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May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-25-5773
Introduction Sleep quality is a fundamental determinant of human health and well-being. Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB), a non-invasive therapeutic modality, has emerged as a potential intervention for sleep-related disturbances. Proposed mechanisms include reduced blood viscosity and platelet aggregation, activation of superoxide dismutase, increased oxygen bioavailability, enhanced microcirculation, elevated serotonin levels, and decreased cortisol concentrations—physiological processes intricately involved in sleep regulation, mood modulation, and the stress response. Objective To evaluate the effects of Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB) on sleep quality in individuals with self-reported sleep disturbances. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with participants who reported poor sleep quality. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group received ILIB using a 660 nm red laser, while the control group received a placebo treatment (light emission with sub-therapeutic power, <1 mW). Both groups underwent the same treatment schedule. Sleep quality was assessed at baseline and after six treatment sessions using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Participants in the ILIB group showed statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome of global sleep quality. PSQI scores decreased from 10.24 at baseline to 6.47 post-treatment. ESS scores showed a non-significant change from 10.44 to 10.12. These results suggest enhanced overall sleep quality and reduced sleep latency, although the observed reduction in daytime sleepiness did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood appears to be a promising non-invasive approach for improving sleep quality. The clinical outcomes observed are comparable to those reported in both pharmacological and behavioral sleep interventions, particularly in terms of PSQI improvements. These preliminary findings support the need for further research to clarifyunderlying mechanisms, optimize treatment parameters (e.g., dosimetry and duration), and expand outcome assessments to include biomarkers and polysomnographic data.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5540
The rising need for structured and efficient blood transfusion services in low-resource settings has driven the adoption of collaborative blood transfusion management systems (CBTMS). This study explores the functionality and impact of the Cornerstone University Blood Management System version 1.0 (CUBMS vs 1.0) in Cameroon. This study was an exploratory research design which used a system interface analysis, comparative case reviews from four countries, and literature synthesis, to reveal that CUBMS improves accessibility, data management, inventory control, emergency responsiveness, and community engagement. Despite infrastructural challenges in rural regions, the system can enhance efficiency, transparency, and safety in blood services. The success of CBTMS in Cameroon is linked to digital infrastructure, training, and culturally relevant community engagement. The Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon should prioritize the nationwide implementation of CBTMS, ensuring consistency in digital health tools.
Aug 2024
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is widely used in pediatric patients to identify hypertension and its complications. Previous studies correlating obesity and hypertension using ABPMs showed increasing blood pressure loads with increasing BMI. However, BMI percentiles are more reliable indicators of obesity in children. Our study aimed to describe the association between BMI percentiles and systolic and diastolic blood pressure load using ABPM in children and adolescents. Retrospective analysis of ABPMs (Welch Allyn) was performed on a total of 115 patients between 7 and 18 years of age who were referred for elevated BP without a diagnosis of hypertension at our institution from Jan 2011 to Oct 2013. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on BMI percentile: <94th percentile, 94–98th percentile, 98–99th percentile, and >99th percentile. Analysis between blood pressure loads and BMI percentiles revealed greater mean systolic and diastolic loads with increasing BMI percentiles, but the P value was not statistically significant. Analysis of the systolic loads between children from different racial backgrounds revealed higher values in African American children than in Hispanic and Caucasian children, but the P value was not statistically significant.
Aug 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-24-5108
Hereditary thrombotic diseases, or inherited bleeding disorders, are a group of genetic conditions that disrupt normal blood coagulation. These diseases result from mutations in genes encoding blood coagulation factors or other regulatory proteins, impairing the body's ability to regulate bleeding and clotting. The most common inherited clotting disorders are hemophilia A and B, which are associated with deficiencies in clotting factors VIII and IX, respectively. Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is another prevalent disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the Von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for coagulation. Additionally, the Factor V Leiden mutation is linked to an increased risk of blood clots. The prevalence of inherited coagulation disorders varies significantly by region and subpopulation. It is estimated that 5,000 to 10,000 male newborns are born with hemophilia A or B each year. Von Willebrand disease is much more common, affecting about 1% of the global population. The Factor V Leiden mutation is found in significant percentages of certain populations, with 3–8% of Caucasians being carriers. While antithrombin deficiency is more common in some areas, the incidence of other inherited clotting disorders, such as Factor XI, protein C and S deficiencies, and VWD, varies widely worldwide. This study discusses the incidence of inherited clotting disorders and their impact on affected individuals and their families. It also covers new advancements in disease management, alternative therapy approaches, and contemporary diagnostic techniques, aiming to improve diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes for patients with hereditary clotting disorders.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4737
Bitter melon is a popular fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia and other tropical climate regions. Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine because of its numerous medicinal benefits, including having hypoglycemic effects. This has an indication for diabetic patients, and several clinical trials have provided evidence that orally administered bitter melon extract can reduce A1C and blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies suggest that bitter melon’s anti-diabetic actions work through intra- and extra-pancreatic mechanisms. Herein we summarize and highlight these mechanistic and clinical studies that have demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon in type 2 diabetes patients.
May 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-23-4545
This study aimed to analyze pharmacological actions of phenolic compound luteolin on the renal and cardiac hypertrophy, blood pressure (BP), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) and endothelin-1 (E1) in plasma in the 2 kidney - 1 clip (2K-1C) model of renovascular hypertension (RVH). All animals, were randomized into 2 groups: control (normal) I - sham-operated, II- RVH male Wistar rats, which after 4 weeks of surgical intervention secondly randomized to control II group, treated 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and main group - with luteolin in 15 DMSO, 3 mg/kg body weight, intraperitonially, during 2 weeks. ET-1, EETs and PGE2 levels investigated in carotid artery blood plasma and analyzed using ELISA kits. All data statistically analyzed using the SPSS-10.0 program. In RVH rats BP increased by 32%, cardiac and right kidney hypertrophy and reduction in parasympathetic component of BRS by 40% and sympathetic by 39%. The plasma level of total trans-EETs and PGE2 in RVH rats decreased by 44% and 50% respectively, while the level of ET-1 increased by 67%. Two weeks treatment with luteolin lowered BP, improved parasympathetic, without marked changes in sympathetic component of BRS. Deremodeling of cardiac and renal hypertrophy under prolonged treatment with luteolin accompanied with increasing in the level of EETs by 44%, PGE-2 by 50% and markedly reducing of plasma content of ET-1 (by 60%). Inhibition of EET hydrolase using low doses of luteolin provides beneficial cardio and renoprotective action in experimental model of RVH.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-4034
In bovine tuberculosis (bTB), cellular, humoral, or both types of immune responses have been observed. The purpose of this study was to examine the immune status of tuberculous cows based on the differential cytokine gene expression associated with Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2), or Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) responses. Twenty-three (23) cows belonging to a dairy herd located in a rural region of the State of Hidalgo, México, were selected for the study. Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin (SICCT) Test, Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) Release Assay (BOVIGAM), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used for detection of cattle infected by M. bovis. Thirteen cows were positive to all the tests (Group 1); ten cows were positive only to ELISA (Group 2), and the remaining Group (Group 3, control) included cows negative to all the tests. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from animals were in vitro stimulated by bovin purified protein derivative (PPD), avian PPD, and Concanavalin A (Con A) mitogen for 72h. Changes in the levels of expression of mRNA of the respective cytokines was measured by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using β-actin gene as internal control. In group 1, PPD bovis and Con A-stimulated cells exhibited high production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4, but not IL-10. In contrast, PPD avium-stimulated cells displayed a low production of cytokine transcripts. In group 2, cells showed a significant production of IL-10 in response to bovine PPD (P< 0.001). In the control group, a high production of IFN-γ and IL-2 was observed only in Con A-stimulated cells. Post-mortem examinations in animals of group 1 showed slight and medium lesions in lymph nodes, whereas in group 2, the lesions were more extensive. Results indicate differences on gene expression levels of cytokines considered to determine balance in Th1/Th2 response among the evaluated groups. In addition, high levels of antibodies against M. bovis and high IL-10 expression in PBMC together are indicators of progressive bTB when both tuberculin test and IFN-γ assay are negative in tuberculous anergic cattle. Inclusion of serology and IL-10 cytokine expression in in the diagnosis checklist improves detection of infected cattle to help control bovine tuberculosis.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3862
COVID-19 is a new infectious disease, which needs to explore the clinical value of white blood cell count and lymphocyte to provide help for diagnosis and treatment.COVID-19 cases were Selected that admitted to 2 hospitals in Guizhou, China. WBC and LYM in the 1st day, in the 4th day and in the 7th day after onset were collected. There were not any differences in The WBC and LYM in the 4th day and the 7th day between the two groups.WBC and LYM in the 1st day in the moderate group were lesser than in the mild group. WBC and LYM were no dynamic changes in the mild group. In moderate group, WBC and LYM in the 1st day were lesser than in the 4th day. The levels in the 4th day and the 7th day were no differences. The conclusion was In the early stage of COVID-19, the WBC and LYM in moderate patients were significantly decreased within 4 days after onset, and could be restored to normal level after 4-7 days. However, no dynamic changes were observed in mild patients within 7 days.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3198
Aminoforce containing 720g/l of 2,4-dimethylamine salt induced changes on some enzymes and electrolytes in the male Oryclotagus cuniculus (New Zealand rabbit) were assayed. The organisms were exposed to varying sub-lethal concentrations of the toxicant (720g/l). The concentrations were prepared by pipetting 0.4mls, 0.8mls and 0.12mls making it up to 1.5L clean water in a metal container to make 2.0 mgl-1, 4.0 mgl-1 and 6.0 mgl-1. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Acid phosphatase (ACP) were assayed in the liver and blood. Results showed that aspartate amino transferase values in the liver and blood were significant (p<0.05) across the concentration of the toxicants. Aspartate amino transferase increased as the concentration of the toxicant increased in the liver, and decreased as the toxicant concentration increased in the blood. Alanine amino transferase in the blood and liver were akin to AST while ACP values increased in the blood and decreased in the liver as the concentration of the toxicant increased. Electrolytes (Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions) showed statistical deviation across the various concentration of the toxicants. Chloride ion values stabilized in the experimental group being not significantly different (p>0.05) across the various concentration of the toxicants. From the study, AST, ALT and ACP are suitable biomarkers for showing sub-lethal effect of aminoforce on Oryclotagus cuniculus. The effects recorded clearly unveiled the potential effect of this xenobiotics on Oryclotagus cuniculus. Therefore, exposure of Oryclotagus cuniculus to this toxicant will affect the organism’s physiological responses and over prolong period of time it could lead to death. Additionally, via food chain man may be affected. The use of this toxicant close to rabbittory should be done with utmost caution.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3186
Introduction The anti-HCV RIBA test verifies the presence of anti-HCV serum antibodies detected by the Elisa test. In Côte d'Ivoire, screening for hepatitis C is done exclusively by enzyme immunoassays. In order to reduce the number of HCV positive blood donor exclusions on ELISA, we conducted this study which aimed to demonstrate the value of the RIBA test in confirming diagnosis of viral hepatitis C to blood donors. Methods Our study, which took place from 02 to 23 February 2008 in the laboratory of Abidjan NBTC, focused on 200 sera of blood donors anti-HCV positive (Elisa test) selected according to the ratio. The DECISCAN HCV PLUS confirmation test of BIORAD was used. Results Among the 200 HCV samples positive by EIA, 49% (98/200) were confirmed positive. RIBA gave an indeterminate result in 40% of cases (80/200); and negative in 11% of cases (22/200) corresponding to false ELISA devices. In RIBA 96 samples had a low ELISA ratio of which 21% (20/96) were RIBA negative, and 79% (76/96) were indeterminate. RIBA positive samples (98/200) had a high ratio in 82% of cases (80/98). The presence of NS3 (C33) and NS4 (C100) was noted in 100% of cases (98/98, C2 in 37% (36/98) of cases and C1 in 18% of cases (18/98). RIBA indeterminate noted the presence of NS3 in 98% of cases (78/80) and NS4 in 30% of cases (24/80). Proteins C1, C2 and NS4 are essential for the diagnosis of confirmation of viral hepatitis C by RIBA. Conclusion These results attest to the lower specificity of enzyme immunoassays (ELISAs); hence the benefit of using RIBA confirmatory tests. A significant number of donors are excluded from blood donation in Côte d'Ivoire on the basis of false positive results obtained by the ELISA technique.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-18-2410
Introduction: Blood is a valuable resource and blood transfusion is life saving in many situations. However blood transfusions carry the risk of transfusion transmitted infections, allergic reactions, hemolytic reactions and introduction of foreign antigens. So monitoring of blood transfusion practice is necessary for the rationale use of blood components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of blood ordering practice for Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) as per National Blood Transfusion Guidelines. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Tamilnadu. A total of 4236 blood request forms were analyzed over a period of 12 months. Number of units requested were noted and the appropriateness of the requested transfusion was assessed according to the National guidelines on transfusion 3. Request forms of neonates and children up to 18 years of age (in whom Transfusion guidelines are different) were excluded from the study. Cross match to Transfusion ratio (CT ratio) was also calculated. Results: A total of 4236 blood request forms were analyzed out of which 76.6 % (n=3246) were for PRBC, and hemoglobin values were mentioned in 68.8% (n=2235) and not mentioned in 31.2% (n=1011) of request forms. Anemia, surgery and bleeding were the most common indications for which transfusions were requested. There were 3246 PRBC requests out of which 53.5% (n=1736) requests were considered appropriate, 38.6% (n=1254) were considered inappropriate and 7.9% (n=256) requests could not be assessed due to inadequate details on Hemoglobin and clinical relevance. CT ratio was 1.5. Conclusion: In this study, it was noted that significant percentage (38.6%) of inappropriate PRBC transfusions were given and 7.9% forms could not be assessed due to inadequate investigation details. Regular audits and CMEs should be conducted in this hospital to rationalize the use of blood components.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-18-2283
The current research shows the possibility of long-term conservation of the erythrocytes an-tioxidant activity in the process of donor packed red blood cells while introducing mexidol to the hemoconservant glugicir composition.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-18-2342
This study was devoted to the learning of the use of nanotechnology to correct the functional activity of red blood cells (RBCs) at the storage stages at a positive temperature. It was established that saline NaCl, which had previously been processed by magnetite nanoparticles (ICNB) had a marked membrane-stabilizing effect, inhibits hemolysis and increasing the sedimentation stability of preserved RBCs. The complex analysis of the obtained data allowed to determine the primary mechanisms effect of the saline NaCl, which had previously been processed by ICNB on the preserved RBCs. The proposed method of additive modernization of preserved RBCs was adapted to the production process. The optimization results were obtained in creating a simple and practical method of additive modernization of preservation solutions that does not violate the compliance requirements, improves the quality, efficiency and safety transfusion of RBCs.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1853
Objective: To determine the current prevalence of HBs Ag, Anti-HCV Ab and anti-HIV Abamong blood donors. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in three blood banks centers in Sana'a city. During the study period from January to November 2016, 11374 blood donor specimens were subjected for detection anti-HBs Ag, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, by using Cobas e 411analyzer. Results: The overall prevalence of HBs Ag, HCV and HIV among blood donors was (1.9%), (1.0%) and (0.3%) respectively. Out of 11374 blood donors screened, 11249 (98.9%) were males and 125 (1.1%) were females with mean of age 30 years. While, (1.6%), (0.9) and (0.0%) of females were seropositve for HBs Ag, HCV and HIV respectively. High prevalence rate of HBs Ag and HCV found among the age group more than 55(5.7%, 2.0%) and 26-35 years old (1.9%, 1.1%) respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed less prevalence rate of HBs Ag, HCV and HIV among blood donors.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-16-1402
