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Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4371
Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV infection, only around 25% of at-risk individuals in the United States have accessed a prescription. One way to increase PrEP uptake is through the sexual health screening of patients and linkage to PrEP in primary care settings. The objective of this analysis was to assess the barriers and implementation strategies during a screening and linkage to PrEP pilot intervention. Primary care patients were screened for PrEP indication during routine primary care visits. Of the 1,225 individuals screened, 1.8% (n=22) were eligible for PrEP and from those, 77.3% (n=17) attended the specialist appointment and were prescribed PrEP. Primary care patients (n=30) and providers (n=8) then participated in semi-structured interviews assessing their experience with the pilot intervention. Using an applied thematic analytic approach, patients and providers identified barriers and related improvement strategies that could be classified into four main categories: 1) Financial Barriers: Individual- vs. Clinic-level Considerations 2) The Role of Stigma, Discomfort, and Cultural Factors 3) Logistical Hurdles and Streamlining the Intervention, and 4) The Lack of PrEP Knowledge and the Need for Education. Findings support the accepatability and feasibility of screening for PrEP in primary care along with appropriate implementation strategies. This study suggests that because of the high volume of patients seen in primary care, sexual health screenings and linkage to PrEP interventions have the potential to reduce new incident HIV infections among diverse sexual minority men.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4204
Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an element of the biomedical interventions of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. The level of protection is strongly correlated to PrEP drug adherence. In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers (FSW) is 15.5%. The 2020 integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey did not report on PrEP adherence among FSW. This study therefore assessed the level of adherence to PrEP and its predictors among FSW in South-Western Nigeria. Methodology This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021. Study population were brothel-based FSW at Gambari Ogbomoso and Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 156 FSW participated in the study. Data was collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. Results One hundred and forty-nine properly completed questionnaires were analyzed. Ninety-nine respondents (66.4%) have been working for more than 5years as a FSW and 65(43.6%) had initiation of sex work before 18 years of age. Respondents’ sexual behavior showed that 55 (36.9%) of total respondents had consistent use of condom. One hundred and thirty-four respondents (89.9%) had good knowledge of PrEP, 97 (65.1%) had good attitude towards PrEP while 111 (74.5%) had good perception of risk of HIV infection. One hundred and thirty-two (88.6%) reported to be taking PrEP and 119 (79.9%) had good adherence to PrEP. Predictors of adherence to PrEP were educational status, age of commencement of sex work and monthly income. It was found that educated sex workers were 2.67 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.280-5.591, p=0.019). Those who commenced sex work after clocking 18 years of age were 75% times less likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=0.251, 95% CI=0.106-0.597, p=0.001) while those with average monthly income more than #10,000 were 1.65 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=1.65, 95% CI=0.674-4.042, p=0.0275. Discussion and Recommendation The level of adherence to PrEP is considerably high and underscores a positive effect of the efforts of the Government of Nigeria in controlling HIV as a threat by 2030. Further studies would be useful to understand the behavioral factors associated with low adherence to PrEP among FSW who have spent more than 5 years in sex work.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-21-3966
The impact of the environment on the development of non-communicable chronic diseases has gained prominence in recent years. In this context, a new chemical exposure assessment strategy is needed that is capable of revealing multiple exposures, as well as reflecting the cumulative interaction between such environmental contaminants in the biological system. From this perspective, metabolomics emerges as a promising tool in this field of knowledge, since it is able to identify changes in metabolism and/or gene expression resulting from exposure to environmental factors. The aim of this study was to describe important concepts, as well as the steps that permeate the metabolomics analysis, and also to present some relevant works with the application of metabolomics in the assessment of chemical exposure. A literature review showed a significant increase in the use of metabolomics in environmental toxicology in recent years. This increase is mainly due to advances in analytical techniques and the improvement of data processing tools. However, this field of investigation remains little explored, especially with regard to the study of toxicity associated with chronic exposure to low levels of chemical agents. Thus, it is urgent that omic biomarkers can be used as a tool for decision-making, especially with a view to protecting, diagnosing and recovering human health.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3620
COVID-19 remains a global public health emergency till date. It is eminent that the transmission of the disease is subjective to people’s readiness to implement public health preventative strategies and these are often related to knowledge. Proper public knowledge about COVID-19 plus its predisposing factors is critical to effectively manage the increasing public health risks. However, socio-demographics have been implicated to COVID-19 infection risk and management outcome. Thus, this present study examined the influence of knowledge on COVID-19 risk outcome, the contribution of socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19 and predicted synergistic effects of knowledge and socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19. All measured was strictly perception amongst African sampled with an online Google form as the primary data source. The Correlation designed used Zr Statistics of Fisher Transformation to determine the differences between the two correlation coefficients of the prediction variables after an initial test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation between COVID-19 risk and Knowledge plus socio-demographic. The hypothesis was tested using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 and iStat at varying significant levels of 0.05 and 0.01 respectively. Generally, a significant relationship exists between COVID-19 risk and knowledge level but not with composite socio-demographics. However, specific significant relationship (p<0.05) was noticed between COVID-19 risk and age (r=0.220) as well as marital status (r=-0.158). Educational level, location, and sex showed no correlation (p>0.05) with COVID-19 exposure. Also, the proposition of no significant difference between correlation coefficients of socio-demographics and knowledge was proven otherwise (p<0.05). The regression model (R2=0.420 and adjusted R2=0.404, df=2, 336, F-value=27.012. p=0.00) significantly predicted the synergic contributions of knowledge level and socio-demographics to COVID-19 exposure. 40.04% of the COVID-19 risk exposure can be explained by socio-demographics and knowledge about COVID-19. Synergic contribution of knowledge and socio-demographics proved risk prediction to COVID-19. Traditional factor like age should be decidedly considered and attention should be drawn towards good knowledge about COVID-19 especially its signs and symptoms plus transmission.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-20-3407
Benzene is known as an environmental and industrial pollutant. One way to check the amount of exposure to benzene is to measure its metabolites in the urine. Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid which is one of its metabolites is also as a biological indicator of exposure to benzene. In this study, the relationship between the amount of this biomarker and the environmental benzene concentration was investigated in two groups of policemen working outdoors in the traffic-congested areas and indoor in the same area. The results showed that the highest amount of benzene was in Salman Farsi Station at 4.44 ppm. At the same time, the biomarker measured in the urine showed 127.20 μg / L, which was the highest amount. In addition, the amount of benzene in the outdoor was approximately 3 times more than indoor and the amount of biomarker measured in outdoor employees was two times more than indoors ones. In general, wherever there was more benzene, the biomarker would also show a higher amount.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2333
Introduction: The introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against incident HIV infection has changed the epidemiology of disease as continuous treatment with tenofovir and emtricitabine among high risk groups can reduce the relative risk for incident HIV infection by over 90%.However,despite the approved use of TDF+FTC, as a fixed dose combination of emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg, for oral PrEP since 2012 , it does not appear to have become widely accepted and in use among healthcare workers especially those in low income countries. Researches are therefore needed to consider the awareness and practice of health workers towards the availability of PrEP services in this part of the world. Healthcare workers are expected to be promoters of the use of PrEP services. Method: A cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in southern Nigerian over a 6 months period. Data were collected from 250 healthcare workers using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The data analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) for windows version 20.0 software (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA). Frequency counts were generated for all variables and statistical test of significance was performed with chi-square test. Significance was fixed at P < 0.05 and highly significance if P < 0.01. Results: A high proportion of the respondents(>60%) were highly educated healthcare workers(majorly Nurses and medical doctors) and about half (55%) having at least 10yrs working experience in the health sector with most especially on the HIV program(>90%), majority (94%) of the health workers were aware about ARV pre-exposure prophylaxis but very few ( 6% )could give the standard definition for PrEP as the use of ARV drugs by HIV negative persons to prevent the acquisition of HIV.Most(67%) of them gave wrong definition for PrEP and worse still about one fifth (20%) had no idea what PrEP was all about. Most (70%) could not correctly identify all the ARV drugs in a standard PrEP regimen while about 35% had no idea at all of the approved ARVs used for PrEP. Though PrEP services was not available at any of the facilities where the respondents were working ,the approved drugs(TDF+FTC) for PrEP were available at about 40% of the health facilities(public and private) and 15% community pharmacies in the vicinity of the respondents . Only 60% of the respondents were willing to access PrEP service for themselves if indicated while 35% would not use such services even if it is indicated for reasons which include concern about adverse effects and safety.Awareness of PrEP was significantly associated with the ability of the healthcare workers to identify the correct ARV regimen, ARV dosages and also correct indication for PrEP. Awareness was also associated with the knowledge of the correct proven efficacy for PrEP(>95%) and high likelihood of seeing a patient placed on PrEP and willingness to use PrEP based on personal indication Conclusion: The level of awareness of PrEP among healthcare workers was very high at about 90% yet many(60%) could not give correct standard definitions of PrEP, PrEP ARV regimen, dosages and level of efficacy of PrEP. Also none of the respondent had PrEP services available either at their center or any known referral centers. This is unacceptable in a country with second highest HIV burden in the world and has adopted PrEP in her national HIV guideline with ongoing PrEP demonstration studies. The few healthcare workers who were able to mentioned this information were more likely to have seen a patient placed on PrEP and were more willing to use PrEP based on personal indication. Recommendations: There is need to deepen the and knowledge of PrEP among healthcare workers especially those in poor resource settings by engaging them through update courses outreach, educational resources, campaigns/seminars and workshops and various job aids. All healthcare service providers should be very comfortable to carry out HIV risk assessment of their clients and provide PrEP to those indicated directly or indirectly through referral
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-17-1725
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists cadmium as one of its priority hazardous substances. The agency conducted a comprehensive literature review of cadmium and used the information to develop a toxicological profile that identified the full range of health effects associated with exposure to cadmium. It included an assessment that identified screening levels, termed health guidance values or minimal risk levels (MRLs), below which adverse health effects are not expected. In this paper, we describe how MRLs for cadmium are derived. For the acute inhalation MRL, the traditional no observed adverse effect level or lowest observed adverse effect level (NOAEL/LOAEL) approach is used; for the oral intermediate MRL, the benchmark dose (BMD) approach is used. MRLs were developed for the most sensitive route-specific end points, other than mortality and cancer that were sufficiently supported and justified by the data. These included an acute duration (1–14 day exposure) inhalation MRL of 0.03 µg Cd/m3 for alveolar histiocytic infiltration and focal inflammation in alveolar septa and an intermediate duration (15–365 day exposure) oral MRL of 0.5 µg Cd/kg/day for decreased bone mineral density
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-16-1129
