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Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-22-4083
Sasaki MitsuruCorresponding author
Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
Convection dryers are the most affordable and most commonly used dryers for processing of agricultural products. However, since the temperature is high or the drying time is long, materials such as fruits and vegetables may turn brown and the nutrients deteriorate, therefore this method is not suitable for the production of dry powders for fruits and vegetables, which are expected to have bright colors and nutritional functions. Low temperature drying (LTD) has made it possible to produce strawberry dry powder with the equivalent functional components as powder by vacuum freeze drying (FD). In addition, the processing time is shorter and the cost is lower than vacuum FD. In this study, we demonstrate the superiority of LTD by comparing the quality and microstructure of strawberry powders produced by LTD and vacuum FD.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-20-3616
Hossien Hosseini SeyedCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Nika Pooyesh Strategic Sciences Research Institute, NBP Economic Group, Tehran-Iran
The composites of Cu, Carbonyl iron (CI), carbon nanofiber (CNF), graphite nanoflake (GNF)/polypyrrole (PPy) and [(Cu-CI-CNF-GNF) 0.5-PAA]-PPy0.5 were synthesized via different methods by in-situ polymerization on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) with core-shell structure. This paper describes a method for polyacrylic acid (PAA) coating of NPs in aqueous solution. Then PPy coating was performed by template polymerization on NPs-PAA. Morphology, magnetic and conductivity properties were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and four probe method, respectively. The microwave characterization of nanocomposite was evaluated through arch test based on a network analyzer. The PPy nanocomposites possessed the excellent microwave multi absorbers properties in 2-18 GHz. It was also found that nanocomposites with 50% w/w and light weight exhibit good microwave absorbing properties in 2-3 GHz and 5-14 GHz frequency, so can be used to cellphone, radio frequency and radar shielding.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-19-2860
Takele Melku AbulieCorresponding author
Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital School of Health Science Department of Nursing, Assistant Professor (PhD) Mobile: +251911060837
Background Adolescents is the transition from childhood to adulthood .Which is a time of opportunity, but also one of risk. In Ethiopia, sexual and reproductive health problems of adolescents are increasing from time to time related to many parents not feeling happy to discuss sexual matters in addition to early sexual commencement among adolescents. Objective This study was intended to assess parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters and associated factors among secondary and preparatory school students in Robe Town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia, 2017. Methods Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 394 secondary and preparatory school students in Robe town from April 10-25, 2017. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was obtained through the use of a self administered questionnaire and supplemented by focus group discussion with parents. Data was entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were done. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretest and training. Results One hundred eighty six (47%) of the study participants had discussed at least two SRH issues with their parents. Grade eleven students were about nearly five times more likely discussed on sexual and reproductive matters with their parent compared with grade nine students (AOR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.76, 13.54). Those living with relatives were 3.13 times less likely discussed as compared to those students are living with both parents (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: (0.12, 0.80) and the odds of discussion on SRH matters is 2 times higher among females compared with their counterpart (AOR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.26). Conclusions Communication on sexual and reproductive health matters between adolescent and parent was low. Majority of student preferred to discuss with their peers than parent. Being ashamed, parents lack of communication skill and parent knowledge on SRH issues were the major reasons mentioned by the students for not discussing about SRH matters with their parents. Therefore; comprehensive family life education needs to be initiated for the students and parents. Sexual information exchange between peers needs to be strengthened.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-19-2654
Ricardo Kina JoséCorresponding author
DDS, MSc, PhD. Retired Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Integrated Clinic, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, Sao Paulo State University – UNESP. Rua José Bonifácio, 1193. Zip code: 16015-050, Araçatuba, Brazil.
Areas of gingival recession cause either an esthetic problem and or root sensitivity. Obtaining predictable root coverage has become an important part of periodontal therapy. A deep, long – standing recession promoted by ANUG was treated using subepithelial connective tissue graft technique combined with decontamination of root surface by using Er:YAG laser. Our clinical findigs suggest that this technique is a predictable procedure to treat gingival recession and promote root decontamination.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2479
Babaee SaeedCorresponding author
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Complex, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Lavizan Avenue
In this work, Taguchi design (orthogonal array, OA9) was used for the adhesion investigation of an epoxy insulator to a double base (DB) propellant grain. In this manner three epoxy resins based on diglycidylether bisphenol A (DGEBA) and three polyamine curing agents with an active diluent based on DGEBA were used. Therefore, the effects of resin type, curing agent type with its amount and diluent quantity as main factors were investigated on the single lap shear strength (adhesion strength) and then the results were quantitatively evaluated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The data given of ANOVA predicted that the best adhesion strength of 15.584 ± 1.606 MPa was obtained for the optimum conditions of MANA POX-102 as epoxy resin, H-37 as curing agent with 57 phr, ERYSYS GE-30 as diluent with 5 phr. In comparison, practical result of adhesion strength obtained for the optimum conditions was 15.4 ± 0.2 MPa. Also the Pull-off test results on the surface of the DB propellant showed that the maximum adhesion strength (related to the optimal conditions) is 2.64 ± 0.2 MPa.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-18-2122
Maekawa ShoheiCorresponding author
Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe-University, Japan.
Membrane dynamics in the presynaptic region of the neuron is a key process of neuronal signal transduction. Dynamin plays a central part during endocytosis participating in the deformation of membrane structure and constriction. During the study of molecular interaction of presynaptic proteins, we found that dynamin fraction prepared from brain extract contains several lipid components. Fractionation of lipids with thin layer chromatography and mass-analysis showed the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cerebroside, cholesterol and its-derivatives, and triacylglycerol. Since the GTPase activity of bacterially expressed dynamin was activated by the extracted lipid fraction, lipid components that affect the GTPase activity of dynamin was screened and cerebroside, hydroxycholesterols, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were found to activate the GTPase activity. This result not only suggests the possibility that several neutral lipids participate in the membrane dynamics, but also revealed the possibility that a protein fraction contains lipid components even if its purity was confirmed with SDS-PAGE.
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-16-1374
Deligeoroglou EfthimiosCorresponding author
Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology & Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Athens, Medical School, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Vasilissis, Sofias Avenue 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between the degree (percentage) of occlusion due to labial adhesions and vulvovaginitis. Materials and Methods: Prospective study of pre-pubertal females who attended our Division, during the past 7 years, due to labial fusion. Medical history, clinical examination and Q tip culture of vaginal fluid samples were performed, after separation of the labia. Treatment of isolated pathogens was administered, based on antibiogram results. Results: 53 patients, with mean age 3.81 years (±0.88 years, SD:2.65, range:0.33-9.5 years) had a total of 89 vaginal specimens collected, as re-culture was performed in 17 patients due to labial fusion recurrence. In 32.08% no pathogen was isolated. Gardnerella vaginalis (24.51%) and Bacteroides spp (15.09%) were the commonest isolated pathogens of the rest 67.92%. Among labial fusion recurrences the commonest isolated pathogen was Gardnerella vaginalis (23.13%), while in 36.12% no specific pathogen was detected. Conclusions: The results suggest that non-specific vulvovaginitis is responsible for lower degree (<60% closure) of labial adhesions, as well as that recurrent infection plays a role in the formation of higher degree/percentage of labial closure, especially when there are one or more pathogens present. Furthermore, the presence of anaerobes at initial cultures, together with Gram negative bacteria at re-cultures, appear to further facilitate the creation of extensive adhesions.
May 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-15-923
Wang FengqingCorresponding author
Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, P. R. China.
A hybrid monolithic column was prepared using octavinyloctasilasesquioxane (OVS) as a monomer, benzoyl peroxide/dimethylacetamide (BPO/DMA) as initiator, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as cross-linker, 1-dodecanol as porogenic agent and dimethylbenzene as cosolvent. A tidy skeleton, much bigger specific surface area (22.4 m2/g) and lower swelling property of the monolithic column with OVS added than the one without OVS added were determined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements (BET) and swelling test with elute of different concentration of acetonitrile in water. Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) was taken to characterize the composition of groups. Moreover, a better separation performance for benzene series compounds under reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) mode was obtained using the monolithic columns with OVS added than those without.
Nov 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-14-391
Adil Hashmi AtharCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry. Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi-110025, INDIA
Oxidation of 1-Proponol, 1-butanol 1-Hexanol and benzyl alcohol using chloromethylated polystyrene (6% Cross link) DMG (Dimethylglyoxime) copper complex or Poly(S-DVB)-DMG-M Where M= Cu) as catalyst and tert.butylhydroperoxide(TBHP) as oxidant, was studied. The polymer supported Cu Complex was characterized by some physicochemical and spectroscopic methods like elemental analysis IR Scanning electron micrographs (SEM). In the oxidation of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and benzyl alcohol. It was found that Product yield of these alcohols corresponding the order 1-Butanal >1-hexanone >Benzyldehyde > 1-Propanone. Kinetic data indicates that catalyst could be recycled without significant degradation of polymer
Dec 2025
Gebretsadik Bereka SolomonCorresponding author
Background Fast food consumption is the major cause of obesity and overweight in worldwide affecting more than 2 billion people, especially developing countries and low income countries. It can lead to hyperinsulinemia and development of insulin resistance, high energy density, high glycemic index, and fatty acid composition of fast foods may increase the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors Objectives The main aim of this study was, to assess fast food consumption and its association with overweight /obesity among undergraduate students of University Hargeisa, Somaliland, 2023. Methods The study was carried out from May 01 to July 20, 2023 at University of Hargeisa using an institutional based cross-sectional study design to among 260 students. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on review literatures and dig out from related studies. The anthropometric data was taken by data collectors to measure weight and height using a stadiometer. Data was entered and checked for errors using EPI-info version 7.1.5.0 and then, data were exported to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21 and STATA software version 14 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as; frequencies, means and proportion was used for present the findings. A variable with P-values of less than 0.25 in the binary logistic regression analysis was entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of stunting. Finally, variable at P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered as a statistically significant variable. Results In this study, the majority 235 (90.4%, CI: 86.5- 93.8) of the study participants were fast food consumers. The study revealed that, from the total study participants 46(17.7%),127(48.8%),84(32.3%), 3(1.2%) were underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. On multi-variable logistic regression model educational level of the students (AOR = 12.45 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.6)) and frequency of fruit (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.7, 0.8)) and vegetable consumptions (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.47, 0.575)) were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, of the total 90.4% number of fast food consumers. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. Educational level of the students and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumptions were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions. Effort should be made to increase access to fast food-related information and counseling.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5715
Couture LucyCorresponding author
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.2694-2275.jzr-25-5455
Saeed Heydaranjad MohammadCorresponding author
Monitoring fish biodiversity and its changes over time and their ecological research is one of the important sources of information in their protection. They can be used to find fish biodiversity at different times, such as the capture and maintenance of whole fish, genetic samples, or the use of scales. In this regard, to check the prepared sample, 10-15 scales were prepared from the area of the lid, dorsal fin, and tail stem. Then, they were treated in 5% potassium solution and settled on a slide using a loop microscope equipped with a camera. Among the examined species, Luciobarbusbraczcephalus, Luciobarbuscapito and Capoetasaadispecies could be distinguished from other species with the highest accuracy. In the genetic studies conducted using the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, the patterns observed in the neighbor joining genealogical tree were consistent with the differences in the genera and species studied. The results of this investigation show that the origin of species can be determined with more than 50% accuracy using genetic data.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3360.ijco-24-5294
Adhikari RameshwarCorresponding author
Ayurveda is a traditional and scholarly medical system practiced in South Asia since the Vedic period. It integrates science and philosophy to promote a healthy, happy and prosperous life. Ayurvedicbhasmas are classical formulations that contain non-toxic forms of metals and minerals, enriched with therapeutic metabolites. These bhasmas are produced through repeated trituration of metals and minerals with the extracts from potent Ayurvedic herbs, followed by intense heating at temperatures above 650 °C. The preparation process of bhasmas closely resemble top-down approach in nanoparticle synthesis, resulting in very fine calcined nano-powders. These powders are used effectively in Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments, particularly chronic diseases. Recent studies have highlighted that bhasmas possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor properties and may serve as potential carriers for drug delivery. This paper aims to compare bhasma particles prepared by traditional and modern methods, explore the therapeutic benefits of different bhasmas, and investigate the nanomedicinal features of various Ayurvedicbhasmas.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-25-5525
G. Sivets GrigoriiCorresponding author
A stereoselective synthesis of N-glycosyl amides was studied from available N-glycosyl oxazolines prepared by Ritter-like reactions of protected sugar acetonides. Hydrolysis reactions of the protected pentofuranosyl and hexafuranosyl oxazolines, as precursors of glycosyl amine derivatives, were carried out in the presence of silica gel in chloroform to giveN-α- and β-glycosyl amides in good yields after column chromatography on silica gel. Access to selectively blocked N-α-xylo-, -ribo-, β-arabino-furanosyl, α-glyco-, α-allo-furanosyl, α- and β-galactopyranosyl amides (twelve examples) useful for preparing modified N-glycosides was accomplished through a mild hydrolysis of sugar oxazolines with 2-alkyl substituents in acidic and neutral conditions. To further explore the scope of the BF3.Et2O-mediated approachdeveloped for N-furanosyl oxazolines, a stereoselective synthesis of protected N-α-hexopyranosyl oxazoline was fulfilled in a high yield from d-galactopyranose diacetonide derivative. The Ritter-like promoted reaction between D-arabinose and benzonitrile afforded 2-phenyl-β-d-arabinofurano-(1,2-d)-2-oxazoline as the main product. In acetonitrile the BF3.Et2O-KHF2-assisted reactions of unprotected native sugars were found to result in the formation of mixtures of N-furanosyl and pyranosyl acetamides.