Background Blood donation is a common practice in many countries of the world and it benefits many of the people suffering from conditions which require blood transfusions. The blood donated should be appropriately screened for certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Syphilis and Gonorrhea through serological tests. Materials and Methods This cross sectional study was conducted from January 2014 to August 2014, Data was collected from eight dental hospitals in four provinces of Pakistan. Attendants of the patients admitted in the surgical ward with age more than 16 years were included. Knowledge and practices of the participants were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire. Ethical consent was obtained from the ethical committee or concerned authority of all eight hospitals. Results Response rate was 84 %. In total 55% male and 45 % female participated with 15.5% of the total sample population was under the age of 20 years. The age group with the maximum number of participant was between 20 to 39 years of age. 26% and 22.5% of the males and female participants respectively had knowledge. About blood donation, lesser percentage of attendants, 7.2% of the males and 4.6% declared that they had donated blood in the past. Based on education levels, it was highest among graduates (3.5%) and less in primary educated (2.2%) and uneducated respondents was 0.7%. 18% of the males and 17% females asserted that they hold some kind of fear of blood donation. Conclusion The population is not adequately knowledgeable regarding blood donation. There is a need for proper campaign to educate masses at national level within Pakistan to promote more people to become regular volunteers.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1411
Background: Isoflavones are phytoestrogens present in natural sources, and they resemble estradiol in structure and manner of action. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of soy-milk on serum tHcy levels and to assess the glycemic and lipidemic status of Bangladeshi postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-six women (aged 50 ±5.16 years, M ±SD) participated in a randomized, un-blinded, open-ended, crossover study design for 52 days. The soy-milk group consumed 350 mL of milk twice a day for 21- day; the milk contained ~30 mg of isoflavones. FBG, PPG, HbA1c, TC, TG, HDL-C, NEFA, and tHcy were measured on day 0, day 21, day 31, and day 52 with a 10- day washout period. Results: After the consumption of soy-milk, the level of HDL-C significantly (p=0.005) increased on day 21 in the subjects. No significant changes were observed between the groups. After crossover, significant changes in FBG (p=0.005) and TG (p=0.049) were observed on day 52 in the soy-milk group. Significant improvement in TG (p=0.001) and HDL-C (p=0.032) was also seen at the end-point. Conclusions: Soy isoflavones is to some extent favorable to reduce CVD risk factors among Bangladeshi postmenopausal women.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1338
Although inaccurate, non-reproducible blood pressure values can result from non-standardized assessments, recommended approaches to standardize blood pressure measurement are often not followed in research studies. An expert consensus of national and international health and scientific organizations developed recommended minimum standards for assessing blood pressure in research subjects where: 1) blood pressure or hypertension is a major endpoint, or 2) blood pressure is likely a major mediator of the research outcome. Minimum research standards are presented for training of observers, technical aspects of assessing blood pressure, and equipment for both adults and children. The standards are based on prior recommendations some of which did not conform to current evidence based methods. All new research should require adherence to these minimum standards on the patient populations described above. Readers need to use caution in interpreting studies if the standards are not met in the defined populations.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-16-1366
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a commonly seen otorhinolaryngology emergency, and its etiology is still a mystery. In this retrospective clinical study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship of inflammatory markers derived from CBC such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in ISSHL . A total of 50 idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients were included in the study. They were grouped according to their hearing healing levels as recovered, partially recovered and unrecovered. Also 47 age- and sex- matched healthy individuals created the control group. Their complete blood count parameters of NLR, LMR, PLR, RPR, PDW and MPV were recorded. The results were statistically compared to bring out a significant difference between the groups. There was no significant demographic difference between the groups. The comparison of patient group with control group reveal a significant difference in the NLR, LMR and PDW values (p<0.05). The remaining values were not statistically significant. The analysis of these values according to the recovery level of the ISSHL, there was no statistical difference between the groups (p>0.05). We demonstrated for the first time that LMR value was significantly elevated in ISSHL patients. NLR, LMR, and PDW might be indicative for diagnosis of ISSHL. However, we believe that using these parameters for the screening of the prognosis is a clinically useless exercise.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1020
Background: Hypertension is a public health problem with high mortality and morbidity globally. A rapid assessment of hypertensive patients at Harare Central Hospital Outpatients Department (OPD) in June 2013 revealed that 41% of patients had uncontrolled hypertension. We, therefore, explored the factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients at Harare Hospital. Methods: A one-on-one unmatched case-control study was conducted among 118 cases and 118 controls. A case was a person aged 18years and above on hypertensive treatment for ≥6months with mean Blood Pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90mmHg while a control was 18years and above on hypertensive treatment ≥6 months with mean BP<140/90mmHg. Interviews were used to collect information on socio-demographic, treatment, health system, condition, and patient-related factors. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Medication adherence was measured with Morisky medication adherence scale-8. Results: The median ages for cases were 49 years (IQR: 41-63) and 48 years (IQR: 42-62) for controls. Almost 57% were women with 23% living in rural areas. Most cases (94%) and controls (78%) added salt to meals. Rural women were less likely to have uncontrolled BP compared to urban women (OR=0.7; 95%CI: 0.35, 1.37). Lack of exercise, adding salt to meals and eating fruits/vegetables less than three times/week were associated with uncontrolled BP. Independent factors associated with uncontrolled BP were low adherence to medication, aOR 22.03 (95%CI: 9.10,53.5), receiving health education, aOR 0.24 (95%CI: 0.11 , 0.53), exercises aOR 0.33 (95%CI: 0.15,0.73) and on medical insurance aOR 2.69 (955CI: 1.12,6.44). Conclusions: Common risk factors for hypertension were associated with uncontrolled BP. Since these are modifiable factors there is a need to implement interventions that will encourage healthy living in this population to improve treatment outcomes.
Jun 2016
Earlier studies reported significant association of obesity, hypertension and Type2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Genetic and many disease-associated alleles have been identified through GWAS and applied to T2DM and indicated roles of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in insulin signaling pathway and insulin resistance has been well documented. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and also inactive the vasodilatation and hence renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in insulin signaling pathway and insulin resistance has been reported. To best of the knowledge we are reporting for the first time regarding association of ACE gene polymorphism with body composition, physiological and metabolic variables among any endogamous ethnic group (Kurmis) from of West Bengal, Eastern India. To achieve the purpose, total 197 (male 99 and female 98) randomly selected apparently healthy unrelated adult individuals of Kurmi population of Purulia District, West Bengal, India were incorporated in the present study. Anthropometric variables, physiological variables (blood pressure) and metabolic variables (PP blood sugar) have been collected using standard techniques. Extracted genomic DNA was PCR amplified and genotyped to understand ACE gene I/D polymorphism. The result demonstrated significant (p<0.05) sexual dimorphism in PBF. MAP and PP blood sugar found to be in normal range among the Kurmis. ACE gene polymorphism showed no deletion of the Kurmis and hence, only the prevalence of ACE II (insertion-Insertion) genotype has been noticed. The present study vindicated on the basis of body composition in terms of fat patterning, physiological and metabolic variables and ACE gene polymorphism that there is very low or no risk of T2DM among the Kurmis of West Bengal, India.
Jun 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-16-1008
Background: It is unclear whether patients who present with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but are normal for other markers of kidney damage, are prone to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study therefore investigated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a marker of CKD, in these patients. Methods: Patients with elevated BUN but normal for other markers of kidney damage who were followed-up for ≥48 months in our outpatient clinics were retrospectively evaluated. BUN, eGFR, and serum creatinine concentrations in the patient group were compared with findings in an age- and sex-matched control group. Results: At baseline, BUN concentration was significantly higher in the patient than that in the control group (8.30±1.10 vs 5.05±0.91 mmol/L; p <0.01), but eGFR (111.94±18.62 vs 111.25±14.63 ml/min/1.73m2) and serum creatinine concentrations (87.23±8.59 vs 72.39±10.06 µmol/L) were similar. At 1 year, however, eGFR in the patient group was significantly lower than in the control group (95.39±18.52 vs 108.17±16.99 ml/min/1.73m2; p < 0.01), and was significantly lower than in the patient group at baseline (95.39±18.52 vs 111.94±18.62 ml/min/ 1.73 m2, p < 0.01), with these differences becoming more pronounced over time. Conclusions: Patients with elevated BUN but normal for other markers of kidney damage show significantly lower eGFR over time than matched controls.
Jun 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-15-647
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in human body due to insulin deficiency, insulin resistance or both. In the management of diabetes, glucose monitoring technology has been used for the last three decades. The aim of this review article is to describe concise and organized information about different techniques of non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring. Many research groups have been working to develop wearable sensors for continuous blood glucose monitoring, but at present, there are to our knowledge no commercially successful non-invasive glucose monitors on the market. To achieve an acceptable sensor system, a glucose sensor should have accuracy better than 15mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l). In future development, continuous glucose sensor systems may become predictable, selective, reliable and acceptable for patient use.
Jun 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-5424.jgm-16-1028
N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is the highest concentration dipeptide present in brain. It is found primarily in neurons but its function is unclear. NAAG is synthesized by neurons from N-acetylaspartate and glutamate (Glu), maintained at mM concentrations and is released non-synaptically to extracellular fluid (ECF). NAAG is a non-excitatory form of Glu, and is targeted to the metabotropic group II Glu receptor 3 (mGluR3) on the surface of astrocytes. After docking with the receptor, Glu is released by the action of NAAG peptidase. Previously, it was shown for the first time that an NAAG-peptidase inhibitor reduced global cerebral blood flow (CBF) in mouse brain but did not affect their physical performance. Recently, it has been demonstrated that there are two separate systems involved in neurovascular coupling by astrocytes, one is a rapid focal phasic response providing energy for stimulation-induced neuronal activity, and the other a slower global tonic response providing energy for ongoing metabolic activities. Many neurovascular coupling mechanisms are known that regulate phasic changes in CBF, but how the brain accomplishes tonic control is unknown. In this paper we bring together two separate lines of inquiry, the decades’ long search for the function of NAAG, and the more recent search for the mechanism of tonic neurovascular control. Herein, we present evidence that NAAG is the neurovascular coupling agent that regulates tonic changes in CBF via the astrocyte mGluR3-NAAG peptidase connection.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-493
In autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients for whom granulocyte-colony stimulating factor fails to mobilize a sufficient number of peripheral blood stem cells, plerixafor proposes an option for successful rescue mobilization. This paper evaluates the efficacy of plerixafor to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in patients who failed previous mobilization with G-CSF alone, by retrospectively analysing the PBSC results from lymphoma and myeloma (MM) patients between 2006 and 2011. Patients were classified according to the CD34+ cells/kg yield collected by apheresis: < 2 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg was considered collection failure, whereas ≥ 5 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg was considered good mobilization. 797 patients underwent one or more apheresis. The first mobilization success rate was 82%; 140 patients proved to be poor mobilizers. Suboptimal first mobilization was significantly associated with age >50 years (p=0.005) and the absence of chemotherapy in prior PBSCs stimulation (p=0.04). 149 rescue protocols were used in the 140 poor mobilizers, and 71 patients received plerixafor. In univariate analysis the remobilization rate without plerixafor was 42% and increased to 65% when plerixafor was added. In multivariate analysis, plerixafor administration reduced the PBSC remobilization failure risk by a half (OR=0.47). The median value of CD34+ cells/kg in transplants increased from 1.43 (range, 014.03) without plerixafor to 3.85 (range, 0–18.25; p=1 x 10-4) with plerixafor. There were more good mobilizers after plerixafor use (35% with plerixafor versus 15% without plerixafor; p=0.005). Plerixafor efficacy was similar for lymphoma (60% remobilization) and MM (80%; p=0.12). These data show that plerixafor was effective in poor mobilizers and that it synergized with G-CSF to improve the quantity of collected PBSCs. Plerixafor also increased transplant feasibility by 23%. While the clinical results of this study are promising, economic data were not taken into account and there is a need for real work concerning the cost-effectiveness of this treatment. We propose a subsequent study in which the economic efficacy of plerixafor’s use is evaluated based on the financial aspects of the treatments received by the cohort evaluated in this paper.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-26-6307
The development of tumor biomarkers derived from blood, or its components, has become pivotal in advancing early cancer diagnosis. Malignant transformations induce cancer-specific alterations in the transcriptome, proteome, and secretome of tumor cells. Recent studies highlighted similar alterations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in cancer patients, which appear to mirror the state of transformation in tumor cells. These findings suggest an intercellular communication–driven mechanism rather than a systemic inflammatory response and, in addition to current ctDNA-based liquid biopsy biomarkers, point to a novel, simple, and highly robust approach for the early detection of cancer. Using this phenomenon to advance PBMC-based biomarker development, it will be essential to achieve 3D in vitro tumor models that reproduce a highly physiological tumor microenvironment (TME). Likewise, more enhanced 3D ex vivo models are required to enable the replication of cell-to-cell and organ-to-organ communication. These systems will guide the self-organization of mixed microenvironments derived from different tissues and enable them to accurately reproduce the molecular connections underlying these alterations. In this study, an innovative new modular 3D co-culturing approach was used to expose PBMCs to lung tumoroids, under physiologically relevant conditions. Changes in DNA fragmentation of PBMCs in the presence of lung cancer were quantified and used as a biomarker. To validate the predictiveness of this biomarker, our results were compared with clinical data from a clinical evaluation study. Similar to the clinical trial observations, PBMCs, when exposed to lung tumoroids, showed a significantly lower level of DNA fragmentation (37%). This modular 3D co-culturing model showed a predictiveness of the clinical data of > 90%, demonstrating its power to monitoring cell-to-cell communication effects and support the development of blood-based biomarkers.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-26-6121
Aims Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is currently an untreatable progressive complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Impaired microcirculation is a suspected cause of nerve degeneration in TID. We investigated whether cardiovascular autonomic reflexes often used as indices of nerve functions, are associated with indices of microcirculatory function in young adults with T1D compared with non-diabetic controls. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 15 adults with T1D and 15 age-matched controls (20-40 years) underwent standardized cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests. Continuous recordings of electrocardiogram, cardiac vagal tone, beat-to-beat blood pressure and transcutaneous tissue oxygen (tcpO₂) and carbon dioxide partial pressures (tcpCO2) were done. Results Despite preserved baroreflex, parasympathetic, and sympathetic functions assessed using cardiovascular reflex tests, the individuals with T1D exhibited reduced baseline tcpO2 compared to the controls (37.5±3.75 vs. 49.6 mmHg). During the Valsalva manoeuvre, individuals with T1D exhibited a reduced systolic blood pressure response in phase I (31±10 vs. 43±18 mmHg) and early phase II (-1±15 vs. -18±17 mmHg), and an increased systolic (31±15 vs. 18±14 mmHg) and diastolic (45±11 vs. 33±16 mmHg) response in late phase II compared to controls. The early phase II diastolic response was inversely associated with baseline tcpO2. Conclusion The altered hemodynamic response to the Valsalva manoeuvre is suggestive of possible reduced arterial elasticity, higher vascular resistance, and splanchnic sympatho-vagal imbalance in T1D despite normal autonomic reflex ratios. The concomitant evidence of reduced tissue oxygenation and altered hemodynamics may represent early signs of dysautonomia but require longitudinal validation.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-25-5944
Background Oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with hematologic toxicities such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite their clinical relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying lineage-specific bone marrow suppression remain poorly understood. Methods We administered oxaliplatin to mice over eight weeks and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA integrity >8) on bone marrow alongside peripheral blood analysis and cytokine profiling. Transcriptomic data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. For that, we applied a thematic Gene Ontology (thematicGO) enrichment method that groups GO terms into biologically meaningful categories, such as hematopoietic lineage disruption, cell cycle arrest, and cytokine signaling. Results Oxaliplatin induced broad transcriptional suppression of erythropoiesis and lymphopoiesis, with 3,691 DEGs identified (FDR<0.05, |FC|>1.5). Upregulation of Cdkn1a and downregulation of E2f2 suggest G1/S cell cycle arrest, correlating with repression of key erythroid maturation genes (e.g., Spta1, Slc4a1, Alas2) and hemoglobin subunits (Hba-a1/2, Hbb-bs/t). Despite a ~3000-fold increase in renal Epo expression, bone marrow Epor was reduced, indicating erythropoietin resistance. B and T cell markers were also significantly downregulated, signifying a collapse in adaptive immunity. Notably, neutrophil populations were largely spared. Cytokine analysis in plasma revealed a pro-inflammatory shift with elevated TNF-α and reduced TGF-β, potentially exacerbating hematopoietic dysfunction. Conclusions Oxaliplatin induces a lineage-dependent suppression of hematopoiesis, driven by coordinated cell cycle arrest, metabolic stress, and disrupted cytokine signaling. RNA-seq analysis enabled integration of transcriptomic findings into coherent biological themes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into oxaliplatin’s hematologic toxicity linking bone marrow failure (potentially reversible) via interconnected inflammatory and metabolic pathways and may inform therapeutic strategies to minimize or restore myelosuppression in cancer patients.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5886
