as compared to untreated. Additionally, in MG-63 cells showed increased ALP activity by 76.9%, 78.4%, and 79% in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively at 50 µg/mL compared to untreated. The percent cellular protection of HCF (heart) cells (decreased of LDH activity) was significantly increased by 60.6% (10 µg/mL), 67.5% (63.75 µg/mL), and 117.5% (63.75 µg/mL) in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively as compared to untreated. An improved HepG2 cells protection (represents decreased ALT activity) by 115.1% (1 µg/mL), 42.5% (25.5 µg/mL), and 60.8% (10 µg/mL) in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively as compared to untreated. Percentage cellular protection of A549 (lungs) cells (represents increased of SOD activity) was significantly increased by 191.1% and 81.4% at 0.1 µg/mL in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively as compared to untreated. Serotonin level was significantly increased by 31.8% (10 µg/mL) and 56.9% (25.5 µg/mL) in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively compared to untreated in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Relative quantification (RQ) of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was significantly increased by 304.3% (0.01 µg/mL), 128.4% (0.1 µg/mL), and 240% (0.1 µg/mL) in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively compared to untreated in MG-63 cells. Thus, Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (The Trivedi Effect®) significantly improved organ specific functional biomarkers and would be useful for multiple organs health related to coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, etc.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-19-2792
In deaths and diseases attributed to tobacco smoke cardiovascular events exceed cancer and respiratory diseases. Second hand smoke promotes the development of arteriosclerosis and can trigger acute changes of endothelial function and blood coagulability. Indoor smoking bans reduced coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction 10-20% within one year and were followed by sustainable decreases of stroke and diabetes. With a smoke-free hospitality industry people recognized tobacco smoke as an air pollutant, smoking in public was denormalized and social acceptance of smoking in front of children and pregnant women decreased also in homes and cars. Combined effects with ambient air pollution are proven for active smoking and suspected for SHS. Contamination with third hand smoke (THS) persists for months in homes and cars, creating secondary pollutants that in some cases are more toxic (e.g. nitrosamines). Remnants found in air, dust, and on surfaces (carpets, wallpapers, upholstery, soft toys) were associated with their metabolites in saliva of children and in urine of nonsmokers residing in homes previously occupied by smokers. In animal experiments effects of THS were found on thrombogenesis, insulin resistance through oxidative stress, on the developing immune system, lipid metabolism and alterations in liver, lung, skin and behavior. Much less is known about health effects for bystanders from the aerosols exhaled during “vaping” of e-cigarettes, but nicotine and other toxins from e-cigarettes are certainly a hazard, which should be prevented by the use of dermal and oral nicotine products, which are safer for nicotine replacement and without risk for bystanders.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-19-2854
Objective Just like their patients, mental health service providers also face stigma. Internalisation of these negative stereotypes could lead to the development of affiliate stigma, reduce their compassion satisfactionand reduce their effectiveness in delivering quality health care to their patients. This study investigated the relationships between affiliate stigma and compassion satisfaction in frontline mental health service providers in a mental health facility in Nigeria. Method This was a cross-sectional study which recruited 183 mental health service providers working in a mental health facility in Nigeria, and who completed questionnaires on affiliate stigma and compassion satisfaction. Results Affiliate stigma among mental health service providers in this study was relatively high (41.5%), and psychiatrists were significantly more likely A to report higher levels of affiliate stigma compared to the psychiatric nurses (p=0.03, OR=0.38,95% CI=0.15 – 0.94). Psychiatrists and Psychiatric nurses who worked for longer hours (> 42 hours per week) reported significantly lower Affiliate stigma (t=2.148, df=28, p=0.04; t=2.118, df=135, p=0.04 respectively). Psychiatrists with high levels of affiliate stigma were more likely to have lower compassion satisfaction, but this was not true of Psychiatric nurses. Mental health service providers who endorse the psychosocial aetiology of mental illness, are significantly more likely to report having experienced high affiliate stigma (F=3.980, df=2, p=0.03). Conclusion The levels of affiliate stigma among mental health service providers in this study was relatively high, particularly among the professional group of psychiatrists. There is an urgent need to address internalization of negative stereotypes among mental health service providers in order to prevent experiences of discrimination among their patients.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-19-2770