Mar 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-25-5395
Divakar ChennamsettiCorresponding author
Plant leaf diseases pose significant threats to crop yield and agricultural sustainability, making early and accurate detection crucial for effective disease management. In current years, deep neural network (DNN) techniques have shown remarkable potential in the field of image classification, including plant disease detection. The study aims to investigate the performance of two popular deep learning architectures, namely, VGG16 and InceptionResNetV2, for the detection of tomato plant leaf disease. The proposed methodology involves acquiring a diverse dataset comprising high-resolution images of healthy and diseased leaves from the target crops. Preprocessing techniques such as image augmentation and normalization are applied to enhance the generalization ability of the models and mitigate overfitting. Transfer learning is employed to initialize the deep learning architectures with weights pre-trained on large-scale image datasets to accelerate convergence and improve the models' performance in limited data scenarios. To evaluate performance of proposed networks various metrics such as validation and test accuracies, precision and recall, F1 score, and the area under the curve (AUC) are considered. From the investigations, the classification accuracy of the finest architectures is as follows: 99.8 percent for VGG16 and 99.4 percent for InceptionResNetV2 on Corn Leaves. The results suggest that the models developed during the investigation phase to identify the leaf disease were superior to any existing Deep Neural Networks (DNNs).
Jul 2024
Saiki MasatoshiCorresponding author
Amyloid fibrils, which are caused by abnormal conformation and the mis-assembly of proteins, are responsible for several conformational diseases, including prion diseases. To develop methods to prevent amyloid formation, blocking peptides with hydrophilic substitutions covering the stem forming regions of barnase 1-24 were prepared and examined for their ability to block amyloid-forming fragments—prion, Amyloid β, Pmel 17—. When these fragments were mixed with the synthetic blocking peptides, the result was a decline in the intensity of fluorescence, suggesting that amyloid formation was inhibited. Therefore, amyloidogenesis appears to be specifically inhibited by disrupting the hydrophobic interactions between core amyloid regions.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-24-5097
J Johnson RalphCorresponding author
A letter to the editor comments on animal research ethics, post‑service roles in humanitarian response, and public health preparedness. It advocates clear oversight, training, and accountability frameworks for paramilitary substitutes in HA/DR.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
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.2377-2549.jndc-23-4740
G. Sivets GrigoriiCorresponding author
A stereoselective synthesis of protected N-glycosyl oxazolines has been developed from available acylated sugar 1,2-O-acetonides using intramolecular Ritter-like reactions. New N-α- and β-D-pentofuranosyl, α-D-hexofuranosyl oxazolines as valuable intermediates for preparation of diverse N-glycosides were obtained by BF3.OEt2-KHF2 or BF3.OEt2-promoted reactions of pentofuranose and hexafuranose acetonide derivatives with nitriles. When selectively acylated D-xylo- or ribofuranoses were employed in the reactions, N-α-pentofuranosyl oxazolines were prepared in good yields. A mechanism for the formation of glycosyl oxazolines was proposed. A series of oxazoline derivatives were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, Hela and K562).
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-6622.ijar-23-4637
M. Yagoub HassanCorresponding author
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of socked pigeon pea seed meal on Growth and Food Utilization Efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. 120 fish the weight and length average (3.4±0.04g and 3.2±0.00cm) were randomly distributed in 12 plastic Tanks (Aquarium) 36L according to the complete randomization, allocated to a represent four treatments (T0, T1, T2, and T3) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. four feeds were prepared in pellet form which consisted of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% pigeon pea seed meal as replacement of fish meal. All diets contents 30% protein. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were fed at the rate of 5% of their body weight. The result showed significant variation (P < 0.05) in final body weight, weight gain (WG), daily weight growth (DWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), and Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) among treatments. But, high SGR in T0 (control) and the best FCR were obtained at T 0% pigeon pea seed meal. Over all, best growth performance was observed in fish fed diet T1 (25%). The best performing fish’s final weight, DWG, SGR and FCR were 9.46±0.33g, 0.13±0.01g/day, 2.93±0.73% /day and 1.49±0.30 respectively. On the other hand, there was high significant variation (P < 0.05) in survival rate were obtained at T2 (50%). this study recommend that a diet containing 25% Pigeon pea seed meal for juvenile Nile tilapia is optimum in terms of growth performance and profitability, and does not impact water quality and plankton abundance in plastic Tanks (Aquarium) culture system.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-22-4251
Kumari SachinCorresponding author
The study's goal was to determine the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of A. mexicana aerial parts. Extracts were prepared using different solvents namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water on basis of increasing polarity using soxhlet appratus. Aqueous extract from the flower contained the highest level of total phenolics, followed by that of the stem and leaves. The flower methanol extract was found to contain the most total flavonoids. With IC50 values of 24.98 g/ml in acetone extract, the stem component demonstrated the most DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, followed by leaves with IC50 values of 36.29 g/ml in hexane extract and flowers with IC50 values of 38.33 g/ml in acetone extract. FTIR analysis showed that the presence of phenols and flavanoids. In different solvents, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity of aerial portions of A. mexicana varied greatly, and it increased with increasing concentration levels. In terms of antioxidant potency, higher amounts of total phenolics in aqueous extract, total flavonoids in methanol extract, and acetone extract were shown to be the most potent antioxidant. The aerial parts of A. mexicana have a considerable amount of flavanoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-22-4411
Tunta AbaynehCorresponding author
Background HIV causes immunosuppression, which reduces the body's immunity to diseases like COVID-19 by decreasing CD4 cells. The goal of this study is to determine whether persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are using anti-retroviral therapy (ART) are willing to accept the Coronavirus illness 2019 vaccination and the factors that influence their decision. Method From February 15 to March 15, 2022, 332 PLWHA on ART participated in this facility-based cross-sectional study. The correlation of outcome variables with predictors was investigated using binary and multivariable logistic regression. Result Of the 332 study participants, 110 (33.1 %) and 118 (35.5 %) had poor knowledge and a negative attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination, respectively. Approximately 31 (9.3%) of study participants believe ART medications can also prevent COVID-19 infection. The willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was 66.3 % with a 95 % confidence interval (60.9, 71.5). Knowledge, attitude, educational status, marital status, residency, duration, and monthly income were all significant predictors of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion Increased sensitization regarding the necessity of vaccines and the negative consequences of diseases, particularly among PLWHA, should be emphasized in the preparation of the COVID-19 immunization campaign involving prominent individuals such as health professionals and religious leaders.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-23-4450
Pather VijayCorresponding author
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.2576-6694.jbbs-22-4418
Mostafa M. Sabra SherifaCorresponding author
Saudi Arabia is rich in Juniperusprocera Hochst. ex Endl (Cupressaceae) as a medicinal plant. Its known as Arar, its present southwards, KSA. It's used as traditional medicine in the southwestern, KSA. The aim was according to "Saudi Arabian Customs" in using wild-plant extract for treatment and prevention of infectious-pathogens. That was to use Juniperusprocerafrom Ranyah, KSA to eliminate infectious-pathogens that were isolated from patients in the same area. This was the use may reduce the use of chemicals, as well it may be an alternative to chemotherapy. Practice included preparation of wild-plant extract, preparation of infectious-pathogens, interaction to wild-plant extract, and direct total cell count by "Bread Test". Juniperusprocera one crude concentration killed all infectious-pathogens during one day. Lower Juniperusprocera crude extract concentrations eliminated infectious-pathogens within more than one day. The mean number of dead sells / mL of Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp, and Streptococcus pyogenes were (84.9 / mL, 87.0 / mL, and 77.8 / mL). The mean percent of dead cells were (80.0%, 82.0%, and 73.4%). The meannumber of dead sells / mL of Salmonella sp., Shigella sp, and Escherichia coli were (72.6 / mL, 76.1 / mL, and 79.0 / mL). The mean percent of dead cells were (68.5%, 71.8%, and 74.5%). The mean number of Candida albicans dead sells / mL was 69.3 / mL, the mean percent of dead cells was 65.4%. It was concluded that found from the results, the Juniperusprocera extract was preferred "Saudi Arabian Customs" to be used in three quarter and one crude concentration, as the infectious-pathogens eliminating within one day. It was recommended that the Juniperusprocera extract will be used for herbal treatment according to "Saudi Arabian Customs". That will be remark and follow-up through the "Official Herbal Treatment Dept.". That will appropriate the doses will estimate for each patient to eliminate and protect against the infectious-pathogens.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4371
L. Nacht CarrieCorresponding author
San Diego State University, School of Public Health, San Diego, CA
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.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-22-4277
Sivets GrigoriiCorresponding author
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences, 220141 Minsk, Acad. Kuprevicha 5/2, Belarus.