Objective: Radiation exposure to the general public and patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures is of great concern, especially to the medical community. Revision of Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules several years ago yield new recommendations for the administration of therapeutic doses of 131-Iodine that included the release criteria. The guidelines for ambulatory treatment included patient education and radiation safety measures to minimize exposure and contamination. Our goal in this study was to evaluate patient compliance with the radiation safety instruction protocols given to them before the therapeutic dose and monitor radiation levels in different house areas at different times after an ablation therapy of 3700MBq or more. Method: Patients with well differentiated thyroid cancer being evaluated for ablation therapy with 131-Iodine were invited to participate. A thorough set of instructions on radiation protection were given verbally and in writing. Patient house was assessed with a Geiger Muller detector at 24 and 72 hours or above to obtain direct radiation levels in several areas. Patient radiation levels were also monitored. Results: A total of 12 patients have been included, 11 females and 1 male, median age was 53 years. Tumor histology was 10 papillary, 2 papillary-follicular variant and 1 follicular carcinoma; 92% of the cases were T1, N0, M0. Home location was urban in 77% and rural in 33% of the patients; 67% of the patients had an educational level between 9-12 grade. Radioiodine doses range from 3441-5994MBq. None of the patients had a relatives or companion in the house. Mean patient exposure 24 hours after the dose at 1 meter was 12mrem/hr, 0.120mSv/h; this represented a retained dose of 2181MBq (59mCi). Only one patient (T1, Nx, M1) had an exposure rate at 1 meter of 100mrem/hr (1mSv/hr) at 24 hours. At 72 hours the exposure changed to 4mrem/hr, 0.040mSv/hr, retained dose of 725.2MBq (19.6mCi). Higher exposure rates in the house were at 24 hours in the bed and pillows (7mrem/hr), kitchen trash (13mrem/hr) and bathroom sink (8mrem/hr). The exposure rates at the toilet and shower were similar (3-4mrem/hr). There was a significant decreased in the exposure rate at 72 hours in all house areas. Patients with the higher exposure rates were those with metastatic disease, and small living facilities. Patients living in rural or urban location had no difference in the exposure rate. The educational levels were not related either to the exposure rate. Conclusion: Patient compliance with radiation protection instructions and Nuclear Regulatory Commission release criteria was good. Radiation exposure levels in the house areas are safe. Special instructions must be design to minimize contamination in the bathroom and kitchen Caution is recommended in the release of patients with extensive metastatic disease and doses of 5920MBq or more.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-16-925
Objectives Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV acquisition has been shown to be safe and effective in populations at risk of HIV acquisition. We examined PrEP awareness, experience and acceptance among men who have sex with men (MSM) in southwest Switzerland. Methods Between 1st June 2011 and 31st August 2012, individuals attending 1) MSM screening clinics (Checkpoint Geneva) and 2) meeting areas were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire covering sexual practices and PrEP awareness, experience and interest in participating in future PrEP trials. Results Of 918 men approached, 654 (71%) agreed to participate, the majority (536/654, 82%) enrolled via Checkpoint. Most participants (512/654, 78%) were homosexual; 21/654 (3.2%) disclosed being HIV-positive; 140/654 (21%) had unknown HIV status. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a partner of different or unknown HIV status (non-serosorting) was practised by 49% of participants during the preceding year, more by participants of positive / unknown HIV status than by those negative / undisclosed status (68% vs 43%, P<0.001). Awareness of PrEP was reported in 42% (very aware in 17% and slightly aware in 25%); Checkpoint participants were more aware than those from other venues (47% versus 16%, P<0.001). PrEP experience was low (1.5%); 20% expressed interest in participating in future PrEP trials. Conclusions This is the first study exploring MSM PrEP awareness in Switzerland. Although overall awareness was 42%, interest in participating in future PrEP trials was low, against high frequencies of UAI and non-serosorting. If interest in using PrEP in practice is similar, alternative measures to curb HIV transmission are required in this population.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2232.jf-26-6197
Background The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices has led to the exploration of non-traditional methods to enhance crop yield and resilience. Spiritual Blessings (Biofield) Energy Treatment (SBET), a form of consciousness-driven energy healing, is increasingly being investigated for its potential to modulate biological systems at the cellular and molecular levels without use of chemical additives Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SBET on the growth characteristics and overall productivity of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Methods The study was conducted using a controlled experimental design, where seeds and plots were divided into two groups: control and treated. The treated group received a remote SBET by a recognized practitioner, while the control group remained untreated. Both groups were maintained under identical environmental conditions (soil, water). Parameters such as germination rate, plant height, leaf area index, and total fruit yield were monitored over a full growth cycle. Results Results showed that plant height, number of branches, and total number of leaves per plant were significantly improved by 35.14% (p ≤ 0.001), 41.64% (p = 0.011), and 49.01% (p = 0.029), respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group. Additionally, fruit length and total fruit yield (tons per hectare) were significantly increased by 39.68% (p = 0.002) and 15.92%, respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group. Conclusion Exposure of SBET significantly improved both vegetative and reproductive development, yielding substantial increases in plant height, branching, and leaf production.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-26-6169
Introduction The risk of exposure to M. tuberculosis among healthcare workers (HCW) remains a public health concern worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute supported the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care in strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in healthcare facilities (HCF), integrating tuberculosis (TB) infection control (TBIC) into the intervention strategy. We describe the impact of this intervention on TBIC practices and HCW screening outcomes. Methods The strategy, implemented from June 2021–September 2022, included IPC mentorship training, competency assessments, and use of a standardized risk assessment tool for progress monitoring. For the training purposes, the project developed eight practical problem-solving IPC modules including an occupational health component. Trained mentors conducted bi-monthly site support visits (SSV), used a checklist to track compliance, and assessed competencies of HCW at the targeted facilities. Facility-based risk assessments were conducted three times during the project implementation. Results During the intervention, 1,865 HCW from 105 facilities were trained. Availability and use of personal protective equipment improved by 49% and 42%, respectively. The proportion of HCF with designated areas for sputum collection increased by 43%. The proportion of HCF that screened HCW for TB increased by 42% with 3,761 HCW screened during the project period. Fourteen were diagnosed with TB and referred for care, resulting in 372 new cases per 100,000. Conclusion The implemented strategy of training, mentorship, and regular SSV strengthened TBIC measures, improved TB screening practices and case finding among HCW. Improving and maintaining practices is critical for effective TBIC.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-26-6123
The objective of this study was to improve the growth and yields of bottle gourd plants after exposure with spiritual blessing energy treatment (SBET) to the seeds and land. Twenty-one morphological traits of leaves, fruit, seed, and twenty-eight phenological parameters were employed to evaluate bottle gourd’s growth and yields after SBET. Results of bottle gourd showed a diversifiable characteristic of leaves, fruits, and seeds. Nine qualitative traits exhibited with distinct differences in the biofield-energy treatment group compared to the control. At harvest, growth-related phenological parameters such as plant vine length, number of branches, internodal length, and leaf width were significantly improved in the treatment group by 65.43% (p ≤ 0.001), 51.78% (p ≤ 0.01), 49.40% (p ≤ 0.001), and 40.82% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, yield-related parameters such as number of female flowers, number of fruits per vine, and fruit yield per hectare were significantly increased by 47.73% (p ≤ 0.05), 26.52% (p ≤ 0.001), and 38.99% (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, with respect to the control. With distinct qualitative variations and high statistical significance, these results suggest that SBET may serve as a potent non-traditional intervention for optimizing phenological development and agricultural output of bottle gourd.
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.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5715
Recruitment for research studies focused on communicable diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) has historically been challenging, particularly among populations who have been underrepresented in media messaging, yet maintain a significant vulnerability to new HIV cases, like Black women. This study examines the recruitment strategies utilized in Aim 2 of pilot study at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) in Houston, Texas that was funded by the Ujima Mentoring Program to develop, implement, and evaluate a video log (vlog)-based intervention. The overarching goal of the pilot study was to promote the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender Black women in Harris County, Texas. Aim 2 involved the creation of a culturally relevant vlog for use in Aim 3, which sought to educate and motivate participants to consider PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy. With the growing role of digital platforms in public health outreach, social media was employed alongside traditional recruitment methods such as flyers and word-of-mouth referrals. Despite an expanded online reach, engagement remained low, and participation rates did not increase proportionally to the number of individuals who viewed recruitment materials. The reluctance to participate was largely attributed to stigma surrounding HIV and concerns about being publicly associated with an HIV prevention study based on participants feedback to the research team. Even the availability of research incentives to encourage participation did not significantly improve recruitment accrual goals, particularly among healthcare providers who experienced limitations with eligibility due to institutional policies. This study underscores the need to better understand the social and cultural barriers that prevent Black women and healthcare providers from engaging in HIV prevention research. While digital recruitment strategies can enhance visibility to a larger audience, they must be supported with trust-building efforts, community partnerships, and culturally competent messaging to encourage meaningful participation. These findings point to the critical need for multi-faceted recruitment strategies that go beyond social media campaigns and actively build trust within communities, ensuring that HIV prevention research and interventions are both accessible and culturally resonant.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5515
Background Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common and debilitating complication in people living with HIV (PLHIV). While HIV itself contributes to neuropathy, certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs, particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT), are known for their neurotoxic effects. Objectives To evaluate the impact of ART on HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy (HIV-PN) and to determine whether certain ART regimens increase the risk or severity of neuropathy. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 HIV-positive patients. Neuropathy was diagnosed using clinical criteria, Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Patients were grouped based on their ART regimen, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between ART type and peripheral neuropathy severity. Results It was noted that patients on older NRTIs (stavudine, zidovudine) had significantly higher rates of peripheral neuropathy (p=0.002) and tenofovir-based regimens were associated with lower peripheral neuropathy prevalence (p=0.01). There was a significant correlation between the duration of ART exposure and peripheral neuropathy severity (p<0.001), suggesting a cumulative neurotoxic effect. Conclusion Older ART regimens, particularly stavudine and zidovudine, significantly contribute to HIV-PN. The study supports the WHO recommendation to phase out neurotoxic ART and highlights the importance of early ART regimen optimisation to prevent long-term neurological complications.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3379.jwc-25-5549
This short communication/mini-review immensely emphasizes human health to explicate and elucidate management of the global scourge associated with the determinants and impact of vulnerabilities to extreme hydrologic events and climate change in the absence of risk reduction and their concomitant sequelae. The most effective approach for risk reduction associated with biodiversity, environmental, and health vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme hydrological events, an ecological framework must take into cognizance exposure, vulnerability, and resilience. This framework emphasizes the significance of understanding the inextricable linkage between ecosystems and human communities are exposed and susceptible to hazards, sensitivity to these hazards, and capacity to cope, adapt and recuperate. Risk reduction incorporates structurally attenuating exposure, strengthening resilience, and sustainably enhancing overall vulnerability management. Extreme weather and climate-associated incidents impinge on human health with consequential morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic challenges and constraints. Climate change and extreme event have altered the frequency, intensity, geographic distribution, and propensity as drivers for change in the future. The indicted variables include hydrological events, such as precipitation, floods and droughts as well as heat waves, wildfires, global warming, extreme temperatures, and hurricanes. The pathways inextricably-linked with extreme events to economic dissipation, human health prognosis and outcomes remain inexplicably diverse and complex; and thus, difficult to predict due to their emergence and reemergence from local, societal and environmental factors which influence disease burden.
Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-25-5555
The roof of an HCl fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) chemical tank failed by accident after it had been operated for less than its expected lifetime. A possible cause is the change in day and night temperature, which lead to the cyclic change in the concentration of HCl vapor in contact with roof part. To investigate this possibility, a detailed analysis on the durability of the material exposed to cyclic solution concentration is required. In this research, vinyl ester-glass fiber composite specimens were exposed to 35 mass % and 0 mass% of HCl alternately at 40°C to replicate cyclic concentration exposure in both the vapor and liquid phases. The mass uptake and penetration depth of HCl as well as the strength loss of the material were investigated. Mass uptake and thickness change in vapor phase shows two times higher than liquid phase, at 3.5% and 6% respectively. This occurs due to differences in the concentration of solutions that diffuse to the specimen in the vapor phase and liquid phase. This phenomenon arises from variations in the concentration of solutions that diffuse to the specimen in both vapor and liquid phases. The diffusion process is facilitated by osmotic pressure, leading to material swelling and contributing to their degradation. The result of flexural strength measurement of specimens indicated a decreasing trend as exposure time increased. The flexural strength decreases by up to 36% due to plasticization. The Cl and water content profile in specimens that obtained from elemental mapping of cross-sections using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) are enhancing the study on how materials degrade, which may be a reason for damage to FRP tank roofs.
