Nanoparticles have distinct properties that make them potentially valuable in a variety of industries.As a result,emerging approaches for the manufacture of nanoparticles are gaining a lot of scientific interest.The b...Nanoparticles have distinct properties that make them potentially valuable in a variety of industries.As a result,emerging approaches for the manufacture of nanoparticles are gaining a lot of scientific interest.The biological pathway of nanoparticle synthesis has been suggested as an effective,affordable,and environmentally safe method.Synthesis of nanoparticles through physical and chemical processes uses unsafe materials,expensive equipment and adversely affects the environment.As a result,in order to support the increased utilization of nanoparticles across many sectors,nanotechnology research activities have shifted toward environmentally safe and cost-effective techniques that outperform chemical and/or biological procedures.The use of organisms to produce metal nanoparticles is among the most frequently discussed methods.Plants appear to be the best candidates among these organisms for large-scale nanoparticle biosynthesis.Medicinal plants have been employed as reducing agents and NP stabilizers to minimize the toxicity of NPs in both the environment and the human body.Furthermore,the presence of certain functional components in plant extracts may be extremely useful and effective for the human body.Polyphenol,for example,which may have antioxidant properties,might intercept free radicals before they interact with other biomolecules and cause considerable damage.The current article analyzes the most recent developments and improvements in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles by different plants and the use of these nanoparticles for various biomedical applications and hopes to provide insights into this exciting research frontier.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney,leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure.Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic comp...BACKGROUND Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney,leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure.Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic complications.However,the effect of stingless bee honey(SBH)administration in relieving liver and kidney damage in diabetes has not been well-studied.AIM To investigate the effect of SBH administration on the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced(STZ;55 mg/kg)diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.METHODS The rats were grouped as follows(n=6 per group):non-diabetic(ND),untreated diabetic(UNT),metformin-treated(MET),and SBH+metformin-treated(SBME)groups.After successful diabetic induction,ND and UNT rats were given normal saline,whereas the treatment groups received SBH(2.0 g/kg and/or metformin(250 mg/kg)for 12 d.Serum biochemical parameters and histological changes using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)and periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining were evaluated.RESULTS On H&E and PAS staining,the ND group showed normal architecture and cellularity of Bowman’s capsule and tubules,whereas the UNT and MET groups had an increased glomerular cellularity and thickened basement membrane.The SBH-treated group showed a decrease in hydropic changes and mild cellularity of the glomerulus vs the ND group based on H&E staining,but the two were similar on PAS staining.Likewise,the SBME-treated group had an increase in cellularity of the glomerulus on H&E staining,but it was comparable to the SBH and ND groups on PAS staining.UNT diabetic rats had tubular hydropic tubules,which were smaller than other groups.Reduced fatty vacuole formation and dilated blood sinusoids in liver tissue were seen in the SBH group.Conversely,the UNT group had high glucose levels,which subsequently increased MDA levels,ultimately leading to liver damage.SBH treatment reduced this damage,as evidenced by having the lowest fasting glucose,serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to other groups,although the levels of liver enzymes were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION The cellularity of the Bowman’s capsule,as well as histological alteration of kidney tubules,glomerular membranes,and liver tissues in diabetic rats after oral SBH resembled those of ND rats.Therefore,SBH exhibited a protective hepatorenal effect in a diabetic rat model.展开更多
The aim of this study was to determine the immunoreactivity of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthetase, argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinate lyase, glutamine synthetase in different regions of brain ...The aim of this study was to determine the immunoreactivity of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthetase, argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinate lyase, glutamine synthetase in different regions of brain in rats of kainic acid mediated epilepsy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The acute group animals were sacrificed after 2 hours and the chronic group animals were sacrificed after 5 days of a single subcutaneous injection of kainic acid (15 mg/kg body weight). The cerebral cortex, cerebellum and brain stem slices were fixed and immunohistostained for the above enzymes. Images were captured and analyzed. In acute group, argininosuccinate synthetase and inducible nitric oxide synthetase were increased in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, neuronal nitric oxide synthetase increased in cerebral cortex and brain stem, and there was no change in argininosuccinate lyase immunoreactivity compared to control group. In chronic group, glutamine synthetase was decreased and all other enzymes immunoreactivity was increased in all the brain regions tested. This study demonstrated the up-regulation of citrul-line-nitric oxide cycle enzymes and may contribute to enhancing recycling of citrulline to arginine to support the increased production of nitric oxide in epilepsy. The decreased glutamine synthetase may increase glutamate in chronic epilepsy and may lead to neurodegeneration.展开更多
Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes,and the degree of resistance influences the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.Numerous researchers have focused on improving insulin sensitivity in...Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes,and the degree of resistance influences the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.Numerous researchers have focused on improving insulin sensitivity in order to prevent diabetes-related complications and other chronic diseases.Several studies have also linked vitamin D levels to insulin secretion and resistance,given that both vitamin D and its receptor complex play important roles in regulating pancreaticβ-cells.It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D levels,but further research is needed to confirm this as neither insulin function nor glycemic control improves when vitamin D levels increase.Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes.Although the role of magnesium in the management of diabetes has long been evaluated,it has not yet been determined whether magnesium supplements improve insulin function.However,several researchers have found that patients with good glycemic control have high magnesium levels.Magnesium is closely related to vitamin D and is necessary for the transport and activation of vitamin D in humans.Combined supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes.展开更多
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally,and most patients with cancers frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)to ameliorate their condition.Some of the available CAM care include:acupunctur...Cancer is a leading cause of death globally,and most patients with cancers frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)to ameliorate their condition.Some of the available CAM care include:acupuncture,aromatherapy,Ayurvedic medicinal drug,cannabis,chelation remedy,homeopathy,hypnotherapy,massage therapy,naturopathic medication,and conventional Chinese remedy amongst others.Despite the growing use of CAM,the evidence-base for its efficacy and safety is limited.Major challenges confronting the efficient deployment of CAM is lack of standardization and regulation;as well as the demand for more extensive studies to validate their safety and efficacy.Integrative oncology which is the combination of CAM and conventional cancer care is likewise complicated through the potential adverse interactions between CAM options and most cancers drugs.The article serves as a guide for healthcare providers and patients to determine how CAM can be safely integrated into the cancer care paradigm.Taking into account safety concerns,however,more studies need to be conducted to properly evaluate its efficacy.Ultimately,CAM can help cancer patients in achieving greater health and well-being.展开更多
Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, the second most common cancer in Nigeria and the most common cause of cancer-related death in Africa. In 2020, World Health Organizati...Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, the second most common cancer in Nigeria and the most common cause of cancer-related death in Africa. In 2020, World Health Organization in its updated guidelines recommended cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA, HPV mRNA tests and subsequent treatment as appropriate. However, in resource-poor settings, Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA), Lugol’s Iodine (VILI) and subsequent treatment of precancerous lesions with thermal ablation remain the practical approaches. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions and associated risk factors among Women Living with HIV (WLHIV). Methods: A retrospective study on sexually active WLHIV aged 16 - 55 years screened for cervical cancer using VIA and VILI within 16 months period in Faith Alive Hospital Jos. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS 26. Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and the screening results were presented in frequency tables, and logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors of pre-cancerous lesions. Results: 1113 women were screened for cervical cancer using VIA/VILI. 994 (89.3%) were negative, 101 (9.1%) were positive for precancerous lesions, and 18 (1.6%) were suspicious of cervical cancer. The mean age of clients with pre-cancerous lesions was 41.32 ± 9.89 years. A higher positivity yield (69.4%) was found in ages between 36 and ≥55 years while a less positivity yield (30.6%) was found in age’s ≤ 35 years. History of STI had 1.64 fold risk association with precancerous lesions. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions among WLHIV;bimodal age distribution for cancer-suspicious lesions and risk associated with STI. Thus, a “screen-and-treat” approach to cervical cancer prevention by VIA and thermal ablation in resource-poor settings should be undertaken until widespread HPV testing to triage clients is feasible.展开更多
AIM To investigate the prospective importance of serum micro(mi)RNAs(mi R-125 b, mi R-138 b, mi R-1269, mi R-214-5p, mi R-494, mi R375 and mi R-145) as early biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus(HCV)-rela...AIM To investigate the prospective importance of serum micro(mi)RNAs(mi R-125 b, mi R-138 b, mi R-1269, mi R-214-5p, mi R-494, mi R375 and mi R-145) as early biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus(HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS Two-hundred and fifty HCV4 a patients, 224 HCV4 aHCC patients, and 84 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Expression levels of mi R214-5p, mi R-125 b, mi R-1269 and mi R-375 were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR.RESULTS Expression of the selected mi RNAs in serum wassignificantly lower in HCC patients than in the healthy controls, except for mi R-1269 and mi R-494. There was a significant difference between HCC and HCV patients, in particular for HCC and late stage fibrosis, rather than HCV patients and early fibrosis. It is obvious that mi R-1269 was significantly upregulated in HCC cases compared to hepatic fibrosis cases. Each mi RNA can show HCC progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the tested panel of mi RNAs(mi R214-5p, mi R-125 b, mi R-1269 and mi R-375) represent accurate and specific indictors of HCC development.CONCLUSION This study presents a panel of mi RNAs with strong power as putative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCV-induced HCC. Moreover, mi R-214-5p and mi R-1269 could be considered as early biomarkers for tracking the progress of liver fibrosis to HCC.展开更多
Introduction: Endometriosis affects up to 1 every 5 women at their reproductive age, with variable and complex symptomatology. Patients may be asymptomatic but may have pain episodes or subfertility. Its negative impa...Introduction: Endometriosis affects up to 1 every 5 women at their reproductive age, with variable and complex symptomatology. Patients may be asymptomatic but may have pain episodes or subfertility. Its negative impact is on patients’ health and quality of life. Objective: it was to investigate the serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) concentrations of Angiopoietin- 2, Interleukin-1β, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, aiming to evaluate their diagnostic performance in endometriosis. Methods: Serum and peritoneal fluid samples were taken from 112 women undergoing laparoscopy for infertility, pelvic pain or adnexal masses. 61 diagnosed with endometriosis and 51 controlled. Primary outcome was to estimate serum and PF concentrations of Angio-2, IL-1β and VEGF and secondarily correlate these concentrations to disease stages thus assuming their diagnostic potential. Results: Significant differences were found between patients and control as regards serum and PF concentration of all studied markers except serum IL-1β. Serum Angio-2 and PF VEGF showed a significantly higher level in more advanced stages of endometriosis. PF VEGF showed a positively significant correlation with the stage of the disease, spearman coefficient t = 0.442 p = 0.014. PF concentrations of Angio-2 and Serum VEGF did not show significant pattern changes with stage-related levels. Diagnostic potential of serum and PF concentrations of the 3 markers were assessed by the ROC curve. Angio-2 proved an excellent diagnostic ability for endometriosis. PF and serum VEGF proved an equal diagnostic performance, whereas, PF IL-1β was the least efficient. Based on the results, we suggested preliminary serum threshold values for these markers to be used as diagnostic or follow-up landmarks with relatively acceptable sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Conclusion: Non-invasive predictive biomarkers for endometriosis were Serum Angio-2, IL-1β, and VEGF independently or in combination with the estimated threshold values. Serum Angio-2 merit is considered as a novel marker for endometriosis due to its diagnostic power.展开更多
Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SC...Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SCD subjects compared with the general population. Co-existence of the enzyme-deficient state with a chronic haemolytic disorder, like SCD, could potentially predispose to fatal haemolytic episodes. There is however a dearth of paediatric studies on this subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic determinants of G6PD deficiency in children with SCD. Methods: Red cell G6PD activity was determined in 115 steady-state sickle cell disease children aged 0.5 - 17 years, in steady state and equal number of age & gender-matched non-SCD controls using the quantitative method. A measured G6PD activity of U/gHb defined G6PD deficiency while values ≥6.97 U/gHb were regarded as normal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Statistical analyses done include chi-square, student t-test and ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 64 (55.7%) males and 51 (44.3%) females in each of the arms of the study. The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 4.7 years. Seven of the subjects were G6PD-deficient giving a prevalence of 6.1% which was not significantly different from the 7.0% obtained in the controls (p = 0.789). G6PD deficiency was more frequently encountered in the older age groups although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.438). Similarly, mean G6PD activity was highest in the under-5 age-group compared to the older age-groups analysed (p = 0.573). The condition was also commoner in the males than females although the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.897). Conclusions: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among SCD children was 6.1%. The condition is marginally commoner in males and older children.展开更多