A multistep synthesis of 2-chloro-9-(2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl) adenine (clofarabine) is described from methyl β-D-ribofuranoside. A new improved method for preparation of 1,2-diacetyl D-ribofuranose derivative was developed via acetolysis of tri-O-pivaloylated D-ribofuranoside and plausible mechanism of the reaction was proposed. Synthesis of 3′,5′-di-O-pivaloyl-2,6-dichloropurine β-D-riboside along with isomeric 2′,5′-di-O-pivaloyl nucleoside was carried out by stereoselective glycosylation reaction of 2,6-dichloropurine with peracylated D-ribofuranose followed by regioselective 2´-O-deacetylation of protected β-ribonucleoside with different bases. Mild C2′-β-fluorination of the purine 3′,5′-di-O-pivaloyl ribonucleoside with an excess of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride afforded protected 2,6-dichloropurine 2′-fluoro β-D-arabinoside as the key intermediate. Efficient route to clofarabine was also investigated using anion glycosylation of 2-chloroadenine potassium salt with the 1-α-bromide and potassium tert-butoxide in binary solvent mixture, chromatography for separation of a mixture of anomeric nucleosides (a β/α ratio of 3.0:1) and deacylation of benzoylated 2′-fluoro β-nucleoside. Novel N6-isopentyl clofarabine analogue was synthesized by a direct alkylation of the parent nucleoside
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4204
Samson Jegede OluwatosinCorresponding author
LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4078
Gabriel Olajide ToyeCorresponding author
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on healthcare worldwide. Surgeons are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. The impact of the disease on surgical practice will continue to evolve. We assessed the impact of the disease on surgical practice and training in Nigeria. Method Survey questionnaire was designed, transcribed to Google form and electronically circulated online to surgeons practicing in Nigeria. Surgeons from various subspecialties from the six regions in Nigeria were included. Survey questions pertaining to pre-COVID-19 era surgical practices, impact on current practice and changes occurring in health facilities during this COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were collated and analyzed statistically. Results One hundred and nine (109) surgeons completed the survey, of which 2.8% were women. Majority (68.8%) of the respondents are in the consultant cadre, majority (86.2%) are working in public hospital, 88.1% running their SOPD, 81.7% have isolation wards in their centers, 66.1% have dedicated team for COVID-19 management. Only 48.6% of the frontline health workers have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and 33.9% had formal training on the use of PPE. Only 11.0% were satisfied with level of preparation of the management. Elective cases were done only in 45% of respondents. 103(94.4 %) confirmed that the numbers of elective cases are less than pre Covid-19 period. Emergency cases were carried out by 93.6% of respondents. Only 1.8% of respondents carried out screening tests for their patients before embarking on emergency surgery. Conclusion COVID-19 has led to reduction in surgical outpatients, significant reduction in elective surgeries in Nigeria. Adequate PPE needs to be provided, there should be guidelines for safety for future. There should be adequate preparation should there be any pandemic in the near future.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4044
Chukwuma Sr ChrysanthusCorresponding author
The Chrysanthus Centre for Future-Oriented Studies, Centre For Future-Oriented Studies, CTR Future-Oriented Ltd, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
This paper attempts to present the dissemination and transmission dynamics of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and the underlying features of gain-of-function research and geopolitics in the ambient within and across borders. Research and publication are relevant from perspectives in the management of local and global health because disease is perspicuously a geopolitical issue ostensibly linked to gain-of-function research where health diplomacy undergirds present and future global functionalities regarding the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. These have generated vehement reactions with propensity for extreme geopolitics and gain-of-function natural and anthropogenic activities. Geopolitical parameters and gain-of-function issues impact on the social determinants of health and vice versa. The convening and convergence of countries for unprecented epidemic or pandemic treaty settings or other formulations to confront emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will afford considerable opportunities concerning challenges in action, preparedness and response. Provisions are pertinent for legal instruments, effective and efficient systems to curb future threats and outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3805
Adiche ChiaaCorresponding author
Laboratory of Fine Chemistry (L.F.C), Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences University of Oran 1 Ahmed BenBella BP 1524 El M’naouer Oran 31000 Algeria.
A convenient one-pot synthetic protocol for the preparation of sulfonyl amidines has been developed. The procedure combines three-component reaction of sulfonyl azide, methyl propiolate and secondary cyclic amine coupling in one sequence without any solvent or catalyst and at room temperature. The reaction proceeds smoothly and a variety of desired sulfonyl amidines were obtained in moderate to good yields. This protocol has synthetic advantages in terms of low environmental impact and very short reaction time.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-4017
Sivets GrigoriiCorresponding author
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences, 220141 Minsk, Acad.
Theefficient two-step synthesis of 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine (cladribine) via the anion glycosylation of purine potassium salt with the glycosyl chloride in binary solvent mixtures is described. A new method for preparation of diprotected 2-chloro-6-fluoropurine 2′-deoxy-β- D-riboside was developed by treatment of the 2,6-dichloropurine precursor with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST). Novel N6-alkylated cladribine analogue was synthesized by amination of acylated 2,6-dihalogenopurine nucleosides. It was found that a mild hydrolysis reaction of acylated 2-chloro-6-fluoropurine 2′-deoxy-β-D-riboside gave rise to new purine hydroxylated nucleoside.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3996
Singh SushilaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Plants are an important source of medicines since ancient times. The traditional system medicine’s use a variety of native plants to diagnose, prevent, and eliminate acute and chronic diseases.Asparagus racemosus(Willd.), also have been widely used for medicinal purpose and its extensively distributed in the tropics and subtropics of India, commonly known as Satawar, belongs to the family Asparagus. The purpose of this was to identify the phytochemicals and to assess the antioxidant potential in aqueous extracts prepared at different pH levels of Satawar tubers. The maximum amount of phenolics and flavonoids content was present at pH 9 i.e.18.88mg GAE/g and 2.83mg CE/g. The total antioxidant capacity was highest at pH 2 (15.96mg AAE/g) and IC50 values of DPPH free radical scavenging activity was the lowest at pH 7, 2582.85µg/mL. According to the whole study, this plant is a very good source of phytochemicals and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-2165.jfsh-20-3579
Bedada ShumiCorresponding author
Disease Control and Prevention Department, Bale Zone Health Office, Robe, Ethiopia.
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.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3626
Klepikov IgorCorresponding author
MD, Professor, Retired
A perspective situates SARS-CoV-2 within longstanding public health challenges, emphasizing preparedness, surveillance, and the recurrent lessons of outbreak management with examples for practice.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-20-3679
K Dhingra VandanaCorresponding author
Department of Nuclear Medicine AIIMS Rishikesh, India
A practice review discusses factors limiting the use of gastric emptying scintigraphy in diabetic gastroparesis, including protocols, access, and patient preparation, with suggestions to improve utility.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3700
Y. Alkarib SuadCorresponding author
Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Karary University, Sudan
Objectives The present study addresses evaluation of acacia-guar gum combination as an enteric former for tablet coating aiming to add knowledge on how develop the ability of enteric forming ability of acacia-guar combination. Methods Five formulations of enteric coating solution incorporating guar gum as delayed release polymers along with film coating material acacia gum followed by CMC and glycerin as plasticizer and coloring agents were prepared to coat placebo tablet cores. Different enteric coating formulations organized in different acacia : guar gum ratios as 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:6 were sprayed on placebo tablets surface resulted different delayed coated tablets (F1,F2,F3,F4 &F5) respectively. General appearance and physical parameters were evaluated of each. Enteric coated tablets that revealed promising properties were subjected to accelerated stability study for 3 months to explore the influences of physical aging on tablet coat properties. Results Physical parameters of enteric coated tablets post coating within the range of pharmacopeia specification. The disintegration test was carried out in pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 at 37ºC. F1, F2 and F3 enteric tablets disintegrated immediately with no acid resistance compared F4 and F5 enteric tablets showed good acid resistance coat with smooth tablet surfaces and no coat defects. F5 formula contain acacia: guar gum as 1:6 ratio showed delayed release for 30min in pH 1.2 and 15min in phosphate buffer. The study statistically analyzed and concluded that, an efficient and stable acacia-guar enteric coat is achievable with no effect on tablets physical parameters. Guar gum at 60% as a delayed tablet coating material capable of protecting the tablets core from being released in acidic media and be release in the alkaline buffer as well as stable coat under accelerated storage for three months.
Dec 2020
Ahmed Kamal SamiaCorresponding author
Ph.D. ARC, Egypt.
This article has been retracted on March 01, 2021. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://openaccesspub.org/jsce/article/2243) Background Apis Mellifera L venom (Honeybees) is potent and safe anticancer drug. The present case is Basal Cell Carcinoma (SBCC), recurrent and invasde the skin of head (upper right, in front of the right ear). The patient was 65 years old in time of first intervention and the origin of BCC was primarily seen as abnormal growths and changes in birth mole on right side of head. Materials & Methods Preparation Bee Venom solution: Bee venom powder (crude) of dose 1gm was dissolved in 1000 ml of sterile distilled water then filtered by 0.22 micron syring filter. That final concentration of the stock bee venom become 1 ug /ml (i.e. 1ul=1 ug), and kept at -20◦C. (1mg (dried BV) + 1ml (water) = Final concentration (1ug/1 ul)). Before this novel intervention, allergy test performed by subcutaneous injection of small dose of bee venom (0.1 ml) and wait for at least one hour. The patient was not hypersensitive to honeybees’ venom. First stage of treatment: 1- Syringe of 1ml volume was used for direct local injection of cancer area by 0.3 ml from prepared Honeybees venom (0.1 % conc.). 2- At the same time, subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml of bee venom solution infiltrated around the affected ear. 3- Topical application of the bee venom ointment 2% (bee venom in Vaseline) inside affected ear to protect the ear drum. This process repeated daily with cleaning of the ear every time by suitable safe and sterile saline solutions. 2nd stage: daily S/C injection in axillary area upper lymph nodes of 0.3 ml / bee venom ‘total doses 0.6 ml BV’ (left & right). 3rd stage: bee venom dissolved in sterile Clove oil was applied on inner ear above the drum. 4th stage: Management of healing process was enhanced by ascorbic acid solution as topical application on dead cancer cells and to help in removal of exudates and debris. Results The complete removal of malignant growths in affected ear achieved after 1 month from first bee venom injections. However; the cancerous areas under the second surgical intervention were treated during the next month. Conclusions Apis Mellifera L venom as anticancer drug is totally different from using direct stings as a method of Apitherapy, that because collection of bee venom lead to evaporating of most allergic substance that present in bees stings, also it can be used per os in people who exhibit different degrees of allergy against the drug safely.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-20-3584
Lu YuananCorresponding author
School of Economics and management, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, PR China
Objective To examine the current linkage between different medical services for hypertension patients for enhanced integration among medical service systems. Methods A total of 18 hospitals and community medical centers from a district of Shanghai were enrolled for social network analysis which covered emergency visits and hospitalization records of 171,177 outpatients with hypertension. Stata software was used for data preprocessing and UCINET software was used for network analysis of medical service providers to quantify and visualize the network tightness and the "main role" of information delivery of the medical institution network in the area. Results The service network of hypertension consultation institutions in the region is closely connected as a whole, but the level of diagnosis and treatment of medical services in various communities varies widely, and the degree of association with higher-level medical institutions is not uniform. Conclusion Based on the limited tightness of various medical service providers, it is necessary to implement the responsibilities of individual medical institutions at different levels and pay more attention to improving the service capabilities of primary medical institutions for enhanced integrating medical services in future.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3546
Sah BikashCorresponding author
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved as a pandemic with a challenge to the entire world for its management. Various modalities of treatment have been tried till date and when all the modalities failed then the only option that has been shown to be successful in some cases is lung transplantation. Decision for Solid-organ transplantation is not only made based upon its therapeutic requirement but also need to be supported by the law of land. In this regard, current Nepalese law is not with the provision for lung transplantation. Thus, in order to make the concerned authorities aware of it and also as a step toward the preparedness for COVID-19 pandemic, this research has been conducted with an aim to see the perception of health care professionals of tertiary care centre of eastern Nepal regarding the legal aspects of lung transplantation. Conclusion Outcome of this research has supported the therapeutic aspect of transplantation over its legal issue in the emergency conditions like COVID-19 Pandemic.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-2165.jfsh-20-3487
Roozbeh Nasiraie LeilaCorresponding author
Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Nour Branch of Islamic Azad University, Nour, Iran