Mar 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-24-5387
The formation of narratives while listening to music is seen across cultures, but narrative perception in Asian Americans who have bicultural identities is not well understood. This study analyzed the potential effect of cultural identity on adolescents’ ability to form narratives with East Asian music. Two groups of adolescents (n=42), Asian American (n=28) and Non-Asian American (n=14), listened to three music excerpts with varying degrees of Asian and Western influences. The most Asian-influenced excerpt was a Gugak Korean traditional piece titled T’ungae sanjo, performed on traditional Korean folk instruments and creating a distinctly East Asian sound. The Mixed excerpt, containing both Western and Asian influences, was from Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolor. It contained a Chinese folk melody while being performed on a Western instrument. Finally, the most Western-influenced excerpt was from Toru Takemitsu’s Rain Tree Sketch. The piece contained octatonicism, a musical technique prominent in modern Western composers’ works. Participants completed a survey containing a free response question where they described their imagined narratives and a survey containing 4 questions measuring narrative engagement. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and reflexive thematic analysis were used to yield the results from the data collected. Results demonstrated that the extent of narrativization was dependent on enculturation. Asian Americans, with their bicultural identities, demonstrated consistent narrativization across all excerpts. In contrast, non-Asian Americans narrativized significantly less for the traditional Asian excerpt. Within the free responses, both cohorts identified similar themes with the Western-influenced music, as they have had overlapping exposure to Western culture leading to shared thought patterns. However, there was substantial thematic variability between cohorts with the Asian-influenced music, as the two cohorts had different levels of exposure to Asian culture. This study thus reinforces the notion that enculturation has a profound effect on narrativization in music, demonstrated through Asian American adolescents’ abilities to narrativize to music containing both Asian and Western roots.
Jan 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-24-5355
This paper examines the concept of conflict- and war-related hatred as a multifaceted construct. Drawing upon various theoretical frameworks, we hypothesized that hatred in the context of conflict and war would encompass five distinct dimensions: Groupthink (Contagious Hatred), Destructiveness, Exposure, Chronicity, and Extreme-Severe Affect. To empirically validate this conceptual framework, we conducted a second-order factor analysis using data from 709 questionnaire responses collected from citizens in the Gaza Strip. The findings revealed that the optimal model comprises three primary constructs: Contagious Hatred, Chronicity, and Extreme- Severe Affect. Based on these results, we argue that collective existential threats in contexts of protracted conflict and war amplify groupthink, foster a sense of chronicity, and evoke intense negative affect. These findings underscore the complexity of hatred as a psychological and social phenomenon in conflict zones.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-24-5219
Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is due to autoantibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R Ab). It is unclear whether COVID-19 vaccines can trigger flares of glomerular diseases such as primary MN. There have been increasing reports of glomerular diseases presenting or flaring after receipt of COVID-19 vaccines. We present a patient with primary MN who developed nephrotic syndrome after receiving her second mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine with positive PLA2R Ab. Renal biopsy confirmed primary MN. She was treated for her primary MN flare with rituximab in a manner similar to non-vaccine-associated MN, which led to significant reduction in both PLA2R Ab level and proteinuria. This case adds to the growing literature on MN flares after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Close follow-up of patients with primary MN and other glomerular diseases after COVID-19 vaccination is warranted. Further research is needed to determine the pathophysiology behind vaccine-induced MN flares and whether there is a potential association between exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens and loss of tolerance to the PLA2R antigen.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Background Immunoglobulins are bio-receptors found embedded in the cell membrane with a biological role that detects the harmful molecules of a test compound. These bio-receptors interface between a biological system and its external environment that transduce information to the effector via intermediate messengers in which its response efficiency usually exhausts at high doses of exposure to external stimuli. The purpose of this review article is, therefore, to elaborate on the computational method for systemic biology which was designed to convert qualitative pharmacological data into the quantitative one that might help to determine the toxicity of a test compound. Methods First, acute toxicity studies using different levels of doses prepared from each test compound have been conducted on Balb c mice. Then, blood specimens from the tail and facial veins of each sampled Balb c mouse were collected 3 days before dosing as a reference test and 4 hr after dosing for comparison. The changes in the efficiency of immunoglobulins immune response (ΔIg) after dosing were determined using quantitative immunoassay and the body’s response against the dose as the toxic reaction rate (r) and the toxic severity (s) were finally determined using computational methods as r=d/t-ΔIg mg/sec and (s=r/w×100) %/sec respectively, where (w) represents the body weight of a study animal, (t) represents the period of time at which undesirable bio-physiological responses manifested on treated study animals and (ΔIg) represents the changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum after dosing. Results The results of different studies revealed that the dose has never limited the toxic property of a test compound but the length of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on study animals. The period of time at which adverse effects manifested on treated Balb c mice was inversely related to the amount of dose administered in the oral route. The higher the dose of the administered test compound, the shorter the period of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on treated Balb c mice. This means that the adverse effect of test compounds was not because of the dose but rather due to its toxic reaction rate which ultimately determined the toxic severity in the natural process of treated Balb c mice. Balb c mice treated with a dose whose toxic reaction rate was ≤ 0 survived from death whereas Balb c mice treated with a dose that had a toxic reaction rate of > 0 died at different lengths of time after dosing depending on the toxic severity of a test compound. It could be a scientific fact to declare that a test compound is safe when the toxic reaction rate (r) and toxic severity (s) of a dose is ≤ 0 and toxic when it is > 0 in the natural processes of a study animal.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-23-4634
Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a persistent global public health challenge. In 2020, approximately 37.9 million individuals were living with HIV globally, including 1.7 million children <15 years old, with a global HIV prevalence of 0.8% among adults. A larger portion of people living with HIV are found in low-and middle-income countries, and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to about 68% of people living with HIV in the world. Strikingly, with increased uptakes in PMTCT, challenges in ART programs, and high viremia among children and adolescents in SSA, the success rate of ART might be quickly compromised, with possible HIVDR emergence, particularly after years of paediatric ART exposure. Therefore, monitoring ART response in children and adolescents in terms of HIVDR patterns and other socio-economic determinants of disease progression might help achieve better treatment outcomes at individual levels. At a programmatic level, this can guide further optimization of treatment options for SSA especially Zimbabwean rural where there is paucity of information on HIVDR prevalence in children and adolescents. Methods We enrolled 89 children and adolescents experiencing virologic failure from Chidamoyo Christian Hospital in Hurungwe. We managed to amplify all the 89 using nested PCR and 32.5% (29) had resistance to at least one ART drug and analysis was done using the 29 samples. Results Among the 89 participants with virologic failure,29 were resistant to at least one of their ART drugs. 39.2% of males and 23.07% of females had HIV-1 with resistance to at least one medication. Among 29 participants with HIVDR mutations, the prevalence of at least one HIVDR mutation to protease inhibitors (PIs), Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI), and Non-Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) were 6.47% ,46.76% and 46.76% respectively. Of the 29 participants who had HIVDR 19 (65.5%) had resistance to a drug they were currently taking and they needed to be switched to a better effective ART regimen Conclusion Use of HIVDR testing in guiding and monitoring development of HIVDR at the start of ART or at 1st failure can be very important in treatment options and patient management.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-23-4658
Brucella species cause a high burden of disease globally, infecting both humans and animals; however, One Health has been under-appreciated in Colombia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in two remote indigenous communities from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. These communities live in close contact with their livestock, indicating a potential susceptibility to zoonotic pathogens. The livestock routinely kept by these communities include cattle, small ruminants and pigs, the known hosts of human pathogenic Brucella spp.. A low level of exposure to Brucella spp. was documented, with only one positive participant among 539 participants (0.2%; 95% CI 0.0 – 1.0). Nevertheless, due to the high risk that zoonoses pose, we recommend discussions with the community for the potential establishment of One Health surveillance studies for the early detection and prevention of future zoonotic disease threats.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-23-4450
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies globally, with a lifetime incidence of 8.6% in men and 6.7% in women. While acute appendicitis should be managed promptly to reduce the morbidity associated with perforated appendicitis, morbidity from negative appendicectomy is similar to morbidity from uncomplicated appendicitis. Computer tomography is widely used to aid in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, however, is costly, often has a slow turn around time, and is associated with exposure to ionising radiation. In contrast, ultrasound is cheap, widely available, requires minimal patient preparation, and does not require exposure to ionising radiation. Ultrasonography is becoming increasingly used for adult patients in emergency settings. The literature has estimated the sensitivity of ultrasound for acute appendicitis in adult patients as between 39-96.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is significantly increased when the appendix is visualised. In cases of a non visualised appendix, indirect ultrasound signs can improve the sensitivity to 93.9% and specificity to 85.7%. The variation in sensitivity and specificity for ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults may be due to multiple factors. Ultrasonographer experience, a retrocaecal appendix and obesity have all been described. Given the availability, cost and potential to reduce the rate of negative appendicectomy, ultrasound should be considered as the first line imaging modality for adult patients presenting with suspected AA.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4389
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) is one of the most destructive insect pests that threaten apiculture. Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology during the period from the 2nd_ of April to 29th_ of October 2021 to evaluate the lethal effect of Bee glue (proplis) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki (Btk) on the G.mellonella. Five concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of proplis extract and (0.62,1.25,2.5,5 and 10 mg/ml) of Bt were used for each proplis extract and Bt in a Completely Randomized Design. Powder ethanol extract of proplis at 15% concentration caused 83.3% mortality after 96 hrs of application, where as 10mg//ml concentration of Bt gave 93.3% mortality after 72 hrs of exposure. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between all treatments and control. Additionally, all treatments (proplis/ /Bt) increased the mortality %.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-22-4314
Underwater sound is very important to most fishes and invertebrates. Underwater sounds from both natural and human sources can have adverse effects upon aquatic animals, and especially fishes, and invertebrates. It is important to examine the effects of sound upon them, and especially the effects of sounds derived from human sources (anthropogenic sounds). It may be possible to introduce protective regulations to reduce their effects. Fishes and invertebrates can detect underwater sounds, and they use sound to obtain key information about the environment around them. They can also make sounds themselves, especially during their spawning. Sounds travel rapidly over great distances in water and can provide detailed information to these animals on the presence of prey, predators, and related species, while the overall acoustic scene provides them with key information about their environment. Anthropogenic sounds can be very harmful, and it is therefore important to deal with them. A succession of reports and scientific papers have emphasised the risks to these animals from exposure to man-made sounds or noise and will be mentioned in this paper, which also deals with the Criteria and Metrics for assessing the effects of underwater sound on fishes and invertebrates.
Aug 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4271
Older adults suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints such as the hip joint continue to experience multiple health issues, commonly progressive debility, and excess disability. This mini review strove to examine current perspectives in the realm of hip joint osteoarthritis, a widespread disabling disease affecting many older adults in the face of the possible repercussions of the multiple COVID-19 restrictions in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that emerged in late 2019, along with the persistence of multiple evolving COVID-19 variants that remain lethal to many older adults, especially among the older chronically impaired population. Using multiple data bases, results reveal that very little progress has been made in recent times to mitigate hip osteoarthritis, along with very few innovative treatment approaches when severe, other than surgery and medication. Moreover, a multitude of non-pharmacologic approaches have not reduced numbers of cases requiring surgery to any extent, even when employed. In addition, outcomes of hip joint replacement surgery, and other treatments for ameliorating unrelenting pain remain largely suboptimal, especially where those undergoing surgery may now be more impaired than in pre pandemic times, and where high rates of opioid related deaths prevail in this regard. As such, it is concluded that whether in the community or being treated in hospital, exposure to COVID-19 remains risky especially in cases who are now weaker and frail, plus suffering from excess chronic disease manifestations, thus warranting more attention and protection of this high risk group, plus insightful preventive efforts to avert multiple interacting COVID-19 effects in the realm of osteoarthritis suffering, especially where patients are willing to risk infection by undergoing surgery.