Background: For a long time Africa was considered safe from diabetes. However, the International Diabetes Federation predicts an increase in diabetes from 240 million in 2007 to 380 million in 2025 with 80% of the dis...Background: For a long time Africa was considered safe from diabetes. However, the International Diabetes Federation predicts an increase in diabetes from 240 million in 2007 to 380 million in 2025 with 80% of the disease burden in low and middle-income countries including Africa. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among a group of Nigerian women who had earlier been found to have a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Methods: 253 women attending the 2009 Meeting were recruited for the study. Blood glucose concentration was measured using ACCU-CHEK(R) Advantage glucometer by Roche Diagnostics and diabetes mellitus defined as fasting blood glucose concentration >7 mmol/L. Results: The population mean age was 53.04 ± 11.09 years, diabetics 55.76 ± 10.77 years, and non-diabetics 52.84 ± 11.11 years p = 0.709. 17 (6.7%) subjects had diabetes. Of the 17 diabetics 10 (3.95%) were known to have diabetes previously and 7 (2.76%) were diagnosed for the first time. 3 of the 17 diabetics were aged 50 years. 11 of the 17 (64.7%) diabetics had blood pressure > 140/ 90 mmHg while only 54 of the 236 (22%) non-diabetics had blood pressure >140/90 mmHg. The mean non fasting blood glucose concentration of the population was 5.83 ± 2.33 mmol/L, that of diabetics was 11.9 ± 5.27 mmol/L and non-diabetics 5.39 mmol/L ± 1.03, p < 0.000. Of the 10 previously diagnosed to have diabetes only 3 (30%) had fasting blood glucose concentration <7 mmol/L. Diabetes mellitus correlated with age, systolic blood pressure and age correlated with body mass, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of diabetes with a significant proportion of undiagnosed diabetes and a poor level of control among diagnosed diabetics.展开更多
Objective: This is to determine the plasma lipid profile status of patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Seventy-nine pregnant women between gestational age of 24 and 28 weeks out of whic...Objective: This is to determine the plasma lipid profile status of patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Seventy-nine pregnant women between gestational age of 24 and 28 weeks out of which 23 and 16 were diagnosed of having GDM using IADAPSG and WHO guidelines respectively were recruited into the study. Plasma lipid profile was determined among the study groups using standard laboratory techniques. Results: Higher numbers of women were diagnosed with GDM using IASDAPG criteria than when WHO criteria were used. Plasma lipid profile showed no significant difference between women with GDM and Non-GDM irrespective of guidelines used in the diagnosis of GDM. Conclusion: Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus may have influence on lipid metabolism but not likely in the second trimester of pregnancy as observed in our study.展开更多
Background: This study aimed at documenting the degree of atherosclerosis, which is an important macrovascular complication in Nigerian children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus as determined by ultrasonography using the...Background: This study aimed at documenting the degree of atherosclerosis, which is an important macrovascular complication in Nigerian children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus as determined by ultrasonography using the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries. Method: A prospective observational study was performed on all 10 children diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at the paediatric endocrinology clinic, in a tertiary unit based in Nigeria over a six-month period. Results: All 10 children were aged between 12 - 17 years (Median = 16 years) and consist of 5 (50%) males and 5 (50%) female. The duration of diabetes ranged from 0.2 to 9 years. Four (40%) of the subjects had thickened carotid intima media thickness on either the left or right common carotid artery;5 (50%) had 0% flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery while the remaining 5 (50%) had normal flow mediated dilation;while 2 (30%) had intima media thickening of either the left or right superficial femoral artery using a cut-off value of 0.9 cm. Conclusion: Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus have ultrasonic evidence of ongoing atherosclerosis. The use of ultrasound is recommended for detection and monitoring of atherosclerotic changes in children with DM.展开更多
Background: Kalanchoe integra is widely used in folklore medicine as an antiasthmatic agent. Previous studies have shown the ameliorating effect of Kalanchoe integra leaf extract [KILE] on bronchial hyperesponsiveness...Background: Kalanchoe integra is widely used in folklore medicine as an antiasthmatic agent. Previous studies have shown the ameliorating effect of Kalanchoe integra leaf extract [KILE] on bronchial hyperesponsiveness and inflammation. Further, the stabilizing effect of Kalanchoe sp on mast cell degranulation, suggests that Kalanchoe species are suitable candidates for allergic asthma therapy. This study is designed to investigate the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE and monitor the accompanying histopathological and immunobiochemical changes that occur in an animal model of bronchial asthma using ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs. Method: Thirty male guinea pigs were divided into five groups of six animals each. Bronchial asthma was simulated in guinea pigs using ovalbumin. Both low dose (300 mg/kg) and high dose extract (900 mg/kg) were administered daily for 42 days. Prednisolone (2.5 mg/kg) was the standard drug used. Results: Guinea pigs in all KILE treated groups maintained the integrity of their airway structures: bronchial folds and walls, alveoli, alveolar ducts and sacs. KILE and prednisolone caused a reduction in immune parameters (p 0.001), extent of bronchoconstriction, bronchial wall thickness and goblet cell accumulation in the sensitized guinea pigs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE during prolonged administration by the oral route.展开更多
Background: Nigeria has the largest paediatric HIV-infected population in the world. Missed opportunities for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) compromise efforts at eliminating new pediatric H...Background: Nigeria has the largest paediatric HIV-infected population in the world. Missed opportunities for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) compromise efforts at eliminating new pediatric HIV infections. Methods: Six hundred children, aged < 15 years, presenting to the pediatric units of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Southwest Nigeria between June to December 2007 were studied. The demographics, HIV status and socioeconomic status of mothers and their children were studied. A 4-step hierarchy was used to assess the missed opportunities for PMTCT. Step 1: utilization of a health facility for antenatal care and delivery;Step 2: maternal HIV status determination during pregnancy;Step 3: provision of antiretroviral medication to HIV-infected mother and baby;and Step 4: avoidance of mixed feeding in HIV-exposed children. The rates of missed opportunities for PMTCT services at different steps in the PMTCT cascade, perinatal transmission rates, and associated factors were reported. Results: There were 599 mothers and 600 children (one set of twins), 60 (10%) were HIV infected and 56 (93.3%) of these were adjudged perinatally infected. Of 78 HIV-infected women, 7 (9.0%) accessed all interventions in the PMTCT cascade and 71 (91.0%) had missed opportunities for PMTCT. Missed opportunities for PMTCT occurred 42.9% in cascade Step 1, 64.2% in Step 2, 52.6% in step 3 and 73.7% in Step 4. All mother-baby pairs who accessed complete PMTCT interventions received care at a teaching hospital. Among infants with perinatal HIV infection, 53 (94.6%) were born to mothers who had missed opportunities for PMTCT. Most women with missed opportunities attended antenatal care outside the teaching hospital setting and belonged to low socioeconomic status. Conclusion: It is imperative to expand PMTCT access to women who receive antenatal care outside the teaching hospitals and to those of low socioeconomic status.展开更多