Introduction In France 33% of patients didn’t take care of hepatitis C because there were no diagnosed. Drug injection was main contamination route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in France. French guidelines were to treat all inmates and drug users, even fibrosis level. Access of HCV screening, care and treatment in drugs users, prisoners and homeless was low in France. They were considered as difficult to treat populations. All these patients need specific support. Hepatitis Mobile Team (HMT) was created in July 2013 to increase screening care and treatment of hepatitis B and C patients. HMT was composed of hepatologist, nurses, social workers and health care worker. Objective increase outreach screening care treatment access and cure of our target population. Patients and methods Target population was drugs users, prisoners, homeless, precarious people, migrants and psychiatric patients. We proposed part or all of our services to our 42 medical and social partners: HCV HBV screening by DBS (dried blood test); outside DBS and FIBROSCAN in converted van; Outreach open center; Drug users information and prevention, Free blood tests in primary care;, Staff training; Social screening and diagnosis; Mobile liver stiffness Fibroscan in site; Advanced on-site specialist consultation; Easy access to pre-treatment commission; Low cost mobile phones for patients; Individual psycho-educative intervention sessions; Collective educative workshops; Peer to peer educational program; Specific one day hospitalizations. All services were free for patients and for partners. Results from 2013 July to 2018 December, we did 8382 DBS for 5382 people (3053 HCV DBS) and 2302 Fibroscan*. HCV new positive rate was 21.3%. Our HCV active file was 651patients included these 24.8% new patients screened by DBS; 98% realized HCV genotype, HCV viral load and FIBROSCAN. DAA treatment was proposed to 96%; 95% started treatment, 4% were lost follow up or refused treatment. After treatment, there was 7 relapse and 3 reinfections by drug injection and cured rate of 94%. Sociological evaluation showed that 4 program qualities for patients: free access, closeness (outside hospital), speed (of the results) and availability (of nurse and social workers). Conclusions: Specific follow-up of drugs users and other HCV high-risk patients including screening, early detection, diagnosis and treatment increase rate of treated and cured patients, with low rate of relapse and reinfections.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-19-2842
Cesarean sections (CS) are one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. There is great variability in the percentage of cesarean sections between countries, varying from 3% to 42.9%5. In the US, approximately 32% of deliveries occur through a cesarean section. Overall, a drastic increase in cesarean section rate has been reported reaching its highest level at the present time. In Brazil, considering the types of births by live births from 2006 to 2016, the national percentage of cesarean section was 52.37%. The variability in this percentage can still be perceived within Brazilian territory. The highest cesarean rate occurred in the Southern region, representing 58.33% of births, while the lowest rate occurred in the Northern region, with 41.79%. It is possible to see the steady increase in the percentage of CS over time, from 45.01% in 2006 to 55.39% in 2016.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5835.jcpn-19-2741
After pointing out the wide scope of issues in nursing and summarizing some of the attempts in nursing to deal with this problem of wide scope we propose a conceptual consideration to address this issue anew. We suggest that the contextual action theory is well equipped to provide an economical and concise way of integrating various approaches and disciplines as well as different tasks a nursing conceptualization has to address, particularly in dealing with the issue of practice. We describe what action is, how it could be seen as a system and how it could be useful in nursing practice. Specifically, we detail the application of the contextual action theory in devising nursing procedures, in providing theories and research methods in nursing research and in evaluation processes in nursing. In addressing some limitations of the suggested approach, we stress that it is not a theory of everything and that it does not deliver ready-made instruments for obtaining quantitative data.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-19-2736
Antibody phage display has become a useful technique for discovering and optimizing target-specific monoclonal antibodies suitable for many applications, including therapeutic ligands, which may act as direct pharmacological compounds or may be used as targeting ligands for controlled drug delivery. Recently, the D2-5-HT1A heteromer, which is formed by the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors has attracted attention as a potential target of antipsychotic drugs. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify scFv monoclonal antibodies that are able to specifically recognize epitopes formed within the heteromer structure. Because both receptors are membrane proteins, it is important to conduct bio-panning experiments in the most natural conditions, in which the presented antigens (D2-5-HT1A heteromers) are in their native form and possibly in their best-preserved spatial structure. It has been shown here that phage display methodology can be successfully used in the preparation of monoclonal antibodies against dimers of membrane proteins. To separate phages specifically binding the D2-5-HT1A heteromer, the selection process using CHO+ cells with overexpression of both receptors was conducted. Phages that were bound to receptor monomers or other CHO-K1 cell surface proteins were eliminated as a result of negative selection by using CHO- cells expressing separate receptor monomers.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-19-2725