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.2328-0182.japst-22-4193
The strategy for safe drug discovery and development has limited clinical success as compared to wasted time and resources annually. This is due to the fact that the results of multiphase preclinical trials are less likely to make an accurate early prediction on the safety of test compounds to progress into the clinic as a valuable therapeutic agent. A lot of time and resources has been wasted in the multistage processes of drug discovery and development that does not work at the end of the procedure every year. During pre-marketing stage, for instance, the number of unsuccessful clinical trials are greater than the successful one because of safety issues. A toxicity study at different stages of preclinical and clinical trials is a routine procedure to investigate the undesirable side effects of test compounds being manifested on the natural processes of living things. It deals with the effect and mechanism of toxicity of test compounds that triggers different biological responses on different organ systems. The biological responses that would be manifested as a result of interaction between the receptors and active molecules of a test compound could be desirable pharmacological effect or undesirable side effect or both responses are manifested simultaneously depending on the selectivity or specificity of the molecule of a test compound for its receptor subtype which makes safe drug discovery and development very challenging. The response efficiency of the body (the net outcome of the body’s biological reaction against the side effect) would determine the potency of a test compound to manifest undesirable pharmacologic effect. In other words, the amount of a drug required to cause a biological harm or injury depends on the magnitude of the body’s biological reaction in which the immune response plays a great pharmacological role by neutralizing and harmonizing xenobiotics with the biological molecules. The dose of a test compound at 100 mg/kg body weight, for instance, could be lethal to some of the study animals while it is still non-lethal to some other study animals depending on the response efficiency of the body. The immune system is well connected to each and every biological systems of the body which allows it to detect undesirable side effects being manifested through immunoglobulins signalling and activation mechanisms. This complex communication network helps to localize the diverse side effects of a test compound being manifested on different organ systems into the immune system which makes a toxicity study relatively simple to monitor. The cellular immune system becomes active following the molecule-receptor interaction and start producing antibodies which is also known as immunoglobulins to protect bodily harm and destruction. Under normal biological circumstances, the amount of immunoglobulins produced by the cellular immune system following exposure to a test compound is proportional to the number of harmful molecules interacted with its receptor subtype. Thus, with the reference to the changes in the immune response against the administered dose, it would be able to deal with the diverse undesirable side effects of a test compound being manifested on treated study animals using computational systemic biology.
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).
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-4036
A narrative review considers metabolic and neurochemical pathways implicated in passive exposure to alcohol consumers, discussing health effects and research needs.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3993
Chlorogenic acid (CA), abundantly found in green coffee beans, is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties amongst others. Exposure to rotenone, a natural pesticide, induces Parkinsonism (a type of neurodegeneration) through the induction of mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress. Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties may be promising in attenuating this condition. In this research, the ameliorative role of CA on rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated. Drosophila melanogaster (Harwich strain, 1- 3 days old) was used. 6 groups of five vials each with 50 flies/vial were exposed to CA (0; control (2% ethanol), 7.5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/kg diet) for 28 days in the longevity analysis. A 28-day survival assay was carried out with rotenone (0, 250 and 500 μM). CA (30 mg/kg diet) was selected to evaluate its ameliorative potential on rotenone. For the study, the flies were divided into four groups of five vials each and exposed to CA and rotenone; Group A- control (2% ethanol), Group B- CA only, Group C- rotenone only and Group D- CA (30 mg/kg diet)+ rotenone (500 μM)for 7 days. Thereafter, the homogenate was evaluated for oxidative stress status, rate of emergence, negative geotaxis and acetyl cholinesterase activity. CA (30 mg/kg diet) extended the lifespan of flies by 21.4%. Also, CA ameliorated rotenone-induced perturbation in catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and acetyl cholinesterase activities, total thiol and glutathione levels, and behavioral deficit (p < 0.05). CA may have ameliorative effect against rotenone-induced toxicity and Parkinsonism.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3950
This study aimed to assess factors influencing knowledge and practices of hospital cleaners towards hepatitis B prevention. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at in Northern Province of Rwanda. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from study participants. A total of 134 cleaners were recruited in the study. Data were entered using Kobo collect toolbox and exported to Microsoft office excel for data cleaning and to entered in SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was done and the significance level was 5%. More than a half of respondents were female (51.5%), and had primary level of education (54.5%). Results showed that only 9.7% of respondents had a high level of knowledge about HBV and only 2.2% had good practices on HBV practices. The odds of having high level of knowledge towards HBV prevention was 2.3 times (AOR=2.3, 95%CI: (1.1-27.3); p=0.045) among respondents with high school compared to those with no educational level. Respondents with work experience of 5-7 years were 1.5 times to have high level of knowledge towards HBV prevention than those with work experience of less than one year. Being aged between 20-30 years was associated with 2.5 times more likely to have good practices on HBV prevention than respondents aged less than 20 years. The odds of having good practice towards HBV had found to increase with work experience (AOR=2.3; 95%CI: (1.29-4.3); p=0.014). Considerable proportion of participants lacks the requisite knowledge of post-exposure treatment and prevention of HBV. Training programs on HBV infection, including PEP are highly recommended.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-2165.jfsh-20-3579
Introduction Foodborne diseases are a major public health problem which predominantly affects infants and young children. Appropriate complementary food hygiene practice is very important to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. However, the information regarding this practice is not available and assessed before. Thus, the study was aimed to assess complementary food hygiene practices among mothers of children aged 6-23 months. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town on a samples of 517 mother-child pairs, which were selected by using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire, and each variable was described in the frequency and percentage. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with complementary food hygiene practice. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to assess levels of significance. Result The result indicated that 55% of participated mothers scored above the mean score of food hygiene practices. Mothers of children aged 12-23 months had higher odds to practice good food hygiene measures than those of aged 6-11 months (AOR, 1.82 95% CI (1.21, 2.73)). Mothers whose children attended growth monitoring session practice good food hygiene than their counterpart (AOR, 2.74 95% CI (1.49, 5.06)). Mothers having media exposure, and having knowledge on critical times of hand washing had relatively good food hygiene measures (AOR, 0.73 95 CI (1.14, 2.62)). Among food hygiene measures; handwashing with water and soap were low before eating food (17%), before feeding children (21%) and before preparing food (32%) when compared with after visiting the toilet (81%) and touching dirt (68%). Conclusion and Recommendation The study identified that food hygiene practices in the current study were mainly associated with child age, growth monitoring follow-up, maternal awareness about critical times of hand washing, and media exposure. So, improving knowledge of mothers on critical times of handwashing, strengthening growth monitoring follow-up and media promotion are important measures to improve food hygiene practices among mothers of infants and young children.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3857
The Fall armyworm worm (FAW) (Spodopterafrugiperda) is one of the important economic pests which goes on several field crops and causes serious damage. The aim of this study was to look for efficient, less cost and environmentally friend plant extract for controlling Fall armyworm worm in cereal crops. A Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) experiments with three replications were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the insecticidal effects of four plant extracts consisting of ethanolic extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds, Black pepper (Piper nigrum) seeds, Usher (Calotropis procera ) leaves and water extracts of Argel (Solenostemma argel) leaves on larvae of the Fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda). Newly emerged larvae of FAW were treated topically by 4 concentrations (10, 25, 50 and 75%) of each extract, and then the larval mortalities were calculated after 24, 48 and72 hrs. The results showed the highest concentrations (75%) of the three ethanolic extracts gave higher mortality percentages (100%) after 72 hrs of exposure, compared with other concentrations. Also, these were not significantly different from the recommended dose of the standard pesticide “Spinosad”. On the other hand, Argel water extract showed no effect on the (FAW) larvae. It is recommended that this experiment to be replicated under different environments.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3816
African bollwormis a worldwide-spread species that shows a high degree of polyphagia and it is considered as one of the main agricultural pests in the world. Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology to evaluate the lethal effect of C. rotundusand D. stramonium on the H. armigeraand to investigate the synergistic effect of sesame oil and tested extracts by dipping methods. Five concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) were used for each plant extract in a Completely Randomized Design. Tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus at 12% concentration caused 90% mortality after 72 hrs of application, whereas 12% concentration of seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium generate only 70% mortality after 72 hrs of exposure. When sesame oil was added to each concentration of ethanolic extract of C. rotundus and D. stramonium it exhibited a synergistic effect. In fact, the 10% concentration scored 53.3% and 76.7% mortality, however, when mixed with sesame oil the mortality increased significantly to 83.3% and 100% for D. stramonium and C. rotundus respectively after 72 hrs of exposure. This study clearly demonstrates that both tested plants have a lethal effect on the larvae of the African bollworm. However, tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus seems to be significantly more toxic than the seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium. This study also revealed that sesame oil has a synergistic effect when added to these plant extracts.
May 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-21-3814
Introduction Adolescence is a critical stage in human development that is characterized by peer pressure, confusion, exuberance and experimentation, particularly with sexual relationships. This is why attention should be paid to adolescents’ reproductive health issues so as to reduce their exposure to aggressive sexual activities which could expose them to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and others. This study aimed at reducing the factors and conditions that influence teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. Materials and Methods The study used a cross sectional descriptive study. A randomly selected sample of 416 adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years were studied. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, using frequencies, percentages and means were utilized for data analysis. Results The study found that 198 (47.6%) of the respondents were sexually active and that 89 (45%) of them had been pregnant. More than half 103 (52%) of the study group indicated that peer pressure influenced their sexual activities. About 46(51.7%) of the adolescents said they were pregnant so as to keep the new born baby with motherless babies homes. Conclusion Therefore, there is need for increased sex education for in-school adolescents so as to highlight the effects of teenage pregnancy on adolescents.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-21-3713
Introduction Multislice computed tomography examinations performed 3 to 4 days after the onset of symptoms is the imaging procedure of choice in acute pancreatitis, which is mainly done for evaluating the complications. Due to radiation exposure and cost, alternative scoring systems like Ranson’s score and Glasgow’s score were devised but were cumbersome. The serum amylase and lipase were found to increase with progression of disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of acute pancreatitis by modified CT scoring system with the serum levels of amylase and lipase. Material and Methods In hundred patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, the severity of pancreatitis was recorded using the modified CT severity index. The serum amylase and lipase levels were recorded and correlated with modified CT severity index score. Results Among 100 patients studied, 46%, 40% and 14% had mild, moderate and severe grades of pancreatitis respectively by modified CTSI score. No significant correlation was found between the levels of serum amylase (r = -0.104, p = 0.301) and lipase (r = -0.177, p = 0.079) with the modified CT severity index in patients with acute pancreatitis. Conclusion The serum level of amylase and lipase had non-significant correlation with the modified CT severity index score and thus did not indicate severity of pancreatitis.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-21-3727
Background and Purpose Providing health care is the basic right of people(1). Diagnostic radiology is one of the main procedures in health care services and proper benefiting from this technology is brought only under well planning and management(1). Supervision of the available condition and its comparison with the recommended standards is a key role in assessing assurance from the benefit of these instruments (2). Data show that more than 80% of patients referring to these hospitals need radiology image (3).Improper service causes repetition of radiography and even wrong diagnosis, as a results threatening health of the patients (3) lack of protective barrier leads to the exposure of the staff to X-ray which is obviously carcinogen us (4). It happens that the instruments are not working properly, like of symmetry in X-ray field, defects in collimators, lack of adjusting ray field and X-ray, low quality or defective developing machine, lack of proper protective barrier, using low quality film and drugs, lack of protective barrier for children, all of which cause severe hazards for the patients and staff (4). Materials and Methods The crucial aim of medical services is to provide the public with their needs which are very important. The sensitivity of such services is to such an extent that in case of lack of care, the hazards are too high. In evaluation of health services, the first thing is to evaluate the device used. Methods, efficiency, profits and their combination for prevention and eradication of diseases are also important. Therefore to gain this goal, it is necessary the obtain results comparable with recommended standards. The purpose of this study was to access the conditions of radiology units at Mazandaran University hospitals and compare them with the standards of ICRU NCRP and ICRP. Radiology unit is the most expensive section of any hospital for its instruments, manpower and space provided. In a study conducted in 51centers on radiology staff, radiography room and protective barrier, ray leakage, the outcome were 89%, 82%, 77% and 37% respectively. It was found that the condition of these centers regarding the protective barriers is very unsuitable due to unawareness of the leakage (5, 6).Considering the mentioned necessities, in this study, the condition of radiography centers affiliated to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences was studied for the type and the rate of problem, in order to provide a proper solving method. Results Data were collected through, observation, interviewing and filling questionnaire. Results show that, the situations of the radiology units are for from international standard, to such an extent that it is matched clout 50%. Conclusion The results showed that, none of the dark rooms are standard, and do not have proper alarm signal. In 63% of these units there no tiling system about staff protection from radiation. Defects in radiography room, protective barrier and lack looking rays were 60%, 51% and 47% respectively. Referring to the obtained data, periodic supervision, and obeying of the standards are necessary.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3624
Report has shown that there is an increase of respiratory disease among bars attendants over time whereby in 2011, 32% of bars attendants reported respiratory diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of bar attendants towards second-hand smoke (SHS) at work place in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. This was a cross-sectional study using mixed methods of both qualitative and quantitative. A total of 384 bar attendants participated in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Descriptive analysis using frequency and percentages was computed. he qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The majority of respondents (66.4%) were within the age group of 28-37 years, 60.2% of respondents were males, 60.9% of respondents were illiterate, and 57.3% of respondents were single at the time of data collection.The majority (78.6%) of the study respondents knew that Smoking is dangerous to human health. The cited consequences of SHS include air pollution that enter the respiratory system and damage the lungs, dizziness and others. All respondents agreed that people who smoke should not be allowed to smoke in public places. Improving bar attendants’ access to health education on SHS and encouraging continuous and constant exposure would significantly increase the knowledge and attitude levels of bar attendants towards SHS.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3634
