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Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5771
Cameron AnthonyCorresponding author
This article offers a literature review and theoretical synthesis and application of existential therapy and the contextual model. It reviews the contextual factors that may be predictive of positive therapy outcomes in general, identifies distinct types of existential therapy, highlights core commonalities in these existential branches, and explores how the main aims of the existential therapy approach may be foundational in facilitating improved mental health treatment outcomes and well-being. The author asserts that presence-both intrapersonal and interpersonal are at the heart of the contextual factors, along with flexibility, and meaning-making. This assertion has implications for therapist education, development, training, and supervision.
Jul 2024
Saiki MasatoshiCorresponding author
Amyloid fibrils, which are caused by abnormal conformation and the mis-assembly of proteins, are responsible for several conformational diseases, including prion diseases. To develop methods to prevent amyloid formation, blocking peptides with hydrophilic substitutions covering the stem forming regions of barnase 1-24 were prepared and examined for their ability to block amyloid-forming fragments—prion, Amyloid β, Pmel 17—. When these fragments were mixed with the synthetic blocking peptides, the result was a decline in the intensity of fluorescence, suggesting that amyloid formation was inhibited. Therefore, amyloidogenesis appears to be specifically inhibited by disrupting the hydrophobic interactions between core amyloid regions.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4181
K. Al Miraj A.Corresponding author
Research Assistant, Dept of Vascular Surgery, BSM Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh
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.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-19-2598
Rasool GhulamCorresponding author
School of Mathematical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR-China
This study aims to numerically investigate the Marangoni convective flow of nanoliquid initiated by surface tension and heading towards a radiative Riga surface. The surface tension appears in the problem due to the gradients of temperature and concentration at the interface. The influence of first order chemical reaction is involved in the system with sufficient boundary conditions. Set of governing nonlinear PDEs is transformed into highly nonlinear ODEs using suitable transformations. HAM is applied for convergent series solutions. Impact of various pertinent fluid parameters on momentum, thermal and solutal boundary layers is analyzed graphically. The chemical reaction plays vital role in saturation of nanoparticles in the base fluid near the surface as well as away from it. The Lorentz forces originated by the Riga surface become powerful when the radiation parameter comes into effect. The significance of Riga plate is thus more prominent through thermal radiation. However, the magnetic effect dampens down for higher radiation parameter. Fluid parameters, Nusslt and Sherwood numbers are analyzed with detailed discussion and concluding remarks.
Aug 2018
Perez JalessaCorresponding author
Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
The present study was designed to examine differences among cancer patients who died by medical/natural causes or by suicide. This study aims to identify protective and risk factors for suicide in individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Unlike previous studies that examined suicidality in cancer patients, our study did not find significant differences between patients with a cancer diagnosis at TOD who died by suicide and those who died by natural or medical causes.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-26-6307
Faisst Arne-C.Corresponding author
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.