Background Romantic partners living alongside veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) appear at increased risk of secondary traumatic stress (sPTSD) and common mental health difficulties (CMD) compared to the general population. The severity of symptoms implies the need for structured, bespoke and evidence-based interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of offering a community support programme (The Together Programme, TTP) for military partners. TTP was developed based upon a number of US programmes and consisted of 10 hours of group-based support delivered over a five-week course. 56 participants engaged in TTP over a year at nine locations across the UK and were followed up three months later. Methods Measures of CMD, sPTSD, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction were used to assess benefits. Data were also collected on attendance and participant feedback. Results Significant reductions were observed for symptoms of sPTSD and CMD at follow up. 51/56 (90.1%) participants completed TTP. The majority of participants reported positive experiences. However, several individuals stated wanting more sessions and that barriers such as work, and family commitments made it difficult to attend. Conclusions Whilst limitations exist, the data presented suggests cautious optimism for the efficacy of offering a structured programme of support to address the needs of military partners living alongside PTSD.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-19-2771
In literature, it has been reported that adrenomedullin, which is generally thought to have vasodilator, natriuretic and diuretic effects, is synthesized in almost all body, especially CNS, vascular muscles and endothelium, heart, liver, lung, kidney, gastric mocosa, intestinal endothelium and various blood cells. It has been found that the possible effects of adrenomedullin can be demonstrated directly or indirectly by means of active mediators, neuropeptides, enzymes and hormones. It is also suggested that it regulates the endocrine system by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. It increases in heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, hypertensive conditions, cerebrovascular accessory, chronic renal failure and periodontitis and decreases in peptic ulcer and intestinal diseases. However, it is still not clear whether increase/decrease in adrenomedullin level is a cause of a disease or is a result of damage due to an illness. This peptide, which could be thought to multifunctional, should be considered as a molecule with genetic coding that may have different effects on different tissues and conditions. For all these reasons, we aimed to review the multifonctional behavior of adrenemedullin in the light of the current literature to pioneer new hypotheses and discuss possible mechanisms.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-19-2617
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a home-based educational skill building program to support exclusive breastfeeding for mothers in the early postpartum period. Specific aims were to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the study’s recruitment strategy, comparing the use of an intermediary with a direct approach, (2) examine intervention fidelity, (3) examine program adherence, and (4) assess the acceptability of the intervention to participants. Design and Sample A mixed methods within-group, three-occasion descriptive design, delivered to 14 dyads of breastfeeding mothers and their full-term singleton infants. Intervention The program was implemented during three, 60-90 minute educational training sessions in the home, delivered at 6, 13, and 27 days postpartum. Results Mothers who adhered to the intervention protocol correctly attributed their infant’s crying behavior to factors other than the adequacy of the mother’s milk supply. All participants were recruited through direct approach. The program was delivered as planned with high fidelity, a high retention rate, and with a high rate of acceptability. Conclusions A fully scripted, at-home, nurse-delivered educational skill building program can be delivered with efficiency to breastfeeding mothers with full-term singleton infants; intervention fidelity, retention, and acceptability were high.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-18-2552
This report presents a case of collision tumors of low-grade B-cell lymphoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the caceum of a 63-year-old woman. Lymphoma was diagnosed incidentally after appendectomy for a clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. Imaging follow-up demonstrated mesenteric lymphadenopathy and liver lesions, and all surgically resected regional mesenteric lymph nodes and liver biopsy were found to be infiltrated by both mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. Systemic chemotherapy was administered for advanced colonic adenocarcinoma with liver metastases. The occurrence of synchronous lymphoma and adenocarcinoma of the colorectal region is rare, and this is a previously unreported case of a patient that was diagnosed during management of acute appendicitis.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-18-2484