The ever-present need for human communities to extract herbal active ingredients has necessitated many studies to be carried out in order to introduce more efficient and cost-effective extraction processes. The traditional extraction methods are very time consuming and use large volumes of solvents. The large volumes of solvents consumed in such methods not only increase costs but also pose many environmental problems. New extraction methods have been recently introduced to replace the traditional ones. These new methods reduce the volumes of required solvents, shorten the process and increase its efficiency and improve the quality of the products. In this study, the three methods of immersion, boiling, and ultrasound using water/ethanol solvents were employed for garlic extraction and compared with each other in terms of the extraction speed and time, the antioxidant property of the extract, and the quantity of the heat-sensitive active ingredient. The results showed that the highest allicin content (0.086%) was observed in the ultrasonic aqueous extract. The largest amounts of phenolic compounds (0.311 mg gallic acid equivalent) were observed in the ultrasonic aqueous extract followed by the aqueous extract prepared after 72 h in a shaking incubator. The highest inhibition rate (50% at 5000 ppm) was that of the ultrasonic aqueous extract and the shaken aqueous extract. Other extracts achieved an inhibition rate of 50% at 8000 ppm. Therefore, ultrasonic extraction can be a good alternative to traditional extraction methods.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-20-3476
Naderi A.Corresponding author
School of Mechanical Engineering, Imam Ali University, Tehran, Iran,
Nowadays, supplying energy for the global population has turned into a prominent issue for countries engendering the consumption of huge amounts of fossil fuels which leads to some serious environmental problems. Among the renewable energy technologies, solar collectors can play major role to improve the efficiency, in air conditioning utility systems by minimum pollution. In photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar collectors, which are currently considered as the most advanced type to produce electricity and heat simultaneously, working fluid absorbs Energy from photovoltaic (PV) module engendering to decrease temperature of PV module and increase the electricity efficiency and also provide permissible amount of heat for other residential applications. Meanwhile, utilizing nanofluid as the working fluid in collector, regarding that the nanofluid has enhanced thermal properties relative to the base fluid, leads to a higher collector efficiency. In this research, PVP coated silver nanofluid was prepared in three volume concentration being 250, 500 and 1000 ppm by two-step method. To assess the stability of nanofluid the zeta potential is calculated which is obtained -41.6 V. Also, the prominent thermal properties of the nanofluid were analyzed regarding PVT solar collector applications. According to the results, thermal conductivity of the PVP coated silver nanofluid, improves the properties of base fluid, to the extent that thermal conductivity coefficient grows up 50% in some temperatures and increased from 0.594 for base fluid to 1.098 W/mK by escalation of concentration to 1000 ppm. Thus, PVP coated silver nanofluid can be deemed as the vital working fluid to improve the performance of PVT solar collectors.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-20-3491
Amjad KarismaCorresponding author
PhD Fellow, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in substantial ways. Not only climate change is expected to affect physical health, it is also likely to affect mental health. Increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression. Changes in climate may require population to migrate, which can lead to acculturation stress. It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. Using a qualitative approach, this research explores the mental health status of migrant women in two urban slum areas in Dhaka city. The purpose of this study is to perform a review of existing secondary data and present mental health scenario of climate migrant women among slum dwellers and amplified gaps in knowledge regarding psychological health care system in Bangladesh. It is found that there is a lack of mental health preparedness and response in majority parts in the country specially the city slum, where aid cannot be reached to the sufferers. The paper concludes with a discussion of what can and should be done to tackle the expected mental health issues consequent to climate change and migration.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3472
Abedulla Khan KayamkaniCorresponding author
Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, IbnSina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Introduction An adequate nutrition pattern is of major importance for one’s health and well-being, especially during pregnancy when a woman undergoes major biological, physical, psychological and social transformations. Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies predispose the fetus to preterm birth, neural tube defects, and low birth weight for gestational age. This study was conducted to determine the nutrition awareness of women in childbearing age in order to provide a greater understanding of the life course perspective (LCP) in relation to nutrition behaviors and pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on based on our conceptualization of nutrition awareness and questionnaire based studies of a face-to-face interview. The participants were women with age group of 17 years to 45 years participate in studies in Jeddah city. Data collection procedures A Semi-structured questionnaires prepared in English language were translated in to Arabic and then translated back to English to check for consistency. The questionnaires were pretested Human ethical committee; the questions assessed respondents’ nutrition knowledge. Results and Discussion Different questions were asked to 175 selected pregnant women to be included in this study assess knowledge of pregnant mothers on nutrition and determinant factors in the study area. Most of the respondents (34.85.2%) were in 19-25 years of age group.69.1 % (n=121) women says they pay attention to the number of soft drinks they drink each day. There would be fascinating to study awareness of specific nutrients and related issues, like consumption folic acid, non-vegetarian diet, minerals and life style such as mental stress and physical exercise.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3459
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
As there is no specific treatment yet, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is being carried out with great difficulty today. The use of immune plasma is seen as a promising option since there is expectation that it will reduce mortality, as in influenza pandemics experienced in 1918 and 2009. However, the safety and effectiveness of this treatment option against SARS-CoV-2 viruses are not known for certain. In addition, the optimal obtaining methods and protection time of neutralizing antibodies to be used to provide passive immunization are not fully known. Therefore, it would be very useful to investigate the most effective neutralizing antibody collection methods without disrupting the overall structure and effectiveness of the antibodies subject to the use of the convalescent immune plasma. For this purpose, we found it appropriate to prepare a broad review on the structure and properties of antibodies, as well as the principles and storage conditions of antibodies to be used in passive immunization.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-20-3478
R.A. Mans DennisCorresponding author
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
Plant-based preparations are commonly used in Suriname (South America) as adaptogens. In this study, fifteen alleged adaptogenic Surinamese plants have been assessed for their antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The investigated plants were Anacardium occidentale, Spondiasdulcis, Annona muricata, Euterpe oleracea, Oenocarpus bacaba, Luffa acutangula, Punicagranatum, Malpighia emarginata, Syzygiumaqueum, Syzygiumcumini, Averrhoa carambola, and Renealmiaalpinia (fruit); Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyx); as well as Aloe vera and Cestrum latifolium (leaf). Aqueous extracts (1 - 3,000 μg/ mL) were prepared. AA was determined by the FRAP and the DPPH assay. TPC and TFC were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu’s and an AlCl3 colorimetric method, respectively, using gallic acid (GA) and rutin (R), respectively, as standards. Data are means ± SDs (n ≥ 3; P < 0.05). FRAP values and DPPH-scavenging activities correlated positively with each other and with TPC but not with TFC. The preparations from M. emarginata, A. carambola, A. occidentale, O. bacaba, C. latifolium, and H. sabdariffa displayed the highest FRAP values (54 ± 14 to 412 ± 30 µM Fe2+/100 μg), DPPH-scavenging activities (IC50 values of 33 ± 14 to 250 ± 50 μg/mL), and TPC (51 ± 4 to 280 ± 78 µM GAE/100 µg). TFC of all samples were ≤ 10 ± 3 RE/100 µg. The adaptogenic properties of these plants may (partially) be attributed to their high content of antioxidant phenolic compounds and may make them candidates of novel sources of health-promoting antioxidants.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2831-8846.j3dpa-20-3438
Shirbhate NimishaCorresponding author
Department of Mechanical Engineering, LT College of Engineering, Koparkhairne, Navi Mumbai, India
Bone Scaffold is a three-dimensional porous construction which provides support to promote natural cell growth in damaged or broken section of bone. In recent years researchers from various departments like biomedical, mechanical, orthopedics, have shown significant interest in adopting ‘Bone Scaffolds’ as a promising treatment for bone defects. ‘Bone Scaffold’ is a honeycomb-like architecture composes of bio-compatible material having grater advantages over current grafting solution. In this paper, the authors try to review the available e-articles in an organized way on the bone scaffold in the field of biomedical implants with 3D printing. The selected literature mainly focuses on the biocompatible material and various advanced manufacturing methods used for manufacturing / preparing of bone scaffolds. This article tries to padding the gap between theoretical and actual implementation of ‘Bone Scaffolds’ by properly analyzing selected research and allowing future opportunities for reinventing the new possibilities in the field of biomedical.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3442
Cameron Y. S. LeeCorresponding author
The Covid-19 pandemic has swept rapidly from Wuhan, China to the entire globe in less than six months, infecting over 7 million people and claiming the lives of over 500,000. In the United States, greater than 2 million individuals have become infected and over 110,000 people killed. With no evidence of slowing of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, public health authorities must prepare for possible sustained transmission of Covid-19, or a second wave into the Fall 2020, but with the presence of the influenza A virus. In the Fall 2020, schools will reopen from kindergarten to 12th grade. Dual pandemics or epidemics will result in high morbidity and mortality not observed when either virus was solely active. Community leaders, educational administrators and public health systems must be prepared for simultaneous outbreaks of both Covid-19 and influenza. Although there are no clinical studies that have evaluated the benefits on the use of face masks during an epidemic or pandemic, public health non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) measures should include the routine use of face masks during school sessions. Using face masks with other NPI may interrupt viral transmission as it has been established that respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19 and the influenza virus are transmitted via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and environmental surface contact.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3372
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Immune thrombocytopenia currently called under its’ new name, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, in which the body attacks its own platelets due to the disorders in immune system. The pathophysiology of this disease includes increased platelet destruction and most megakaryocyte production in bone marrow. The most common clinical manifestation of ITP is mild or severe progressive bleeding that could result in death. ITP is generally named as primary or secondary ITP according to thrombocytopenia severity, disease duration, bleeding status and secondary occurrence of the disease. Currently for diagnosis, despite the blood count, antiglobulin test and laboratory tests that can detect platelet-bound antibodies, they are not enough for definitive diagnosis. Like the difficulty in diagnosis, ITP treatment is quite complicated which varies depending on age, characteristics and risk of the patient. It is classified as first, second and third-line treatment options. Also, depending on the condition of patients, combined treatment might be an option which increases the complexity of the treatment. Unfortunately, discussions related to different clinical applications in diagnosis and treatments continue recently. For this reason, we considered that preparation of a review containing recent updates in diagnostic approaches and treatment options in ITP will be remarkable and beneficial for physicians interested in this subject.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-20-3343
Hussen Abdelrhman AmgedCorresponding author
Assis Professor, Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Omdurman Islamic university / Sudan
Background Anemia of chronic disease is anemia found in certain chronic disease states, is typically marked by the disturbance of iron homeostasis or hypoferremia. Chronic renal failure is currently known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI) implies long-standing, progressive and irreversible renal parenchyma disease resulting in diminished renal function up to 40 to 60%. Often, chronic kidney disease is diagnosed as a result of screening of people known to be at risk of kidney problems, such as those with high blood pressure or diabetes and those with a blood relative with chronic kidney disease. This disease may also be identified when it leads to one of its recognized complications such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, or pericarditis. Methods Sysmex kx21 used to CBC and the Cobase411 used to iron profile. Enzyme-Linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to determine the level of serum hepcidin. Sample preparation and PCR detection of HAMP DNA Polymorphisms: Restriction digestion of PCR products was done using Fast Digest. (Figure 1). Results Serum hepcidin levels higher in patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease compared with healthy controls mean. The polymorphisms of the hepcidin gene promoter in Sudanese patients with ACKD showed that the hepcidin HAMP AA genotype 70, AG 23, and GG 7 in 100 patients dialysis-dependent and AA 83, AG 17 and GG 0, and the allele A are more frequent in patients affected by ACKD. Significant statistical association observed between the hepcidin level and end-stage kidney disease. Conclusion This study evaluates for the first time the association between anemia of chronic kidney disease and hepcidin genes promoter polymorphisms and show that the hepcidin HAMP AA genotype and the allele A are more frequent in patients affected by ACKD, further investigation is needed, our data support the hypothesis and hepcidin HAMP are important in the pathophysiology of ACKD.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5257.ijgp-20-3335
Luis Turabian JoseCorresponding author
Specialist in Family and Community Medicine, Health Center Santa Maria de Benquerencia, Regional Health Service of Castilla la Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