Objective Diabetes poses significant public health challenges, with many individuals remaining undiagnosed and at risk of complications. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of decision tree ensemble methods for predicting diabetes onset using the Framingham Heart Study Teaching Dataset and to explore sex-specific risk patterns relevant to AI-driven interventions. Methods We analyzed data from 11,627 participants, incorporating demographics, vital signs, smoking status, medication use, and laboratory measures. Random Forest classifiers were developed to predict diabetes incidence at approximately 6-year (Period 2) and 12-year (Period 3) follow-ups. Class imbalance was addressed using undersampling, oversampling, and the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE). Results The models demonstrated robust performance, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.856 in Period 2, and moderate predictive ability in Period 3 (AUC = 0.732 in males, 0.786 in females). Key predictors included glucose level, BMI, systolic blood pressure, age, and heart rate. Notably, differences emerged in predictive accuracy between men and women, suggesting potential sex-specific vulnerabilities that merit further study. Conclusion Machine learning approaches, particularly Random Forests, show promise for medium- and long-term diabetes risk prediction, supporting early identification and intervention efforts. Future work should focus on hyperparameter tuning and explainability techniques, such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values, to improve model precision, interpretability, and fairness. Equity-focused strategies remain critical to ensure AI-driven tools benefit diverse populations and do not exacerbate existing disparities in diabetes care.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-25-5576
Background Tick infestations severely impair cattle health and productivity in Nigeria through blood loss, hide damage, and transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Objective This study assessed key risk factors influencing tick infestation and evaluated control methods among Fulani pastoral herds in Plateau State. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 250 cattle from ten herds was conducted across five Local Government Areas. Tick burden was analyzed against acaricide application methods (pour-on vs. hand-spray), hand-picking frequency, and herd mobility (sedentary vs. migratory). Data were collected via owner interviews and manual tick counts. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models in R software. Results Cattle treated with pour-on acaricides had significantly lower tick burdens compared to those treated via hand-spray (P<0.05). Herds that practiced hand-picking five times weekly had fewer ticks than those hand-picking thrice weekly (P<0.01). Migratory herds recorded significantly lower infestations than sedentary herds (P<0.05). Conclusion Effective tick control requires the integration of optimized acaricide application, frequent manual removaland consideration of herd mobility patterns. Education, capacity building, and policy support are necessary to enhance adoption of effective tick control measures among pastoralists.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-25-5778
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used for the treatment of arterial hypertension, but they differ in terms of pharmacology, tolerability, and pleiotropic actions. Lercanidipine, a highly lipophilic third generation dihydropyridine, reduces blood pressure (BP) effectively as monotherapy and in combination without inferiority to other major antihypertensive classes. We systematically searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library (last update: September 1, 2025) and screened reference lists for additional studies. Evidence from dose finding trials, randomized controlled studies, large observational cohorts, and meta analyses shows clinically meaningful reductions in office, home, and ambulatory BP with lercanidipine, including in patients with diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, or high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Fixed- dose combinations with renin angiotensin system blockers (e.g., enalapril) provide greater BP reductions than monotherapy and are associated with favorable neurometabolic profiles. Beyond BP control, lercanidipine improves central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness, favors endothelial biology, and contributes to left ventricular hypertrophy regression. Across comparative trials, lercanidipine is generally better tolerated than older dihydropyridines. Presents lower rates of vasodilatory adverse events, less sympathetic activation, while discontinuations due to adverse events are uncommon. Overall, lercanidipine particularly within single pill combinations offers effective, durable BP lowering across diverse patient profiles with a favorable safety and tolerability profile and pleiotropic benefits that extend beyond BP reduction. Figure 1. Graphical Abstract: Pleiotropic effects of Lercanidipine
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3360.ijco-25-5740
Significance This case report describes the alternative management of hyperuricemia through acupuncture using the Luo Yuan technique. Case presentation A 53-year-old Mexican man was diagnosed with secondary hyperuricemia. The patient began to experience arthralgia in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe on his left foot after consuming a high amount of purine-rich foods, with a 10-year history. The symptoms were sporadically controlled with the use of colchicine and indarzone. In a six-element blood chemistry test, serum uric acid was 8.7 mg/dL before acupuncture treatment and 8.3 mg/dL at the end of treatment, without applying dietary restrictions on purine consumption. Conclusions and relevance This report demonstrates the potential efficacy of acupuncture at the Luo and Yuan points of the Spleen and Stomach meridians in reducing elevated blood uric acid levels. This suggests its potential as an alternative treatment for patients with hyperuricemia and other metabolic disorders.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-25-5726
Background Hypertension in adolescents has been shown to tracks into adulthood, as well as causing premature cardiovascular and renal diseases. Objectives To determine the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among adolescents of ages 10-19 years old attending secondary schools in Benue South, Nigeria; characterise their demographics and determine factors associated with the development of high blood pressure. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study of secondary school adolescents selected through multistage sampling from across three Local Government Areas of Benue South, Nigeria. All the participants had their blood pressure measured using mercury sphygmomanometer and their height and weight taken for the calculation of their body mass index. A dipstick urinalysis with was carried out on their urine samples. Data analysis was with SPSS version 25. Results Atotal of 260 adolescents were studied, males were 132 (50.8%) and the mean age was 13.65 ±2.01 years. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension was 5.4% and 2.3% respectively. Fifteen females (75.0%) had elevated blood pressure/hypertension as against five males (25%) and it was statistically significant. Adolescents in mid-adolescence age (60.0%) and lower social class (70.0%) had higher rate of high blood pressure. Significant proteinuria (+) was found among eleven (55.0%) of those with high blood pressure. Conclusion The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among the adolescents was 5.4% and 2.3% respectively; being female, within mid-adolescence age and from lower social class are associated factors. Recommendation Regular blood pressure measurement should be part of school health programme.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5408
Background and Objectives Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells produced in the bone marrow, primarily involved in blood coagulation. Platelet concentrate is a vital blood product with extensive applications. However, its short lifespan and limited donor availability pose global challenges. This study aimed to follow the trend of platelets 5 during days of storage. Material and Methods We studied on 40 platelet bags and analyzed glucose levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bacterial culture, and apoptosis using flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI over three consecutive days (first, third, and fifth) post-blood collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results No significant correlations were found between age, blood group, or gender and the variables studied. No bacterial growth was detected. Glucose levels decreased significantly from day 1 (382 mg/dl) to day 5 (298 mg/dl). The average platelet apoptosis increased significantly from 3.65% on day 1 to 9.06% on day 5. Significant correlations were observed between glucose levels and apoptosis on days 3 (p<0.05) and 5 (p<0.01). No correlation found between LDH and apoptosis or necrosis, although a significant relationship between necrosis and apoptosis was noted on day 5 (p=0.003). Conclusion These findings suggest that while demographic factors do not influence the studied variables, the significant decrease in glucose levels correlates with increased platelet apoptosis over time, highlighting potential metabolic interactions that warrant further investigation. Highlights 1. The study revealed subtle variations in metabolic markers related to donor demographics, particularly gender and age. Understanding these differences can inform targeted donor selection strategies to optimize platelet quality. 2. A significant negative correlation was found between glucose levels and apoptosis rates, indicating that as glucose decreases, platelet viability declines. This relationship highlights the need for careful monitoring of glucose levels during storage to maintain platelet function. 3. Fluctuations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were correlated with increasing rates of apoptosis, suggesting that LDH could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing platelet quality throughout the storage period. This finding could lead to improved storage protocols and enhanced transfusion safety.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5616
Objectives Blood transfusions in cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to identify potential benefits of ANH in high-risk cardiac surgery. Design This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting The study was performed at a tertiary care university hospital. Participants 61 patients who underwent complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled in the study. Measurements and Main Results After randomization, 32 patients were assigned to the ANH arm, and 29 patients were assigned to the control group. ANH was associated with a lower incidence of total perioperative pRBC transfusion (0.6 ± 1.2 units vs 2.7 ± 6.8 units; p = 0.030/0.049). Total perioperative transfusion of all other fractionated blood products, including platelets (0.8 ± units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.010), cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.0; p=0.016) and FFP (0.5 ± 1.0 vs 2.3 ± 6.2 units; p=0.013), was significantly lower in the ANH group compared to controls. Participants in the ANH group received significantly fewer intraoperative transfusions of pRBC (0.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.6± 7.0 units; p=0.037), platelets (0.8 ± 1.2 units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.013, logtrans), FFP (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 2.5 ± 6.4 units; p=0.003) and cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.1 units; p=0.012, logtrans). With respect to secondary clinical outcomes, ANH participants had statistically shorter ICU (3.7 ± 1.9 vs 5.4 ± 3.6 days; p=0.020) and hospital (6.7 ± 2.1 vs 9.5 ± 7.7 days; p = 0.048) length of stays Conclusions ANH in complex cardiac surgical patients is safe and may be effective in reducing the allogenic blood product transfusion of PRBCs, FFP, platelets and cryoprecipitate in the perioperative period.
May 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-25-5529
Background Septic arthritis is a potentially limb or life-threatening joint infection that requires prompt recognition and intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. While intra-articular joint injections are commonly performed for osteoarthritis and other arthropathies, they carry a rare but significant risk of iatrogenic infection, particularly when performed in the presence of unrecognized joint or periarticular infection. Case Presentation We report a case of a 52-year-old female with a history of traumatic brain injury and chronic right knee pain who developed severe knee swelling, pain, and systemic symptoms following an intra-articular corticosteroid injection performed without ultrasound evaluation/guidance. Post-procedure, she presented with fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and purulent knee effusion. Operative washout revealed a purulent tract extending from the knee joint capsule to the lateral thigh. Cultures from joint aspiration and intraoperative samples grew Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Blood cultures were negative. The patient reported frequent cat scratches to the affected knee and described an unusual sensation of the injection needle tracking laterally during the joint injection. She was treated with surgical drainage and a four-week course of amoxicillin, with full clinical recovery. Discussion This case highlights an unusual presentation of septic arthritis with extra-capsular extension likely due to iatrogenic needle tracking during joint injection. The causative organism, S. dysgalactiae, is an uncommon pathogen in septic arthritis, and the presumed source was contiguous spread from untreated cellulitis, possibly related to cat scratches/bites. The absence of predisposing comorbidities and negative blood cultures further support a local rather than hematogenous source. The case emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and consideration of infection prior to joint injections, as well as the potential benefits of ultrasound guidance to minimize procedural complications. Conclusion Careful history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging are essential prior to joint interventions to avoid iatrogenic complications. This case illustrates the rare but serious risk of extra-capsular extension of septic arthritis following intra-articular injection and emphasizes the need for vigilance in identifying underlying infection before proceeding with invasive procedures.
Apr 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5463
Iron deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide. It affects a significant proportion of the population, and is responsible for around 50% of anemia cases worldwide. Cameroon in general and Lekie Division in particular, is very highlyaffected by this problem. However, early detection of the problem can prevent the fatalities associated to it. The objective of this study was to provide up-to-date, detailed data on the markers of iron status in these populations, so that treatment can be better targeted. A two-month cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lekie Division in collaboration with local health centres in both urban and rural areas. The study sample consisted of 361 participants of all age groups and sexes. A questionnaire was issued to obtain information of the participants socio-demographic status, then 3 to 5ml of blood were collected and a number of markers of the participants iron status were studied. Of all the hematological markers studied, hemoglobin concentration in the study population was below normal in both men and women. Biochemical markers were good for all socio-demographic parameters. The mean values of biochemical and hematological markers in the population of the Lekie Division were good for all socio-demographic parameters, with the exception of hemoglobin concentration, which remains critical, requiring particular attention in this locality, but above all urgent intervention lest the situation aggravates further.
Feb 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5405
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a range of health issues. We set out to identify inflammatory markers linked to alcohol consumption, which might ultimately offer novel insight into genetic underpinnings and have implications for alcohol-associated disease. Alcohol consumption and blood-based multi-omics data were collected by The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Treatment of Alcohol Dependence study. Plasma samples from patients with AUD were used for proteomics analysis using the OLINK “Explore Inflammation” panel (n=410). Liver enzymes were also measured. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to explore the relationship between genetic variants and plasma TREM2 levels. Our findings show thatplasma triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a key gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, was the most significant signal correlated with alcohol consumption, and has also been associated with liver enzyme levels in patients with AUD. We identified the rs7232 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MS4A6A as a key genetic variant associated with plasma TREM2 levels, with the minor allele (A) linked to higher TREM2 levels and increased alcohol consumption, particularly in men. Furthermore, MA4A6A is an ethanol-responsive gene in a SNP-dependent manner, and the variant genotype of the rs7232 SNP was associated with lower expression for MA4A6A due to proteasome-mediated protein degradation. In summary, this study provides insight into the relationship between plasma TREM2 levels, alcohol consumption, and liver function in AUD patients, shedding light on genetic factors underlying alcohol-related diseases.
Jan 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-24-5363
Physiological performance may be limited by reduced systemic glucose availability to working muscles. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) measure interstitial glucose every 1-15 minutes, offering a practical way to assess glucose during sporting activity. However, empirical research has predominantly focused on endurance-based sports, whereas glucose responses during professional competitive football matches remain unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and utility of CGM in professional football. Eight professional, male outfield footballers from the English third tier participated in the study. Participants completed a 14-day food diary control period, followed by a 28-day observation period wearing CGM devices during six matches and sixteen training sessions. CGM devices remained in situ for 98% of training sessions and matches. Mean glucose concentrations were 6.5 ± 1.2 mmol/L during training sessions, 7.5 ± 2.1 mmol/L during match play, and 5.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L overnight. No significant differences were found between glucose concentrations during match play (p = 0.060) or training (p = 0.510), compared to overnight fasted glucose concentrations. There was also no difference between training and match-play glucose concentrations (p = 0.788). Glucose concentrations were highly individualised, with one player displaying minimal change throughout match play (-0.2 mmol/L) whereas another experienced increases of up to 5.8 mmol/L. Non-nutritional factors appeared to influence glucose concentrations; participants (n=3) who used nicotine pouches displayed an transient increase in blood glucose in the 10-55 minutes after administration. This study concludes that CGM use in professional football is feasible for assessing individual glucose responses to training and match-play.