Obesity is associated with a number of serious medical complications, which are often referred to as the “insulin resistance syndrome”. The aim of the present study was performed to investigate the possible interaction between a conventional drug used for management of cholesterol and traditional herbal remedies on the obesity. This was carried through out: through estimation of blood test; Estimation of serum tests; Determination of oxidative stress biomarkers and the antioxidant enzymes activities in the liver were assayed; Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney of adult male albino rats were done. In the present study, the serum levels of the total protein and albumin in the obesity group (7.1± 0.2) and (4.78 ± 0.19); respectively were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more than those of the control group (6.5±0.1) and (3.95± 0.1).The administration of (fennel group) revealed significant (P<0.05) decrease in the serum levels of the albumin and total protein (4.38± 0.1) and (6.65± 0.2); respectively as compared to the obesity group (4.78 ± 0.19) and (7.1± 0.2(. The total cholesterol of the group(5) (fennel and ator) after two weeks from a high fat diet than treatment with fennel and Ator through six weeks equal 142.86±5.9, 100.4±8.68, 93.29±5.99, 87.1±11.28, 80.4±21.55, 78.1±6.7 and 77.1±6.87; respectively. The present study showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP in the obesity group which recorded as (60.5±11.45), (57.25±6.3) and (845.0±49.47); respectively as compared to the control group (28.25±1.7), (38.5±3.87) and (537.0±41.5); respectively. The fennel group caused significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (41.0± 2.9), (42.25+3.2) and (717.75+48.6); respectively compared to the obesity group. Ator group showed a significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (40.0±2.16), (42.5±3.1) and (679.25±41.16); respectively compared as obesity group. The activity of AlT, AST and ALP in the fennel and ator group (32.75±2.5), (40.5±2.38) and (601.25±17.5); respectively were near to the control group.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-18-2456
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is now recognized not only for its importance in promoting bone health in children and adults, but also for its other health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, common cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Ultraviolet radiation of the sun with wavelengths of 290-310 nm penetrates into the skin and converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3, which quickly transforms to vitamin D3. Vitamin D (D represents either D2 or D3) made in the skin or ingested through diet is biologically inert and requires two successive hydroxylations first in the liver on carbon 25 to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and then in the kidney for a hydroxylation on carbon 1 to form the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) 121419. The concentration of the produced 25-hydroxy vitamin D in blood circulation is 1,000 times more than 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 4, and it is regarded as a standard indicator of vitamin D status in humans 3. 25-hydroxy vitamin D half-life is about 2-3 weeks and it is regulated by calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) to some extent. 25-hydroxy vitamin D content also reflects the amount of vitamin D produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight or received through food intake 56. Guidelines for vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency defined by serum 25(OH)D concentrations have been published from many countries and regions all over the world 7891011. Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic problem. According to global estimations, more than one billion people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Among Iranian population, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency varies from 2.5 to 98.5% based on geographic area 1213. Various factors may give rise to vitamin D deficiency, including skin pigments, low levels of vitamin D in diet (insufficient fish oil and egg yolk intake), malnutrition, genetic factors, exclusive breast feeding, vitamin D deficiency of mother during pregnancy, prematurity, chronic use of drugs (e.g., anticonvulsants, aluminum-containing anti-acids, rifampcin, isoniazid, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, and glucocorticoids), winter and obesity 113. Cultural habits, the need for full body coverage during outdoor activities and the lack of sunlight programs are the risk factors for low vitamin D levels in women 151617. Children enter foster care due to early childhood adverse experiences such as poor prenatal and infant health care, food insecurity, chronic stress, and the effects of abuse and neglect. As a result, they are at higher risk for poor physical, psychological, neuroendocrine and neurocognitive outcomes compared to others. Foster children are at risk for growth and nutritional deficiencies due to their poor nutritional environment prior to placement in foster care. Insufficient caloric intake results in growth deficiencies. Evidence showed that the risk of stunting and underweight is high in this population 18. The risk of developing hypovitaminosis D was significantly higher in children living in foster homes. One reason is that they are at higher risk of child abuse, emotional deprivation and physical neglect than children living with their families. Moreover, these children most likely do not spend much time outdoors and they lack adequate sun exposure. Another reason is that as children grow up in institutional care, they shift from a diet of vitamin D–fortified formula milk to cooked food, which may not be fortified with vitamin D 1. Iranian government has made some efforts to apply efficient interventions to reduce the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and the country’s healthcare system should be managed through accurate planning. Yet, in this country, studies on vitamin D deficiency in children living in foster homes are very limited, and given that timely diagnosis and treatment of this deficiency is vital, this research is conducted in Ali Asghar foster home in Mashhad, Iran.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-18-2494