The consultation is the activity of meeting and communication between an individual and the doctor for the knowledge and solution of a health problem. In today's busy world of general medicine, constant demands for the general practitioner (GP) arise: she or he should not only make a diagnosis not only should make a differential diagnosis during consultation, but must also establish a good relationship, explore patient ideas, concerns and expectations and negotiate a management plan, taking into account limited resources, the quality framework and results, having Information technology skills, plus, the need to promote health during any consultation. Normally the GP has only 10 minutes to achieve all that, as well as to manage your own emotions, agendas and uncertainty. In this way, novice doctors may find it difficult to move in this situation of complexity, and they can also observe a gap in the literature that really guides them in practice. Rigorous preparation is the key to success for many endeavours. Some tips to perform an efficient and safe consultation work in general medicine are suggested: 1) Focus on the next patient; 2) Preparing the consultation before entering the patient, memorizing the patient's previous history; 3) Establishing a connection with the patient; 4) Remembering the elements that must be in each consultation (the current reason, update other previous processes, chronic diseases and continued attention, "case finding", health promotion); 5) Striking a balance between empathy and assertiveness; 6) Putting in writing and contextualized the clinical record; and 7) Making reflection-safety questions, learning questions, and preparation questions for the next visit. Rigorous preparation is the key to success for the general practitioner in every consultation. Think about these topics of the consultation before doing it, and after it, prepare the next consultation of that patient. All these things are force multipliers.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3367
Yadav RavinderCorresponding author
Medical Social Welfare Officer Department of Medical Record Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh, India
We explore the global evidence of major health crisis potential impacts and the factors influencing the mental health outcomes among the population during the outbreak of COVID-19. Preparation measures for a COVID-19 focus on rapid quarantine of social isolation and economic concerns have risen metal health considerations that become an integrated part of the pandemic outbreak. This outbreak of novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is swayed an overall 213 countries, areas or territories, with over 2,921,439 confirmed cases and 203,289 confirmed deaths reported till 26 April 2020. This created a lot of strain and fear; fear of falling ill and dying of being infected leading to heightened levels of insurmountable psychological pressure. This scrutiny attempt to assess the widespread outbreaks of COVID-19 on mental health professionals, healthcare workers and general population in association with adverse mental health sequelae like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depressive symptoms, insomnia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, suicidal behavior, delirium, psychosis, harmful alcohol consumption, and drug use. There is a need for more evocative exploration to intensify awareness to address the potential psychological and behavioral risks that will remain elevated as long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in the community. In conclusion, incessant surveillance of the subsyndromal mental health problems for outbreaks should be part of galvanized global action during the quarantine.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3345
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
While the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the future of people worldwide, it has made it necessary to take measures with high economic costs, including quarantine. We consider it is more logical for some scientists to investigate time-saving treatment options until vaccination studies, which are started to be studied rapidly, are accomplished or specific antiviral agents are found. In this context, treatment combinations of one or more of the immune modulators known as cytokines, which can stimulate or accelerate the immune system, should be tried. In our opinion, although such options are not as effective as specific treatments such as vaccines, such options will offer highly effective alternatives in times of emergency. For this reason, we found it appropriate to make a reminder by preparing a broad review about interferon gamma, which is an antivirus and is an immunomodulator and which plays a critical role in humoral and cellular immunity.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-20-3314
M. Motawei ShimaaCorresponding author
Associate Professors of Forensic Medicine &Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
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.2832-4048.jsm-20-3211
Papaconstantinou JohnCorresponding author
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas 77555-0643
Aging mammalian skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) undergo a decline of stem cell/progenitor cell proliferative and regenerative capacity, and the development of a physiological milieu characteristic of a state of chronic sterile inflammation. p38αMAPK and ERK1/2 are two major signaling pathways that regulate the age-associated decline of MuSC proliferative capacity. In this review we propose the following mechanism that links the p38αMAPK pathway to the decline of self-renewal and regenerative capacity of aged MuSCs: a) the HS-FGF-2-FGFR1-p38αMAPK-Axis, a tightly linked homeostatic signaling complex, is in synchrony with the autoinhibition of FGFR1; b) autoinhibition contributes to the Axis’ regulation of the homeostasis of P-p38αMAPK activity in juvenile MuSC; c) this combination of protein-protein interactions is characteristic of a juvenile cytoplasmic milieu of beneficial P-p38αMAPK activity and d) includes Sprouty1 inhibition that supports the stimulation of FGF-2 --> miR-29a; e) the miR29a dismantles the basement membrane in preparation for the initiation of replication; f) an age-associated impaired, dysregulated, over-sulfated heparan sulfate ligand (HS)-FGF-2 fails to activate FGFR1 in aged MuSCs; g) this uncouples its regulation of p38αMAPK and ERK1/2 pathways and results in desensitization of FGFR1; h) desensitization of FGFR1 and Sprouty1 interaction in aged MuSC uncouples their regulation of P-p38αMAPK in the aged MuSCs; i) this enables a state of chronic sterile inflammation to promote and sustain an increased level of P-p38αMAPK activity; and, j) the increased activity of P-p38αMAPK in aged MuSC stimulates the production of cell cycle inhibitors, miR-1 and miR-133, thereby attenuating the expression of the cell cycle regulators, SP1 and cyclin D1, resulting in a G1/S arrest; j) the increased level of p38αMAPK activity promotes the apoptosis of the aged activated MuSCs. This mechanism involves the synergistic interactions of HS-FGF2-FGFR-1, Sprouty (spry1), miR-1, miR-133 and miR-29a that unify the extracellular niche and intracellular milieu for the juvenile vs age-associated regulation of proliferative capacity of the MuSC. Our hypothesis unifies these interactions with the role of the extracellular niche and intracellular milieu in the stimulation of juvenile proliferation vs age-associated decline of skeletal muscle satellite cell self-renewal and regenerative proliferation. Word Count = 344
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3198
C. Izah SylvesterCorresponding author
Department of Biology, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
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
Linus Anderson EnyeCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti
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
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3215
O. Atinuke AnjorinCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Since oxidative stress impairs the cardiovascular function, the hypothesis from the present study is that the treatment of paraquat-exposed adult Wistar rats with methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentusseed would reduce paraquat-induced cardiovascular damage. Thirty healthy female Wistar rats weighing 120-150 g were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each (Groups A, B, C, D, E and F). Rats in groups A served as control and received normal saline while groups B, C, D, E and F received a single dose of paraquat (7mgkg-1i.p.). Rats in group B was sacrificed 24hours following paraquat administration while daily administration of 100 mg kg-1and 200 mg kg-1 of methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentusseed extract were given orally to groups C and D while group E received daily oral dose of Vitamin E at 100mgkg-1 and group F was left untreated. Histological and biochemical preparations of the heart was made and data were expressed as mean± SEM. Significant difference was set at p<0.05. Results showed no significance difference (p<0.05) in nitric oxide activity, Glutathione reductase activity, and troponin I activity across the paraquat-exposed groups when compared with control. Histological studies reveal distortion of normal cardiac histo-architecture in paraquat-exposed group B compared with control rats while Abelmoschus esculentus reversed these changes in other treated groups. The study concluded that paraquat caused significant distortion of the cardiac histo-architecture and methanolic extract of immature Abelmoschus esculentus seed had antioxidant and ameliorative effects similar to Vitamin E on paraquat-induced myocardial injury.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-19-2744
Kejian DengCorresponding author
Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Sciences of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
In order to distinguish the roles of four types of nitrogen species in oxygen reduction reaction, the ketoamine condensation reactions between the ketone group of graphene oxide and amidogen of aniline and o-phenylenediamine were employed to generate –C=N- bond at the edge of graphene nanoplatelets, and then nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets with pyrrolic N, pyridinic N and pyridinic N+-O- rather than graphitic nitrogen were obtained by post thermal treatments. The resulting catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. It is found that edge-selectively nitrogen-doped graphene nanopaltelets with nitrogen content of up to 4.28 atom% have been prepared. Nitrogen doping helps to improve activity of oxygen reduction reaction slightly, suggesting nitrogen doping at the edge of graphene does not contribute a lot to the enhancement of activity.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3083
Ververs MijaCorresponding author
Senior Nutritionist/Health Scientist, Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Background In November 2014, the World health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme, produced interim guidelines (iGL) on providing nutritional support to patients in Ebola treatment units (ETUs). They have been translated into French and issued by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO in adapted versions to be used in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This paper evaluates the use and usefulness of the 2014 iGL in the West Africa and current DRC Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks and identifies experiences and lessons learned from practitioners on the operational aspects of nutritional care and support in ETUs. Methods Key-informants (n=26), from 12 organizations (Non-Governmental Organizations, United Nations, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement) were interviewed who were actively engaged in the nutritional and/or clinical care of EVD patients. Results There was a consensus among key-informants that the 2014 iGL initially served a guiding purpose. However, the vast amount of learning from the 2014-2016 and current EVD outbreaks indicates that the interim guidelines need to be revised. Practitioners struggled to find operational solutions for nutritional care, and the challenges were plentiful, especially regarding 1) the different perceptions of the importance of nutritional care among ETU staff; 2) the difficulties around food preparation and distribution for EVD patients; 3) how to take into account the patients’ dietary preferences; 4) the nutritional care needed in relation to specific EVD symptoms; 5) who assumed roles in nutritional care in ETUs; 6) if and how feeding support was organized; 7) whether malnutrition needed to be addressed and how; and 8) whether the intake of specific nutrients could contribute to improved treatment outcomes. Information from the key-informants interviews resulted in numerous lessons learned and recommendations for nutritional support during current and future outbreaks. Conclusions This investigation underscored the importance of documenting experiences of practitioners on nutritional care in emerging infectious diseases for which limited scientific evidence exists and for which interim guidelines are produced to fill in knowledge gaps. It also emphasized the importance of nutritional care in ETUs during treatment.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-19-3042
Szuhanek CameliaCorresponding author
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara
The treatment of class III malocclusion differs depending on the age of the patient. In adult patients, alternatives include either orthodontic dentoalveolar compensation treatment or a combined ortho-surgical approach. The aim of this paper is to present the orthodontic and surgical treatment of a 24 year old adult patient with increased anterior face height, a class III skeletal pattern and mandibular asymetry. Previous orthodontic treatment with removable appliances obtained a 1 mm overbite and overjet. Intraorally, class III molar relationship was observed, proclined upper incisors, retroclined lower incisors and a deviated lower midline. The main complaint was facial esthetics which required surgical intevention. After pre-surgical orthodontic preparation the maxilla was repositioned by a Le Fort I osteotomy and the mandible was set back using the Obwegeser-Dal Pont method. Final assesment revealed both functional and esthetic dentofacial results. A combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery is often required in adult patients with dental malocclusion and skeletal discrepancies.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-19-3026
Awad Hegazy AbdelmonemCorresponding author
Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
Background Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder affecting the functions of many tissues in the body including the testis. Testis is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids content and lacks strong intrinsic antioxidant system making it prone to such oxidative stress. L-carnitine (LC) regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism; and is considered a valuable antioxidant factor. Aim It was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) on rats’ testes and the possible protective role of LC. Methods Forty-eight adult male albino rats were used in this work. The animals were divided into three groups with sixteen animals in each. Group 1 (Control): Animals were kept without medications. Group 2 (PTU-treated): was subjected to administration of PTU; while group 3 (PTU and LC) received both PTU and LC. By the end of the experiment “30 days”, blood samples were taken for hormonal assay; then animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Specimens were homogenized for biochemical analysis; epididymal content of each rat was obtained immediately for semen analysis. Testes’ specimens were harvested, prepared and examined by light microscope examination. Results Induced hypothyroidism was noticed to cause histopathological, morphometric and biochemical changes in rat’s testes. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it also improved the seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry. Conclusion Hypothyroidism could result in hazards to the structure of testis. Fortunately co-administration of LC might reduce such hazards.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-19-2965
Yao Gbagbo FredCorresponding author
University of Education, Winneba, Faculty of Science Education, Department of Health Administration and Education, P.O Box 25, Winneba, Central Region, Ghana, West African
Self-medication in pregnancy is a health concern in Ghana. We assessed the practice among 136 pregnant women in Effutu and Agona West Municipalities using facility-based, cross-sectional design and mixed method approach of data collection. Data analysis used SPSS and manual content analysis. Results show that pregnant women of all backgrounds self-medicate, with prevalence of 69%, motivated by cheaper treatment cost (17%), minor ailments (29%) and positive outcomes (33%). Commonly used medications include antibiotics (23%), pain killers (20%) and herbal preparations (19%). Preventing self-medication in pregnancy therefore requires awareness creation and evidence based Social Behavioral Change Communication on associated dangers.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-19-2736