The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory processes, an integral component of cognitive function. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of quercetin on manganese-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of the adult mice. In this study, 40 adult mice of average weight of 18 –29g were randomly distributed into five groups of eight each. The brain was harvested and the region of the hippocampus was grossed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results revealed a significant increased level of oxidative stress markers of manganese treated mice when compared with the normal control and quercetin treated animals (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis also showed a decrease expression of Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with quercetin treated animals when compared with manganese treated animals indicating its neuroprotective function. In addition, quercetin treated animals all had an improved working spatial memory in Y-maze test. The histological results also revealed a degeneration of pyramidal cells with a characteristic pyknotic activities at the granular layer of the hippocampus leading to neuronal integrity damage following chronic exposure to manganese but normal architectural design was however maintained with quercetin. Conclusively, exposure to manganese in excess may have adverse effect on extensive neuronal degeneration that could affect the learning, memory and possibly spatial navigation ability of miceand quercetin attenuates this induced neurotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and reduction of TNF expression.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3639
An experiment on watercress (Lepidium sativum) 42 d days after sowing was set up to evaluate the effect of UVAB radiation on foliar pH and on NIR tomoscopy. The effect of 8 h of UV exposure (about 500 µWcm-2) was clear, causing a reduction in the foliar pH of 6.0%, compared to the contemporary control group (5.22 vs. 5.56). When the treated leaves were returned to white light, their pH rose by 1.7% (5.31), reaching the same level as leaves grown outdoors (5.33). On the basis of the NIR spectra, the leaves of the plants grown outdoors were recognized 100%, that is, more than the control leaves (87%) and the plants treated with UV on the day of measurement (81%). However, the effect of the UV marking on the leaves is not permanent as, after the UV treatment, the leaves returned to white light were classified at 61%, which is a greater value than the 37% of overlapping between the two groups. The foliar pH was highly correlated with the NIR spectra, with R2 0.43. These results corroborate the hypothesis of the influence of the solar cycle on the variation of the pH of leaves in plants, which we believe may have played a major role in past agricultural pandemics. These results call for the introduction of the pH test for the evaluation of resistance to pathogens. From the environmental point of view, the foliar pH could be enlisted as an in vivo long-time indicator of the response of plants to climate changes.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3628
Multiple primary malignancies especially in the head and neck region is no longer a rare occurrence and the prevalence is increasing. They were described as synchronous when the malignancies present within 6 months of another or metachronous tumors if the subsequent malignancy presents 6 months later. Many etiologies had been hypothesised including similar carcinogens exposure, genetic susceptibility and mutation, immunodeficiency or treatment of the index tumor. Among the hypotheses, the most accepted theory was field cancerisation in which the occurrence of multiple primaries in the aerodigestive tract was due to persistent exposure of similar carcinogens through inhalation or oral intake . However the co-incidence of thyroid and aerodigestive malignancies is relatively low. Hereby we would like to report a case of a 74 years old lady with known esophageal squamous cell carcinoma presented with metachronous laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and papillary micro carcinoma of thyroid.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-20-3288
Introduction Given the high radiation tissue sensitivity of pediatric patients, it is necessary to monitor their received dose in order to optimize radiation protection. The first aim of this study was to evaluate of the entrance surface dose (ESD) in pediatric patients undergoing chest x-ray at the main hospital of Dezful, Iran. The second aim was to compare our results with the established dose reference levels (DRL). Materials and Methods The studied population included 204 pediatric patients less than 15 year who were referred to chest x-ray. A calibrated dose area product meter (DAP-meter) with permanent installation on x-ray unit was used to radiation dose measurements. For each patient, the demographic data, exposure parameters and the dose read by DAP-meter were recorded and ESD was calculated using standard mathematical formula. Results The average value of ESD was 119 μGy in patients less than 15 years. This value was 51.3, 122.3, 131.5 and 171.2 μGy for the age groups less than 1 year, 1 to 5 year, 5 to 10 year and 10 to 15 year, respectively. A statistical significant difference was seen between ESD values in different age groups (P<0.001), whereas no statistical difference was seen between ESD values in girls and boys (P =0.993). Conclusion Pediatric patients in hospital investigated (except age group less than 1 year) are subjected to unnecessary radiation exposure, especially due to use of non-optimize x-ray protocols.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3621
Context In the face of further waves of the COVID-19 pandemic it becomes essential to find a balance between protective actions to guard public health and restrictive measures which can collapse our economy. Background As a basis for public health decisions, officials still rely on metrics which were helpful in the beginning of the pandemic but are now not precise enough for a focused and targeted approach to keep the spread of the infection under control. This can lead to public mistrust, “pandemic tiredness”, and can cause unnecessary damage to the economy without having the desired protective effect on public health. Methods This article discusses various metrics, their advantages and caveats, and it provides suggestions for use in a more targeted and risk-based approach, as an alternative to the current “general lock-down” practice. It suggests the notion of including a concept of “risk contacts per area” to better describe the possibility of virus transmission than currently published metrics do. The article also suggests specific analyses of real-world data for identification of populations at risk for severe courses of COVID-19 to allow more targeted protective actions. Discussion Data currently used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic lack important parameters like population density and local likelihood of potentially infectious contacts. The currently often used “all or nothing” approach of shut-down orders needs to be replaced by more sophisticated tactics considering individual local exposure risks and need to be balanced towards metrics on economic short term and long-term impact. In addition, smart analyses of real-world data may contribute to effective protection of individuals at risk.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-20-3562
Introduction Health care personnel are exposed to a variety of material occupational health hazards while handling biological material and contaminated equipment. The use of appropriate and good qualitypersonal protective equipment in work places cannot be over emphasized. Several years ago, this need was highlighted to several physicians like Sir Thomas Morrison Legye. He identified the role of the employer of labour and those of the employee in reducing workplace hazards and consequently achieving a healthy workplace environment. Objectives This study was to determine level of awareness and utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Medical Laboratory workers. Methods A questionnaire was structured with two sections and a total of 92 were administered. A pilot study was also carried out before the administration of the questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed on Microsoft excel spreadsheet in duplicate. It was then exported into EPI info version 3.4.1. Data was presented using frequency tables and chi square. Results About 77.3%, 72.9%, and 72.7% were aware of the use of goggle, gloves, and importance of hand washing in preventing exposure to Healthcare associated infections while working on patients’ samples. However, under the socio- demographic characteristics of the respondents and awareness level at P-value < 0.5 the results were 0.02. 0.5, 0.85, 0.92 for education, gender, years in service and age respectively. Hence, there is no significant relationship between respondents’ gender, age and year in service, and level of awareness. Conclusion The hospital management should ensure regular provision and supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure continual usage. Also, regular training and re-training should be conducted to keep the laboratory workers at briefs with latest innovative and benefits of PPE developments to this end.
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.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3403
This study evaluated the effects of aluminum sulphate exposure on the histology of adrenal gland of Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were used for this study. The Wister rats were divided into three groups; group A was the control animals and tagged C, group B animals received 10g of alum dissolved in 1000cm3 of distilled water and were tagged T1, group C animals received 50g of alum dissolved in 1000cm3of distilled water and were tagged T2, via drinking water for duration of four weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The adrenal gland was excised and preserved in 10 % formosaline after which it was routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). Histological observations showed normal cell distribution in the control group but treated group revealed evidences of cellular obliteration& hemorrhagic necrosis. The results obtained from this study suggest that aluminum sulphate has a damaging effect on the structure of the adrenal gland.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3338
This study investigated the acute toxicity of Clariasgariepinusfingerlings. The fingerlings of Clariasgariepinuswere acclimatized for 1 week before the range-finding test was carried out at varying concentrations. Sublethal concentration (viz: 0.00ppm, 10.80 ppm, 18.00 ppm, 25.20 ppm, 32.40 ppm and 39.60 ppm of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt) were made in a rectangular aquarium. Each experimental concentration was carried out in triplicate with 10 fish each. The media were renewed at every 24 hours throughout the experimental duration viz: 96 hours. When the fish were introduced into the aquarium containing the toxicants, they exhibited some behavioural changes including opercular movement, air gulping and irregular swimming pattern. The mortality rate significantly increased as the concentration of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt increased for each of the exposure duration. The LC50 values at 24, 48, 72 and 96 were 86.15 ppm, 36.28 ppm, 18.72 ppm and 15.68 ppm, respectively. From the findings of this study, there is a need for exercise caution in the use of 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt based herbicides close to the aquatic ecosystem.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-20-3313
Industrial effluents containing heavy metals may reach aquatic systems either through direct discharge or surface runoff and cause damage to aquatic organisms affecting their immune system and health. Hence the present study has been undertaken to observe the effects of hexavalent chromium on the WBCs of the fresh water fish, Labeorohita. WBCs play a major role in the immune response of the fish. For acute toxicity determination, healthy fish were subjected to static bioassays. The 24, 48, 72, and 96hr LC50 values were 50.88, 42.03, 28.09 and 10.87 ppm respectively. The fish were exposed to 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 ppm for 20 days. Differential count of WBCs and total WBC count were determined after every five days for twenty days. Lymphocytes exhibited a decline while the other cells and total WBC count exhibited an increase due to hexavalent chromium exposure. The results were subjected to two way analysis of variance.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-20-3314
This article reviews toxicology practice challenges during COVID‑19, including laboratory safety, chemical exposures, therapeutics, and public health messaging. It identifies research needs and operational adaptations to support preparedness for future events.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-20-3303
The effect of resveratrol, a free radical scavenger, during cataract development was evaluated in the Wistar rat pup model. This study investigated the possible free radical scavenging potential of resveratrol at 40 mg/ kg body wt dose in selenite-induced cataract in rat pups. Intraperitoneal injection of sodium selenite (15 µm mol/ kg body wt) in 8 to 10 day old rat pups lead to severe oxidative stress in the tissues evidenced by decreased antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidase, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical generation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) expression levels that probably led to cataract formation. Selenite exposure also caused an increase in total calcium in the eye lens and significantly inhibited the activity of Ca2+ ATPase but not Na+/ K+ ATPase or Mg2+ ATPase. However, both pre- and co-treatments with resveratrol, but not post-treatment, led to an increase in antioxidant levels with a concomitant reduction in oxidative stress and also rescued the selenite-mediated increase in lens Ca2+ and inhibition of Ca2+ ATPase activity in the eye lens. The results of this study demonstrate antioxidants decrease and increase in free radical generation triggered by selenite causes the inactivation of lens Ca2+ ATPase leading to a rise in intracellular Ca2+ level. Resveratol treatment was able to prevent selenite-induced oxidative stress and in turn the inhibition of lens opacification. Thus, resveratrol has the potential to function as an anti-cataractogenic agent, possibly by preventing free radical-mediated accumulation of Ca2+ in the eye lens.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3301
Bangladesh many older people spend their life in not only the unwell health but also in poverty which is major risk for the elderly population. This is especially true for older women, who suffer from various difficulties ensuing from prejudices to gender, widowhood and old age. Climate migrants start living in urban slums are in search of better and secure life. But urban slums located mostly in low lying environmentally hazardous area coupled with inadequate facilities like food, shelter, sanitation, health care make their life even worse. Older Women are the vulnerable groups in society in terms of climate change, movement; haphazard growth and unhealthy environment are the target group for this research. This study represents the nature and extent of elderly abuse of climate migrant urban poor women slum dwellers in Dhaka city in Bangladesh context. Besides, this paper also observe the socio-economic status of the study respondents and try to find out the self-stated reasons of elderly abuse. This study conducted both quantitative and qualitative types study on two slums of Dhaka with purposive sample survey, KII and in depth qualitative interview of selected climate migrant slum dwellers while purposive sample size of 50. Decreasing in earning capacity, inability and economic dependency, health hazard, maladjustment, changing social values have a separate role in the connection of older abuse. Planned migration, awareness program implantations against elderly abuse and secured socioeconomic factors are suggested through this paper to lessen exposure to further neglecting of elderly climate migrant women in urban slums.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-20-3161
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is a circadian rhythm disorder where individuals experience difficulty modifying the time they go to sleep and wake up in response to environmental changes. The circadian rhythm itself is regulated by a variety of clock genes, and various other genes (e.g., AA-NAT gene, CKIϵ gene) code for proteins that regulate clock genes. Various polymorphisms of the clock gene influencers have been shown to increase susceptibility to DSPS. This paper seeks to examine how certain cultural characteristics (e.g., napping, timing of meals, exposure to artificial light) and the presence of the AA-NAT gene (G619A polymorphism) and the CKIϵ gene (S408N polymorphism) influence the prevalence of DSPS amongst Japanese and Brazilian populations.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-3208.ijli-20-3268
Pesticides are the major source of concern as water pollutants. Chlorpyrifos (CPY) (O,O-diethyl-O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl) phosphorothioate; CAS No. 2921-88-2). CPY is a widely used organophosphate insecticide. The aim of current study was to determine the effects of CPY on the second instar larvae of Culex mosquito as a bio-indicator of water pollution. Levels of CPY in stream water was evaluated. Toxicity of CPY was estimated on mosquito. Along with the evaluation of effects of water polluted with CPY on mosquito to predict the water pollution levels. Results showed that LC95 of CPY was 6331.30 mg/kg after 24hr and increased to 230506.4 ppm after 48hr of exposure. It was noted that the activity of CPY is concentration and time dependent. The 0.09 ppm concentration of CPY (the amount that was found in the stream water) had no effect on the second instar Culex larvae similar to the control (tap water). There is no effect after 72,96h of exposure of the population to the detected insecticide. It could be concluded that mosquito is not a bioindicator of CPY pollution at the detected level in stream water.