Dec 2024
The near-death experience (NDE) is an altered state of consciousness which arises when a person is critically ill or injured and possibly clinically dead. It should not be conflated with other mental events such as the deathbed vision or the fear or anticipation of death. Many believe that the NDE represents a genuine paranormal phenomenon providing a glimpse of an otherworldly existence and proof of an afterlife. Those who are skeptical of such a survivalist or supernatural interpretation have long pointed out that the core components of the NDE can be readily simulated with a variety of states, conditions and agents. In this conception, the NDE is reduced to no more or less than an extraordinarily complex hallucination. Since its rediscovery in the 1970s, multiple, often ingenious, attempts have been made to account for the NDE in such naturalistic or neuroscientific terms. None has so far proven completely satisfactory. One of the oldest, least considered but still promising is the CO2 theory which argues that a hypercarbic brain is a necessary precursor for the induction of a NDE. Supportive evidence that CO2 does play a pivotal role in the generation of the NDE can be gathered from diverse sources. These include: 1. measurement of blood gases; 2. Meduna’s now abandoned CO2 therapy; 3. analysis of the very limited number of pathophysiological conditions underlying the NDE; 4. recent discoveries of the role of 5-HT neurons in the central respiratory system. A model is proposed in which CO2 molecules are considered to be functionally equivalent to those of the classical hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine). These agents can mimic the phenomenology of the NDE with remarkable fidelity. What is still missing from any such explanation is the long-sought transduction mechanism which converts physical events into mental ones. This is a generic problem which confronts all attempts to explain the neurogenesis of mystical, psychedelic or visionary activity.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-24-5212
From an academic and clinical point of view, stem cell therapy represents one of the most promising advances in modern medicine, with the ability to partially induce the regeneration of acutely injured or chronically damaged tissues. Stem cell research provides new opportunities for the treatment of various conditions, among them diabetes mellitus, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative illnesses. Stem cell therapy is currently not FDA-approved in the US (except for certain blood cancers). While bioethics and religion have mostly discussed the source of cells, i.e., embryonic cells that require the destruction of embryos versus adult tissue for research purposes, we also discuss the controversies with regard to currently offered therapies, and marketing of unapproved procedures from a scientific, clinical, and religious viewpoint.
Aug 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-24-5162
Introduction Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a sight-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the macula due to blood-retinal barrier disruption. Various factors, including drug reactions, can lead to retinal fluid leakage. Leflunomide, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, marked significant progress in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Although effective, Leflunomide has rarely been linked to CME. This report presents a unique case of Leflunomide-induced CME, adding to the limited literature on this subject. Methods We report the case of a 75-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Leflunomide, presenting with bilateral CME and reduced visual acuity (VA). Comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, including VA tests, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography, were conducted. Results The patient presented with CME and decreased VA in both eyes for several months. She had undergone cataract surgery 20 years prior and was using topical nepafenac, dorzolamide, and dexamethasone. Initial VA was OD 20/50 and OS 20/40. VA improved with treatment, but CME recurred upon discontinuation. The patient had been on Leflunomide for one year. After consulting with the Rheumatology department and considering a previous case of bilateral Leflunomide-induced CME, the drug was discontinued. CME resolved without recurrence or the need for topical treatment. At her final visit, VA was OU 20/25. Conclusion This case highlights Leflunomide as a potential, though rare, cause of CME. It emphasizes considering systemic medications in CME diagnosis. Timely discontinuation of Leflunomide may resolve CME and prevent further visual impairment. Further studies are needed to understand this rare side effect comprehensively.
Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-24-5146
Dietary intake of inorganic phosphates is linked to various adverse health effects. Excessive intake of highly soluble inorganic phosphates, which are used as feed and food additives, have been found to impair parameters of kidney health. As chronic kidney disease represents one of the most frequently occurring terminal diseases especially in cats, extensive knowledge regarding the safety of these additives is important. Other minerals, such as calcium, can modulate their effects on the phosphate homeostasis and kidney health. Therefore, it is crucial to examine further factors, such as the dietary cation-anion balance (CAB), resulting from the concentrations of major minerals in a diet. In this study, eleven healthy cats were fed a control diet and two diets with added sodium monophosphate (NaH2PO4) with either a low (-10 mmol/kg dry matter) or high (+450 mmol/kg dry matter) CAB for 28 days each. The serum concentrations of phosphate and parameters of phosphate homeostasis were determined in the fasting and postprandial blood samples next to the apparent digestibility and retention of phosphate and calcium. The diet with positive CAB led to an increase of serum phosphate and the phosphatonin FGF23, apparently digested phosphate, and phosphate retention. This is further proof that source and amount of phosphates in a diet are not the only determinants of the extent of potential adverse health effects. Until the interactions between inorganic phosphates and other dietary compounds are fully understood, recommendations regarding the safe use of phosphate containing additives in pet food are precarious.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5117
In this study, the efficacy and safety of DKB-131 (extract of Siraitiagrosvenorii) in adults of both genders presenting mild symptoms of knee arthritis were evaluated in comparison to a placebo. This clinical trial was randomized, double-blind, multicenter, and lasted for 12 weeks. A total of 120 participants with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of 30 mm or higher in the knee area and Kellgren & Lawrence Grade I or II knee arthritis on X-ray were enrolled, with 60 subjects randomized to receive DKB-131 and 60 subjects receiving placebo. Following 12 weeks of consumption, the change in K-WOMAC total score assessed in the per protocol (PP) set revealed a reduction of 21.86±15.98 points in participants who received DKB-131 (p<0.0001), whereas those in the placebo group exhibited a reduction of 14.92±16.66 points (p<0.0001). This demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the test groups (p=0.0389). Additionally, significant differences were observed between the DKB-131 and placebo groups in the changes in K-WOMAC pain (p=0.0157) and physical function (p=0.0447). For the secondary efficacy endpoint, the change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, analyzed in the PP set after 12 weeks of consumption, the test group showed a reduction of 17.82±13.80 mm (p<0.0001), while the control group exhibited a reduction of 11.81±13.99 mm (p<0.0001), indicating a statistically significant difference between the test groups (p=0.0359). Safety evaluations including hematological tests, biochemical tests, and urinalysis revealed no clinically significant differences between the consumption groups. Additionally, vital signs (pulse, blood pressure) and anthropometric measurements (body weight) did not exhibit clinically significant differences between the consumption groups, confirming the safety of DKB-131. We propose that the consumption of DKB-131 is safe for humans and may contribute to joint health. Trial registration (CRIS.NIH.go.Kr): KCT0008527
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-24-5030
Typhoid fever, caused by the human restricted pathogen Salmonella Typhi, remains a major global public health concern. Even after successful treatment, approximately 3-5% of patients with typhoid fail to clear the bacteria within one year and become chronic carriers. Most typhoid carriers have gallstones in their gallbladder, and biofilm formation on gallstones is highly correlated with chronic carriage. This study’s goal was to identify asymptomatic typhoid carriers in an endemic setting in Kenya, and to compare acute versus chronic isolates. A cohort of typhoid fever patients identified through blood and/or stool culture, and their household contacts, were followed up after treatment to detect longitudinal S. Typhi stool shedding. An abdominal ultrasound scan was used to identify individuals with gallstones. A total of 32 index patients and 32 household contacts were successfully followed-up. Gallstones were detected in 4 cases and 1 household contact. The duration of S. Typhi shedding was significantly longer in individuals with gallstones compared to those without, P<0.001. Eighty-three (83) S. Typhi strains were tested for susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials and examined by in vitro biofilm formation assays. Out of 37 infected individuals, 32.4% had infections caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) S. Typhi strains and only 18.9% were infected by susceptible strains. Non-MDR strains formed significantly better biofilms in vitro than the MDR strains (P<0.001). This study provides data on S. Typhi chronic carriage that will influence public health approaches aimed at reducing typhoid transmission and the burden of infection.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-24-5040
Objective Hypertensive crisis is an increasingly frequent medical condition in our context. Its management in medical emergencies is a real challenge for physicians. Few data on hypertensive crisis are available in Chad. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic characteristics of hypertensive crisis in the medical emergency department of Reference National Teaching Hospital in N'Djamena. Patient and methods This was a prospective cohort study running from 1er March 2020 to October 31 2020. Patients presenting with a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure (systolic ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 110 mmHg) with or without acute target-organs damage, had been consecutively included and followed up over a period of one (01) month. Epidemic and clinical characteristics on admission, and morbidity and mortality parameters during the course of the disease were collected. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox model were used to analyze survival and factors associated with death, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Of the 3978 hypertensive patients admitted to medical emergencies, 252 had a hypertensive crisis, i.e. a prevalence of 6.3%. Two hundred and seventeen (217) patients were included in the study, divided into 149 cases (69%) of hypertensive emergency and 67 cases (31%) of hypertensive hypertensive urgencies. The mean age of the patients was 55.2 ± 14 years (20 and 80 years) and 67% were male. Hypertension was known in 138 patients (64%). At least one complication was present on admission in 69% of patients. Complications were classified as cardiac (50.7%), neurological (38.2%), kidney impairment (46.5%) and ocular (46.1%). The average number of antihypertensive drugs used was 2 ± 0.83 14. Calcium antagonists (86.5%), diuretics (35.5%), converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (33.3%) and betablockers (18%) were the pharmacological classes prescribed. Good compliance during follow-up was observed in 124 patients. One-month survival was 84% for all patients, with a 16% mortality rate. Factors associated with death were the duration of hypertension, and the occurrence of cardiovascular, renal dysfunction and ocular disease (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hypertensive crisis is a frequent pathology in sub-Saharan Africa, with high morbidity and mortality. Prevention requires early detection and effective management of hypertension.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-24-5044
Objective To study changes of cell morphology in BALF in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Methods From December 2021 to May 2022, a group of 32 children diagnosed with Acute MPP and admitted for treatment in the Pediatrics Department and PICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University were selected for our study. These patients underwent bronchoalveolar lavage as part of their clinical assessment. For comparison, we included a control group comprising 10 children who were not infected but had bronchial foreign bodies. We investigated the cellular composition in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using Wright-Giemsa staining and microscopic evaluation, aiming to understand the relationship between shifts in cell proportions and extra-pulmonary symptoms associated with MPP. Results In this study, a total of 42 cases were enrolled, with 32 cases in the study group and 10 cases in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, height, weight, and BMI between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group exhibited significantly higher levels of neutrophil percentage (GRA%), CRP, D-dimer, and LDH in blood routine tests compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportions of neutrophils (%) and macrophages (%) in BALF were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p< 0.05), while the proportion of lymphocytes (%) in BALF showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion In the acute phase of MPP in children, BALF is predominantly composed of neutrophils. A lower proportion of lymphocytes in BALF is associated with a higher incidence of extra-pulmonary manifestations and longer hospitalization duration.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4921
Hippocrates trusted foodstuff, maybe medicine, and healthcare management, administration, and costing are important. Nutraceuticals, derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," cover differing healing areas like “antagonistic-hard, cold and cough, sleep difficulties, digestion, cancer prevention, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol management, pain relievers, depression, and diabetes”. “Stephen De Felice”, “founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, created the term in 1989”.Functional foods, like milk and orange juice, supply health benefits that surpass food, in the way that a better lifestyle and a lower risk of ailment. Nutraceuticals, in another way, involve fortified dairy products like milk that help avoid or cure illnesses and disorders apart from anaemia.Conventional arrangements like Solvents extraction , Soxhlet distillation ,maceration and “Non conventional designs” like ‘Microwave assisted origin’, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction are used to restore the bioactive material from plants for nutraceuticals.”The Indian Health and Dietary Supplement Association” supports drug, nutraceutical, herbaceous, and direct selling energies by categorising them based on chemical arrangement, food type, and conventional arrangement.This paper gives a brief review on nutraceuticals ,its history , its market trend , extraction techniques , benefits and its applications .
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Background Immunoglobulins are bio-receptors found embedded in the cell membrane with a biological role that detects the harmful molecules of a test compound. These bio-receptors interface between a biological system and its external environment that transduce information to the effector via intermediate messengers in which its response efficiency usually exhausts at high doses of exposure to external stimuli. The purpose of this review article is, therefore, to elaborate on the computational method for systemic biology which was designed to convert qualitative pharmacological data into the quantitative one that might help to determine the toxicity of a test compound. Methods First, acute toxicity studies using different levels of doses prepared from each test compound have been conducted on Balb c mice. Then, blood specimens from the tail and facial veins of each sampled Balb c mouse were collected 3 days before dosing as a reference test and 4 hr after dosing for comparison. The changes in the efficiency of immunoglobulins immune response (ΔIg) after dosing were determined using quantitative immunoassay and the body’s response against the dose as the toxic reaction rate (r) and the toxic severity (s) were finally determined using computational methods as r=d/t-ΔIg mg/sec and (s=r/w×100) %/sec respectively, where (w) represents the body weight of a study animal, (t) represents the period of time at which undesirable bio-physiological responses manifested on treated study animals and (ΔIg) represents the changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum after dosing. Results The results of different studies revealed that the dose has never limited the toxic property of a test compound but the length of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on study animals. The period of time at which adverse effects manifested on treated Balb c mice was inversely related to the amount of dose administered in the oral route. The higher the dose of the administered test compound, the shorter the period of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on treated Balb c mice. This means that the adverse effect of test compounds was not because of the dose but rather due to its toxic reaction rate which ultimately determined the toxic severity in the natural process of treated Balb c mice. Balb c mice treated with a dose whose toxic reaction rate was ≤ 0 survived from death whereas Balb c mice treated with a dose that had a toxic reaction rate of > 0 died at different lengths of time after dosing depending on the toxic severity of a test compound. It could be a scientific fact to declare that a test compound is safe when the toxic reaction rate (r) and toxic severity (s) of a dose is ≤ 0 and toxic when it is > 0 in the natural processes of a study animal.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-23-4714
Background and Objectives Duffy (FY) blood group system is implicated in transfusion incompatibilities and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN). The primary objective was to determine the Duffy phenotype among indigenous pregnant women in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods This was a Cross sectional study where simple random sampling was employed on consented participants. Two hundred and fifty nine pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe were randomly recruited into the study. About 3mls of blood was taken, and Duffy antigen typed by standard tube technique (LORNE LABORATORY UK). Results Among the Indigenous tribe, the percentage of Fy(a+b+) was seen in 2.2% of Fulani and 3.4% of Tangale, Fy(a+b-) phenotype was seen in 4.3% of Tangale, 6.8% of Fulani,9.5% of Tera, 10.3% of Hausa and 10.5% of Waja. Fy(a-b+) phenotype was seen in 5.3% of Waja, 7.6% of Fulani,8.7% of Tangale, 9.5% of Tera and 12.5% of Bolawa. Fy(a-b-) phenotype was seen in 2.4% of Tula,6.4% of Bolawa,7.3% of Waja, 7.8% of Tera, 17.8% of Tangale, 11.8% of Hausa and 46.5% of Fulani. About 84.6% of the study population had the null Duffy phenotype. Conclusion The research showed the phenotypic distribution of Duffy blood group among the study participants with relatively high percentage of null Duffy phenotype hence possible risk of alloimmunisation.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-23-4713
A global increase in incidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) indicated the necessity of dietary and lifestyle modification. Low glycemic index (GI) diet was reported to have a significant role in controlling diabetes caused by liver dysfunction. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has standardized the determination of GI of a food in healthy individuals. This study aimed to estimate GI value of a high protein, energy dense liver nutritional supplement. This cross-over randomized controlled study randomly allotted 15 participants to consume either reference food 27.5 gm glucose (glucose monohydrate) or 77 gm nutritional supplement (equivalent to 25 gm of available carbohydrates); switching to another arm was done after 3 days wash-out period. After overnight fast, blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes post-consumption of s upplement or reference food. The GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after consumption of 27.5 gm of glucose (glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. Mean GI of the nutritional supplementwas estimated as 11.4 ± 2.4.With the consumption of this nutritional supplement, the blood glucose levels were reduced at all postprandial time points, compared to the reference food. The liver nutritional supplement tested has a low GI, and comparatively slower and more sustained blood glucose response. Therefore, it can be used in patients with CLD to prevent CLD-associated metabolic complications and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-23-4624
Periauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (pVNS) has been proven safe and effective in reducing chronic pain and related comorbidities in numerous clinical studies. This multicenter, interventional study used a non-randomized, interrupted time-series analysis to test the efficacy of an 8-week treatment protocol using the Stivax neurostimulator device. Subjects (n=33, 15 F, 18 M, age 40-77) were recruited at 3 clinic sites in California and Colorado. All subjects had long-term chronic pain and had failed other treatments. Subjects were treated with the Stivax device 3 times (2 weeks on, 1 week off). Subjective assessments of pain (Visual Analog Scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), depression (PHQ-9), and activity (IPAQ-E) were collected at baseline and weekly. Objective blood levels of pain-related cytokines collected at the end of weeks 2 and 8. Most subjects reported reduced pain, disability, and depression, with increased activity levels. At the end of week 8, subjects reported an average reduction in pain by 38.5% (3 subjects reported no pain), depression by 43.6% (2 subjects reported no depression), disability by 38.6% (2 subjects reported no disability), and an average 26.1% increase in activity level (5 subjects doubled their activity level). Levels of the pain-related cytokines IL-1ꞵ, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17α, IL-21, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and FLT3-ligand showed improvement at week 8. pVNS is believed to “reset” central sensitization underlying chronic pain and other central sensitization syndromes, engaging the body’s pain modulation systems. Our results indicate that pVNS can clinically significantly improve chronic pain and associated morbidities without adverse effects.