Background: Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation are key regulators of gene activity and may play key roles in carcinogenesis through cumulative activation and inactivation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor ge...Background: Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation are key regulators of gene activity and may play key roles in carcinogenesis through cumulative activation and inactivation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other genes. Increased vimentin gene expression has been reported in various tumor cell lines and tissues including breast cancer. In addition, methylation of the vimentin gene was described as a marker in several malignant tumors. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the existence of a potential relationship between the methylation state of the vimentin gene and its prognostic value in breast cancer patients and its correlation with vimentin protein expression in the serum. Patients and Methods: The methylation status of the vimentin gene was examined in primary infiltrating ductaltumors and the surrounding normal tissues derived from 50 breast cancer patients enrolled for either modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgery using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP), serum vimentin levels were determined using ELISA, and the correlation between the methylation status and the clinicopathological findings was evaluated. Results: Out of 50 breast cancer patients, 18 (36%) exhibited positive methylation of vimentin gene while 32 (64%) exhibited negative vimentin genemethylation in their tumors. Subsequently clinicopathological data were correlated with the vimentin genemethylation score. A significant association was found between negative vimentin methylation, and both serum vimentin protein level (p 0.001) and the triple negative breast cancer subtype (TNBCs) (p = 0.004). Using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cut off value of <0.49 was set for the negative vimentin methylation score to distinguish between early and late stage breast cancer, and the ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.684 (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Our study showed that the vimentin gene is frequently hypomethylated in breast cancer tissues, and that negative methylation status is always associated with high serum vimentin protein expression levels. Also we reported a significant association between negative vimentin methylation and TNBC subtype which is known to have an aggressive clinical course. Taken together, these results might have important implications for the design of novel therapeutic interventions for breast cancer patients. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to validate these observations.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid(ALA)supplementation on systolic blood pressure(SBP),renal oxidant-antioxidant status and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)and SHR administere...Objective:To investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid(ALA)supplementation on systolic blood pressure(SBP),renal oxidant-antioxidant status and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)and SHR administered with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME).Methods:Male rats were divided into four groups(SHR,SHR+ALA,SHR+L-NAME,SHR+ALA+L-NAME).The respective group of rats was administered with ALA(100 mg/kg/day)from age 4 weeks to 28 weeks and L-NAME(25 mg/kg/day)from age 16 weeks to 28 weeks.SBP was measured every two weeks and twenty four hour urine was collected at 4 weeks,16 weeks and 28 weeks for estimation of protein,creatinine and N-acetyl-e end of 28 weeks,rats were sacrificed and blood and kidneys colα-Dglucosaminidase.At thlected for assessment of blood creatinine,kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,protein carbonyls,superoxide dismutase,catalase,glutathione peroxidase,glutathione reductase,glutathione S-transferase,glutathione disulfide,glutathione,total antioxidant status and nitric oxide as well as histopathological examination.Results:ALA supplementation significantly reduced SBP of SHR and SHR+L-NAME rats when compared to their respective non-supplemented groups.Renal oxidant status markers including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls were significantly reduced on SHR and SHR+L-NAME rats supplemented with ALA at 28 weeks as well as ALA supplementation significantly increased renal antioxidants including superoxide dismutase,catalase,glutathione peroxidase,glutathione S-transferase,glutathione and glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio at 28 weeks.No significant change in nitric oxide levels was observed between the ALA supplemented and non-supplemented groups.Renal dysfunction was ameliorated on ALA supplementation as evidenced by significant reduction in urine protein levels,N-acetyl-α-D-glucosaminidase activity and significant increase of creatinine clearance in SHR and SHR+L-NAME at 28 weeks.Renal histopathological examination showed that ALA supplementation prevented vascular damage in SHR and ameliorated glomerular damage in SHR+L-NAME at 28 weeks.Conclusions:ALA has hypotensive and renoprotective effects on both SHR and SHR+LNAME,which could be due to its ability to ameliorate oxidative stress in the kidneys.展开更多
AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried o...AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried out in a Hong Kong Government secondary school.Thirty-eight lean and active boys and girls were randomised to either the resistance training group or the control group.Students in the resistance training group received in-school 10-wk supervised resistance training twice per week,with each session lasting 70 min.Main outcome measures taken before and after training included brachial endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation,body composition,fasting serum lipids,fasting glucose and insulin,high sensitive C-reactive protein,24-h ambulatory blood pressure and aerobic fitness.RESULTS:The only training related change was in endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation which increased from 8.5%to 9.8%.A main effect of time and an interaction(P<0.005) indicated that this improvement was a result of the 10-wk resistance training.Main effects for time(P<0.05) in a number of anthropometric,metabolic and vascular variables were noted;however,there were no significant interactions indicating the change was more likely an outcome of normal growth and development as opposed to a training effect.CONCLUSION:Ten weeks of resistance training in school appears to have some vascular benefit in active,lean children.展开更多
Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate mothers/care givers perception of malaria,their treatment practices and the effects on the outcome of malaria.Methods:Four hundred and sixty children were enrolled ...Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate mothers/care givers perception of malaria,their treatment practices and the effects on the outcome of malaria.Methods:Four hundred and sixty children were enrolled and their mothers/care givers interviewed.The children were screened for malaria parasitaemia and there after,blood specimens were obtained for biochemical and haematological evaluation from those children who met the criteria and tested positive to P.falciparum parasites.Packed cell volume,electrolytes,urea, creatinine,plasma glucose,and serum bilirubin were analyzed.Results:A total of 460 children were studied, 233(50.7%) males and 227(49.3%) females.Mild malaria cases were 112(24.3%) and severe malaria 348(75.7%).Those who presented early 106(23.0%) and those who presented late 354(77.0%).Perception and definition of malaria as well as the treatment seeking behaviors vary significantly with the level of education of the mothers and care givers.Those without formal education 68(51.9%) wrongly perceived that the etiology of malaria can only be diagnosed by native doctors compared to those with primary six education 61 (26.5%) and junior secondary education 10(10.1%).Only 43(9.3%) gave the correct dose of chloroquine syrup to their sick children,while 32(7.0%) gave at sub optimal doses.Conclusion:Wrong perception of malaria especially the complicated malaria and wrong treatment practices are major contributory factors to the high mortality and morbidity of malaria in Nigeria.There is therefore a need for health education to correct the wrong ideas about the cause and treatment practices of malaria as part of malaria control programme.展开更多
AIM: To study the safety and efficacy of hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in children with chronic liver disease of various etiologies. METHODS: Eleven children with chronic liver disease and thirteen age- and sex-matched co...AIM: To study the safety and efficacy of hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in children with chronic liver disease of various etiologies. METHODS: Eleven children with chronic liver disease and thirteen age- and sex-matched controls negative for HAV antibodies were vaccinated against hepatitis A after they gave their informed consent. Children with uncontrolled coagulopathy or signs of hepatic decompensation were excluded. The vaccine (Havrix: 720 ELISA units in 0.5 mL, from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) was given intramuscularly in the deltoid in 2 doses 6 mo apart. Children were tested for HAV antibodies one and six months after the 1st dose and one month after the 2nd dose. Total serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined immediately before and after one month of the 1st dose of the vaccine. RESULTS: Only 7 out of the 11 patients were positive for HAV antibodies after the 1st dose of the vaccine, as compared to 100% of the controls. One month after the 2nd dose, all patients tested were positive for HAV antibodies. No deterioration in liver functions of patients was noted after vaccination. No adverse events, immediate or late, were reported by the mothers after each dose of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis A vaccine is both safe and effective in this small studied group of children with chronic liver disease. Given the high seroconversion rate, post-vaccination testing for HAV antibodies is not needed.展开更多