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.
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
Pesticides are the major source of concern as water pollutants. Persistent organochlorines can accumulate in food chains. Chlorpyrifos (O,O -diethyl O -(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl) phosphorothioate; CAS No. 2921-88-2; CPY). CPY is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide that is available in a granular formulation for treatment in soil. Pesticides are used to control a wide range of pests including Mosquitoes. Mosquito borne diseases infect millions of people every year globally. The aim of current study was to screen the fresh water pollutants, water quality parameter in irrigation water from El Mahmodia stream, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt and to determine the adverse effects of Chlorpyrifos on the larvae of Culex mosquito larvae as bio-indicator. The LC95 of Chloropyrifos insecticide was 6331.30 at 24h and increased to 230506.4 after 48h of exposure to the Chloropyrifos insecticide. It is noted that the effect of the exposure time of Chloropyrifos insecticide on the LC50, LC25 and LC95 values had a synergistic interaction with time, as it increased after 48h of exposure when compared to 24 h of exposure. The 0.09 ppm concentration of Chloropyrifos had no effect on the second instar Culex larvae, as there is no mortality over time; the same result is also with the control 0 ppm. There is no effect after 72, 96h of exposure of the population to the detected insecticide. This study concerns with studying the pollutants along El Mahmodia stream in El Beheira governorate in Abo Homs city with its abundance during the four seasons (2016-2017), as well as studding the physicochemical parameters in it. Another concern of this study is estimating the effect of one of this pesticides (Chloropyrifos) insecticide on the second instar Culex mosquito larvae, determining the lethal concentration of this insecticide on the Culex larvae. Along the study area, pesticides are used within a high ratio on the agriculture scale with its four main categories organophosphates, organochlorine, pyrthoid and carbamates. Organophosphates and organochlorine are used at a wide range. Pollutants measuring achieved by using GC-MS as water samples collected seasonally and analyzed, there is a big number of Pollutants which was found as well as other compounds which are banned, such as DDT. The physicochemical parameters Turbidity, COD, BOD in El Mahmodia stream exceeded the desirable limits of (Egyptian Law 48/1982), (WHO, 1993) and (FAO, 1985) although the other parameters as EC, PH, DO,TDS TSS are to be within the permeable limits. HCO3, NH4. Cu also was found to exceed the desirable limits while, Pb, Mn, Fe and Cd within the permeable limits. Chloropyrfos as an organophosphate pesticide used in the present study which was found with 0.09 mg/l in the stream water, used to estimate its effect on the Culex mortality, determining LC25, LC50 and LC95. The experiment continued for 96 h but after 48 h there is no effect of Chloropyrfos on Culex larvae. The experiment began with 20 second instar Culex larvae immersed in 100 ppm, 10 ppm, 1 ppm, 0.1 ppm and finally 0.09 ppm of Chloropyrfos insecticide with five repeats to each concentration, it is noted that the lethal concentration increase after 48h of experiment, the larval mortality decrease with time.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-19-2973
Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancer globally. The incidence of tobacco-induced HNC is gradually increasing in low and middle income countries. Among the various causative factors associated with HNCs, tobacco and alcohol play synergistic effect and are frequently associated with the risk of HNC. Tobacco-induced HNCs show distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to different clinical outcomes in comparison to HPV-infected HNCs. Tobacco-induced HNCs are often associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and low or nil prevalence of HPV infection. Apart from carcinogenic effects of these causative factors (use of tobacco products, alcohol intake and HPV or EBV infections), recent studies show that exposure to these factors alter/disrupt the regulation of non-coding RNAs including the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Altered lncRNA regulation is brought about by signalling networks that regulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways which play key functions in the genesis of different cancers including HNCs. There are numbers of studies supporting the emerging role of lncRNAs in development of HNC; however, reports connecting lncRNAs expression and addiction habits in HNC are still preliminary and sparse. Therefore, identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed upon exposure to risk-factors can serve as unique therapeutic targets and potential biomarker(s) for effective treatment of HNC subtypes. In this short review, we briefly reviewed the emerging role of lncRNAs in tobacco and alcohol induced HNCs.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2784
The aim of this clinical study was to determine the efficacy of bilateral alternating somatosensory stimulation for the management of stress and anxiety during and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a laboratory procedure for reliably inducing stress in human subjects. For this, a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded clinical trial of 80 qualified subjects was conducted. Subjects were randomized into two groups, a treatment group (n=40) and a control (placebo) group (n=40). Metrics of emotional stress assessed were a subjective rating of the level of emotional stress and salivary cortisol levels, both obtained at 3 timepoints: before treatment (baseline), immediately following completion of the TSST, and after 20 minutes of rest following completion of the TSST. Results showed that the treatment group had a statistically greater decrease in the subjective rating of stress relative to the control group both immediately following the TSST and 20 minutes after the TSST. Salivary cortisol levels in the treatment group were also lower than the control group at those same time points. These results suggest that bilateral alternating somatosensory stimulation may be effective in reducing subjective levels of stress and anxiety. It also may actively attenuate stress-related cortisol levels, which may reflect a mechanism for reducing cortisol-induced inflammation back to baseline after exposure to stressful situations.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-19-2779
This study evaluated the behavioural response and toxicity of paraquat dichloride to fingerlings of Clariasgariepinus. The fishes were acclimatized for 14 days and exposed to sublethal concentration of 0.00 ppm, 16.56 ppm, 22.08 ppm, 27.60 ppm, 33.12 ppm and 38.64 ppm. A 24 hours’ renewal bioassay was adopted in this study. Results showed that the fishes exhibited change in swimming, opercular movement, body pigmentation, surfacing and air gulping. Mortality rate increased significantly at p<0.05 as the concentration of the toxicant increased as well as the exposure period. LC50 values at 24, 48, 72 and 96 were 59.95, 47.59, 38.12 and 26.18ppm, respectively. Based on the results, Paraquat dichloride users need to discard the remains of empty cans properly to avoid contamination. Also there is need to exercise caution when using paraquat dichloride based herbicides in agricultural fields close to surface water resources.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-2595
Over the decades there have been problems associated with Particulate Matter (PM) arising from anthropogenic activities. Evaluation and health risk assessment of PM associated with football field was carried out in 5 sampling locations, including the control station. Digital portable AEROCET 513 (Metone instrument) PM meter was used for the evaluation Results showed levels of PM for; PM1.0(13.73 – 20.18 µg/m3), PM2.5 (19.11 – 28.83 µg/m3), PM4.0 (24.73 – 44.63 µg/m3), PM7.0 (41.07 – 67.04 µg/m3), and PM10 ranging from 65.48 – 90.82 µg/m3. In addition, value of the control station was lowest amongst all recorded values of PM (p<0.05). Based on Air Quality Index evaluation, the football fields were predominantly rated as unhealthy, with other cases rates as; hazardous and unsafe for sensitive group. This investigation therefore concludes that the emission of PM from the football field are reflection of vehicular emissions and agitated dust particles. Hence mitigable measure must be applied without much ado, in order to ameliorate the daily chronic exposure to PM.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-18-2502
The compound 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene, originally isolated from dormant potatoes, is currently in use as a commercial sprout inhibitor. Growers and processors report a reduction in fungal infections in potatoes treated with DMN resulting in increased yields. To assess the effects of DMN on fungal growth a culture of Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from potato tubers and identified via DNA fingerprinting using the 18ITS ribosomal region. Growth of F. oxysporum was inhibited by 31% after four days of exposure to DMN but overall rate of spore germination was not affected by DMN treatment. The growth of additional fungi, including Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Epicoccum nigrum, Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi, Phoma medicaginis, and Pythium ultimum was inhibited by DMN as was suppression of sporulation in A. niger. These results suggest that DMN is fungistatic at the application levels examined.
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.
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.
Nov 2018
Pre-adipocytes are the precursors with the potential to make new fat cells during adipose tissue expansion. Nevertheless, the pre-adipocytes behaviors, and their possible roles in energy homeostasis have long been overlooked. Our previous study implicates that interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays a positive metabolic role by promoting insulin sensitivity and inhibiting lipid accumulation. Besides, abundant evidence shows the involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the process of adipose tissue expansion. The present study aimed at examining the cross talk among glucose, insulin and IL-4 on regulating MMP-2 expression and activity in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Effects of insulin and/or IL-4 on MMP-2 expression and activity were examined in pre-adipocytes under euglycemic or hyperglycemic environment by RT-PCR and gelatin zymography, respectively. Our results revealed that glucose level is a pre-requisite for pre-adipocytes responding to insulin and/or IL-4 treatment. In high glucose-containing environment, short-term acute insulin treatment (AI) and long-term chronic insulin exposure (CI) showed opposite regulation to MMP-2 expression and activity. Interestingly, the dominant MMPs regulatory role of CI under euglycemic condition was attenuated in cells exposed to high glucose concentration. Our results suggest pre-adipocytes may participate in the process of increasing adiposity, diabetic onset and diabetic complications through ECM alterations resulted from the insulin- and/or glucose- mediated changes of MMP-2 activity. The present study uncovers novel observations regarding pre-adipocytes behaviors.