This review is designed to look at a prospective evaluation of the use of the femtosecond laser and manual incision standard cataract surgery in one center with one surgeon focusing on visual outcomes and complications. Multiple studies support both benefits, risks, alternatives, and differences between manual capsulotomy combined with standard manual incision cataract surgery and cataract surgery employing the femtosecond laser in conjunction with routine phacoemulsification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early postoperative outcomes using a prospective evaluation of cases from one surgeon over the course of two years from 2015-2017. The first group of cases involves 2134 eyes comparing phacoemulsification time in seconds (PT), ultrasound time in seconds (UT), and cumulative delivered energy (CDE). The second group of cases involves 1913 eyes that were Lens Opacification Classification III similar and without other ocular or lenticular abnormalities. Finally, a subgroup from the latter group (n=150) were evaluated over the course of two days and postoperative 3-hour examinations (visual acuity) were compared.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2501
In the last few years, gut microbiota has been identified to be an essential mediator in health and disease. In fact, it interacts with various organs and systems in the body, including brain, lung, liver, bone, cardiovascular system, and others. Microbiota-derived metabolites such as the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate are primary signals, which link the gut microbiota and physiology. Then, the findings on the roles of microbiota profoundly change not only the key concepts of biology and medicine, but also of nutrition. In fact, it is currently evident how the main task of nutrition is not to nourish us, but to maintain a comfortable environment for the intestinal microbiota. In this way, it works in symbiosis with us, correctly controlling the functioning of the organs, the physiological parameters and the cellular regenerative processes. It is also evident that the strength of reparative processes correlates with the ability of digestive system to process complex foods, which increases during weaning, a period of time in which the diversity of bacterial strains increases. Therefore, a task of food is to keep trained the digestive system, to which it corresponds an high microbiota diversity. Elderly leads to reduced microbiota diversity to which corresponds an intestinal frailty, responsible for the frailty of the elderly. In conclusion, a correct diet may not only keep us in good health but may also guarantee us longer longevity.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-18-2455
In the current study, The GC-MS metabolomics approach was used to evaluate the effect of cypermethrin on the metabolic profile in liver tissue of common carp fish. Fish were exposed to low and high concentrations of cypermethrin (0.1 and 1 µg/L respectively) for 24 and 96 h with subsequent PCA analysis to illustrate the response of the metabolic system after exposure to the pyrethroid. Cypermethrin induced obvious alteration in the intermediates of TCA cycle and encouraged consumption of non-carbohydrate sources in liver at all-time points. Additionally, cypermethrin exposure reduced the level of several amino acids and induced damage to the nucleotides reflecting the effect of cypermethrin on purine metabolism. GC-MS based metabolomics approach is a new and powerful tool to understand the toxicological effects and the underlying mechanism of cypermethrin on fish.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-18-2341
The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of a stem bark aqueous extract of Harunganamadagascariensis Lam. (Hypericaceae) by determining its potential toxicity after acute and subacute administration in rodents. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in mice and the behavior, death and median lethal dose (LD50) were estimated. Subacute toxicity (28 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg. Parameters observed at the end of the subacute tests included changes in body and vital organ weights, mortality, hematological, biochemical, hepatic and kidney effects. Harunganamadagascariensisextract did not produce any visible toxicity or mortality with oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg within 14 days of single treatment, leading to the conclusion that the LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the subacute toxicity tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart, lungs spleen, pancreas and testicles was observed. Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased significantly in males at 400 and 600 mg/kg, whereas Aspartate transaminase (AST) decreased at 600 mg/kg in female rats. HDL Cholesterol was reduced at 600 mg/kg in female rats. There was a significant increase in urea concentration in female rats at 400 mg/kg. A significant decrease, both in platelet volume distribution (PVD) at 400 mg/kg in male rats and in red cell volume distribution (RDW) at 200 mg/kg were recorded in female rats respectively, but with no changes in other hematologic parameters. Histological study shows normal structure of liver, kidneys and heart of control and treated rats. Results indicate that oral doses of aqueous stem bark of Harunganamadagascariensis are relatively safe in rats; however, assessment of hepatobiliary function should be done during chronic use in humans.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2224