文摘Nanoparticles have distinct properties that make them potentially valuable in a variety of industries.As a result,emerging approaches for the manufacture of nanoparticles are gaining a lot of scientific interest.The biological pathway of nanoparticle synthesis has been suggested as an effective,affordable,and environmentally safe method.Synthesis of nanoparticles through physical and chemical processes uses unsafe materials,expensive equipment and adversely affects the environment.As a result,in order to support the increased utilization of nanoparticles across many sectors,nanotechnology research activities have shifted toward environmentally safe and cost-effective techniques that outperform chemical and/or biological procedures.The use of organisms to produce metal nanoparticles is among the most frequently discussed methods.Plants appear to be the best candidates among these organisms for large-scale nanoparticle biosynthesis.Medicinal plants have been employed as reducing agents and NP stabilizers to minimize the toxicity of NPs in both the environment and the human body.Furthermore,the presence of certain functional components in plant extracts may be extremely useful and effective for the human body.Polyphenol,for example,which may have antioxidant properties,might intercept free radicals before they interact with other biomolecules and cause considerable damage.The current article analyzes the most recent developments and improvements in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles by different plants and the use of these nanoparticles for various biomedical applications and hopes to provide insights into this exciting research frontier.
基金Ministry of Higher Education,Malaysia for Fundamental Research Grant Scheme FRGS/1/2019/SKK06/USM/03/6,No.291983-329281.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney,leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure.Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic complications.However,the effect of stingless bee honey(SBH)administration in relieving liver and kidney damage in diabetes has not been well-studied.AIM To investigate the effect of SBH administration on the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced(STZ;55 mg/kg)diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.METHODS The rats were grouped as follows(n=6 per group):non-diabetic(ND),untreated diabetic(UNT),metformin-treated(MET),and SBH+metformin-treated(SBME)groups.After successful diabetic induction,ND and UNT rats were given normal saline,whereas the treatment groups received SBH(2.0 g/kg and/or metformin(250 mg/kg)for 12 d.Serum biochemical parameters and histological changes using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)and periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining were evaluated.RESULTS On H&E and PAS staining,the ND group showed normal architecture and cellularity of Bowman’s capsule and tubules,whereas the UNT and MET groups had an increased glomerular cellularity and thickened basement membrane.The SBH-treated group showed a decrease in hydropic changes and mild cellularity of the glomerulus vs the ND group based on H&E staining,but the two were similar on PAS staining.Likewise,the SBME-treated group had an increase in cellularity of the glomerulus on H&E staining,but it was comparable to the SBH and ND groups on PAS staining.UNT diabetic rats had tubular hydropic tubules,which were smaller than other groups.Reduced fatty vacuole formation and dilated blood sinusoids in liver tissue were seen in the SBH group.Conversely,the UNT group had high glucose levels,which subsequently increased MDA levels,ultimately leading to liver damage.SBH treatment reduced this damage,as evidenced by having the lowest fasting glucose,serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to other groups,although the levels of liver enzymes were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION The cellularity of the Bowman’s capsule,as well as histological alteration of kidney tubules,glomerular membranes,and liver tissues in diabetic rats after oral SBH resembled those of ND rats.Therefore,SBH exhibited a protective hepatorenal effect in a diabetic rat model.
文摘The aim of this study was to determine the immunoreactivity of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthetase, argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinate lyase, glutamine synthetase in different regions of brain in rats of kainic acid mediated epilepsy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The acute group animals were sacrificed after 2 hours and the chronic group animals were sacrificed after 5 days of a single subcutaneous injection of kainic acid (15 mg/kg body weight). The cerebral cortex, cerebellum and brain stem slices were fixed and immunohistostained for the above enzymes. Images were captured and analyzed. In acute group, argininosuccinate synthetase and inducible nitric oxide synthetase were increased in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, neuronal nitric oxide synthetase increased in cerebral cortex and brain stem, and there was no change in argininosuccinate lyase immunoreactivity compared to control group. In chronic group, glutamine synthetase was decreased and all other enzymes immunoreactivity was increased in all the brain regions tested. This study demonstrated the up-regulation of citrul-line-nitric oxide cycle enzymes and may contribute to enhancing recycling of citrulline to arginine to support the increased production of nitric oxide in epilepsy. The decreased glutamine synthetase may increase glutamate in chronic epilepsy and may lead to neurodegeneration.
文摘Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes,and the degree of resistance influences the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.Numerous researchers have focused on improving insulin sensitivity in order to prevent diabetes-related complications and other chronic diseases.Several studies have also linked vitamin D levels to insulin secretion and resistance,given that both vitamin D and its receptor complex play important roles in regulating pancreaticβ-cells.It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D levels,but further research is needed to confirm this as neither insulin function nor glycemic control improves when vitamin D levels increase.Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes.Although the role of magnesium in the management of diabetes has long been evaluated,it has not yet been determined whether magnesium supplements improve insulin function.However,several researchers have found that patients with good glycemic control have high magnesium levels.Magnesium is closely related to vitamin D and is necessary for the transport and activation of vitamin D in humans.Combined supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
文摘Cancer is a leading cause of death globally,and most patients with cancers frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)to ameliorate their condition.Some of the available CAM care include:acupuncture,aromatherapy,Ayurvedic medicinal drug,cannabis,chelation remedy,homeopathy,hypnotherapy,massage therapy,naturopathic medication,and conventional Chinese remedy amongst others.Despite the growing use of CAM,the evidence-base for its efficacy and safety is limited.Major challenges confronting the efficient deployment of CAM is lack of standardization and regulation;as well as the demand for more extensive studies to validate their safety and efficacy.Integrative oncology which is the combination of CAM and conventional cancer care is likewise complicated through the potential adverse interactions between CAM options and most cancers drugs.The article serves as a guide for healthcare providers and patients to determine how CAM can be safely integrated into the cancer care paradigm.Taking into account safety concerns,however,more studies need to be conducted to properly evaluate its efficacy.Ultimately,CAM can help cancer patients in achieving greater health and well-being.