Sep 2018
A concise review of autoimmune disease etiology emphasizes genetic susceptibility, inflammatory pathways, and environmental exposures. It points to systems approaches for risk stratification and prevention with illustrative examples.
Jun 2018
Our study aims to help researchers calculate resources based on a rat breeding colony for experiments on fetal lung development. The Wistar rat is commonly used in experimental research. In the context of fetal lung studies, the nitrofen rat is a model for pulmonary hypoplasia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Data needed to calculate resources for new experiments are not easily available. We prospectively acquired data on the reproductive performance and fetal outcome of 314 consecutive virgin Wistar dams in our fetal lung research breeding colony. We define the impact of breeding conditions on rat fertility and evaluate different methods to diagnose early rat gestation. Effects of nitrofen exposure as well as fetal surgery in terms of prenatal mortality and gross anatomical parameters of lung development are quantified in nitrofen-exposed and -unexposed fetuses from embryonic day 19 to 21 in 12h intervals. A reduced mating interval (1h) provides a great degree of experimental control with feasible pregnancy rates and a large litter size. Nitrofen exposure, as well as fetal surgery, depict high fetal survival rates. Fetal lung findings were very reproducible and could allow for reduction of animals utilized within experimental groups.
May 2018
Genetics alone cannot thoroughly expound the environmental impact on the molecular complexity of the endocrine system. Epigenetic-induced alteration in gene expression has emerged as a way in which environmental compounds may exert endocrine effects. The environmental compounds that interfere with normal endocrine signaling are one of the largest classes of toxicants we are exposed to, on a daily basis. Epigenetic mechanisms, mainly the methylation of DNA and the modification of histones, lead to differentiated activation and deactivation of genome domains creating phenotype plasticity and divergent endocrine function among populations and individuals, as well. The issues examined in the present review are related to environmental epigenetics, and more precisely, the epigenetic-mediated modulation and relevance of endocrine disrupting chemicals, focusing on three broad aspects: 1) persistence of EDs, 2) their major hormonal effects and 3) the potential of compounds previously considered as endocrine disruptors to induce epigenetic effects. Evidence suggests that environmental exposures notably impact expression of endocrine-related genes and, thus, affect clinical endocrine outcomes.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-18-2019
The concern over exposure to drinking water contaminated and the resultant adverse effect on human health has prompted several studies evaluating the quality of drinking water sources. This study was carried out to determine the bacteriological and Physico-chemical qualities of commercial borehole water within Otuoke community in Bayelsa state Nigeria. Ten (10) water samples were collected from the various locations designated as (A-J). The Physico-chemical parameters were determined by using the photometric technique through the Colour Q photometer and the bacteriological analysis was determined by using aerobic plate method. The Physico-chemical parameters of the water samples analysed were within the acceptable limit of WHO standard of drinking water quality except for Bromine and cyanuric acid which ranged from 1.6±0.1 to 2.7±0.1 and 2±1 to 9±1 respectively. The Result of total bacteria count obtained from the borehole water samples ranged from 1.1 x 105cfu/ml to 6.9 x 105cfu/ml and there was no detected growth for the faecal coliform count of most of the samples except for BHW-I and BHW-J which had 1.3 x 104 to 7.9 x 104 respectively. Bacteria isolated and identified using conventional biochemical test include E. coli (17.9%), Klebsiella spp. (35.7%), Salmonella spp(25.0%), Enterobacter aerogenes (21.4%) The study therefore suggests that all the borehole water tested in Otuoke and environs are considered unsafe for consumption and therefore regular treatment before usage is recommended.
Apr 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-18-2030
Introduction: The use of non-medicinal facilities for correcting processes in various pathological conditions is one of the most urgent problems of modern medicine. Purpose of the Work: To study the effect of low-intensity infrared laser radiation on reparative bone formation and angiogenesis in bone regeneration which is formed in treatment of fractures under conditions of transosseous osteosynthesis. Material and Methods: A tibia fracture was modeled experimentally in rats in the control and experimental groups. Reposition and fixation of fragments were performed. The fracture zone in the experimental group animals was exposed to the impact of pulsed infrared laser irradiation of low intensity. Animals from the control group underwent the impact simulation. The operated bones were investigated using the methods of X-ray, light and electron microscopy, X-ray electron probe microanalysis. Results: It was established that laser radiation exposure sessions activated fibrillogenesis and angiogenesis, accelerated compacting of newly formed bone tissue and increased its maturity while primary fracture healing occurred. Prolonged capillary dilatation and endothelium-dependent vasodilation, intensive capillarogenesis were noted after sessions of laser therapy in bone regeneration. Endothelial outgrowth was formed in the lumen of the vessels forming capillary buds that propagate along the “mother” vessels (endovascular capillarogenesis). Conclusion: The data obtained revealed a possible mechanism of laser radiation exposure at the level of a whole organism and proved the effectiveness of its application in clinical practice at the early stages of patient rehabilitation under conditions of transosseous osteosynthesis.
Mar 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-18-2013
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria. LPS challenging allows switching transcription of proinflammatory cytokines on via over stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway with subsequent pathogenic inflammatory response. We investigated the possible reproductive toxicity of LPS in male Wister albino rats. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status and caspase-3 activity were analyzed in testicular tissues of rats exposed to either saline or LPS (4 mg/kg BW, ip; 0.18 of the LD50). The samples were collected at 6 h and 72 h after injection of LPS. A significant reduction in testicular reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed at 72 h compared to control group. Total antioxidant capacity was decreased at 6 h with additional significant reduction at 72 h. Catalase activity was reduced significantly at both 6 and 72 h. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased (P ≤ 0.05) in LPS injected rats without variation between 6 and 72 h. A significant increase in nitric oxide (NO) was observed at 72 h after injection. A time-dependent increase in LPS-treated groups was observed in the concentration of caspase-3.Histopathological analysis revealed degenerative changes and necrosis of seminiferous tubules after 6 h with further accumulation of eosinophilic edematous transudate in its lumen after 72 h. In conclusion, by increasing time of exposure, LPS induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, reduced testicular antioxidant capacity and encouraged testicular apoptosis which could be possible mechanisms for impairment of testicular function.
Mar 2018
This article examines vitamin D insufficiency among adolescents in southern Brazil. It summarizes prevalence, potential determinants such as sun exposure and diet, and implications for bone health, calling for targeted prevention and screening strategies.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1872
Objective: To elaborate on the procedures undertaken to establish blood draws and cold chain for nutrition assessments. Setting: A total of 5,044 birth cohort households were enrolled and assessed using household questionnaires, anthropometry, and blood sampling to assess nutritional issues and exposures to environmental contaminants. The challenge was to obtain, transport, process, store, and analyze tens of thousands of serum samples obtained in sites that were often difficult to reach. Approach: Before enrollment began, 24 healthcare facilities in the North and Southwest of Uganda were assessed for suitability as local nodes for processing and storage. Equipment needs included functional centrifuges, refrigeration, ice machines, and -20oC freezers. Other important physical infrastructure included the presence of backup power (generator or solar generated) in the event of electricity failure. Once samples were obtained, they were transported within 5 hours to the facility laboratories, where serum was separated and aliquoted into properly labelled storage tubes and then frozen. Relevant Changes: At community level, our team visited households or small group of household members close to their homes to reduce on travel time hence contributed to high retention rates. Our immediate testing for anemia and malaria results benefited enrollees and enhanced community acceptance. By using Village Health Teams (VHTs), we could accommodate household preferences for the timing of sample collection. Our engagement with phlebotomists transformed their role from a simple service into active team members. Lessons Learned: Our first lesson was that in our setting, the success of this nutrition biological sampling system required community engagement and acceptance. By combining an immediately actionable set of tests (for anemia and malaria), and visiting cohort households, we greatly enhanced the success of the system.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-1293
Cyanobacteria have been implicated in the etiology of ALS for the past 50 years. The weakness of the theories of cyanobacteria or its neurotoxin, BMAA as the etiologic agent in ALS is the iniquitousness of cyanobacteria in the environment. In third world countries, clean water is far from commonplace, the exposure to cyanobacteria higher, yet the incidence of ALS is probably less than it is in developed countries. Even in the developed world, exposure to cyanobacteria is commonplace. Differences in the gut microbiome, possibly the presence of Proteobacteria, a protective agent against cyanobacteria toxins, may be important.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-2818.jfb-14-553
All independent experimental data on epithelial and glandular cells lines of human endometrium support the evidence for a rapid production of eicosanoids from the LH/hCG receptors when exposed to the hCG hormone. Prostaglandins rapidly act on the surrounding endometrial stromal cells throughout the adenylyl cyclase enzyme leading to very large amounts of cAMP and angiogenic factors (VEGF) production. The cAMP is the most important intracellular second messenger and along with progesterone accomplishes the full process of decidualization and acquisition of receptivity after estrogenic priming of the endometrium. The status of uterine receptivity lasts few days only and timing for successful embryo-signal transduction system activation by the endometrium is probably short. In absence of in vivo embryonic signals it is impossible to predict, on individual bases, how the intensity of all the complex interlinked molecular changes of decidualization might ever be in case of exposure to native hCG. In other terms, amount of prostaglandins and cAMP produced in response to variably glycosylated hCG are all, in vivo, not measurable variables and should be viewed as a “wave” of biochemical chain reactions. Embryonic hCG is secreted in form of multiple isomers having an unpredictable variable level of glycosylation and control of this variable remains elusive. During cycles of ovarian stimulation many drugs (FSH, LH, HCG) interact with different G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) making it possible to alter the prostaglandins-mediated decidualization process ready to be elicited only by hCG of pregnancy. Since the molecules (cAMP and progesterone) controlling endometrial stromal cells differentiation into decidual cells are critical for successful implantation and placenta formation, the evidence of fast eicosanoids production associated with endometrial LH/hCG receptors exposure to hCG and the potential by human endometrium to produce, in response, very large amounts of cAMP has biological and clinical relevance.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-17-1634
The functioning of medical professionals in their work environment is determined by many factors, among them social competence. The Aim of this Study was toanalyze how social competence is related to behaviors and experiences in the context of burnout syndrome, experienced by physicians, nurses, and paramedics in Poland with regard to sociodemographic factors. Methods. The study was conducted in 2015-2016. It involved 432 medical workers, including 29.7% physicians, 36.96% nurses, and 33.3% paramedics. The median age was 38.00. Over half (38.9%) of those surveyed were employed in hospitals, 6.9% in primary care centers, 18.3% in emergency ambulance service. The Social Competence Questionnaire (SCQ), the Work-Related Behaviour and Experience Patterns - AVEM questionnaire, and a self-developed questionnaire were applied. Results. Symptoms of burnout syndrome (Type B and A) were observed in one-fourth of medical workers. 31.8% of all participants presented Type G (p < 0.0001). Behavior types prevailing in particular groups were as follows: paramedics ― Type G and Type S; physicians ― Type A and Type B, and nurses ― Type B and Type G. The general competence level correlated with Type G (p = 0.05), and I competence correlated negatively with Type B (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The problem of burnout syndrome, diagnosed on the basis of work-related behaviors and experiences, is weighty and requires implementation of holistic therapeutic and prophylactic solutions addressed to healthcare professionals. Competence in intimate and social exposure situations, as well as competence in situations requiring assertiveness significantly protect medical workers against burnout syndrome.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-17-1676