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-23-4510
Dermatophytosis affect companion animal’s skin and keratin appendages as cats and dogs, resulting in red, scaly, itchy, bald, and raised patches like ring. The three main groups are Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. This study collected samples of skin scrapping and hairs from 130 cats and 70 dogs, using common mycological approach samples were examined. Antifungal agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays were utilized on some of the isolates. Three groups of Guinea pigs (6 in each) were then infected with one isolate of M. canis or T. mentagrophytes fungi, another skin scrapping samples of virulent fungi was isolated on the 7th and 14th days, blood samples were collected at 14th day. Reverse transcription-PCR to detect 98 bp protease gene. Resulting in 45% of cats and dogs tested positive for Microsporum and Trichophyton species. Agar disc diffusion revealed that the antifungal medication griseofulvin was the most effective against tested isolates. The best results for MIC test were griseofulvin (0.98 µg/ml) followed by acetic acid (0.28 µg/ml). Differential leukocytic count of Guinea pigs showed that monocyte levels remained unchanged, while neutrophil and lymphocyte levels had increased. The active (isolates from Guinea pigs skin scrapping) and dormant cells (isolates from keratin free media) were distinguished by Reverse Transcriptase-PCR. Collectively, qPCR is a successive and feasible method for the diagnosis for Microsporum and Trichophyton species.
May 2023
Background and Aim Breast cancer is the second most common cause of brain metastases after lung cancer. However, the incidence of cerebral metastases from breast cancer has increased during the last years. The purpose of this study is to determine the prognostic value of chemotherapy after whole-brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases from breast cancer. Methods We analyzed retrospectively 63 records of patients diagnosed with brain metastases from breast cancer and treated in the radiotherapy department at the Salah Azaiz Institute of oncology over a 5-year period between 2007 and 2011. All patients received whole-brain radiotherapy. Only 4 patients had surgical resection of the metastases before radiotherapy and 36.5% of patients received systemic treatment after irradiation. Results Overall survival was 19% at 1-year and median survival was 4,5 months. Univariate analysis indicated that systemic treatment after irradiation was correlated significantly with longer survival. (p=0,046). Conclusion Determining prognostic factors might help optimize individual treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The results of our study suggest that chemotherapy is more effective on brain metastases after irradiation. This can be explained by the fragilization of the blood-brain barrier by radiation and subsequently a better passage of cytotoxic agents.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-23-4530
Objective Drawing up a balance sheet of 16 years follow-up of the sole case of Diamond-Blackfan anemia diagnosed in Togo with arguments of molecular biology. Observation T.S a boy, born on 5th september 2006 has been followed up since he was three months, for Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) in whom there has been found the mutation of ribosomial protein RPS19 in july 2010. It was the first observation in Subsaharian Africa. The treatment by transfusions from december 2006 to december 2022 has been associated with iron chelation through deferoxamin and promptly with corticotherapy at the dosage of 2mg/kg/day. The corticotherapy has been reduced as a consequence of corticoresistance from the fourth week, then definitely interrupted after four months. The evolution is marked by a clinical improvement with a staturo-balanced curve, and during the last control of 28th december 2022, the child was 53 kg heavy and 160 cm tall. The monthly physical tests did not reveal any signs of eventual overloading and the echocardiography of 26th december 2022 was normal. On the biological plan, the rate of the haemoglobin had been stable around 50g/l as a resultant of a transfusion each 4 to 6 weeks of red blood cell pellet. The chelation of iron had been done through deferoxamin with a monthly control of serum ferritin. That serum ferritin was 738,39ng/mg at diagnosis before the beginning of transfusions and during the follow-up, we noticed an average of 2977,3ng/ml (range 1817,1ng/ml and 4448,5ng/ml) Conclusion Thanks to the regular transfusions derived from the survey of the parameters of iron and the use of deferoxamin, we have succeded in keeping alive during sixteen years a patient who caught a disease whose evolution is unpredictable.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-23-4442
Objective Women have continued to bear a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality with hypertension as the flagship. This is partly because as the modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors are falling in rate, gender specific risk factors have persisted. One of them is age at first pregnancy and delivery. Methods In order to contribute to this discourse, we secondarily analysed data generated in a previous field study on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in free living adults in Plateau State, Nigeria. The women were divided into four groups and we looked at blood pressure at the time of study from the perspective of age at first pregnancy. Reults It was found that those who had their first pregnancy in the late teenage years had the lowest mean arterial blood pressure many years down the line; better than those who started child bearing earlier and those who started later. There was also significant within and between group differences in the blood pressures (p = 0.000). Conclusion To stem the tide of female hypertension later in life, child bearing should not start in the early teenage years nor be unnecessarily delayed. Sociocultural conditions that promote early teenage marriage and pregnancy should be discouraged.
Mar 2023
Moyamoya disease is a very rare chronic circulatory occlusive disorder of the blood vessels of the brain, in which patients complain of headache, seizure, weakness, and sometimes paralysis. A 5 years old female child with a complaint of headache and seizure was admitted elsewhere and during the treatment, she was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. Further, she went to AIIMS Patna, where the neurosurgeon advised Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and after the final diagnosis, they suggest the surgical intervention of the brain. During the search for an alternative treatment, they consulted my center for Unani treatment. We advised a semiliquid Unani polyherbal formulation containing Gule Banafsha (Viola odorata), Ustukhuddoos(Lavandula stoechas), and Nilofer (Nymphaea alba Linn) for three months. After the completion of the treatment schedule, she went for DSA again in Patna AIIMS and they find that there is no sign of occlusion in the blood vessels of the brain. The patient has no complaints and the report also showed that she gets improved.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4381
Background Ageing is a life process in which progressive molecular, cellular, physiological and anatomical changes manifesting in humans and animals including other organisms lead to the decline of biological functions. Immunoglobulins (Igs) are glycoprotein molecules produced by white blood cells mainly B lymphocytes following signal transduction as a result of their interaction with pathogenic microbes or poisonous substances introduced into the body systems. They elicit responses against the side effects of pathogens and poisons in which their response efficiency usually declines as we are ageing. Objective Thus, the similarities between Igs’ immune response against the different amounts of xenobiotics and the biological changes associated with ageing have been systematically assessed using the reports of different study results on humans and animals. Methods First, a literature search was carried out in google, PubMed and google scholar using planned search terms related to the title of this study. Review and original articles were retrieved, downloaded and saved on a computer. And then the effects of different factors i.e. xenobiotics, age, sex and lifestyle-based practices on the levels of serum Igs (IgG, IgA and IgM) in animals and humans have been studied using a systematic review of different literature sources. Finally, the relationship between the findings of various studies has been assessed and judgment on the possible cause of ageing has been made. Results The findings of different research have demonstrated that the signaling efficiency of immunoglobulin M (IgM) has been limited by the amount of test compounds administered to study Balb c mice in the oral route. The response efficiency of IgM immune response against the lower doses of test compounds were high compared to the higher doses of test compounds which was low. The results of different other studies also demonstrated that the decline of serum IgM levels was associated with ageing. The relationship between alcohol consumption and the concentration of serum Igs was also described in the report of different studies. These studies have shown that there was lower level of IgG in the blood serum of alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. The study has also demonstrated a lower level of serum IgM with higher alcohol consumption and higher serum concentration with moderate beer consumption. Conclusion The trajectory of Igs’ immune response against different amounts of xenobiotics was highly associated with the trajectory of biological changes during ageing. These research findings might be the possible evidence to conclude that ageing is caused by the foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs we usually consume, the lifestyles we usually experience and the way of life we usually live in the environment which gradually defiling the natural processes of the body.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4430
Background To determine the acute effects on postprandial lipemia and glycemia by supplementing a high-fat meal with either white button (WB) or shiitake (SH) mushroom powder. Methods Nine healthy participants (4-male, 5-female, 23.3±1.3 years, 17.8±6% body fat, 56.2±11.4kg fat free mass) consumed a control hamburger. At one-week intervals, after consumption of a control meal, participants consumed hamburgers in random order, supplemented with 14g of either WB or SH mushroom powder. Peripheral blood for lipids (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein HDL, low-density lipoprotein LDL), and glucose was obtained at baseline (t=0 hours) and postprandially every two hours for six hours. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Results Lower LDL levels were observed for both SH and WB burgers compared to the control burger (p=0.0007) over the six-hour period. Mushroom powder content did not alter triglyceride, HDL, or glucose levels. Gender affected triglyceride and HDL levels over the treatment course. Triglyceride levels were higher in males (p=0.0084), and HDL levels were lower in females (p=0.0005). Triglyceride and glucose levels were higher, (p< 0.001 and p< 0.0001 respectively), during the postprandial time course (t=0, 2, 4, 6 hours). Conclusions Supplementing SH or WB mushrooms during a high-fat meal may lower serum LDL levels.
Jan 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4362
Objective To describe the epidemiological, clinical and arterial Doppler ultrasound aspects of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Material and Methods This is a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims carried out from January 2019 to March 2022 (3 years) at the cardiovascular exploration center (CEC) "Saint-Esprit" of the association of the people's doctors for the research on cardiovascular diseases (AMP-MCV), at the clinic "Le Printemps" and at the University Hospital of Kara. All patients who underwent arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs for any reason in these centers during the study period were included. Ultrasound scans were performed or confirmed by a physician with a diploma specializing in vascular Doppler ultrasound. Results We retained 32 Doppler ultrasound scans out of 739 performed for AAA with a frequency of 4.38%. The mean age was 73.5± 9.07 years. The sex ratio M/F was 1.4. The cardiovascular medical history (84.38%) found was: hypertension (33.33%), diabetes (18.52%), dyslipidemia (33.33%) and a combination of diabetes and hypertension (14.81%). The circumstances of discovery were: downstream MI ischemia (72%), incidental finding on abdominal ultrasound (15.63%) and De bakey sign (6.25%). The location of the aneurysms was subrenal (84.4%), suprarenal (9.4%) and both (6.2%). AAAs were fusiform (71.9%) and saccular (28.1%). The size of the aneurysms was greater than 5 cm in 78.17% of patients. High blood pressure increases the probability of the occurrence of subrenal AAA while dyslipidemia increases the occurrence of fusiform AAA. Diabetes increases the probability of occurrence of AAA larger than 7cm. AAAs were thrombosed in 75% of patients. There were extensions of the aneurysms to the iliac arteries in 70.59%. Downstream embolic complications represented 46.88%, in the form of occlusions and tight stenoses. Spontaneous mortality was 81.24%. Conclusion Arterial Doppler ultrasonography is a very important tool in the screening, positive and lesion diagnosis of AAA. The risk factors for AAA are: age over 60 years, male gender, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Early detection remains essential, because the spontaneous prognosis is poor.
Oct 2022
In this study, flow hemodynamic parameters and settling of LDL particles in healthy ideal and ideal with stenosis coronary artery have been studied using the Open FOAM software. Not only the effect of movement of the vessel on particles depositions have been studied, but also both non-Newtonian and Newtonian behaviors of blood have been investigated. The particle's motion and deposition have been simulated. It has resulted that only in small vessels, non-Newtonian behavior of blood can be seen and in bigger vessels, there is no remarkable difference between two Newtonian and non-Newtonian models. Vessel movement has no important effects on entered shear stress on its wall, but the alteration in flow lines causes a 70% increment in particles depositions on a vessel with stenosis. This shear stress has no considerable changes with inlet velocity alteration, but it has intensive dependence on geometry in the vessel with stenosis (13 times more oscillation in stenosis location than a healthy vessel).