Łukasiewicz SylwiaCorresponding author
Antibody phage display has become a useful technique for discovering and optimizing target-specific monoclonal antibodies suitable for many applications, including therapeutic ligands, which may act as direct pharmacological compounds or may be used as targeting ligands for controlled drug delivery. Recently, the D2-5-HT1A heteromer, which is formed by the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors has attracted attention as a potential target of antipsychotic drugs. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify scFv monoclonal antibodies that are able to specifically recognize epitopes formed within the heteromer structure. Because both receptors are membrane proteins, it is important to conduct bio-panning experiments in the most natural conditions, in which the presented antigens (D2-5-HT1A heteromers) are in their native form and possibly in their best-preserved spatial structure. It has been shown here that phage display methodology can be successfully used in the preparation of monoclonal antibodies against dimers of membrane proteins. To separate phages specifically binding the D2-5-HT1A heteromer, the selection process using CHO+ cells with overexpression of both receptors was conducted. Phages that were bound to receptor monomers or other CHO-K1 cell surface proteins were eliminated as a result of negative selection by using CHO- cells expressing separate receptor monomers.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-19-2759
Sterner OlovCorresponding author
Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Lund University, P.O.Box 124, 22100 Lund, Sweden
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and there is a constant need for new treatment strategies. Sesquiterpene lactones containing a 3-methylenedihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (or α-methylene-γ-lactone) moiety, for example damsin (1), are Michael acceptors that affect biological processes such as cell proliferation, death/apoptosis, and cell migration, by interfering with cell signalling pathways. Although the reactivity of the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety is important for these effects, the Michael addition is reversible and it can be assumed that also other parts of the molecules will moderate any given biological activity. In this investigation, the cytotoxicity of 23 -methylene--lactones towards normal breast epithelial MCF-10A cells as well as breast cancer JIMT-1 cells is compared. Most of the investigated compounds are semisynthetic derivatives prepared by the condensation of the natural product damsin (1) with aldehydes. The two cell lines were treated with various concentrations of the compounds in dose response assays, and the 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined from dose response curves. The IC50 values were found to depend strongly on the overall structure. The ratio between the IC50 values for MCF-10A and JIMT-1 cells, as a measure for the selectivity of a compound to kill cancer cells, was calculated, and found to vary between just over 1 to more than 10. The most potent derivatives formed from the condensation of 1 with aromatic aldehydes towards JIMT-1 cells are 3a and 3i, both with ratios between the IC50 values for MCF-10A and JIMT-1 cells close to 5. Also some aldol condensation products with acyclic aldehydes, i.e. 3r and 3u, were equally potent, and the latter showed the highest selectivity (ratio > 10). Structure-activity relationships that may explain the observed differences in potency and selectivity are discussed.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2646
Oladejo Thomas ADEPOJUCorresponding author
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
The potential of Nigerian indigenous tree leaves as vegetable source, pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic materials have been reported. However, Silk cotton (Ceiba pentandra) leaf is still underutilised as vegetable in parts of Nigeria where it exists despite its potential great health benefits. The aim of the study was to assess the micronutrient and phytochemical potential contribution to nutrient intake of its consumers, and acceptability of its cooked soup and sauce ‘as consumed’. Fresh young shoots and leaves of Ceiba pentandra were harvested from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo State, Nigeria. Composite sample of the leaf was prepared and divided into four portions. One portion was labelled as raw sample, and others blanched, cooked to soup and sauce. The four samples were analysed for proximate, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical composition using standard methods of AOAC. Sensory evaluation of soup and sauce was carried out using 9-point hedonic scale with 30 untrained panelists. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05 Raw Ceiba pentandraleaf contained 80.9g moisture, 3.9g protein, 0.8g fat, 15.3g carbohydrate, 68.40 kcal gross energy, 183.40mg potassium, 119.38mg calcium, 112.99mg phosphorus, and 3.46mg iron/100g sample. The leaf was rich in phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoid and alkaloids. Raw sample was highest in water-soluble vitamins while the sauce was highest in β-carotene (339.72µg/100g). Cooking the leaf to soup and sauce significantly increased the mineral content of the products (P<0.05) with reduction in water-soluble vitamins and phytochemicals (P<0.05). The sensory attributes of the soup and sauce were generally acceptable to the panelists, with the sauce being more acceptable. The leaf and its products were rich in essential minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The sauce retained more nutrients compared to other samples. Inclusion of this underutilised vegetable in diets will reduce micronutrient malnutrition, promote dietary diversity, good health and wellness.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2639
McCarthy OliviaCorresponding author
Diabetes Research Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
Nine healthy individuals with a mean ± SD BMI of 22.0 ± 0.7 kg/m² and age of 20 ± 0.2 years, participated in this single-blind randomised, crossover trial investigating the impact of ingesting two different honeys (1) Tropical Forest Honey (TFH) and (2) Manuka Honey; strength 12+ (MAN) on circulating levels of plasma interferon gamma following ex-vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Blood samples were prepared into duplicate aliquots of whole blood (800 μl) and 100 μg/l of LPS was added to samples to give a final volume of 1 ml. Levels of IFN-γ in plasma fractions were measured via commercially available sandwich ELISA and all comparisons were made with paired data using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test taking a significance level of 5%. Whilst significant intra-and-interpersonal variation was observed, IFN-γ concentrations remained statistically unchanged 48 hours after the ingestion of either honey (p=0.15). Thus, in this instance the type of honey did not influence the IFN-γ response to plasma samples spiked with LPS.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2507
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), India
Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin (HPBCD) used in food, pharmaceutical, chemical industries, as well as environmental, and agriculture engineering. But the major issue related to HPBCD is the low solubility profile. In this study, the influence of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment (the Trivedi Effect®) on the physicochemical properties of HPBCD was evaluated using spectroscopic and calorimetric analytical techniques. The test sample (HPBCD) was divided into control sample and treated sample. The control sample did not receive the Biofield Energy Treatment. Whereas, the treated sample received the Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. The particle size values of the treated sample were decreased by 3.28%(d10), 1.36%(d50), 0.45%(d90), and 1.04%{D(4,3)}; therefore, the specific surface area was increased by 1.9% compared with the control sample. The evaporation temperature of the treated HPBCD sample was significantly decreased by 19.89%; however, the latent heat of evaporation and latent heat of fusion were significantly increased by 56.27% and 47.41%, respectively compared with the control sample.The total weight loss in the treated HPBCD was decreased by 5.11%; whereas, the residue amount was significantly 309.67% more compared to the control sample.The results indicated that the Trivedi Effect® might have produced a new form of HPBCD which may show better thermal stability, solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. This new form of HPBCD would be more useful for improvement of solubility of the lipophilic drug, preparation of cholesterol free food products, weight loss supplements, anti-obesity medication, stabilize volatile and unstable compounds, and other manufacturing industry using it as a raw material.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-18-2530
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Nowadays, obesity is seriously threatening healthy life in all societies, especially in developed societies. Obesity is showing its likely effects through biologically active substances called adipokines. The most familiar of these is leptin. Leptin is synthesized in directly proportional to the amount of adipose tissue and reduced appetite by stimulating the satiety center. This status is like a protective mechanism that tries to reverse severe pathological process. Similar to this behavior of leptin, thyroid hormones are increasing in the advanced stages of obesity, increasing the resting energy expenditure (REE). The accelerating oxidative phosphorylation causes the use of energy as heat, the energy that has not transformed into ATP, together with ATP synthesis. This situation, the significant portion of energy provides to consumed instead of storing as fat. In addition, finding that T3 accelerates glucose transport and the TCA cycle without changing the rate of ATP synthesis in skeletal muscles suggests that thyroid hormones may be an effective tool in standing against obesity. In addition of that, the presence of studies indicating that thyroid hormones have an increasing tendency in the advanced stages of obesity is likely thought to be a rescuer mechanism to increase the effectiveness of suppressed thyroid hormones. On the contrary of these ideas, having been reported suppressing 5’-deiodinease enzyme activity in chronic diseases causes anxiety about the effectiveness of thyroid hormones in obesity. Based on available information, we aimed to prepare a review evaluating of this adaptive condition of thyroid hormones.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2565
Tabassum Khan NidaCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Balochistan University of Information, Technology Engineering and Management Sciences, (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
Coriander, commonly known as Sabit dhania in Pakistan is a well-known spice used in traditional cooking. It is an essential component of ayurvedic medicine used for the treatment of digestion and gastric ailments. Coriander seeds are available throughout the year as whole seeds and in powdered form. Fresh Coriander seeds possess earthy bitter flavour with strong aroma. Essential oils of its seed extracts possess numerous valuable constituents which could be exploited for the preparation of medicinal combatants against several acute and chronic diseases.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2333
Joseph Afe AbayomiCorresponding author
Community Medicine Department, Equitable Health Access Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
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
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-18-2470
Takele Melku AbulieCorresponding author
Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital School of Health Science Department of Nursing, Assistant Professor (PhD).
Background: Acute diarrheal diseases are the leading cause of preventable childhood death, especially in developing countries. It is the second leading cause of death in under-five year children nest to pneumonia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of diarrhea in under-five in Harena Buluk district. Methods: A community based Cross sectional study was conducted in February, 2018. A two stage stratified sampling method was done to select the eligible households. Data was collected by trained data collectors using pretested questionnaire list which was prepared based on EDHS and WHO core questionnaires related to diarrhea. Data was entered in to a computer using Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS V.20 for further analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine level of association with 95% CI. A p-value <0.05 in the final model were considered as significant. Result: The two weeks period magnitude of diarrhea among under-five children was 28.4% with 95% CI (14.5-20.8) which was associated with households with one under five children (AOR: 0.268, 95% CI(.08,0.90)), living in the home with single room ((AOR = 6.01, 95% CI(1.01,36.01)), clean latrine/faces not seen around the pit or on the floor of latrine(AOR: 0.298, 95% CI(0.097,0.92)), long time take to fetch water from source (AOR: 0.046,95%CI(0.01,0.22)), home based water treatment ((AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.62)), living with animal in the same house(AOR: 8.31, 95% CI(2.46,28.06)), children who took gruel type of food(AOR: 0.24, 95% CI(0.07,0.81)), hand washing practice before cooking food (AOR: 0.195(0.066, 0.574)). Conclusion: The two weeks period magnitude of acute under-five diarrhea was relatively high and number of under five children in the household, cleanness latrine, time taking from the source of water, home based water treatment, number of rooms in the home, live with animal in the same house, type of food child take, hand washing before food preparation had significant association with the occurrence of under-five diarrhea. Improve community about home and environmental sanitation and hand practices were recommended.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-18-2389
Isaksson MarléneCorresponding author
Lund University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Background A survey was undertaken in all ice hockey players in 26 professional teams in Sweden representing the 2 highest divisions. All players answered a questionnaire and the players from 6 teams, 3 from each one of the 2 divisions, were patch tested with 72 test preparations in a baseline series supplemented with a series representing the work environment of the players. For practical reasons, the patch testing and test reading on day 3 (D3) took place in the arenas of the teams. As a traditional dermatologist reading on D7 was impossible to perform in all but one team, the players and coaches were asked to use their mobile phones to take photos of the tested backs of the players on D7 and send to the investigative team. In one team a dermatologist reading took place on D7 independent of the mobile photos. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate if photos from mobile phones taken on D7 by the subjects themselves or someone helping them could add positive reactions to those noted from traditional test readings on D3. Materials and Methods 107 players in the 6 teams were patch tested and reading on D3 was performed in 103 of them. Mobile photos of the backs of 100 players were taken on D7. Results 5 photos obtained from the 100 players available for the second test reading on D7 had too bad quality to allow evaluation. Thus, photos of 95/103 (92.2%) players with a live dermatologist reading on D3 were evaluated. Besides 50 contact allergic reactions noted in 26 players on D3, 7 (14%) more positive reactions were registered in 5 players, in 2 without any reactions on D3. The 7 additional reactions were noted to 7 different sensitizers - oxidized linalool, mercapto mix, mercaptobenzothiazole, PFR-2 (resol resin based on phenol and formaldehyde), paraben mix, imidazolidinyl urea, and methylenedianiline. Conclusion 14% more contact allergic reactions were diagnosed when using photos of the tested backs of the players replacing the traditional dermatologist reading on D7.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2423
Keskin CumaliCorresponding author
Mardin Artuklu University, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health, 47100 Mardin, Turkey.