Jan 2026
Donald CourtneyCorresponding author
There is no shortage of terms that are used to describe and articulate the strategies, practices, and underpinnings associated with the work engaged in by behavior analysis. Two terms that a clinic-focused behavior analyst may hear often are maladaptive behavior and problem behavior. These terms are not only common within our everyday practice, but they are also peppered throughout behavioral literature. Despite their permanency in the behavior analyst's repertoire, their meanings remain inconsistent, interchangeable, and conceptually unclear. For over a century, this lack of precision has gone unchecked, despite extensive research on undesirable or clinically significant behaviors. This article offers individuals a recount of the history, definitional limitations, and functional implications of these terms. From the perspective of early psychological scholarship and contemporary behavior-analytic sources, I argue that the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) will benefit from distinguishing maladaptive behavior as the presence of behavior that adversely affects the individual, while problem behavior should refer to the absence or inhibition of adaptive responses in relation to others' social behaviors. Furthermore, I propose that both terms be used to describe the effects on the person engaging in the behavior, instead of others around the individual, as a method of improving directionality and functional clarity. As a field focused on verbal behavior, becoming more conceptually precise with our own verbal behavior will lead to a more coherent basis for interpreting and treating behaviors that interfere with individuals' adaptation and well-being.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-25-5503
H. Nelson MarkCorresponding author
Purpose Create a new diagnostic and therapeutic framework for patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and choroid imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology who have persistent neovascular exudation during the course of monotherapeutic interventions. Methods Retrospective, longitudinal case series study of 25 eyes from 23 patients with the referral diagnoses of treatment resistant Exudative ARMD who had persistent neovascular exudation despite various monotherapies. Inclusion criteria required choroidal imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular pathology including a thickened subfoveal choroid (greater than 300 microns) and vessels (subjectively dilated choroidal vessels in Haller’s layer) on Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT), choroidal neovascularization on IVFA and OCT Angiography (OCTA), as well choroidal leakage noted on indocynanine green videoangiography (ICG). Treatment consisted of OCTA and ICG - Directed Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Triple Therapy, hereafter described as Combination Therapy, to areas of choroidal hyperpermeability and choroidal neovascularization. Combination therapy consisted of an anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) intravitreal injection on Day 0 followed by half-fluence PDT and 2 mg intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on Day 3-14. Results All study patients had treatment resistant Exudative ARMD defined as persistent subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid during their course of monotherapeutic interventions. Complete resolution of all exudation occurred in 23 eyes (92.0%) at 8 weeks. The mean duration of action was 155.6 weeks, with 72.0% of eyes leak free greater than 100 weeks. The mean vision at baseline was 0.46 ± 0.42 LogMAR, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). 8 weeks after treatment, the vision was 0.35 ± 0.38 LogMar, an improvement of over one line, and this was maintained at one year. The baseline central subfield thickness (CST) was 296.4 ± 136.1 microns and improved by 111.4 ± 105.4 microns at 8 weeks after treatment. Treatment duration was negatively associated with the Caucasian race. Conclusions Patients with subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid secondary to Exudative ARMD should have a complete baseline multimodality imaging study to confirm the presence of neovascularization and whether choroidal hyperpermeability coexists. This study shows that patients with Exudative ARMD and persistent neovascular exudation despite monotherapuetic interventions often have choroidal biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology and that ICG and OCTA-directed PDT Triple Therapy resulted in complete resolution of all exudation in 92.0% of patients at 8 weeks with a reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) of 111.4 microns. The vision improvement at 8 weeks was 0.11 ± 0.38 LogMar and was sustained over 1 year. The mean duration of action was 155.6 weeks, with 72.0% of eyes leak free greater than 100 weeks. Additionally, this study shows that the treatment that addresses both pathological processes is successful and should be considered as a primary protocol when the biomarkers are present at baseline or as a secondary protocol if indeed the neovascular leakage is persistent despite monotherapy. Summary Patients with an Exudative ARMD with persistent neovascular exudation despite anti-VEGF monotherapy and who have imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology often have two pathophysiological processes: choroidal hyperpermeability and angiogenesis. A proposed framework provides the rationale for OCTA and ICG-directed PDT Triple Therapy which successfully resolves 92% of the leakage that was persistent after various monotherapeutics.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5626
Kankindi PriscillieCorresponding author