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4181
Introduction Worldwide, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health concern; On the basis of epidemiologic data, by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Objective To assess the frequency of Microalbuminuria and the presence of Hypoxemia in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Place of Study Department of Medicine & Respiratory Medicine in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Study Period Six months after approval of the protocol Study Population Patient suffering from COPD and admitted in Department of Medicine & Respiratory medicine, DMCH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 100 samples were included in this study. COPD usually presents with a history of chronic cough with sputum production or exertional breathlessness which may be associated with relevant clinical findings and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7. In most cases it is associated with smoking Results Total 100 patients of COPD were included in the study. Mean age was 58.16±5.4 years ranging from 50 to 74 years. Out of 100 patients, majority (42%) were from age group 55 to 60 years. Among all, 82% patients were male and 18% were female, of 100 patients, majority (30%) were day laborer. Only 2% were unemployed. The percentage of housewives was 18%. Other 34% were businessman and service holders. COPD severity was assessed using GOLD guideline. Out of 100 COPD patients, 38% had severe COPD (GOLD stage III). 16 % patients were in mild (Stage I) and 32% patients were in moderate stage (Stage II). The condition was very severe for 14% patients (Stage IV). Of 100 COPD patients, 30% had microalbuminuria. Among 100 COPD patients, chance of microalbuminuria increases among COPD patients with the increase of age significantly. There is smoking history of 36 pack year for COPD patients with microalbuminuria. Of 100 patients 26% were hypoxemic. The average forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) was 37.40 with standard deviation 14.48 for patients with microalbuminuria. The PaO2 and PaCO2 is 63.06 with standard deviation 7.09 and 46.09 with standard deviation 2.43 for COPD patients with microalbuminuria respectively. All of these characteristics are significant with p-value 0.00. However, the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not found significant. The patients who had PaO2 less than 70 mmHg were considered hypoxemic. The patients who had microalbuminuria among them 87% were hypoxemic. Only 13% patients were free from hypoxemia who had microalbuminuria. Patients without microalbuminuria had no history of hypoxemia. There is significant relation exists between hypoxemia and the presence of microalbuminuria (p<0.5). Conclusion In this study, about one-fourth of the patients have hypoxemia and more than one fourth of the patients have microalbuminuria. Stage III was more frequent among the study population but there was no association between severity grading and presence of microalbuminuria. However, significant relation is found between co-existence of both microalbuminuria and hypoxemia in COPD patients.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4170
Garden egg nutritional values are numerous. However, few nutritional and epidemiological data exist on the impacts of garden egg consumption on diabetes control. In this experimentally-control designed nutritional study, the effects of scarlet garden egg species (Solanum aethiopicum L.) on lipoglycemic profile, weight control and, pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic male Wistar rats were examined. Twenty-One adult male Wistar rats inducted with diabetes were randomly categorized into three groups (n = 7, each): Diabetic control (DC); Diabetic treated with aqueous extract of garden egg (DEE) and Diabetic fed with garden egg-supplemented diet (DSE). Animals were fed for six weeks according to the experimental design. Glycemic status and body weights were assessed twice weekly while lipid analysis was conducted at the entry and 6th week of the study. Oral glucose tolerance (OGT) test was conducted. Gross analysis and tissue histology of the pancreas were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, and the results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. at P < 0.05. Garden egg reduced mean body weight gain (DSE: 14.53%; DEE: 10.58%; P value = 0.04) and decreased blood glucose concentrations (DEE: 37.33%; DSE: 18.68%; P = 0.03) with corresponding improved lipid profile, glycemic tolerance and control (DEE > DSE) and, preserved pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic Wistar rats. Solanum aethiopicum (garden egg) consumption (as fresh fruit or supplemented diet) preserves pancreatic tissue histoarchitecture and improves lipoglycemic profile and weight control in diabetic Wistar rats.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4149
In Ethiopia stunting, underweight and wasting in school children are very common. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of intestinal helminthes and schistosomiasis on malnutrition, anaemia and haematological indices in the school age children of Azezo Elementary School in Gondar town. Kato Katz technique was performed to determine infection and intensity of intestinal helminth infections. AnthroPlus software version 1.04 was used to get malnutrition indices while fully automated haematological analyzers were used to determine haematological and biochemical parameters. A total of 384 school children were recruited in this study. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 45.8% (178/384) with the leading Ascarislumbericoides infection (20.6%) compared to the second leading Schistosomamansoni (17.4%) and third leading hook worm infections (13.3%). The prevalences of body mass indexes for age Z-scores (BAZ) indices were 9.6% (37) very sever thin, 17.2% (66) sever thin, 38.3% (147) thin, 34.4% (132) normal and 0.5% (2) overweight. On the other hand, the prevalences of height for age Z-scores (HAZ) indices were 12.2% (47) stunt, 87% (334) normal and 0.8% (3) over height. Of the total 384 school age children, 335 (87.2%) had normal blood glucose level (70 – 110 mg/dL) while the remaining 49 (12.8%) school age children were hypoglycemic. The number of the school children with normal total protein level (6.6 – 8 g/dL) was 259 (67.4%) while the remaining 125 (32.6%) school children were hypo-proteinaemic. The prevalence of anemia in the school age children was 33.1% (127). Intestinal helminth infections were statistically significantly associated (p = 0.000) with hypo-proteinaemia, anemia and number of lymphocytes compared with non-infected school children. The likelihood of anemia in intestinal helminth infected school children, when it was compared with uninfected, was 148 times higher for both Ascaris lumbericoides-Schistosoma mansoni co-infection, 38 times for Hookworm, 20 times for Schistosoma mansoni and 3 times for Ascaris lumbericoides mono-infections. Conclusion: Intestinal helminth infections in school age children aggravate malnutrition. Prolonged malnutrition and intestinal helminth infections could result in stunting in school-age children.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4133
Background Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are diseases of different lineages. The diagnosis of both MGUS and CML in the same patient is a rare occurrence and has not been reported in much literature. Case Presentation We describe a 56-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis incidentally found to have an increase in IgA paraprotein. With less than 10% monoclonal plasma cells on the bone marrow biopsy and absence of hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia and bone lesions, MGUS was diagnosed. The conventional cytogenetics at the time showed the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome in 30% of metaphases. However, there was no morphologic evidence of CML in the peripheral blood or bone marrow. Patient received no treatment and lost follow-up until 3 years later when a routine CBC showed leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. CML, chronic phase was diagnosed following a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy with Philadelphia chromosome observed in 100% of metaphases. Patient was treated with imatinib and later switched to dasatinib and complete molecular remission was continued to be achieved. Discussion and Conclusion Here we report a case of pre-leukemic CML as an incidental finding during the diagnosis of MGUS. The possible underlying mechanisms of the association are discussed although the exact cause of the coexistence is unclear.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4132
To understand lung damages caused by COVID-19, we deduced two phases lung damage mechanisms. After the lungs are infected with COVID-19, the affected lung tissue swells and surface properties of pulmonary capillaries change, both contributing to an increased flow resistance of the capillaries. The initial damages are mainly fluid leakage in a limited number of involved alveoli. The increased vascular resistance results in retaining more white blood cells (“WBCs”) in pulmonary capillaries. Some of the WBCs may get into interstitial spaces. When more and more WBCs are dynamically retained, the vascular resistance of pulmonary capillaries further rises; and thus the overall vascular resistance of the lungs rises and pulmonary pressure rises. The rise in the pulmonary pressure in turn results in elevated capillary pressures. When pulmonary capillary pressures around the alveoli are sufficiently high, the elevated pressure causes interstitial pressures to change from normally negative values to positive values. The positive pressures cause fluid leakage to the alvoeli and thus degrade lung function. Tissue swelling, and occupation of WBCs in interstitial spaces and occupation of alvoelar spaces by leaked water result in reduced deformable and compressible spaces, and thus causes a further rise of the vascular resistance of the lungs. When the pulmonary pressure has reached a critical point as in the second phase, the blood breaks capillary walls and squeezes through interstitial spaces to reach alveolar spaces, resulting in irreversible lung damages. Among potential influencing factors, the available space in the thorax cage, temperature, and humid are expected to have great impacts. The free space in the thorax cage, lung usable capacity, and other organ usable capacities are the major factors that determine the arrival time of last- phase irreversible damage. The mechanisms imply that the top priority for protecting lungs is maintaining pulmonary micro-circulation and preserving organ functions in the entire disease course while controlling viral reproduction should be stressed in the earliest time possible. The mechanisms also explain how leukecytes are “recruited and migrated” into inflamed tissues by dynamic retention.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-22-4102
The safety of plant-derived bioactive compounds has become a global concern. The present study investigated the dose response of total saponins isolated from the stem bark of Dialiumguineense. Adultmale Wistar rats (n = 15) weighing 170 – 190 g (mean weight = 180 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to three groups (5 rats per group). The rats received varied doses of total saponins isolated from the stem bark of the medicinal plant (50 - 150 mg/kg body weight, bwt) orally for a period of 9 days. The concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was used as the therapeutic index.The results of the analysis revealed that total saponins isolated from the stem bark of D. guineense significantly reduced the Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels of normal Wistar rats (p < 0.05). The graded and quantal dose-response curves showed that150 mg/kg bwt was effective in reducing the blood glucose of rats (produced the best hypoglycemic effect). The study concluded that total saponins isolated from the stem bark of D. guineense possesses hypoglycemic effect at a relatively good dose.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-22-4121
Introduction Genomic mutations in TP53 gene in association with etiological risk factors have been associated with oral carcinogenesis. Herein, we screened for genomic variants of TP53 predisposing to oral cancers in Senegalese patients. Methodology 88 patients with confirmed diagnostic were recruited after informed consent. Blood samples were collected from each patient to perform DNA extraction, PCR amplification of all coding exons of TP53 followed by Sanger Sequencing of PCR products. Nucleotide sequences were analysed with Genalys software. 94 blood donors with no cancer diagnosis were also recruited as controls for association study between the most common variants identified in patients and predisposition to oral cancers. Results Sequence analysis showed that 52.27% of patients carry at least one mutation in TP53. Eleven genomic variants were identified, 7 variants already reported in databases and 4 new variants. The most recurrent variants in this study already reported as cancer-related variants were Pro72Arg (rs1042522; Arginine frequency estimated at 31.26%) and a 16 bp insertion in intron 3 (rs59758982; allelic frequency estimated at 26.25%). Haplotype analysis between these variants showed a strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.999, r2 = 0.153 and p-value < 0.05). However, association study did not find any significant association with susceptibility to oral cancer (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion Our study highlighted that despite the absence of association between the two most common cancer-related variants in Senegalese patients diagnosed with oral cancer, their strong LD suggested that they could be transmitted together in a common haplotype which may be implicated in oral carcinogenesis.
Feb 2022
Cancer cells need strong drug to be eliminated. Cancer lesions cure could achieve by topical application of crude bee venom. Bee venom medication used to prevent malignancies in groups most at risk (predisposing factors). Bee venom crosses the blood brain barriers because its components are very small. However, Bee venom contraindicated administered by intravenous injection because it’s hemolytic substance, mellitin which is powerful anticoagulant. However, the cationic peptides mellitin govern the mode of action of bee venom as anticancer and antiviral in vivo; 1 there is a negative charge on cancer cells, viral infected cells, diseased cells, and generally any cells that contain toxins or damage, and viruses are carrying negative charge even when it is outside the living body. 2Bee venom component (melittin) carries a positive charge, it destruct negatively charged cancer cells. 3 The role that the herpes virus is likely to play in increasing the severity of cancerous diseases, worsen the conditions: herpes viruses are opportunistic viruses that strike the body whose immunity is weakened for any reason. Therefore, the role of herpes virus must be neutralized when you planning to treat a cancer patient. Fortunately, bee venom is a powerful antiviral, and thus we hit three birds with one stone, that is, we kill cancer cells, kill opportunistic viruses, and improve tissue immunity to participate in the fight against cancer and get rid of toxic exudates more efficiently.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-21-3959
COVID-19 epidemic, described as a community health emergency by the World Health Organization, began in December 2019. COVID-19 is a source of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because of hypercoagulation, blood stasis, and endothelium injury complications. This study reports a 26-year-old pregnant woman with coronavirus hospitalized with a left ovarian vein (LOV) thrombosis at Sultangazi- Haseki Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. Risk classification for DVT disease is of crucial importance for the forecast of coronavirus.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3360.ijco-21-3995
Proceeding to hospital immediately stroke occurs is important for early intervention that would minimize the consequences of stroke. But most stroke patients in developing countries prefer herbal centers than hospital. Reasons for this attitude have not been established. Two well-trained assistants were used to interview 117 stroke survivors who attended Bebe Herbal Center (BHC) in Nigeria for at least two visits. The survivors self-reported their experiences in hospitals visited and at BHC. Data obtained were analyzed using Independent t-test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, on SPSS package version 23. Significant value was set at p<0.05. Results showed the survivors comprised 48.7% males and 51.3% females, with mean age 63.98±10.41 years (range: 40-84 years). Following onset of stroke, 61.5% went firstly to hospital, 21.4% to traditional healing places, and 17.1% to BHC. Eventually all survivors went to BHC and 99.1% said they were satisfied with treatment received at BHC. Seventy-nine (68.1%) said they experienced substantial recovery under one month, 25.9% between 1-6 months. All the survivors who went firstly to hospitals said they received inadequate care in them. None of the hospitals they visited had CT or MRI equipment. Pearson’s chi-squared test showed that the impact of stroke had a significant difference between males and females regarding checking of blood pressure after stroke (χ2=7.62; df=3; P<0.05). The inadequate care received in hospitals and the early satisfactory recovery in BHC influence stroke patients in Nigeria to reject going to hospital.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-21-3923
We report 2 cases of vitamin B12 deficiency in children due to deficient intake. These were 2 girls aged 4 years (case 1) and 6 years (case 2), respectively, hospitalized in December 2020 and March 2021 in the pediatric ward of Le Dantec hospital. Both patients presented with aregenative anemia, melanoderma and undernutrition. The bone marrow count in case 1 showed a dysmyelopoiesis with megablastosis. The blood vitamin B12 level was low in both cases. Folic acid blood levels were normal in both patients, but an associated martial deficiency was found in case 2. The dietary survey revealed a lack of intake of animal products rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 replacement therapy was effective with rapid regression of all clinical signs observed in both children. The control of the vitamin B12 level after 1 month of treatment was normal in both patients. The disappearance of the symptoms under substitute treatment confirmed the deficiency of Vitamin B12 intake in both patients. Conclusion: Both of our patients had a profound Vitamin B12 deficiency in a context of deficiency in nutrition. The regression of the symptoms was spectacular under vitamin B12 replacement therapy, confirming the deficiency. We recommend in our context a contribution in micronutrients such as vitamins in children after weaning to avoid dietary errors.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-21-3887
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. In Mexico, 4.5% of patients with kidney failure are carriers of this disease; the liver is another of the organs affected by this disease that can manifest as abdominal pain and a mass effect in the abdominal cavity; we present 2 cases of polycystic kidney and liver disease (mother and child), in addition to describing the clinical manifestations, two different stages of the disease are shown, being a hereditary disease it is suggested that once a case is identified, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to first-degree relatives in search of cystic lesions to indicate preventive measures that help us preserve the overall well-being of the patient.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-21-3848
Study was aimed to evaluate effect of Biofield Treated Proprietary Formulation and Biofield Treatment per se on cardiac performance on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiovascular disorders in Sprague Dawley rats. Nine groups were assigned, in which four were preventive maintenance groups. The constituents of test formulation were divided into two parts; one section was defined as the untreated test formulation, while the other portion of the test formulation and three groups of animals received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely for about 3 minutes by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 13.39%, 14.65%, 17.74%, 14.36%, and 14.69% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to disease control (G2) group. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP)was significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 25.95%, 24.41%, 30.79%, 24.67%, and 25.23% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Heart rate (HR) was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced by 6.58%, 8.06%, and 6.99% in G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Total leucocyte count (TLC) count was increased by 12.8% and 17.45% in G5 and G8 groups, respectively than G2 group. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were increased by 60.11% (G8) and 11.49% (G5), respectively than G2. Eosinophils were reduced by 11.11%, 20%, and 15% in G6, G7, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Total cholesterol was significantly decreased by 22.64% (p≤0.05), 15.78%, 25.56% (p≤0.05), 22.56%, and 34.27% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Triglyceride was significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 34.55%, 43.29%, 55.23%, 28.57%, and 37.28% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. VLDL level was also significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 80.81%, 83.61%, 86.82%, 79.19%, and 81.63% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 group, respectively; while LDL was reduced by 20.32% (G9) group than G2. Atherogenic index (AI) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 78.36%, 83.21%, 84.68%, 74.06%, and 72.98% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. The level of uric acid (UA) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 57.51%, 52.36%, 45.49%, 43.78%, and 40.77% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups respectively, as compared with the G2 group. Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 45.96%, 48.01%, 37.19%, 37.69%, and 42.93% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) level was significantly reduced by 10.19%, 21.97% (p≤0.01), 10.47%, and 16.94% in the G5, G6, G7, and G9 groups, than G2. Overall, the data suggested significance improvement of heart-related hematology, hepatic, and lipid parameters with respect to various pathological conditions that might be beneficial various types of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the results showed the significant slowdown the cardiovascular disease progression and its complications/symptoms in the preventive treatment groups viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-3759
The present study was initiated to improve the farm animals’ productivity through the use of medicinal plants. More specifically, to determine in female cavies the effects of aqueous extract of avocado seed powder (AEASP) on the estrous cycle, the levels of LH, estradiol and tissues (ovarian and uterine) biomarkers of oxidative stress. For the trial, 24 female cavies with regular estrous cycles were selectedamong 40 trough observation of 4 estrous cycles. They were randomly shared into 4 groups of 6 females each, comparable in term of body weight (bw) (463.60±77.69 g). They received by gavage 1 mL/kg bw of distilled water for the control and 100, 200, 400 mg/kg bw of AEASP respectively for the groups EA100, EA200 and EA400. Subsequently, 3 estrous cycles were studied every day during all the treatment period. At the end, the cavies were slaughtered at the estrus phase; blood, ovaries and uterus were collected for analysis. As result, the AEASP significantly (p<0.05) increase the duration of the estrus phase in females of group EA100, without affecting significantly the duration of the estrous cycle as referred to the control. It significantly reduce the serum level of total cholesterol and increase (p<0.05) the serum concentration of LH in cavies of group EA100 compared to the control. AEASP significantly increase the serum concentration of estradiol in all treated females as referred to the control. It significantly increase the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ovaries of the females of group EA400. In the uterine tissue, superoxide dismutase (SOD) increase significantly in the cavies of group EA200 compare to the control. We can conclude that the AEASP increase the duration of the estrus phase of cavies without affecting the duration of the estrous cycle. Subsequently, it increases the serum concentration of LH and estradiol.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3774
The paper describes the development of a long-lasting product for Intra-domicile residual spray (IRS) and shows it is possible to obtain a residual effect of nearly 2 years. However, to obtain that the methods currently recommended by WHO for laboratory evaluation had to be modified and approached methods closer to the semi-field and field evaluations as applied in later phases of WHO procedures. Surfaces with high pH resulted in short residual effect unless the formulations were mixed with a silicone coating. Screening in huts constructed for the purpose was realised by dividing the wall surfaces in 25 test plots of 0.5 m² where formulations were applied randomly with more repeats the closer to the final formulation. Mud and concrete surface were more challenging than wood surface and stones and these could be dropped for screening. Wall surfaces heated by sun were repellent to non-blood fed mosquitoes, and the test in huts were limited to the mornings. However, blood fed mosquitoes were not repelled. Cone tests on mud-walls are complicated by the uneven structure of the surface and a better way of attaching cones to avoid mortality errors was developed. Formulations that can be applied and last for two mosquito seasons produce big cost savings for IRS programs, since program costs are mostly application costs.