This paper describes the theoretical foundations for the electric power and hydrogen generator that functions with zero energy input without violating the laws of thermodynamics. This generation system is a combined energy cycle consisting of the H2O=H2+1/2O2 reduction reaction performed by the water electrolytic cell and the H2+1/2O2=H2O oxidation reaction performed by the fuel cell. This electrolytic method differs from the conventional electrolytic scheme in that if a quasi-static process is assumed, so that the theoretical power requirement is only 17% of the total energy required. This method performs electrostatic-to-chemical energy conversion by electrostatic-induction potential-superposed electrolytic scheme. If this electrolytic cell that delivers the pure stoichiometric H2-O2 mixture is combined with a fuel cell to form an energy cycle, then this may lead to the concepts of a hydrogen redox electric power generator and a hydrogen redox hydrogen generator that use alkaline water electrolyte or solid polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for both electrolytic cell and fuel cell. In the power generator, part of power delivered by the fuel cell is returned to the electrolytic cell, and the remainder represents the net power output. According to calculations based on data from the operational conditions for commercially available electrolytic cell and fuel cell, more than 70% of the power delivered from the fuel cell can be extracted outside the cycle as net power output without the use of any external source of energy.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2262
Objective: To analyse safety, tolerability, efficacy and logistic issues related to administration of 3 types of therapeutic feeds to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) from tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Design: A three arm open label, block randomized trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. commercially available ready to use therapeutic feed (C-RUTF), locally prepared ready to use therapeutic feed ( L-RUTF) & amylase rich food(ARF) was given to 1092 tribal children of SAM in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra, India during 2014-2015. Setting: Tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Participants: 1092 children of SAM, 766 on C-RUTF, 184 on L-RUTF & 143 on ARF followed on treatment for 8 weeks. Outcomes: The recovery rates in the three groups, any untoward effects during treatment and logistic aspects of procurement, delivery, storage & administration of therapeutic feeds. Results: Total number of children with SAM were 1092. Gr 1 – Out of 765 children of SAM, 404 (52.8%) recovered on C-RUTF. Gr 2 – 80 (43.5%) recovered out of 184 on L-RUTF. Gr 3 – 64 (44.8%) recovered on ARF at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, the difference being statistically significant between C-RUTF & others. Out of 38 children on C-RUTF, it was observed that 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 4 children reported more activity in terms of playfulness, more speaking & smiling. 31 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 34 children on L-RUTF, 6 children reported diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting & 4 children reported fever. 3 children reported more activity. 23 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 19 children on ARF, 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 3 reported more activity. 13 had nothing specific to report. Untoward effects were noted in 3 out of 38 (7.89%) in C-RUTF group, 11 out of 34 (32.35%) in L-RUTF group and 3 out of 19 (15.7%) in ARF group. Conclusion: C-RUTF was found to be more efficacious, with least untoward effects, easy to administer and was more palatable when compared to L-RUTF & ARF.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2143
The chemical and structural similarities of calcium orthophosphates (abbreviated as CaPO4)to the mineral composition of natural bones and teeth have made them a good candidate for bone tissue engineering applications. Nowadays, a variety of natural or synthetic CaPO4-based biomaterials is produced and has been extensively used for dental and orthopedic applications. Despite their inherent brittleness, CaPO4 materials possess several appealing characteristics as scaffold materials. Namely, their biocompatibility and variable stoichiometry, thus surface charge density, functionality and dissolution properties, make them suitable for both drug and growth factor delivery. Therefore, CaPO4, especially hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphates (TCPs), have attracted a significant interest in simultaneous use as bone grafts and drug delivery vehicles. Namely, CaPO4-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds and/or carriers have been designed to induce bone formation and vascularization. These scaffolds are usually porous and harbor various types of drugs, biologically active molecules and/or cells. Over the past few decades, their application as bone grafts in combination with stem cells has gained much importance. This review discusses the source, manufacturing methods and advantages of using CaPO4 scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Perspective future applications comprise drug delivery and tissue engineering purposes.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2116