文摘Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, the second most common cancer in Nigeria and the most common cause of cancer-related death in Africa. In 2020, World Health Organization in its updated guidelines recommended cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA, HPV mRNA tests and subsequent treatment as appropriate. However, in resource-poor settings, Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA), Lugol’s Iodine (VILI) and subsequent treatment of precancerous lesions with thermal ablation remain the practical approaches. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions and associated risk factors among Women Living with HIV (WLHIV). Methods: A retrospective study on sexually active WLHIV aged 16 - 55 years screened for cervical cancer using VIA and VILI within 16 months period in Faith Alive Hospital Jos. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS 26. Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and the screening results were presented in frequency tables, and logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors of pre-cancerous lesions. Results: 1113 women were screened for cervical cancer using VIA/VILI. 994 (89.3%) were negative, 101 (9.1%) were positive for precancerous lesions, and 18 (1.6%) were suspicious of cervical cancer. The mean age of clients with pre-cancerous lesions was 41.32 ± 9.89 years. A higher positivity yield (69.4%) was found in ages between 36 and ≥55 years while a less positivity yield (30.6%) was found in age’s ≤ 35 years. History of STI had 1.64 fold risk association with precancerous lesions. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions among WLHIV;bimodal age distribution for cancer-suspicious lesions and risk associated with STI. Thus, a “screen-and-treat” approach to cervical cancer prevention by VIA and thermal ablation in resource-poor settings should be undertaken until widespread HPV testing to triage clients is feasible.
文摘AIM To investigate the prospective importance of serum micro(mi)RNAs(mi R-125 b, mi R-138 b, mi R-1269, mi R-214-5p, mi R-494, mi R375 and mi R-145) as early biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus(HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS Two-hundred and fifty HCV4 a patients, 224 HCV4 aHCC patients, and 84 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Expression levels of mi R214-5p, mi R-125 b, mi R-1269 and mi R-375 were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR.RESULTS Expression of the selected mi RNAs in serum wassignificantly lower in HCC patients than in the healthy controls, except for mi R-1269 and mi R-494. There was a significant difference between HCC and HCV patients, in particular for HCC and late stage fibrosis, rather than HCV patients and early fibrosis. It is obvious that mi R-1269 was significantly upregulated in HCC cases compared to hepatic fibrosis cases. Each mi RNA can show HCC progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the tested panel of mi RNAs(mi R214-5p, mi R-125 b, mi R-1269 and mi R-375) represent accurate and specific indictors of HCC development.CONCLUSION This study presents a panel of mi RNAs with strong power as putative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCV-induced HCC. Moreover, mi R-214-5p and mi R-1269 could be considered as early biomarkers for tracking the progress of liver fibrosis to HCC.
文摘Introduction: Endometriosis affects up to 1 every 5 women at their reproductive age, with variable and complex symptomatology. Patients may be asymptomatic but may have pain episodes or subfertility. Its negative impact is on patients’ health and quality of life. Objective: it was to investigate the serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) concentrations of Angiopoietin- 2, Interleukin-1β, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, aiming to evaluate their diagnostic performance in endometriosis. Methods: Serum and peritoneal fluid samples were taken from 112 women undergoing laparoscopy for infertility, pelvic pain or adnexal masses. 61 diagnosed with endometriosis and 51 controlled. Primary outcome was to estimate serum and PF concentrations of Angio-2, IL-1β and VEGF and secondarily correlate these concentrations to disease stages thus assuming their diagnostic potential. Results: Significant differences were found between patients and control as regards serum and PF concentration of all studied markers except serum IL-1β. Serum Angio-2 and PF VEGF showed a significantly higher level in more advanced stages of endometriosis. PF VEGF showed a positively significant correlation with the stage of the disease, spearman coefficient t = 0.442 p = 0.014. PF concentrations of Angio-2 and Serum VEGF did not show significant pattern changes with stage-related levels. Diagnostic potential of serum and PF concentrations of the 3 markers were assessed by the ROC curve. Angio-2 proved an excellent diagnostic ability for endometriosis. PF and serum VEGF proved an equal diagnostic performance, whereas, PF IL-1β was the least efficient. Based on the results, we suggested preliminary serum threshold values for these markers to be used as diagnostic or follow-up landmarks with relatively acceptable sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Conclusion: Non-invasive predictive biomarkers for endometriosis were Serum Angio-2, IL-1β, and VEGF independently or in combination with the estimated threshold values. Serum Angio-2 merit is considered as a novel marker for endometriosis due to its diagnostic power.
文摘Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SCD subjects compared with the general population. Co-existence of the enzyme-deficient state with a chronic haemolytic disorder, like SCD, could potentially predispose to fatal haemolytic episodes. There is however a dearth of paediatric studies on this subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic determinants of G6PD deficiency in children with SCD. Methods: Red cell G6PD activity was determined in 115 steady-state sickle cell disease children aged 0.5 - 17 years, in steady state and equal number of age & gender-matched non-SCD controls using the quantitative method. A measured G6PD activity of U/gHb defined G6PD deficiency while values ≥6.97 U/gHb were regarded as normal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Statistical analyses done include chi-square, student t-test and ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 64 (55.7%) males and 51 (44.3%) females in each of the arms of the study. The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 4.7 years. Seven of the subjects were G6PD-deficient giving a prevalence of 6.1% which was not significantly different from the 7.0% obtained in the controls (p = 0.789). G6PD deficiency was more frequently encountered in the older age groups although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.438). Similarly, mean G6PD activity was highest in the under-5 age-group compared to the older age-groups analysed (p = 0.573). The condition was also commoner in the males than females although the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.897). Conclusions: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among SCD children was 6.1%. The condition is marginally commoner in males and older children.