Feb 2021
Introduction Risk reduction intervention is meant to provide enhanced and desirable interventions for HIV prevention among adolescents especially the in-school. Adolescents have been identified as the most vulnerable groups that can easily acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, adolescents are the appropriate target for HIV prevention efforts. Most interventions for adolescents focus on providing AIDS-related education with the assumption that improving knowledge would enable adolescents to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. Numerous studies have shown that using class-room education alone is insufficient in reducing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviours. Therefore, this study used role-plays and peer facilitation for the study. Materials and Method The study used role-play and peer facilitation for the intervention strategy. The theme of the role-play was ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention which was aimed to reduce HIV risk behaviours among sexually inexperienced adolescents. The role-play was carried out by 4 peer leaders who were trained in the theoretical framework of role-plays and peer facilitation by a consultant. With mastery and experience they carried out the role play in a regular classroom section for over 3 class periods, co-facilitated with the assistance of a volunteer teacher. A unique feature of this intervention was the dual focus on strategies that influenced both individual risk factors (i.e., attitudes, behavioural skills) and social environments (e.g., peer resources). A school was chosen by simple random sampling for the intervention. In the school chosen, a total sample of 65 students in senior secondary classes 2&3 ( SS2&3) were included in the study. These were the students considered to be sexually active who can respond to the questions in the questionnaire. Self-administered pre-and post-questionnaire were completed by the students. The results were analysed using frequency tables, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The students studied were between the ages of 13-18 years. There was evidence that the role play ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention created positive effects on reduction of HIV risk behaviours among the sexually inexperienced participants aged 13–18. Perceptions on methods of preventing risk reduction behaviours were also positively impacted by the intervention as 12(18.5%) and 34(52.3 %) of the respondents realized after post- intervention that having sex with someone outside marriage and being transfused with infected blood respectively Will constitute risk to HIV infection. Conclusion The role play which used the theme ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention provided safer choices for reducing one or more measures of sexual risk behaviours among the sexual inexperienced respondents. It created the opportunity for the students to recognize that engaging in unprotected sex constitutes high risk for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-20-3611
Objective To understand the present status of high blood pressure in Jiangxi adults including the prevalence rate, overall awareness, and hypertension treatment. Methods a total of 7,200 adult participants (over 18 years old) lived in Jiangxi were recruited using a stratified sampling method. Blood pressure was measured for all the participants and a questionnaire survey was conducted. A 24-hour urine sample was also collected to understand urine sodium and potassium levels. Results Our findings revealed that the measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 125.9 mmHg (95% CI, 124.85-126.95) and 79.2 mm Hg (95% CI, 78.15-80.25). The prevalence of hypertension among the enrolled adults was 27.43% (95% CI, 26.38%–28.48%). Among the affected participants, less than 30% of them (95% CI) were aware of their hypertension condition, and only 28.56% (95% CI) were under anti-hypertension medications. The mean salt intake converted from urinary sodium was 10.92±4.07 g and the mean±SD of 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion were 185.51±65.44 mmol and 25.98±9.16 mmol, respectively. The high-salt condiments was determined to be the main source of sodium in the region. Conclusion Findings from this study form the baseline information to understand the hypertension condition in the region and indicate a possible solution for hypertension prevention through avoiding high-salt condiments.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-20-3672
Background Prevalence of Metabolic syndrome is high among Asians including Indians, and is high among those having sedentary occupations. Teaching is one of the important occupations, which demands no strenuous physical activity. However, there is little information available about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among teaching staff of engineering college. Hence, the present study was conducted to study its prevalence, certain risk factors and co-morbidities among teaching staff of engineering institutes. Methods Teachers from engineering colleges of Nagpur city were the study subjects. Data was collected by interview technique. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations like Fasting blood glucose, High Density Lipoproteins and Serum Triglycerides were done. National Cholesterol Evaluation Programme (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel Three (ATPIII) criteria were used to study Metabolic syndrome. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements like height, weight and waist circumference were obtained by standard methods. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 20.5%. It was 25.32% in females and 19.31% in males. It was more common in subjects of higher age group, muslim religion, and among widows and separated. Alcohol consumption, smoking and sedentary life style was found to be significantly associated with presence of metabolic syndrome. Frozen shoulder, fungal infection and stroke were common co morbidities found among subjects having metabolic syndrome.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3629
Introduction The extra dural hematoma is a blood collection between the cranial vault and the dura mater. It is a neurosurgical emergency whose statistical data are poorly known in the Republic of Benin. Objective The aims of this study are to assess epidemiology, therapeutic and outcome of traumatic extra dural hematomas for children admitted to the surgical department of CHUD-B/A from 2012 to 2017. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study over a period from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2017. Results One hundred and seventy-eight cases of children aged between 0-15 years were examined for brain traumatic injury. Twenty-seven 27 (15.2%) cases of extra dural hematomas were retained. The most represented age group was between 11-15 years with a frequency of 42.1%. The male sex was more represented (78.9%). Road traffic accidents were the main aetiology (57.9%). 52.6% had a mild head injury, 26.3% had a moderate head injury and 21.1% had a severe head injury. On brain scan the frequently observed location was temporo-parietal (31.6%). Acute anemia was observed in 16 children. Seventeen children were operated on. The operation involved evacuation of extra dural hematoma by cranial bone flap with suspension of the dura mater. There were no deaths. Conclusion The availability of brain CT makes the diagnosis of extra dural hematoma easier. Its management is neurosurgical with a favourable post-operative evolution in all cases in this series.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3612
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) is a rare clinical condition. Prompt diagnosis is often difficult both clinically and radiologically and necessitates a high index of suspicion as the patients present with non-specific abdominal pain and may not offer a clear history. The depressant effect of alcohol further complicates the diagnosis. We report a case of a young male who was unable to seek medical support and was found dead within 12 hours of the onset of abdominal discomfort following acute alcohol intoxication. At autopsy, rupture of the urinary bladder with blood and blood clots was found in the pelvic cavity with no any corresponding external injury. Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder is a rare cause of death in acute alcohol intoxication. In order to further understand this rare condition, the review of related literature has been done.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3596
Background Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPE) is a clinical and radiological entity characterized by the acute or subacute fitting of symptoms covering headache, vomiting, visual disturbances, seizures and impairment of consciousness. The pathophysiology of RPE syndrome is poorly described. RPE syndrome is characterized by a reversible cerebral edema of often posterior topography in magnetic resonance imagery (MRI). Cases Presentation We consider RPE syndrome four cases under various conditions that are known as airplane flight, hypertension, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, pregnancy and oldness with several pathologies. The RPE was described with several symptoms like headaches, vomiting, focal motor deficit, paresthesia, seizures, disorders of consciousness and photophobia. The imagery findings were varying from cortical hypersignals in Flair sequences to edema of both cortex and sub cortex. The outcome was good with a complete regression of symptoms and imagery lesions. Conclusion The pathophysiological mechanism of RPE syndrome remains unknown. High blood pressure, renal failure and drugs (anti-depressants, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants) are the most etiological factors. The diagnosis is based on clinical arguments and brain MRI. The main location is posterior. The clinical outcome was good with all the patients in our study, no recurrence was noted.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2275.jzr-20-3435
Background Nephrotoxicity is a complication due to the effect of some toxic chemicals on kidney. Current study planned to screen the effect of Trigonella foenumaqueous seeds extracts on EDTA induced nephrotoxicity. Trigonella foenum known for its various medicinal properties is also a natural antioxidant and a free radical scavenger with no documented evidence as a nephron-protective agent. Objective To investigate the protective effects of aqueous seed extracts of Trigonella foenum. Material and Methods The present study was used 40 male albino rats (Rattus albinus) with weight of (150 ± 10) g with divided into four groups: control gp; EDTA gp (95 mg/kg); Trigonella foenum gp (500 mg/kg) and EDTA + Trigonella f oenum gp by gastric tube daily for 4 weeks. Blood urea, creatinine, GFR, creatinine clearance, MDA and GPx analyses and microscopic examination of kidney were performed. Results In the present study, Blood samples were taken from all groups and concentration of serum urea, creatinine, GFR, Creatinine clearance, MDA and GPx were determined. Histopathological observations were observed in kidney tissue. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). EDTA induced an increase in urea and creatinine as well as there was a decrease in the concentration of GFR and creatinine clearance. The level of MDA was increase while the concentration of GPx was decrease in the serum of EDTA group. The aqueous extracts of Trigonella seeds significantly prevented renal damage by normalizing increased levels of renal markers. The correction of oxidative stress biomarkers was consistent with amelioration of the histopathological changes induced by EDTA. Hence, it is suggested that ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenumagainst EDTA induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion The present data suggest that aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum exhibits reno-protective effect in EDTA induced renal damage.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-20-3450
Background Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) combined with neurological signs due to impaired catecholamine, dopamine and serotonin synthesis. Symptoms may appears in first week of life but most seen in age of 4 months. Atypical PKU disease caused mainly by deficiency in 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) involved in synthesis of BH4. Clinical symptoms may include poor sucking, impaired tone, ataxia, and seizures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genotype-phenotype relation among BH4 deficient patients because of PTPS mutations in different state of Egypt. Methods Suspected PKU patients loaded with phenylalanine/Kuvan, and the level of phe and phe/tyrosine ratio determined using tandem mass spectrometry by dried blood spots. Blood samples of 13 unrelated Egyptian patients were collected for total RNA extraction, amplification of PTPS gene by PCR followed with sequencing by Sanger method and finally mutations were recorded for genetic analysis. Results The mean value of phe in 13 patients decreased after loaded of phenylalanine from 482.5μmol/L to 270.63 μmol/L as well as phe/tyrosine ratio was decreased from 13.4 to 6.36 after 24hour of treatment with Kuvan. Sanger sequencing of PTPS gene of those patient showed 21 SNPs and Indels mutations. The most repeated mutation is a novel 23 base pair homozygous deletion in 12/13; c.200C>T in four patients, a novel c.86A>T in two patients and three different mutations located once in three different patients (novel c.22C>T; novel c.273G>A and 405T>C) among patients. On amino acid predicted sequences 4 different types of mutations on protein level were presented, 1 deletion mutation in seven amino acid and 3 different missense mutations in addition to 2 silent mutations among 13 patients. Conclusion Patients were the first case of clinical diagnosis as hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) undergoing genetic diagnosis for PTPS deficiency in Egypt. The sever HPA patients with severe nervous system damage mainly accompanied with deletion mutations and should pay more attention to the BH4 deficiency. While mild HPA is associated with base substitution mutations with mainly transition mutations (7/9; 78%). Next-generation sequencing technique can increase the mutation detection rate when the hereditary diseases are highly suspected in clinic.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-20-3466
Background and Objective The use of medicinal plants in industrialized societies for extraction and development of many drugs and other chemotherapeutics and traditionally for herbal remedies has increased in recent times. Plant–based medicine is essential in health care services with about 80% global population relying on it because of its cheap source and availability. Jatropha tanjorensis is one such plant used by males and females of childbearing age for treatment of reproductive problems such as infertility. Literature on isolation and characterization of the secondary metabolites in this plant may not be common. Against this backdrop, this research work was carried out to isolate, characterize and determine the effects of J. tanjorensis on the gonadal hormones of male wistar rats. Materials and Methods The secondary metabolites were isolated, characterized, and identified using nuclear magnetic resonance. The experiment was conducted using 25 male wistar rats weighing between 180-200 g randomized into 5 groups, 3 controls and 2 treatment groups of 5 rats each. The treatment groups received 25 mg/kg body weight of phytol and lupeol orally by gastric lavage for 14 days. The animals were anaesthetized and blood samples collected for hormonal assay. Result The experimental data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0, while the post hoc test assessed using Duncan Multiple Range Test at p ≥ 0.05. There was a significant decrease (p ˂ 0.05) in the levels of FSH, LH and TST in the treatment groups when compared to the control groups. The motility and sperm count decrease significantly (p ˂ 0.05) when treatment groups were compared to the control animals. The secondary metabolites, phytol and lupeol present in the leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis were responsible for the decrease in some of the gonadal hormones studied.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3463
Background Evidence suggests that low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk in adulthood, including increased arterial stiffness, a marker of early vascular aging (EVA) assessable by pulse wave velocity (PWV), obesity and glucose homeostasis abnormalities. The present study aimed to explore the late impact of LBW on PWV and cardiometabolic phenotypes among young adult Cameroonians. Methods The study evaluated 120 subjects (mean age: 26 ± 5 years; 54% male sex) at the Cameroon Heart Institute, Douala, Cameroon, between January and June 2018. Birth weight (BW) and gestational age, sociodemographic, anthropometrics and fasting capillary blood glucose were recorded in all participants. Blood pressure (BP) and PWV were measured using an automatic oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph®). Multiple-adjusted linear regression was used to determine predictive factors for PWV. For assessment of potential impact of BW on EVA, PWV was adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results 28 participants (23.3%) of the study sample had LBW (<3000g). There was no gender difference between LBW or normal birth weight patients (NBW; controls). Age- and MAP-adjusted PWV (aPWV) were higher in women with LBW compared to NBW (5.6 m/s and 5.3 m/s respectively, P = 0.038). In men, aPWV was similar in LBW and NBW. In this study population, aPWV was higher (on average +15 cm/s) in LBW than in controls, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.083). Multivariate regression analysis showed age, male sex, BMI and MAP were independent determinants of PWV, but not LBW. Compared to NBW controls, the prevalence of overweight/obesity, impaired glucose homeostasis and diabetes was higher in LBW: 42.9% vs 37%; 10.7% vs 3.3%, and 3.6 % vs 1.1%, respectively. Moreover, compared with controls, LBW individuals who were overweight/obese in adulthood had a much higher mean fasting capillary glucose (1.54 ±0.17 g/l vs 0.87 ±0.11 g/l in NBW, p=0.003). Conclusion This study suggests that although LBW is associated with increased aortic stiffness in young adulthood, mainly in women, the association was predominantly driven by aging, MAP, BMI and male sex. In adulthood, LBW subjects exhibited higher obesity indices and altered glucose homeostasis.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3411
Heart failure is a serious condition in which the amount of blood squeezed out of the heart every minute is insufficient to meet the body’s normal needs for oxygen and nutrients. Although some people wrongly believe that the term heart failure means that the heart has stopped, we must say that the term heart failure actually means that the heart has weakened and lost its ability to work. Heart failure has many causes including a many of diseases. Heart failure occurs most often in older people because they are much more likely to suffer from diseases that cause heart failure. Although heart failure gets worse over time, people with the condition can live for years.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3372
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
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.2328-0182.japst-20-3347