Background Masculinity remains a dominant phenomenon in the social construction and performance of male roles in society, influencing economic participation, access to essential services, and decision-making at household levels. Research focusing on women's empowerment has been extensively done, with little focus on how masculine support from men impacts the well- being of married women. This study examined how married women perceive male support in the context of economic, emotional, and physical support in Luwero district, Uganda. Methods This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted among married women aged 18 to 49 years. Key informant interviews were conducted with community women aged 30 to 40 years, and village health teams aged 30 to 40 years. The study participants were purposively selected based on the inclusion criteria of the study. Data were analysed using content analysis and the findings were presented using themes/sub-themes along with participant quotes. Results We interviewed married women aged 18 to 49 years old, with the majority falling in the age category of 30 to 39 years (59.1%) and were married for over 6 to 9 years (45.5%). Concerning the key informants, 2 VHTs were aged between 30 to 39 years (66.7%), and the women leaders were aged between 30 to 40 years (60%). About male support among women, nine subthemes emerged, including low engagement in family affairs, lack of financial support and cultural traditions, women’s insecurity, emotional neglect, women as providers of emotional support, lack of emotional responsiveness, emotional support driven by institutional policy, shared domestic responsibilities, and lack of physical presence during sickness. Generally, male support towards women was found to be lacking. Conclusion Male support among married women remains insufficient, contributing to emotional strain and unequally distributed responsibilities. Strengthening community awareness and engaging men through tailored programs can foster a more supportive domestic environment.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-25-5659
Marks RayCorresponding author
Background Older adults with disabling osteoarthritis may be severely impacted by negative emotions and pain, especially if they feel isolated. Review Aims 1) To summarize the research base concerning the presence of depression in older adults suffering from osteoarthritis; 2) To examine the degree to which mitigating loneliness is desirable in this regard and may be helped by one of the many emergent robotic social devices offering companionship; and 3) To provide directives for professionals who work or are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods Reviewed were current publications detailing some aspect of osteoarthritis in the older adult, depression, emergent loneliness and social isolation, and the role and impact of robotic personal ‘friends’ in this realm. Results Collectively, these data reveal efforts to reduce and mitigate different degrees of depression in older adult osteoarthritis cases are needed and that social robots may help quell isolation. Implication Those older adults with osteoarthritis suffering from depression and emergent loneliness and social isolation may benefit from robotic human or pet like contacts and interactions regardless of cause and overall health status, but the key is still loneliness prevention.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-25-5525
G. Sivets GrigoriiCorresponding author
A stereoselective synthesis of N-glycosyl amides was studied from available N-glycosyl oxazolines prepared by Ritter-like reactions of protected sugar acetonides. Hydrolysis reactions of the protected pentofuranosyl and hexafuranosyl oxazolines, as precursors of glycosyl amine derivatives, were carried out in the presence of silica gel in chloroform to giveN-α- and β-glycosyl amides in good yields after column chromatography on silica gel. Access to selectively blocked N-α-xylo-, -ribo-, β-arabino-furanosyl, α-glyco-, α-allo-furanosyl, α- and β-galactopyranosyl amides (twelve examples) useful for preparing modified N-glycosides was accomplished through a mild hydrolysis of sugar oxazolines with 2-alkyl substituents in acidic and neutral conditions. To further explore the scope of the BF3.Et2O-mediated approachdeveloped for N-furanosyl oxazolines, a stereoselective synthesis of protected N-α-hexopyranosyl oxazoline was fulfilled in a high yield from d-galactopyranose diacetonide derivative. The Ritter-like promoted reaction between D-arabinose and benzonitrile afforded 2-phenyl-β-d-arabinofurano-(1,2-d)-2-oxazoline as the main product. In acetonitrile the BF3.Et2O-KHF2-assisted reactions of unprotected native sugars were found to result in the formation of mixtures of N-furanosyl and pyranosyl acetamides.
Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5560
Bai YeonCorresponding author
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well-known. Despite the legislative and systemic efforts to promote breastfeeding in South Korea, the nation’s current rate of exclusive breastfeeding (5.2%) during the infant’s first six months is alarming. Under the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study elicited the beliefs around exclusive breastfeeding commonly held by low-income women participating in NutriPlus, the community nutrition program. Using a convenient sampling method, online open-ended surveys were conducted with two program clinics in Seoul during spring of 2024. The survey included questions about their demography and beliefs regarding indirect theoretical constructs of the exclusive breastfeeding behavior by listing top three things that came to their mind. A total of 120 NutriPlus clients participated in this survey. Though 53.1% of postpartum women were breastfeeding, only 28.1% were breastfeeding exclusively. Based on most frequently mentioned beliefs, we classified them to behavioral, normative, and control beliefs under TPB. Modal behavioral beliefs were healthy babies (n=87) and mother-baby bonding (n=71) and feeding issues (n=96) and inconvenience resulting from the act of breastfeeding (n=86). Family members seemed to shape both positive (n=122) and negative (n=37) normative beliefs. The presence of support (n=84) mattered to facilitate breastfeeding, while feeding issues (n=98) played as barriers. Promotion efforts need to emphasize breastfeeding knowledge and skill building and include family members and society at large to improve the awareness and transform barriers of breastfeeding to facilitators.