This review surveys medicinal plants and their traditional uses, summarizing common indications and bioactive constituents. It contrasts perceived safety with evidence on efficacy and potential toxicity or interactions. The authors highlight the need for standardized preparations and controlled studies to translate ethnobotanical knowledge into safe, effective therapies.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-18-2331
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Sudan.
This study reviews the agricultural development perspective in the light of a rapid space technology development. In other words, precision agriculture as part of geoinformatics. The aim is to quantify whether the adopted technology can improve the efficiency of agricultural fields management and production to attain food security. Therefore, views of targeted groups from different States of Sudan were investigated, using stratified sampling method. Where quantitative statistics (descriptive/inductive techniques) was applied. About 800 questionnaires were distributed. The outcomes of data analysis reflected that the majority of interviewed groups 357 (82.1%) do not know the principles and application of integrated technology in the field of agricultural management. 85.3% of respondents know nothing about computer program related to precision agriculture. The majority of the respondents (84.6 %), did not get courses on precision agriculture during the under graduate study. The result also revealed that only 11.8% of the respondents use modern techniques in land preparation, 16.1 % in soil analysis, 12.5 % in the field of seed technology, and 11.4% in crop harvesting. However, 53.9% of the respondents reported that their Departments did not care about training on agricultural precision. Nevertheless, 24.3 % of the respondents got trained on precision agriculture through personal efforts, while about 19% got trained by their respective Departments. In regard to education, 16% of the respondents got trained on precision agriculture at undergraduate and only 9% after graduation. The study concludes that despite the rapid technological development, agriculture in Sudan remained lagging, and the productivity is below the expectation. It recommends that the Ministries of Agriculture in different States in Sudan should take the issue of introduction of new technology seriously to boost the agricultural development to attain food security.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-18-2412
Mohamed Ghamin NabilCorresponding author
Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
The peach fruit fly, Bactrocerazonata (Saunders) is a serious pest attacking a wide range of fruits. Field experiments were carried out, at Mansoura district, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the efficiency of di- ammonium phosphate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium acetate in enhancing GF-120, as insecticidal bait, for B. zonata based on their pH level under high and low population levels of B. zonata. Results showed that di-ammonium phosphate enhanced the attractiveness of GF-120 the most, followed by ammonium carbonate and ammonium acetate. Without adding any of the ammonium compounds to the GF-120 bait, the bait attracted the fewest B. zonata flies regardless of population levels. As the concentrations of ammonium compounds increased, the pH-level increased as well in the prepared GF-120 solutions, resulting in increased numbers of B. zonata flies captured. In contrast to males, females of B. zonata were more responsive to increase concentrations of the three ammonium compounds tested. Accordingly, all treatments attracted females more than males. The sex ratio (as number of attracted females per one male) was generally higher under low than high fly population levels.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2262
Mrudula PhadkeCorresponding author
Sr. Adv. NHM, Mumbai, India
Objective: To analyse safety, tolerability, efficacy and logistic issues related to administration of 3 types of therapeutic feeds to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) from tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Design: A three arm open label, block randomized trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. commercially available ready to use therapeutic feed (C-RUTF), locally prepared ready to use therapeutic feed ( L-RUTF) & amylase rich food(ARF) was given to 1092 tribal children of SAM in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra, India during 2014-2015. Setting: Tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Participants: 1092 children of SAM, 766 on C-RUTF, 184 on L-RUTF & 143 on ARF followed on treatment for 8 weeks. Outcomes: The recovery rates in the three groups, any untoward effects during treatment and logistic aspects of procurement, delivery, storage & administration of therapeutic feeds. Results: Total number of children with SAM were 1092. Gr 1 – Out of 765 children of SAM, 404 (52.8%) recovered on C-RUTF. Gr 2 – 80 (43.5%) recovered out of 184 on L-RUTF. Gr 3 – 64 (44.8%) recovered on ARF at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, the difference being statistically significant between C-RUTF & others. Out of 38 children on C-RUTF, it was observed that 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 4 children reported more activity in terms of playfulness, more speaking & smiling. 31 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 34 children on L-RUTF, 6 children reported diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting & 4 children reported fever. 3 children reported more activity. 23 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 19 children on ARF, 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 3 reported more activity. 13 had nothing specific to report. Untoward effects were noted in 3 out of 38 (7.89%) in C-RUTF group, 11 out of 34 (32.35%) in L-RUTF group and 3 out of 19 (15.7%) in ARF group. Conclusion: C-RUTF was found to be more efficacious, with least untoward effects, easy to administer and was more palatable when compared to L-RUTF & ARF.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2202
AA OkechukwuCorresponding author
Department of Pediatrics, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.
Background: Ideally, disclosure of HIV status to infected children and adolescents should involve both health care workers and parents/caregivers. Most studies on disclosure in children have focus mainly on parents/caregivers with little information on health care workers. We conduct this study to evaluate the practice, perception of the healthcare workers in our health facility on disclosure to infected children and adolescents. It is envisaged that such information will help in the design of better strategies on disclosure in our environment. Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted among health care workers at the special treatment clinic, and heart to heart unit of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada from January to March 2017 for the above objective. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on disclosure among the healthcare workers, which include among others: their bio-data, knowledge, perception, and practice on disclosure in the two service areas of the hospital. Results: Of the 80 health care workers interviewed, 60(75.0%) were females, 11(13.8%) were doctors, 9(11.3%) nurses, 17(21.3%) monitoring/evaluation/record clerks, and 16(20.0%) were either voluntary counseling and testing counselors or adherence counselors. Their mean age and duration in service in the two areas were 39.70±7.10 and 7.93±4.99 years respectively. Over half 48(60.0%) of the health care workers were unaware of the hospital having guideline on disclosure, 64(80.0%) have not been trained, and 68(85.0%) does not know any key information on disclosure. While all 80(100%) felt that disclosure was a good practice for better adherence, only 16(20.0%) had actually disclosed, with 6(37.5%) not seeking any formal permission from parent/caregivers before disclosing. Ages 8-16 years was recommended by 60(75%) as the appropriate age to disclose, however 28(35.0%) recommended age 14-16 years. Over half of the respondents 58(72.5%) admitted that disclosure should be a shared responsibility between themselves and the caregivers, most however perceive their role as only preparing the parents/caregivers for disclosure, and providing ongoing counseling to both the parents/caregivers and the children and adolescents. Lack of training on disclosure, and none availability of guideline in the health institution were major setback on the ability of the healthcare providers to fully participate in disclosure process. Conclusion: While healthcare providers support the idea of disclosing at mid and late adolescent, their perceived role was that of support and provision of ongoing counseling. Lack of training and none availability of disclosure guideline affects their perceived role. There is need to train and retrain healthcare workers on disclosure guideline, and making such guideline available in the health facilities.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2187
Randjbaran EliasCorresponding author
Aerospace Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Level 7, Tower Block, Faculty of Engineering 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Among the numerous potential uses of carbon nanotubes (CNT), its utilization to fortify polymers was given careful consideration. This reason can be because of the remarkable firmness, magnificent quality, and the low thickness of CNT. This has given various chances to the innovation of new material frameworks for applications requiring high quality and high modulus. Exact control over preparing factors, including safeguarding flawless CNT structure, uniform scattering of CNT inside the polymer grid, compelling filler– lattice interfacial communications, and arrangement/introduction of polymer chains/CNT, add to the composite strands' unrivalled properties. Consequently, manufacture techniques assume an imperative part in deciding the composite filaments' microstructure and extreme mechanical conduct. The present best in the class of polymer/CNT elite composite filaments, particularly concerning processing– structure– execution, were looked into in this commitment. Future requirements for material by configuration approaches for handling these nano-composite frameworks were likewise examined.
Jul 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2166
Chandra Gupta PrakashCorresponding author
University Institute of Pharmacy, Chhatrapati shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur-208024, Uttar Pradesh India
Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel synonym Diospyros peregrina Gurke (Family: Ebenaceae) is a medium sized evergreen tree commonly known as Kendu in Assamese. The plant has ethnomedicinal significance and used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea malaria, ulcer and wounds. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore, the present work was carried out to perform morpho-anatomical and physicochemical analysis of D. malabarica stem bark. The bark is externally dark brown to black in color and rough having characteristics odor and astringent taste. The microscopy of bark reveals the presence of polygonal thick walled cork, 3-4 layered phellogen, 7-8 layered phelloderm, stone cells, phloem fibers and medullary rays. Stem bark powder showed thick walled cork cells, thick walled elongated phloem fibers, lignified stone cells and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash as 6.2, 5.6, 1.1, 2.45, and 5.7% w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 10.6 and 16.8% w/w respectively. The result of preliminary phytochemical screening indicates presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of an herbal monograph for the species.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-18-2043
Rameshthangam PalanivelCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India
Disposal of chitin wastes from crustacean shell can cause environmental and health hazards. Chitin is a well known abundant natural polymer extracted after deproteinization and demineralization of the shell wastes of shrimp, crab, lobster, and krill. Extraction of chitin and its derivatives from waste material is one of the alternative ways to turn the waste into useful products. Chitinases are enzymes that degrade chitin. Chitinases contribute to the generation of carbon and nitrogen in the ecosystem. Chitin and chitinolytic enzymes are gaining importance for their biotechnological applications. The presence of surface charge and multiple functional groups make chitin as a beneficial natural polymer. Due to the reactive functional groups chitin can be used for the preparation of a spectrum of chitin derivatives such as chitosan, alkyl chitin, sulfated chitin, dibutyryl chitin and carboxymethyl chitin for specific applications in different areas. The present review is aimed to summarize the efficacy of the chitinases on the chitin and its derivatives and their diverse applications in biomedical and environmental field. Further this review also discusses the synthesis of various chitin derivatives in detail and brings out the importance of chitin and its derivatives in biomedical and environmental applications.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1742
A.Sakr SaberCorresponding author
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom, Egypt.