The study evaluated the impact of co-infection of malaria parasitaemia, and HIV positive indices on the CD4 cell count of 120 HIV infected subjects, who were already diagnosed and visiting Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital Port Harcourt for routine Medical check-up. Also, a control group of 40 HIV negative were included as part of the study control group. The subjects were between the age ranges of ≤10–79 years respectively. A double check laboratory assay was conducted to detect the presence of antibody to HIV as confirmed using immunocomb 11 and Determine for HIV status. A thick Blood film stained with field stain (A and B) was used to detect the presence of malaria parasite in the subject’s blood. Furthermore, CD4 cell count was assayed using Partec cyflow counter (Partec, Germany). Excel and Graphpad statistical software were used for analysis of the data generated. The result among the HIV positive subjects and control subjects revealed that the highest positive for malaria infection was observed among ≤10 years age group as 2 (100%) and 11 (84.61%) respectively. In the HIV positive subjects, the distribution of malaria infection among sex revealed a high rate in male 42(77.78%) than in female 44 (66.67%). Similarly, the control recorded a high rate of malaria infection in male 11 (57.89%) than in female 7 (33.33%). However, 86 (71.67%) had malaria and HIV co-infection while 34 (65%) had only HIV mono infection. The positive HIV subjects who had CD4 cells count below 200 cells/mm3 were 15%, above 200-499cells/mm3 were 58.3% while 500 cells/mm3 and above had normal CD4 cells counts for 26%. Nonetheless, for the control subjects, no CD4 cells count of below 200cells/ mm was observed, 2.5% fell within the moderate category while 75% had normal CD4 cells count. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-test showed that there is significant difference between CD4 of seropositive and seronegative subjects infected with or without malaria (p=0.00). In addition, a t-test further demonstrated Comparison of Mean CD4 Cell Count among HIV and Malaria Infected and Non-Infected Subjects. MP/HIV Co-Infection and Mono Infection with No Infection showed strong mean difference (p=0.00) in the various CD4 counts while HIV Mono-Infection and others only had a non significant (p=0.44) mean difference between HIV Mono-Infection and No HIV or Malaria Infection. A robust and effective malaria and HIV control management programme should be strongly underpinned; so as to improve the quality of life of patients and HIV patients should be encouraged to live a healthy life style, through the provision of antiretroviral drugs and regular health education engagement, even as the provision of antimalarial treated net would be helpful to the subjects.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3305
Mosquitoes depend on blood meal for the development of their eggs into offsprings. By knowing the biting behaviour of mosquitoes, we may control mosquito-borne diseases and manage the mosquitoe menace successfully. The present study has been designed to study the biting behaviour of the filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India from July to November 2006. This period was selected as mosquitoes are prevalent during this rainy season. Biting was more during September, October and November and the maximum of 28 caught/man/hour was recorded in November. It is predominantly an exophilic biter, but biting was also noticed as maximum inside the house during July in the study. The density of the biting population in the first floor was more than that of the second floor, which indicated the existence of vertical stratification in the biting behaviour of Cx quinquefasciatus.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3189
This article has been retracted on 29 January 2021. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-25-5854) In Côte d'Ivoire, sickle cell disease affects 14% of the population. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Transfusion is a significant element in the management of major sickle cell anemia, which exposes them to post-transfusion hemochromatosis. The biological diagnosis is based on the determination of serum iron and the transferrin saturation coefficient (CST). As the determination of the CST was not available in our exercise context in Côte d'Ivoire, we determined only the ferritinemia. The interest of this work lies in the therapeutic implication linked to the identification of patients at risk of hemochromatosis because chelators are difficult to access for most patients. This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study, on polytransfused sickle cell patients, followed at the transfusion therapy unit (UTT) of the CNTS of Abidjan, from 2010 to 2018. We included 78 sickle cell patients, all ages and genders who have received at least ten transfusions. The ferritinemia assay was carried out by ELISA. Transfusion exchange, with 59% of cases, was the most used mode of transfusion. The mean ferritinemia was 1719.19 ng / ml. Hyperferritinemia was found in 63% of patients. Most of the patients were on a long-term transfusion program with an average of 27.5 bags of red blood cell concentrates. Thirty-two patients had received at least 20 bags of red blood cell concentrates. We noted 21 patients treated, including 3 with deferoxamine and 18 treated with oral deferasirox. We have identified 33 sickle cell anemia patients at risk for hemochromatosis. The determinants of the risk of hemochromatosis were the high number of blood bags and the method of transfusion.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3256
This pilot study aims to compare cardiorespiratory parameters in female dogs that underwent either laparoscopic or open elective gonadectomy with spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia. Records of 77 client-owned female dogs were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic surgery (L group, n 47) and open abdominal surgery (O group, n 30). The end-tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, non-invasive arterial blood pressure and length of procedure were recorded and statistically evaluated. Once normality of the sample data has been assessed, equality between the groups was analysed with two-sample Student’s or Welch’s t-test, whether the hypothesis of variance equality, through an F-test, was verified or not. A value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding the end-tidal carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic and medium arterial pressure values. Mean diastolic pressure was lower in the L group. The procedure length between the two groups was statistically different: laparoscopy was shorter than open surgery. In spontaneously ventilating female dogs, the cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated seem not to be affected by the presence of pneumoperitoneum when intrabdominal pressure is kept between 8 and 10 mmHg. The pilot nature of the study and the shorter laparoscopic surgery length could bias these results. However, in the author’s opinion, these findings confirm the interest of laparoscopy and the small impact of this mini-invasive technique in healthy patients.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3235
Introduction Acute leukaemia are the clonal and malignant proliferation of immature hematopoietic cells (blast), blocked in their differentiation process. There is an interaction between cancer cells and the clotting process. This could be the expression of Tissue Factor (TF) on the surface of tumor cells; or a lesion of the vascular endothelium and platelet activation. The result is an activation of clotting that can lead to disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). The objective of this study was to assess the risk of DIC occurring in patients with acute leukaemia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study for analytical purposes that took place on 40 frozen samples from the biobank of the haematology laboratory of Teaching Hospital Yopougon for which the diagnosis of acute leukaemia had been taken from myelogram. The myelogram results were accompanied by hemogram data. PTTa, QT, fibrinogen and D-Dimers were performed on these samples. The risk assessment of DIC occurred was determined on the recommendations of the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH). Results We noted a female predominance with a Sex Ratio (M / F) of 0.90. The average age of the patients was 38 years (± 23 years) with extremes ranging from 2 to 84 years. ALL represented 20 % of cases against 80 % for AMLs. Hemogram parameters were characterized by severe anaemia (Tx Hb < 6 g / dL) in 52.5 % of cases; hyperleukocytosis > 100.103 / mm3 in 35 % of cases; thrombocytopenia < 25.103 / mm3 in 40 % of case; and significant blood and spinal cord blastosis (> 80 %). The lengthening of the PTTa was observed in 50 % of cases, compared to 40% for the QT. Similarly, hyperfibrinemia was present in 65% of cases. D-Dimers were high in almost all subject (95 % of cases). According to the ISTH criteria, 17.5 % of subjects were at risk of developing a DIC. Conclusion The risk of occurrence of DIC is indeed present during acute leukaemia. The parameters of haemostasis are thus found to be crucial data in the follow-up assessment during the diagnosis of acute leukaemia.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-20-3195
Purpose The goals of the present study were to assess the genotypic and allelic distribution of Bsm-I (rs1544410) and Apa-I (rs7975232) polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in comparison to control patients of the same age without CAD and to determine whether these gene variants are associated with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods Based on a case-control design, 302 hospitalized patients with CAD and 194 people of comparable age without CAD were enrolled in the study. The BsmI and ApaI polymorphisms of VDR gene were studied using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction analysis. The allele digested by the restriction enzyme was denoted by a lower letter, whereas that not digested was indicated by a capital letter. Determination of the level of vitamin D and immunoreactive insulin in the blood serum was carried out using the immuno-enzyme method. Results The bb genotype of Bsm-I VDR gene polymorphism was detected more often in patients with CAD than in the comparison group with an increased risk of CAD by 1.52 times (p=0.006, OR=1.52(1.05÷2.2). The level of HDL cholesterol was higher in CAD patients − carriers of BB genotype compared to its level in Bb genotype carriers and bb genotype carriers (1,13±0,05 mmol/l, 1,01±0,03 mmol/l, 1,02±0,03 mmol/l respectively, p<0,05). The level of vitamin D was higher in patients with BB genotype compared to its level in bb genotype carriers (45.12±3.73 nmol / l and 34.16±1.95 nmol/l respectively, p=0.008). The occurrence of a allele of Apa-I VDR gene polymorphism was higher in patients with CAD than in the control group (p=0.02, OR=1.21(0.93÷1.57). HDL cholesterol level was higher in CAD patients - AA genotype carriers compared with carriers of Aa and aa genotypes (1.18±0.08 mmol / l, 1,02±0.02 mmol / l and 1.01±0.03 mmol/l respectively, p<0,05). Immunoreactive insulin level was significantly higher in CAD patients – aa genotype carriers. No differences in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were found. Vitamin D level was lower in CAD patients - Aa and aa genotype carriers (33,8±33,9 nmol/l ,p=0,02 and 24,7±4,9 nmol/l, p=0,05 respectively in comparison to vitamin D level = 43,3 ±4,2 nmol/l in AA genotype carriers). Conclusion The bb genotype of Bsm-I VDR gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of CAD. A carriage of b allele in CAD patients is associated with lower level of vitamin D and HDL cholesterol. A carriage of a allele of Apa-I VDR gene polymorphism in CAD patients is associated with lower level of vitamin D and HDL cholesterol.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-20-3236
Objective Search of pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors of atherosclerosis in the employees of the cleaning service in Tbilisi. Materials and Methods As a result of a preliminary survey and examination of 200 employes of Tbilisi cleaning service aged 25-45 years (2014-2016), 22 patients with angina, hypercholesterolemia, intimae-media thickness > 0.65 mm, were selected into I group, and 23 individuals without these disorders into II group. In the blood plasma of the selected patients the intensity of oxidative metabolism parameters, TAA and MDA were determined. The variance and correlation analysis (АNOVA) was used for conducting the comparative analysis of the levels of studied parameters. Results In the combined group (I+II) there are several reliable correlations between the Age -TCol, Age-MDA, BMI-Tg, BMI-MDA, LDLChol-HDLChol, LDLChol–TChol, HDLChol-TChol, LDLChol-MDA, LDLChol-TAA. no correlation between these parameters in individual groups (I and II) was found. That indicates that we have an imaginary correlation related to the large intergroup difference between the average values of the group indicators, that is the values of various indicators change during the development of the pathological process, but there is no causal relationship between these alterations. The reliable TAA-MDA correlation in the combined group (I+II) is related to the high anticorrelation between these parameters and the significantly higher average value of TAA in the low-risk group (II) in comparison to the high-risk group (I). Conclusion The results analysis indicates both the diagnostic value of redox status indicators and their leading role in the atherogenesis processes. In populations with a high risk of atherosclerosis, monitoring of serum TAA is recommended.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3201
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition of chronic and widespread pain, with several associated symptoms. Previous studies suggested that gluten could influence the severity and frequency of FM symptoms. This work aimed to assess the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in the symptoms and severity of this disease. Fourteen patients with previous FM diagnosis were kept on a gluten-free diet for eight weeks (Phase 1). After that, they were held on the gluten-free diet and received capsules of isolated rice protein (placebo) for seven days, followed by capsules containing 8.4g/day vital gluten for additional seven days (Phase 2). Questionnaires evaluating the number and severity of FM symptoms, the impact of FM on daily routine as well as inflammatory blood markers were assessed in each phase. Results showed that after eight weeks of GFD, we observed a reduction in the impact of FM on daily routine and number of symptoms and sensitive points. However, a seven days challenge with 8.4g of gluten did not worsen these symptoms or the inflammatory markers compared with the placebo challenge. We concluded that the gluten-free diet was associated with the attenuation of main symptoms and improvement of life quality in FM patients. Nonetheless, gluten challenge had no impact on those parameters, suggesting that gluten is not the major dietary component responsible for these improvements. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between gluten intake and fibromyalgia.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-19-3154
Background The morbidity and mortality associated with the multi drug resistant Gram negative bacterial infections pose a significant and growing challenge to clinical practitioners. Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is a substantial nosocomial pathogen and confer high levels of resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics including carbapenems. The aim of this study is to determine the resistance profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from various clinical specimens. Material and Method In this study, the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 2452 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from various clinical specimens between July 2015 and November 2019 were considered retrospectively. Blood culture vials were incubated in Bac T / Alert 3D automated system, other samples were cultured on blood and Eosin Methylene-blue (EMB) medium. The identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolated bacteria were performed by VITEC 2 Compact ID-AST cards (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Etoile, Fransa) and the results were evaluated according to the standards of the Europian Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing (EUCAST). The first sample of each patient was included in the study. The strains with inappropriate results were re-studied with gradient agar diffusion test (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Etoile, Fransa). Results The study included a total of 2452 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and the distribution of samples was as follows: 894 (36, 5 %) blood, 790 (32, 2%) bronchial lavage, 211 (8,6 %) wound, 148 (6 %) drainage, 148 (6 %) peritoneal fluid, 95 (3, 9 %) tracheal aspirates, 64 (2,6%) catheter, 62 (2,5 %) urine, 40 (1,6%) other samples (pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, throat ). In this study, antibiotic susceptibility test results indicated that the resistance to tigecycline was lowest (0, 3%). High colistin resistance ratio (33, 5 %) in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was considered to be of concern. Conclusion In this study, high rates of resistance to carbapenems were noteworthy. Determination of hospital antimicrobial resistance rates will be useful in developing antibiotic use policies of each hospital, in the treatment of causative agents, in selecting antibiotics according to antimicrobial susceptibility.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-19-3112
Introduction Increased oxidative stress and blunted anti-oxidant mechanisms are important problems in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act directly on proteins, leading to the formation of oxidized amino acids. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are among these substances. Many oxidant substances increase the level of AOPP. Iron is an element with strong oxidant capacity, especially when used intravenously. It is thought that iron treatment further increases the oxidative stress in HD patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AOPP and inflammatory status in HD patients. Materials and Methods Patients who were on maintenance HD program without additional co-morbidities and no history of use of intravenous iron within the last two weeks were recruited in the study. The blood samples taken just before the dialysis session were analyzed for AOPP, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ß2-microglobulin, fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels besides routine biochemical measurements and complete blood count. Results The number of patients included in the study was 102 (n: 53 female, %52.0) and the mean age was 47.6±13.9 years. The mean transferrin saturation was 25.4%. AOPP levels, iron use in patients was higher compared to patients who do not use (respectively 2.58±0.19 mmol/l and 2.50 ±0.16mmol/l, p = 0.046). We did not detect statistically significant correlation of AOPP levels with iron parameters and other inflammatory markers. Conclusion The present study showed that intravenous iron therapy does not increase oxidative stress. Although serum AOPP level was higher in patients on intravenous iron treatment, it was not correlated with iron indices and inflammatory markers. So, intravenous iron may exert its oxidant effect free from serum iron indices.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-3094
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) does not provide the high reliability and precision that is required for an accurate screening for prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of our study was to search for a simple, rapid, direct, preferably non-invasive, and highly accurate biomarker and procedure for the screening for PCa. For this purpose the levels of bromine (Br) and zinc (Zn) were prospectively evaluated in expressed prostatic fluid (EPF). Also Zn/Br concentration ratio was calculated for EPF samples, obtained from 38 apparently healthy males and from 33, 51, and 24 patients with chronic prostatitis (CP), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa, respectively. Measurements were performed using an application of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) microanalysis developed by us. It was found that in the EPF of cancerous prostates the levels of Zn and Zn/Br were significantly lower in comparison with those in the EPF of normal, inflamed, and hyperplastic prostates. It was shown that “Sensitivity”, “Specificity” and “Accuracy” of PCa identification using the Zn and Zn/Br levels in the EPF samples were all significantly higher than those resulting from of PSA tests in blood serum. It was concluded that the Zn and Zn/Br levels in EPF, obtained by EDXRF, is a fast, reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be successfully used by local, non-urologist physicians at the point-of-care to provide a highly effective PCa screening and as an additional confirmatory test before a prostate gland biopsy.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-19-3085
Among 500 persons referred to laboratories for performing stool examinations samples (51.43%) were male and (48.57%) were female, all this personshad Abdominal pain and Diarrhea and 39% had a blood in their stool Among these numbers, 298 (59.6%) were positive for parasitic infections 90 (30.2%) Giardia lamblia and 208 (69.8%) Entamoeba histolytica .Also the higher infection rates were recorded in the age 10-19 the infection was (42 % Based on the reliable answers obtained from the interviewed patients or guardians using the pre-formatted questionnaires.The prevalence of intestinal protozoan according to drinking water materials the Plastic and brass have higher infection rate with (50.3%) and (30.2%).