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are versatile materials with a broad range of applications in various fields such as cancer therapy, drug delivery. In this work, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of silver nanoparticles was evaluation against lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of nanoparticles was performed by MTT assay, while their apoptotic activity was tested through TUNEL method. The results of MTT of A549 have illustrate that fifty percent of cells destruction in concentrations more than 250 µg/ml of Ag-NPs. Apoptotic results of nanoparticles have shown more than fifty percent of apoptosis on A549 cell line. HT-29 display full apoptosis at concentrations more than 500 µg/ml. It seems that synthesized Ag-NPs by using P. farcta extract can be candidate as anti-cancer agent in treatment many cancers through creating or discovering new drug forms
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-18-2076
This review examines the adjunctive use of ozone therapy for periodontal disease. It summarizes proposed antimicrobial and host‑modulating effects, delivery methods, and safety considerations, and calls for standardized trials to define clinical benefit.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-18-2074
Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of non-fistulous urinary incontinence (UI) among non-parturient women at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study of 500 non-parturient women presenting with non- fistulous gynaecological symptoms at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis to determine the risk factors of urinary incontinence. Results: Mean age was 36.61 (SD=10.1) years and almost all (83.2%) were married. Prevalence of urinary incontinence is 21.4%. Majority (40.6%) had symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and 8.0% had urge urinary incontinence. Only 19.6% of those who leaked urine in the last one month sought medical attention despite visiting the hospital for other ailment(s), while of those that had ever leaked urine, 13.1% of them ever sought medical attention. Risk factors for UI were age at first delivery (OR=21.21, 95%CI=2.179-206.478), marital status (OR=0.142, 95%CI=0.044-0.454), chronic illness (OR=3.987, 95%CI=2.147-7.405) and history of prolonged labour (OR=3.111, 95%CI=1.584-6.110). Conclusion: UI is not uncommon in Nigeria. The identified predisposing factors were low age at first delivery, history of prolonged labour and chronic illness. There is need to sensitize women of the symptoms and complications associated with urinary incontinence as well as its prevention and need to seek medical care if they have the symptoms.
Apr 2018
Heart failure(HF) is a disease with high morbility and mortality. The benefits of current pharmacological and device therapy for survival outcomes of patients with HF are limited. Gene therapy represents a novel promising strategy in treating HF, as it can theoretically normalize the aberrantly expressed genes and their regulatory mechanisms permanently. However, the translation of gene therapy for HF from bench to bedside has been less successful. There are many challenges ahead for gene therapy, especially in the areas of selection of the optimal targets, the needs for developing delivery systems and the improvement in design of clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the most promising gene targets which have been used in experimental and clinical studies for treating HF, highlighting the results from several clinical trials. We also review the latest development in gene therapy vectors and delivery methods, aiming to provide directions for future studies.
Apr 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-18-2004
Human proteome project was revolutionized about 40 years ago with purpose of summarizing whole proteomic data at one place. It was launched after human genome project to map and observe all proteins. The goal related proteomic study is to draft the entire human proteome in disease diagnosis by using bioinformatics tools. Pillars of human proteome project provide different databases related to proteins at transcriptional and translational level. Human proteome organization(HUPO) published biology disease HUPO whose aim is to measure protein and proteome by life and processes related to human diseases. Different human organ like plasma, liver, brain and diabetic base project are used to characterize human disease and health. Major data resources accumulated in databases like peptides Atlas, GPMDB and neXtProt for proteins. Matrices of human proteome project identify and characterize the protein products as Post translational modification (PTM), splice various isoforms from 20,300 proteins. Matrices related to different years make proteomes counterpart by magnify the research biomedical community with high output of instruments and specimen pre-analytical protocols. CALIPHO multidisciplinary group provides information about protein complexities, interactions, function and structure complexities after Uniport and Swissprot. Different bioinformatics tools are used for structural and functional annotations of protein, disease diagnosis and mutations due to protein. Extensive study of human proteome project has been proved helpful in disease treatment at translational and post- translational levels. In future, human proteome project along with bioinformatics will include protein profiling, biomarkers, Mass spectrophotometer technique and cross analysis of different proteome projects.