May 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-25-5529
Al-saeed NawafCorresponding author
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.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-24-5218
Luna-Rivero CesarCorresponding author
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often causes coagulation disorders that affect highly vascularized organs, such as the lungs and kidneys. Objective The objective of this study was to report the histopathological findings of variations in the fibrin pattern of pulmonary and renal microthrombi in patients who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Minimally invasive autopsies were performed on 40 patients to collect lung (n=40) and kidney (n=16) tissue samples. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques were used for histopathological analyses. Premortem laboratory data were obtained from the patients' electronic medical records. Results The lung tissue showed a patchy pattern, characterized by areas of both minimal and severe damage. The most significant histopathological finding was the detection of thrombi with fibrin structures organized into discrete star-shaped units, which were more frequently observed in areas with severe lung injury than in those with minimal lung injury (p = 0.012). Star-shaped fibrin structures were also observed in the renal glomerular capillaries. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of platelets and the procoagulant proteins von Willebrand factor (VWF) and Factor VIII within the star-shaped fibrin thrombi. Patients with star-shaped fibrin thrombi had higher levels of the systemic inflammatory indicators C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Conclusion Our observations suggest that the inflammatory microenvironment resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to the formation of star-shaped fibrin units in the pulmonary and renal microthrombi.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-24-5195
Mutile Kavai SusanCorresponding author
The persistence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) is a challenge especially in regions where typhoid is endemic. Surveillance of circulating genotypes of MDR S. Typhi is crucial in typhoid acute cases and carriers. This study aimed to investigate genotypic diversity of S. Typhi from symptomatic and asymptomatic children in endemic settings in Nairobi, Kenya. Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals’ ≤ 16 years were recruited at four health facilities and tested for typhoid through stool cultures. The S. Typhi isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing to investigate multidrug resistance. The MDR S. Typhi isolates’ DNA was extracted and illumina sequenced. Raw reads were de novo assembled and analyzed by pathogen-watch. From the 90 sequenced isolates, 60 (67%) were confirmed to be S. Typhi (sequence Type 1 and genotype 4.3.1). Out of the 60 S. Typhi strains; 39 (65%) had plasmids, from these 38 (97%) had IncHI1 plasmids alone. Out of the 60, 59 (98%) S. Typhi isolates had blaTEM-1D. Point mutations conferring reduced susceptibility to quinolones were detected in 42 (70%) of S. Typhi isolates, from these; 14 (33%) had gyrA S83Y , and 28 (67%) gyrB S464F genes, respectively. This study reports 4.3.1 (H58) as the most dominant S. Typhi genotype responsible for spread of MDR phenotypes carried on IncHI1 plasmids. Presence of MDR S. Typhi with resistance genes such as blaTEM-1Dand reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin especially among asymptomatic individuals, reiterates the need for use of typhoid conjugate vaccine among vulnerable children as a control and prevention measure against typhoid.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-24-5006
Khatoon Hossein Mehdi Poor NargisCorresponding author
Objectives This study explores the clinical characteristics, associated infections, and management outcomes of syphilis within a specific population over the years 2018 to 2022. With a focus on the frequency, clinical manifestations, and co-infections of syphilis, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding the nuanced dynamics of this sexually transmitted infection and its impact on public health. Methods The study employs a retrospective analysis of data collected from 2018 to 2022, utilizing three key serological tests (Syphilis AB, RPR/VDRL, and TPHA) to characterize syphilis infections within the population. Clinical manifestations and associated infections, including HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, are systematically assessed. Treatment rates and re-infection patterns are also analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of syphilis epidemiology within the studied timeframe. Results The frequency of syphilis, particularly indicated by the Syphilis AB test, exhibited a marked increase in 2020, reaching 96%, suggesting a heightened frequency within the population. RPR/VDRL test results demonstrated consistent frequency, emphasizing the persistent presence of active syphilis infections. Clinical manifestations, such as chancre, skin rashes, alopecia syphilitica, and lymphadenopathy, displayed dynamic patterns over the study years. Co-infection rates varied, with fluctuations observed in HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, while HBV and HCV showed infrequent but stable frequency. The management of syphilis cases demonstrated commendable treatment rates, but an increase in re-infection rates in 2021 highlights the need for continued vigilance. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of syphilis epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated infections within the studied population. The results offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of syphilis and its co-infections, informing public health initiatives and interventions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the epidemiological landscape and underscore the importance of sustained efforts in both prevention and treatment to curb the transmission of syphilis and its associated infections. The study, however, calls for continued vigilance and research to address the evolving trends and challenges in syphilis management within the specified population.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-24-4970
Degenhardt SarahCorresponding author
Melanoma treatment has improved significantly with the development of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), which has greatly enhanced the survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, a significant number of patients do not respond well to ICI treatment and experience progression. This highlights the critical need for practical means to track melanoma patients' response to ICI. To address this issue, the patterns of circulating miRNAs were studied in liquid biopsies of melanoma patients. These miRNAs have the potential to provide essential information regarding the cancer stage, progression, and the presence of PD-L1 in tumor tissue. A sophisticated flow cytometric test was used to measure up to 63 different miRNAs at once. The study identified a combination of nine miRNAs that are capable of distinguishing between different stages of melanoma, particularly stage IV. Additionally, five miRNAs were pinpointed which are downregulated in patients who do not respond to ICI treatment. Furthermore, two miRNAs were found that correlate to the level of PD-L1 in tumor tissue, and low levels of miR-150-5p were linked to poorer overall survival. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs could serve as valuable markers to predict the effectiveness of ICI, provide insights into the cancer's stage and PD-L1 status, and ultimately help physicians make better treatment decisions in the future. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish their clinical usefulness.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-24-4984
H. Al-Sadeeq AidaCorresponding author
Introduction Children with complicated Severe Acute Malnutrtion (SAM) admitted to Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC), and ‘uncomplicated’ SAM managed in Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP). Objective This study aims to examine the anthropometric differences between SAM admitted to TFC and OTP. Methods A hospital based case control study conducted in the Therapeutic Feeding Program (TFP) of Al-Sadaka General Teaching hospital, Aden, included complicated (cases) and uncomplicated (control) severely wasted 6-60 month old children admitted between July 2022 to June 2023. The WHO anthropometric calculator was used to assess every child’s weight-for-length/height SD and length/height for age SD. Results A total of 313 cases and 122 controls were admitted, mean age, weight, length/height, and MUAC among the cases were (13.04±7.34 mo., 5.41±1.33 kg, 68.32±7.10 cm, and 10.57±1.36 cm) respectively; while among the controls were (20.05±12.93 mo., 7.05±1.74 kg, 76.89±10.46 cm, and 11.28±1.11 cm) respectively. Severe wasting by WFL/H < - 3SD z- score seen more among the controls; cases vs controls were (37.0% vs 68.9%). Howevere, the other groups of severity of WFL/H z-score were seen with nearly douple frequencies among the case vs the controls (35.8% vs 18.8% < - 4SD), (14.7 vs 7.4% < - 5SD). Less than – 6SD was seen much more among the cases vs the controls (8.6% vs 1.6%). Less than – 7 SD among the cases was 1.3% and no children belong to this group in the controls.. The majority of the cases belonged to the age group 6-24 months. Conclusion Children a dmitted to TFC had severe wasting reaching up to < - 6 and < - 7 SD below the WHO cut-off, WFL/H < - 3SD z-score, and at an early age, with simultaneous presence of severe stunting and low MUAC which denotes high mortality risk.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-23-4785
Duguma ArarsaCorresponding author