文摘Background: For a long time Africa was considered safe from diabetes. However, the International Diabetes Federation predicts an increase in diabetes from 240 million in 2007 to 380 million in 2025 with 80% of the disease burden in low and middle-income countries including Africa. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among a group of Nigerian women who had earlier been found to have a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Methods: 253 women attending the 2009 Meeting were recruited for the study. Blood glucose concentration was measured using ACCU-CHEK(R) Advantage glucometer by Roche Diagnostics and diabetes mellitus defined as fasting blood glucose concentration >7 mmol/L. Results: The population mean age was 53.04 ± 11.09 years, diabetics 55.76 ± 10.77 years, and non-diabetics 52.84 ± 11.11 years p = 0.709. 17 (6.7%) subjects had diabetes. Of the 17 diabetics 10 (3.95%) were known to have diabetes previously and 7 (2.76%) were diagnosed for the first time. 3 of the 17 diabetics were aged 50 years. 11 of the 17 (64.7%) diabetics had blood pressure > 140/ 90 mmHg while only 54 of the 236 (22%) non-diabetics had blood pressure >140/90 mmHg. The mean non fasting blood glucose concentration of the population was 5.83 ± 2.33 mmol/L, that of diabetics was 11.9 ± 5.27 mmol/L and non-diabetics 5.39 mmol/L ± 1.03, p < 0.000. Of the 10 previously diagnosed to have diabetes only 3 (30%) had fasting blood glucose concentration <7 mmol/L. Diabetes mellitus correlated with age, systolic blood pressure and age correlated with body mass, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of diabetes with a significant proportion of undiagnosed diabetes and a poor level of control among diagnosed diabetics.
文摘Objective: This is to determine the plasma lipid profile status of patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Seventy-nine pregnant women between gestational age of 24 and 28 weeks out of which 23 and 16 were diagnosed of having GDM using IADAPSG and WHO guidelines respectively were recruited into the study. Plasma lipid profile was determined among the study groups using standard laboratory techniques. Results: Higher numbers of women were diagnosed with GDM using IASDAPG criteria than when WHO criteria were used. Plasma lipid profile showed no significant difference between women with GDM and Non-GDM irrespective of guidelines used in the diagnosis of GDM. Conclusion: Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus may have influence on lipid metabolism but not likely in the second trimester of pregnancy as observed in our study.
文摘Background: This study aimed at documenting the degree of atherosclerosis, which is an important macrovascular complication in Nigerian children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus as determined by ultrasonography using the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries. Method: A prospective observational study was performed on all 10 children diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at the paediatric endocrinology clinic, in a tertiary unit based in Nigeria over a six-month period. Results: All 10 children were aged between 12 - 17 years (Median = 16 years) and consist of 5 (50%) males and 5 (50%) female. The duration of diabetes ranged from 0.2 to 9 years. Four (40%) of the subjects had thickened carotid intima media thickness on either the left or right common carotid artery;5 (50%) had 0% flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery while the remaining 5 (50%) had normal flow mediated dilation;while 2 (30%) had intima media thickening of either the left or right superficial femoral artery using a cut-off value of 0.9 cm. Conclusion: Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus have ultrasonic evidence of ongoing atherosclerosis. The use of ultrasound is recommended for detection and monitoring of atherosclerotic changes in children with DM.
文摘Background: Kalanchoe integra is widely used in folklore medicine as an antiasthmatic agent. Previous studies have shown the ameliorating effect of Kalanchoe integra leaf extract [KILE] on bronchial hyperesponsiveness and inflammation. Further, the stabilizing effect of Kalanchoe sp on mast cell degranulation, suggests that Kalanchoe species are suitable candidates for allergic asthma therapy. This study is designed to investigate the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE and monitor the accompanying histopathological and immunobiochemical changes that occur in an animal model of bronchial asthma using ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs. Method: Thirty male guinea pigs were divided into five groups of six animals each. Bronchial asthma was simulated in guinea pigs using ovalbumin. Both low dose (300 mg/kg) and high dose extract (900 mg/kg) were administered daily for 42 days. Prednisolone (2.5 mg/kg) was the standard drug used. Results: Guinea pigs in all KILE treated groups maintained the integrity of their airway structures: bronchial folds and walls, alveoli, alveolar ducts and sacs. KILE and prednisolone caused a reduction in immune parameters (p 0.001), extent of bronchoconstriction, bronchial wall thickness and goblet cell accumulation in the sensitized guinea pigs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE during prolonged administration by the oral route.
文摘Background: Nigeria has the largest paediatric HIV-infected population in the world. Missed opportunities for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) compromise efforts at eliminating new pediatric HIV infections. Methods: Six hundred children, aged < 15 years, presenting to the pediatric units of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Southwest Nigeria between June to December 2007 were studied. The demographics, HIV status and socioeconomic status of mothers and their children were studied. A 4-step hierarchy was used to assess the missed opportunities for PMTCT. Step 1: utilization of a health facility for antenatal care and delivery;Step 2: maternal HIV status determination during pregnancy;Step 3: provision of antiretroviral medication to HIV-infected mother and baby;and Step 4: avoidance of mixed feeding in HIV-exposed children. The rates of missed opportunities for PMTCT services at different steps in the PMTCT cascade, perinatal transmission rates, and associated factors were reported. Results: There were 599 mothers and 600 children (one set of twins), 60 (10%) were HIV infected and 56 (93.3%) of these were adjudged perinatally infected. Of 78 HIV-infected women, 7 (9.0%) accessed all interventions in the PMTCT cascade and 71 (91.0%) had missed opportunities for PMTCT. Missed opportunities for PMTCT occurred 42.9% in cascade Step 1, 64.2% in Step 2, 52.6% in step 3 and 73.7% in Step 4. All mother-baby pairs who accessed complete PMTCT interventions received care at a teaching hospital. Among infants with perinatal HIV infection, 53 (94.6%) were born to mothers who had missed opportunities for PMTCT. Most women with missed opportunities attended antenatal care outside the teaching hospital setting and belonged to low socioeconomic status. Conclusion: It is imperative to expand PMTCT access to women who receive antenatal care outside the teaching hospitals and to those of low socioeconomic status.
文摘Background: Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation are key regulators of gene activity and may play key roles in carcinogenesis through cumulative activation and inactivation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other genes. Increased vimentin gene expression has been reported in various tumor cell lines and tissues including breast cancer. In addition, methylation of the vimentin gene was described as a marker in several malignant tumors. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the existence of a potential relationship between the methylation state of the vimentin gene and its prognostic value in breast cancer patients and its correlation with vimentin protein expression in the serum. Patients and Methods: The methylation status of the vimentin gene was examined in primary infiltrating ductaltumors and the surrounding normal tissues derived from 50 breast cancer patients enrolled for either modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgery using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP), serum vimentin levels were determined using ELISA, and the correlation between the methylation status and the clinicopathological findings was evaluated. Results: Out of 50 breast cancer patients, 18 (36%) exhibited positive methylation of vimentin gene while 32 (64%) exhibited negative vimentin genemethylation in their tumors. Subsequently clinicopathological data were correlated with the vimentin genemethylation score. A significant association was found between negative vimentin methylation, and both serum vimentin protein level (p 0.001) and the triple negative breast cancer subtype (TNBCs) (p = 0.004). Using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cut off value of <0.49 was set for the negative vimentin methylation score to distinguish between early and late stage breast cancer, and the ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.684 (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Our study showed that the vimentin gene is frequently hypomethylated in breast cancer tissues, and that negative methylation status is always associated with high serum vimentin protein expression levels. Also we reported a significant association between negative vimentin methylation and TNBC subtype which is known to have an aggressive clinical course. Taken together, these results might have important implications for the design of novel therapeutic interventions for breast cancer patients. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to validate these observations.