Introduction: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an anticancer drug .Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) essential oil is a traditional medicine used against many diseases. Aim. The present work studied the effect of fennel oil against testicular damage and oxidative stress induced by the anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CPA) in albino rats. Methods. Animals were divided into 4 groups: group1, control, group2, orally given fennel oil, group3 treated with CPA and group4 treated with CPA and fennel oil. The testes were removed for histological and immune histochemical preparation. Blood was collected and sera were prepared for hormonal and biochemical analysis. Results. The results revealed that CPA caused histological alterations in the testis including decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules, degeneration of germ cells, cytoplasmic vacuolation and congestion of blood vessels. Cell proliferation marker was decreased and apoptotic marker caspase-3 was decreased. Biochemical results revealed decrease in the hormones LH and testosterone. Moreover, the serum activity of the antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT was decreased and the lipid peroxidation marker, DMA was increased. Treating rats with CPA and fennel oil caused an improvement in the histological structure of the testis. There was an increase in LH ,testosterone,SOD and CAT, while MDA level decreased. Conclusion. It is concluded that administration of fennel oil exhibited protective effects against CPA-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. The protective effect of fennel oil might be due to induction of antioxidant defense systems by one or more of its constituents.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-17-1486
Balci Yüce HaticeCorresponding author
Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Periodontology Tokat/Turkey
Background: Furcation involvement is characterized by periodontal disease invading furcation regions of multi-rooted teeth. Treatment modalities are scaling and root planning and surgical management such as osteoplasty or ostectomy, odontoplasty, bicuspidization, root resection and hemisection. Periodontally compromised maxillary molars generally have poor prognosis because of inter radicular loss of attachment, and difficulty in access and treatment. Root resection is procedure by which one or more of the roots of a tooth are removed at level of furcation while leaving crown and the remaining roots in function. Case: A 58 year-old female patient applied to Periodontology clinic with complaints of sensibility and gingival recession in teeth number 16 and 26. Both teeth were completely exposed due to severe attachment loss in distobuccal root. There was also second degree mobility on the right molar and third degree mobility on the left molar teeth. Flapless root resection were planned after root canal therapy. After local anesthesia, distobucal roots were resected by high speed rotary motor with adequate irrigation at the level of the furcation roof. A small cavity was prepared and retrograded with glass ionomer cement. A platelet-rich fibrin membrane was obtained from patient’s blood and stitched to the distal surface of right first molar. Left first molar area was left uncovered. Recovery was followed on 2nd, 8th week and 6th month. When healing was compared between left and right sides, no mobility was observed and a slight redness and swelling was observed on the right side at 2nd week. At 8th week, there was no difference in clinical appearance. At 6th month, all complaints of the patient were gone and prognosis of the teeth was good.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-17-1534
Sharma NiveditaCorresponding author
Microbiology research laboratory, Deptt. of Basic sciences, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni (Solan) Himachal Pradesh 173230.
Algae are a class of photosynthetic organisms found in both marine and freshwaters habitats. As these organisms have a short doubling time, they are considered among fastest growing creatures. They have different pathways to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide and to efficiently utilize the nutrients to convert it into biomass. In few years, a focus has been shifted towards these organisms due to their food and fuel production capability. In fuel industry algae biofuels have been emerged as a clean, nature friendly, cost effective solution to other fuels. Algae fuels are categorized into bio-ethanol, biogas, bio-hydrogen, biodiesel and bio-oil. Algae as a food have been explored for different applications as in production of single cell proteins, pigments, bioactive substances, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The present review has been prepared to throw a light on enormous applications of algae as food and fuel and also to provide some information about different commercially available algae products.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1607
PhadkeMCorresponding author
Senior Advisor, Govt;
Background Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is rampant in the children of hilly and inaccessible tribal region of Nandurbar, Maharashtra in India. It is estimated that nearly 5% of the children under five years have SAM. Objectives To assess the therapeutic efficacy of 3 types of nutrition protocols administered largely at home in SAM children from Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Methodology This study is a part of a larger three arm open label trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. C-RUTF (Centrally produced ready to use therapeutic food), L-RUTF (locally prepared ready to use therapeutic food) and ARF (locally prepared amylase rich food) in children of SAM who attended the health facility and completed the treatment protocols for 8 weeks (All ‘per protocol patients’) and were between 1 to 3 years of age. The larger study included children aged 6 months to 59 months who were given same therapeutic feeding protocol. Findings A total of 450 SAM babies between 12-36 months. attended the outpatient therapeutic program during the period of July 2014 to December 2015 and completed the given protocol of therapeutic feeding program. 242(53.7%) were males and 208(46.2%) females. Out of these, 150 received C-RUTF, 150 received L-RUTF and 150 received ARF. Out of C-RUTF group 83(55.3%) recovered, in L-RUTF 70(46.7%) recovered and from ARF group 69(46.0%) recovered. The difference was statistically significant.(p=0.03) Total recovery rate was 49.3% in comparison to another under publication study by our group on 3418 children aged 6 months to 59 months, where recovery was 36.8%. Average weight gain per day was 3.54 ± 2.36 g/kg/day, 2.61 ± 2.12 g/kg/day, 2.60 ± 1.50 g/kg/day in the 3 arms respectively. Conclusion This study proves that domiciliary treatment with 3 types of therapeutic feeds gives recovery rate of 49.3%, there by meaning that SAM Children without complications can be treated at home with visit to health facility once a week. Of all the therapeutic feeding protocols C-RUTF had best recovery rates (55.3%) compared to others, the difference being statistically significant. Average weight gain per kg per day inC-RUTF group was 35.8 % higher than the other 2 groups.
Mar 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1332
Petrowski KatjaCorresponding author
Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Dresden, Germany University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universitaet Dresden, Fetscherstr.
Background: Unemployment is a chronic stressor which is associated with higher levels of impaired physical and mental wellbeing, e.g. reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy. The present study investigated the effectivity of a HRV-biofeedback-training in increasing HRV and general self-efficacy. Method: A total of n = 22 unemployed individuals with adjustment disorder participated in this study (14 females, mean ages 42.53 ± 8.88 years). All participants performed randomized the “stress tests” for heart rate (HR) and HRV assessment: timed breathing, d2-attention-stress-test and math-test drawn from the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Four sessions HRV-biofeedback à 20 min within 2 weeks were administered. HR and HRV were assessed before and after biofeedback training. ECG preprocessing and analysis were performed with the Stressball software program (BioSign GmbH, Ottenhofen, Germany). The RMSSD time domain measure was calculated as HRV index. Clinical outcome measures were the ADNM total score and the general self-efficacy scale (GSE). Results: Participants were well matched in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. ANOVA didn’t demonstrate significant time x group interaction effects neither for HRV parameters (HR, RMSSD) nor for psychological parameters (ADNM, GSE). Conclusion: Our findings do not indicate that HRV-biofeedback can increase HRV nor general self-efficacy in unemployed subjects with adjustment disorder. Implications for future studies are discussed.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-16-1212
Babaee SaeedCorresponding author
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Lavizan Avenue, Tehran, P.O. Box 16765/3454, Iran
Application of nickel in different industries has been developed and so contamination of natural water is a great concern due to its potentially toxic effects on living beings. Therefore, fast monitoring of Ni2+ in aqueous samples is important. In this work, we fabricated a sensitive optical sensor for determination of nickel in mineral water samples and hydrogen peroxide solutions. The optode was prepared by incorporation of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and sodium tetraphenylborate in a plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) membranes containing dioctyladipate as a plasticizer. The influence of several parameters such as pH, base matrix, solvent mediator and ligand concentration were optimized. Comparison the obtained results with previously reported sensors revealed that the proposed method, in addition to fast and simplicity, provided good linear range (1.70–85.20 µmol L-1) and low detection limit (0.17 µmol L-1). The precision (relative standard deviation) was better than 1.55% for 7 replicate determinations of 17.10 µmol L-1 of Ni in various membranes.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-806
AbdullGaffar BadrCorresponding author
Pathology section, Rashid hospital.
Background and Objectives: The prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in morbidly obese women using ThinPrep® liquid-based Pap Test™ and HPV DNA Test™ is unknown. We aimed to investigate whether women with morbid obesity have a higher frequency of abnormal Pap smears compared with nonobese women, and to explore the rate of Pap smear screening in morbidly obese women. Design and Setting: We conducted a retrospective study over five years in two general government hospitals in Dubai. Patients and Methods: We screened ThinPrep slides and HPV DNA of morbidly obese women and nonobese women. The age, ethnicity, demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds of the two groups were matched. We studied hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM), infertility, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), connective tissue disease (CTD), immunosuppression and oral contraceptive pills (OCP) as potential risk cofactors. Results: Only 90 (29%) out of 310 morbidly obese women had had Pap tests. They showed more prevalence (P<0.05) of ASC-US, high-risk HPV DNA and LSIL 16 positive (18%) (95% CI: 7.0, and of endometrial AGCs {4 positive (4.5%) (95% CI: 0.3-13.5)} than the nonobese women (n=8175), {279 positive (3%) (95% CI: 3.0-3.8} , and {2 positive (0.024%) (CI:0.01-0.09)}. There were no endocervical AGCs, HSIL or squamous cancer in morbidly obese women. DM, HTN, OCPs, CTD and STD were more common in morbidly obese women having abnormal Pap smears. Conclusions: Low-grade squamous abnormalities, high-risk HPV, and endometrial AGCs are more frequent in morbidly obese women than in nonobese women. Women with morbid obesity have a low rate of cervical screening. This, among other factors, could increase the risk of these women to abnormal cervical cytology. This vulnerable group should benefit from more frequent cervical cytology screening. Appropriate clinical and educational measures should be implemented to encourage compliance to Pap smears. Weight reduction might help.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-16-1080
Guenka Palma-Dibb ReginaCorresponding author
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo. Av. Café, s/nº - CEP: 14040-904 - Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto – SP, Brazil.
When a composite resin restoration is photopolymerized, a considerable amount of heat can be produced, potentially causing pulpal injury. Objective: Evaluate the influence of the type of light source and remaining dentin thickness on the temperature increase in the pulp chamber while curing composite resin restorations. Material and Methods: Ninety-six tooth fragments obtained from bovine incisors were divided into groups/subgroups (n=12), according to the light source (LED and halogen light) and remaining dentin thickness (3.5, 3, 2, and 1mm). Class I cavities were prepared and restored with a composite resin. A temperature increase was obtained during photopolymerization of the adhesive and each composite increment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher’s Test (α=5%). Results: LED promoted higher temperature increments when compared with the halogen light. Temperature levels were the lowest for 3.5mm-thick and the highest for 1mm-thick remaining dentin. Levels registered during the photopolymerization of each composite increment were superior for LED. Conclusions: Both light sources result in temperature increases above 5.5°C. Additionally, the remaining dentin thickness of 1mm promoted the largest temperature increase.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-16-925
Darling K.E.A.Corresponding author
Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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.
Aug 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-14-413
A. Ibrahim DinaCorresponding author
Demonstrator in Dental Biomaterials, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura UniverAsity, Mansoura, Egypt.
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sport and energy drinks on conventional and resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials regarding fracture toughness, surface roughness and fluoride release. Methods: The restorative materials used were conventional and resin-modified glass ionomers. Sport drinks used were Gatorade Perform 02 and Pocari sweat, while the energy drinks were Red Bull and Power Horse. Specimens were prepared and divided into five groups according to the immersion media (distilled water, two sport drinks and two energy drinks) for 1 and 7 days. The fracture toughness was determined using three-point bending method. Surface roughness was measured using surface profilometer. Fluoride release was determined using a conventional ion chromatograph testing unit. The data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Least Significant Difference test. For comparison between the two materials under each condition, t-test was used. Results: There was no significant difference in fracture toughness between sport, energy drinks and distilled water at the different time intervals except for conventional glass ionomer after 7 days. Resin-modified glass-ionomer exhibited smoother surfaces more than conventional one in sport and energy drinks after 1 day. After 7 days, both conventional and resin-modified glass ionomers showed greater surface roughness. Both conventional and resin-modified glass ionomers release more fluoride in acidic beverages than distilled water. Conclusions: The effect of sport and energy drinks on the fracture toughness may depend on the composition and acidity of drink. Fluoride release increased with the consumption of sport and energy drinks.
Jan 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-12-145
Parhi RabinarayanCorresponding author
GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM University, Gandhi Nagar Campus, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
The challenges ever faced by pharmaceutical industry is mainly due to discovery of new drugs and development of new technologies. Supercritical fluid (SCF) technology is one such technique, which has become an important tool in the production of different particulate systems along with extraction and drying of protein and peptides during last couple of decade because of its specific properties such as flexibility in use, reduced environmental concern and its simplicity. In this review, we briefly describe the operating principles and parameters influencing each one of SCF processes along with their merits and perspectives. The application of SCF technology in pharmaceutical industry, including particle and crystal engineering, composite particles’ preparation, coating of solid dosage form, liposome preparation, extraction and protein and peptide drying are discussed.