Reproductive performance is an essential trait of cows in dairy cattle. The effect of different factors on reproductive performances and sex ratio difference in dairy cattle were not well documented in Ethiopia. In this research, cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 in Hawassa city to assess reproductive performances and effect of breeding methods on sex ratio difference of newborn. Questionnaires and observational study were used to collect data. In this study, the mean+SE of age at first service was 17.53+0.035 with difference of relatively one month from onset of puberty. The mean number of services per conception was higher in animals breed naturally (1.87+0.056) as compared to AI (1.69+0.049). Higher conception rate of 74.26% was obtained in age group of <4years as compared to old age >6years at rate of 4.11% with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Animals with medium level of milk production (15-20L/day) more conceived to first service 43.14% than higher milk production group (20-25L/day) with 35.59%. The presence of reproductive problems significantly affect conception rate to first service with higher conception rate of 54.47% in negative animals and 22.41% in animals with reproductive problems. Conception rate was increased with increasing number of services in both breeding types. Sex of newborn was not significantly affected by breeding methods used and difference in the study area. Generally this research found that reproductive performances and use of AI in the study area were satisfactory even though age, level of milk production and presence of reproductive health problems had significant impacts on performances. In order to sustain and improve reproductive performances age, reproductive health problems and breeding management should be considered. Therefore, reproductive health management and application of AI for genetic improvement should be well practiced to improve dairy cattle reproductive performances.
Aug 2023
Almabadi BayanCorresponding author
DADA2 (deficiency of adenosine deaminase type 2) is an autoinflammatory autosomal recessive disease resulting from biallelic loss of function mutations in ADA2 gene. Clinical presentation and age of onset vary widely even among related patients, and variability of symptoms and severity manifestations include bone marrow failure, autoinflammation, immunodeficiency and vasculitis. Here, we report a case of young male with adult onset DADA2, who presented with fever, lower limbs skin rash, joint pain, and anemia resembling systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). DADA2 has an extremely variable clinical phenotype. It was described into three categories: inflammatory/vascular, immune dysregulation, and hematologic. However, the data is scant in describing autoimmunity phenotype in DADA2 and further studies are required to investigate the clinical correlation and presence of autoantibodies. We recommend genetic testing in cases with lupus-like disease especially if there is consanguinity between parents and family history of vasculitis.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-22-4390
Berhane NegaCorresponding author
Background The genetic material of the genetically modified crop has been altered to develop the necessary insect resistance features by introducing genes from the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) bacterium. The objective of this study was to find smuggled GM Bt crops in the Metema farming area and examine its environmental effects. Method An experimental; Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to collect crop samples in the study area. The CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) technique was used to isolate DNA from all transported samples, and the purity was determined using a Nano Drop spectrophotometer. Conventional PCR with particular primers for different Bt gene events was used to detect the presence of genes. Furthermore, utilizing Bt cotton specific primer sets, the prevalence of GM cotton was measured, and amplified fragments were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Result The PCR results revealed that 15 (33.3 percent) of the samples were Bt cotton smuggled from Sudan. The PCR assay also revealed the presence of GM maize. Moreover, the effects of GM genes on the environment were studied in diseased samples, and no transgenes were found. Furthermore, domestic and indigenous crops were used to determine horizontal gene transfers of GM genes to other crops, and the transgene was not found in any of the samples analyzed. Conclusion: In the current study, 28 (13.4%) of the 209 (100%) total analyzed samples were GM crops which indicated the presence of unauthorized GM seeds in the study area. Environmental impact studies and horizontal gene transfer data similarly revealed that the Bt gene was not transferred to other crops and had no harmful environmental effects. For a better understanding of the Impact of imported unauthorized GM seeds, more additional detection of GM events should be done by expanding the sampling site and sample types.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-22-4251
Kumari SachinCorresponding author
The study's goal was to determine the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of A. mexicana aerial parts. Extracts were prepared using different solvents namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water on basis of increasing polarity using soxhlet appratus. Aqueous extract from the flower contained the highest level of total phenolics, followed by that of the stem and leaves. The flower methanol extract was found to contain the most total flavonoids. With IC50 values of 24.98 g/ml in acetone extract, the stem component demonstrated the most DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, followed by leaves with IC50 values of 36.29 g/ml in hexane extract and flowers with IC50 values of 38.33 g/ml in acetone extract. FTIR analysis showed that the presence of phenols and flavanoids. In different solvents, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity of aerial portions of A. mexicana varied greatly, and it increased with increasing concentration levels. In terms of antioxidant potency, higher amounts of total phenolics in aqueous extract, total flavonoids in methanol extract, and acetone extract were shown to be the most potent antioxidant. The aerial parts of A. mexicana have a considerable amount of flavanoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-22-4314