基金supported by Short Term Research Grant Scheme(304/PPSP/6131496)provided by Universiti Sains Malaysia.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid(ALA)supplementation on systolic blood pressure(SBP),renal oxidant-antioxidant status and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)and SHR administered with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME).Methods:Male rats were divided into four groups(SHR,SHR+ALA,SHR+L-NAME,SHR+ALA+L-NAME).The respective group of rats was administered with ALA(100 mg/kg/day)from age 4 weeks to 28 weeks and L-NAME(25 mg/kg/day)from age 16 weeks to 28 weeks.SBP was measured every two weeks and twenty four hour urine was collected at 4 weeks,16 weeks and 28 weeks for estimation of protein,creatinine and N-acetyl-e end of 28 weeks,rats were sacrificed and blood and kidneys colα-Dglucosaminidase.At thlected for assessment of blood creatinine,kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,protein carbonyls,superoxide dismutase,catalase,glutathione peroxidase,glutathione reductase,glutathione S-transferase,glutathione disulfide,glutathione,total antioxidant status and nitric oxide as well as histopathological examination.Results:ALA supplementation significantly reduced SBP of SHR and SHR+L-NAME rats when compared to their respective non-supplemented groups.Renal oxidant status markers including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls were significantly reduced on SHR and SHR+L-NAME rats supplemented with ALA at 28 weeks as well as ALA supplementation significantly increased renal antioxidants including superoxide dismutase,catalase,glutathione peroxidase,glutathione S-transferase,glutathione and glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio at 28 weeks.No significant change in nitric oxide levels was observed between the ALA supplemented and non-supplemented groups.Renal dysfunction was ameliorated on ALA supplementation as evidenced by significant reduction in urine protein levels,N-acetyl-α-D-glucosaminidase activity and significant increase of creatinine clearance in SHR and SHR+L-NAME at 28 weeks.Renal histopathological examination showed that ALA supplementation prevented vascular damage in SHR and ameliorated glomerular damage in SHR+L-NAME at 28 weeks.Conclusions:ALA has hypotensive and renoprotective effects on both SHR and SHR+LNAME,which could be due to its ability to ameliorate oxidative stress in the kidneys.
文摘AIM:To determine the benefits of a 10-wk resistance training programme on cardiovascular health in nonobese and active adolescents.METHODS:This is a pragmatic randomised controlled intervention.The study was carried out in a Hong Kong Government secondary school.Thirty-eight lean and active boys and girls were randomised to either the resistance training group or the control group.Students in the resistance training group received in-school 10-wk supervised resistance training twice per week,with each session lasting 70 min.Main outcome measures taken before and after training included brachial endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation,body composition,fasting serum lipids,fasting glucose and insulin,high sensitive C-reactive protein,24-h ambulatory blood pressure and aerobic fitness.RESULTS:The only training related change was in endothelial dependent flow-mediated dilation which increased from 8.5%to 9.8%.A main effect of time and an interaction(P<0.005) indicated that this improvement was a result of the 10-wk resistance training.Main effects for time(P<0.05) in a number of anthropometric,metabolic and vascular variables were noted;however,there were no significant interactions indicating the change was more likely an outcome of normal growth and development as opposed to a training effect.CONCLUSION:Ten weeks of resistance training in school appears to have some vascular benefit in active,lean children.
文摘Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate mothers/care givers perception of malaria,their treatment practices and the effects on the outcome of malaria.Methods:Four hundred and sixty children were enrolled and their mothers/care givers interviewed.The children were screened for malaria parasitaemia and there after,blood specimens were obtained for biochemical and haematological evaluation from those children who met the criteria and tested positive to P.falciparum parasites.Packed cell volume,electrolytes,urea, creatinine,plasma glucose,and serum bilirubin were analyzed.Results:A total of 460 children were studied, 233(50.7%) males and 227(49.3%) females.Mild malaria cases were 112(24.3%) and severe malaria 348(75.7%).Those who presented early 106(23.0%) and those who presented late 354(77.0%).Perception and definition of malaria as well as the treatment seeking behaviors vary significantly with the level of education of the mothers and care givers.Those without formal education 68(51.9%) wrongly perceived that the etiology of malaria can only be diagnosed by native doctors compared to those with primary six education 61 (26.5%) and junior secondary education 10(10.1%).Only 43(9.3%) gave the correct dose of chloroquine syrup to their sick children,while 32(7.0%) gave at sub optimal doses.Conclusion:Wrong perception of malaria especially the complicated malaria and wrong treatment practices are major contributory factors to the high mortality and morbidity of malaria in Nigeria.There is therefore a need for health education to correct the wrong ideas about the cause and treatment practices of malaria as part of malaria control programme.
文摘AIM: To study the safety and efficacy of hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in children with chronic liver disease of various etiologies. METHODS: Eleven children with chronic liver disease and thirteen age- and sex-matched controls negative for HAV antibodies were vaccinated against hepatitis A after they gave their informed consent. Children with uncontrolled coagulopathy or signs of hepatic decompensation were excluded. The vaccine (Havrix: 720 ELISA units in 0.5 mL, from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) was given intramuscularly in the deltoid in 2 doses 6 mo apart. Children were tested for HAV antibodies one and six months after the 1st dose and one month after the 2nd dose. Total serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined immediately before and after one month of the 1st dose of the vaccine. RESULTS: Only 7 out of the 11 patients were positive for HAV antibodies after the 1st dose of the vaccine, as compared to 100% of the controls. One month after the 2nd dose, all patients tested were positive for HAV antibodies. No deterioration in liver functions of patients was noted after vaccination. No adverse events, immediate or late, were reported by the mothers after each dose of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis A vaccine is both safe and effective in this small studied group of children with chronic liver disease. Given the high seroconversion rate, post-vaccination testing for HAV antibodies is not needed.