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. In the absence of prompt and appropriate treatment contraction of primary infection by a human being often represents a medical emergency since it may progress rapidly to life-threatening complications. Exposure to parasites activates the immune system resulting in, among other effects, the release of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). This has the potential to induce oxidative damage, thereby causing cellular destruction, and hence to have a severe effect on vital organs of the body. Overexpression of ROI leads to immunosuppression and is a causal factor in the development of malaria-related disease symptoms. However, the body possesses various defence mechanisms, notably including the production of antioxidants, which are capable of reducing the cellular effects of ROI. Antioxidants are either sourced exogenously from the diet or synthesized through different intracellular mechanisms. Antioxidants that include glutathione peroxidase, catalase, EDTA and vitamin C suppress the initial production of ROI. Others such as uric acid, superoxide dismutase and vitamin E may also inhibit potentially damaging products of ROI metabolism. Current anti-malarial drugs often have damaging side-effects, as exemplified by memory impairment following treatment for cerebral malaria. Recent studies have explored the potential use of antioxidants alone or in combination with anti-malarials as a therapeutic means to negate Plasmodium-induced oxidative stress and its associated metabolic complications. It is indicated that when utilized in an adjuvant capacity antioxidants of natural and synthetic origin may improve anti-malarial therapy by causing less damage to the host during malaria infection.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2175.jdrt-17-1481
Background: Studies have unveiled lower levels of serum vitamin D in autoimmune diseases and the role of vitamin D in inhibition of helper T cells proliferation, stimulation of regulatory T cells, diminishing of B-lymphocyte differentiation and inhibition of immunoglobulin secretion has been discussed in the literature. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disorder in which cell mediated immunity plays an important part and so it may also be related to serum vitamin D levels. Aim: To estimate serum vitamin D in oral lichen planus patients of North India, compare it to the controls and to evaluate various factors influencing vitamin D level in OLP cases such as sun exposure, gender, psychosocial factors, meteorological influences, religion and diet. Methods and Material: Venous blood samples of 102 clinically diagnosed oral lichen planus patients and 102 age and sex matched controls were obtained for the study and serum vitamin D levels were estimated using Vitek Immunodiagnostic Assay System, an automated bench-top immuno-analyzer, based on the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. The data was analyzed using chi-squared test and t-test. Results: Mean vitamin D in OLP cases and controls was 20.40 ng/ml and 32.67 ng/ml respectively. Vitamin D3 deficiency was more in OLP cases (70.6%) as compared to controls (34.3%) and insufficiency was more in controls (35.3%) as compared to OLP cases (16.7%). These differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Although vitamin D deficiency was found more in OLP cases pointing towards the possible co-relation of vitamin D and OLP, yet insufficiency was seen more commonly in controls which revealed that this important vitamin was lacking in North Indian population.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-16-1271
Introduction The cardiovascular complications have became the 3rd cause of death and the 4th reason for hospitalization of the patients infected by the HIV. The objective of this work was to determine the frequency of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia among patients infected by the HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. Patients and Methods It was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in November 2015. The patients infected by HIV1 receiving antiretroviral treatment, with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia were included in the study and they were followed up in the HIV clinic of the in Infectious diseases service of the University Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso(CHUSS).. The includes patients benefited from a collection of cardiovascular risk factors, and of two measurements of the blood pressure in a sitting position after 10 minutes of rest and an electrocardiogram 12 derivations after rest. Results A total sample of 123 patients infected by HIV1 was selected, with a median age of 42 years (IQR: 36-50). It was composed of 79% of female. The cardiovascular risk factors found were distributed as follows: HTA (31.7%), obesity (33%), dyslipidemia (10.57%), active smoking (0.8%), diabetes (0.8%). All the known hypertensive cases (5.7%) were insufficiently treated. The median duration of exposure to the antiretroviral therapy was 5.3 years (IIQ: 3-7.7). The disorders of the repolarization were observed in 26 cases (21.13%). They were divided into under epicardic ischemia in 20 cases (16.26%), under endocardic lesion in 2 cases (1.63%) and after-effect of necrosis in 4 cases (3.25%). The Left ventricular hypertrophywas observed in 12 cases (9.76%) and all of them were hypertensive patients. QTc was lengthened among 7 patients (5.69%) independently of the class of antiretroviral therapy administrated. Conclusion In this study about patients infected by HIV1, it emerges that asymptomatic myocardial ischemia is frequent. It would be advisable to reinforce its tracking by using more powerful tests of ischemia, in order to better specify its gravity in this population with an increased cardiovascular risk.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-0105.jbfb-16-1257
Background: Breast milk is the ideal food source that contains all components an infant needs. Infants are at risk of receiving possible pollutants and high levels of trans fatty acids through breast milk that may affect their cardiovascular health and cognitive development. Statistics indicate that the proportion of children who are breastfed up to one year of age shows an annual increase in Latvia. Objectives: 1. To review studies conducted among the Latvian population regarding breast milk composition. 2. To evaluate the necessary future studies emphasizing the importance of the trans fatty acid content in a mother’s diet and correspondingly in breast milk and taking into consideration the new changes in Latvian legislation setting the maximum trans fat content in foodstuffs. Conclusions: There is very little research done about the human milk composition in Latvia that could be referable to a general population. It is known that the exposure of breast milk to persistent organic pollutants in Latvia corresponds to the lowest levels detected in the European countries and is not a cause of health disorders. Taking into consideration the adverse effect trans fatty acids have on human’s health regardless of the age, consumption should be as low as possible. Latvia has become the latest European Union country to set the maximum amount of trans fats in foodstuffs, yet there is no information about trans fatty acids content in human milk among women in Latvia. This problem needs to be addressed and set in motion. Therefore, it would be a novel idea to study if the TFA content also declines in milk among Latvian women after the introduction of the new legislation.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-16-1196
Background and Context: Autologous bone grafts require a second surgical exposure to harvest the graft with a significant risk of post-operative complications and donor site morbidity. Employment of allografts potentially eliminates donor site morbidity but carries the potential of causing foreign body immune reactions with a high rate of rejection and failures. Hence, Alloplasts have emerged as novel materials to overcome the drawbacks of autogenous and allogenous bone grafts. Today’s advanced dentistry is enterprising a putty form of calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) into several aspects of reconstructive domain of dentistry including the sinus augmentation procedures, osseous regeneration of periodontal bone defects, cystic cavity defects and alveolar socket preservation. This eccentric multifaceted study was planned as an honest effort on the path of proving the efficiency of CPS as an alloplastic bioactive graft material and aimed at quantitative evaluation of regenerated bone radiographically using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans following sinus augmentation procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 sinus augmentations were carried-out in 17 patients satisfying the criteria (inclusion and exclusion) requiring placement of implants in atrophic maxilla and in other situations of anatomic constraints. The graft material used was calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) putty (Nova bone dental putty, Novabone products, Alachua, Fla). The residual bone height was recorded using CBCT scans and a computer based software where the measurements were made from the crest of the ridge till the sinus floor lining. The patients were assessed clinically at immediate post-operative, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months follow-up recalls post-operatively. Radiographic assessment for bone height was done pre-operatively and at 6 months follow-up recall post-operatively using Cone Beam Computer Tomography scans. Results: The post-treatment bone height (11.76+0.97mm) was found to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (6.8 +0.70mm) in indirect sinus augmentation procedures (t=14.4, p<0.005). In case of direct sinus augmentation group also, the post-treatment bone height (11.27 +0.71mm) came-out to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (2.44 +0.81mm) (t=32.17, p<0.005). The post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1107.6 + 155.6mm) were also found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (412+ 65.5mm) (t=16.6, p<0.001) in case of indirect sinus augmentation procedures. Similarly, the post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1169.6+136.7mm) were found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (416.4+ 0.70mm) (t=17.9, p<0.001) in case of direct sinus augmentation group. Conclusion: Calcium Phosphosilicate (CPS) was accepted well at the recipient sites without any complications demonstrating its efficiency and reliability in sinus augmentation procedures.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2175.jdrt-15-858
Background: Lavender has been used for centuries, but its exposure has become part of the everyday life in our days. It is used in the alternative medicine, and as a flavouring component in soaps, cosmetics and in food products (chocolate, ice-cream, spices). The increasing number of exposures resulted the appearance of hypersensitivity- reactions. Objectives: A survey on the prevalence of lavender hypersensitivity was conducted by the Contact Dermatitis Work-Group of the Hungarian Dermatological Society in a multicentre, prospective study. Patients and Methods: 1509 consecutivedermatological patients of 7 dermatological centres were involved in this study. Results were based on the analyses of age distribution and characteristic clinical signs of the patients, on symptoms-localization, and on relevance of positive skin lavender oil test results as well as other associated contact hypersensitivities. Results: We detected 8 patients with lavender hypersensitivity (0.53%). Typical localisations of skin symptoms were face, eyelids and hands. Associated hypersensitivity to fragrance and balsam components were not detected. Conclusion: The lavender hypersensitivity of our patients couldn’t be detected by fragrance screening allergens.The use of lavender oil in cosmetics and foods is very popular. The different types of contacts may result further increase of the sensitivity rate worldwide.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-14-601
Iodinated radiographic contrast agents (IRCA) are pharmaceutical agents used to improve the visibility of internal organs and structures in X-ray based imaging techniques. However, IRCA may have adverse unwanted effects, ranging from a mild inconvenience, such as itching, to a life-threatening emergency. The adverse effects of IRCA include delayed allergic reactions, anaphylactic reactions, and/or cutaneous reactions. But exposure to IRCA may be associated also with the development of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, presumably due to the effect of free, biologically active elemental iodine ions present in these agents. Among the side effects associated with the use of intravascular injection of IRCA, Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is undoubtedly their most important and frequent well known adverse reaction. The pathogenesis of CIN is discussed in detail including the factors that increase the incidence of CIN, the main ones being pre-existing renal impairment, particularly when associated with diabetes mellitus. Finally, the measures to reduce the nephrotoxicity of IRCA are suggested beginning with monitoring renal function, discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, use of either iodixanol or iopamidol at the lowest dosage possible. The main procedure for prevention of CIN is an adequate hydration of the patient with either isotonic sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate solutions. A long list of references is provided that will enable readers a deep appreciation of the topic.
Feb 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2175.jdrt-14-552
Two pilot studies evaluate fractional Er:YAG laser microporation to enhance topical imiquimod delivery for actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. The approach seeks to increase epidermal penetration while limiting systemic exposure. Early results suggest acceptable tolerability and lesion response, supporting larger controlled trials.
Jul 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-13-207
Surfactant protein A (SP-A) plays a number of roles in lung host defense and innate immunity. There are two human genes, SFTPA1 and SFTPA2, and evidence indicates that the function of SP-A1 and SP-A2 proteins differ in several respects. To investigate the impact of SP-A1 and SP-A2 on the alveolar macrophage (AM) phenotype, we generated humanized transgenic (hTG) mice on the SP-A knockout (KO) background, each expressing human SP-A1 or SP-A2. Using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) we studied the AM cellular proteome. We compared mouse lines expressing high levels of SP-A1, high levels of SP-A2, low levels of SP-A1, and low levels of SP-A2, with wild type (WT) and SP-A KO mice. AM from mice expressing high levels of SP-A2 were the most similar to WT mice, particularly for proteins related to actin and the cytoskeleton, as well as proteins regulated by Nrf2. The expression patterns from mouse lines expressing higher levels of the transgenes were almost the inverse of one another – the most highly expressed proteins in SP-A2 exhibited the lowest levels in the SP-A1 mice and vice versa. The mouse lines where each expressed low levels of SP-A1 or SP-A2 transgene had very similar protein expression patterns suggesting that responses to low levels of SP-A are independent of SP-A genotype, whereas the responses to higher amounts of SP-A are genotype-dependent. Together these observations indicate that in vivo exposure to SP-A1 or SP-A2 differentially affects the proteomic expression of AMs, with SP-A2 being more similar to WT.