D Hawkins AnthonyCorresponding author
Underwater sound is very important to most fishes and invertebrates. Underwater sounds from both natural and human sources can have adverse effects upon aquatic animals, and especially fishes, and invertebrates. It is important to examine the effects of sound upon them, and especially the effects of sounds derived from human sources (anthropogenic sounds). It may be possible to introduce protective regulations to reduce their effects. Fishes and invertebrates can detect underwater sounds, and they use sound to obtain key information about the environment around them. They can also make sounds themselves, especially during their spawning. Sounds travel rapidly over great distances in water and can provide detailed information to these animals on the presence of prey, predators, and related species, while the overall acoustic scene provides them with key information about their environment. Anthropogenic sounds can be very harmful, and it is therefore important to deal with them. A succession of reports and scientific papers have emphasised the risks to these animals from exposure to man-made sounds or noise and will be mentioned in this paper, which also deals with the Criteria and Metrics for assessing the effects of underwater sound on fishes and invertebrates.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-6622.ijar-22-4221
Tadesse TeferaCorresponding author
National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Holotta, Ethiopia
Cyanobacteria are considered as one of the important group of organisms having significant ecological, industrial, and biotechnological importance. Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of atten ion in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. This review presents an overview of uses of cyanobacteria in industry agriculture, environment pharmaceutical and medicinal roles and to provide future prospects of the field of cyanobacteria biotechnology. Nowadays cyanobacteria have gained attention researchers because of their various potential applications such as food and feed pharmaceutical industries in medicine, in bioremediation, soil conditioning, as biopolymers, bio adhesives, bioenergy and biofertilizers. Due to presence of wide spectrum of bioactive compounds cyanobacteria has possesses antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Several strains of cyanobacteria are also rich in food supplements. Further nitrogen fixing and soil conditioning capacity of cyanobacteria attracted researchers. Recent studies have also shown that cyanobacteria have capability to degrade environmental pollutants and are also being used as a promising source of alternative energy. Cyanobacteria has also its limitations through bloom production it influnces on the nutrient availability and usage of phytoplankton plants. This review is an effort to forward the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet.Thus more efforts should be made in search of more potential strains of cyanobacteria to ensure maximum production of the desired products.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-22-4216
Donald Hawkins AnthonyCorresponding author
Kincraig, Blairs, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
This article has been retracted on 30 May 2023. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-25-5851) Underwater sounds from human sources can have detrimental effects upon aquatic animals, including fishes, and currently such sounds are very common. It is important to examine such anthropogenic sounds and their effects upon aquatic animals, so that it is possible to introduce protective regulations. Fishes and other aquatic animals can detect underwater sounds and use them to obtain key information about the environment around them. Sounds travel rapidly over great distances in water and can provide detailed information on the presence of prey, predators, and related fishes, while the overall acoustic scene provides the fishes with key information about their environment. Although some of the background noise is generated by natural sources, including the precipitation of rain and snow, and wind and waves, many underwater sounds now come from anthropogenic sources, often termed “noise”. Some of these human-made sounds can kill or injure fishes and other aquatic animals, also impairing their hearing, and altering their behavior. There is a need for more work on the impact of human-made underwater noise upon the fitness of aquatic animals. This paper considers the gaps in information that must be resolved. The effects that need to be considered include death and injuries, physiological effects, and changes in behavior.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4133
Qing XinCorresponding author
Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4061
B. Danilova AnnaCorresponding author
N.N. Petrov National Medicine Research Center of Oncology, Department of Oncoimmunology, 197758, Leningradskaya str., 68, Pesochny, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
Background Human malignant cell models which reflect the structural and physiological complexity of tumor tissue are of great importance for preclinical research in oncology. Spheroids/tumoroids derived from solid tumors are of great interest as cellular models mimicking the first vascular-free growth phase of a tumor node. The fact of the identity between artificially created tumor multicellular aggregates and the real tumor tissue, however, needs to be specified, described and validated in order to see how closely the spheroids are biologically similar to the malignized tissues in vivo compared to the monolayer cell cultures traditionally used. We present here a comparison study of the characteristics of solid tumor cells of different histogenesis (melanomas, soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, epithelial tumors) cultured in two dimensions (monolayer culture) and three dimensional space (spheroid), namely: spatial organization, multiplication, metabolic activity. Patients and Methods For the creation of 2 D and 3D cell models the cells isolated from the patient's solid tumor fragments obtained intraoperatively were used. 15 samples of skin melanoma, 20 samples of soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas (STBS), and 9 samples of epithelial tumors (ET). The tumor cells were all cultivated for at least 10 passages. We used phase contrast, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to investigate spheroids and monolayer cultures. The supernatants of tumor cells grown in 2D and 3D cultures were studied using ELISA and multiplex analysis for the production of a spectrum of chemokines and cytokines supporting the immunosuppression, invasion and metastasis processes. Results Tumor specimens received were predominantly of metastatic origin (75%). In 100% of cases 2D cultures were received, in 88.6% of cases (39 out of 44) we succeeded in obtaining spheroids. There was no direct correlation between the efficiency of tumoroid formation and the tumor's histogenetic origin and the stage of the cancer process (primary tumor, recurrence, metastasis). The median size of spheroids by 4-5 days of cultivation with a starting concentration of 10000 cells per well was 657.14 μm for melanoma (min 400 - max 1000 μm), 571.42 μm (min 400 - max 700 μm), 507.14 μm (min 300 - max 600 μm) for soft tissue sarcomas, 650.0 μm (min 400 - max 900 μm) for osteogenic sarcomas. Immunochemical analysis of Ki-67, GLUT1, and Ecadherin markers was carried out for tumor tissue samples, single-layer tumor cultures, and tumoroids of every patient. The distribution of the stained groups in the spheroids was distinct from the monolayer cultures and more in accordance with the distribution of such in the tissue tumor, the number of Ki-67+ cells was increasing in the spheroids. We detected no dependence of Ki-67+ and GLUT1+ cell localization grade on spheroid size. We identified E-cadherin in tumor tissue and tumoroids of breast carcinoma and one melanoma culture. Monolayer cultures did not express it. The increase in secretory cell activity of the solid tumor cells from 2D to 3D system was observed when CCL2, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL16, MIF, IL10, MICA (p<0.01) were investigated. Conclusion The presence of patient-specific cells of solid tumors in a 3D environment causes activation of the proliferative and metabolic processes as compared to monolayer cultures, which makes these models approximate the real world clinical picture. The production of chemokines that can attract to the tumor various types of immune system cells, to include their immature versions, as well as production of cytokines and Immunosuppression factors that, when present in the tumor microenvironment in the high concentrations, contribute to the formation of immune cells having suppressive capacities occurs in the 3D cell system. Three-dimensional model of the initial tumor nodule formation stage thus demonstrates the forming process of tumor cells favorable for them microenvironment. Construction of three-dimensional models - spheroids of tumor cells of differing histogenesis demands individual approach and more thorough investigation.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-21-3999
Pino Marrero KatiaCorresponding author
Holguin's university of medical sciences, Cuba.
Vaccines symbolize the main pandemic control tool in the world, which is why they are the object of study in many investigations. In this work, the Abdala vaccine was characterized in terms of adverse reactions by conducting a survey and statistical processing of the data taken through distribution graphs of the same, developed in the Minitab software 16. Of the people involved, 47.67% presented Symptoms that were mild to moderate with the presence of pain in the area of the injection, drowsiness and decay, mainly. Based on the distribution of the data in histograms, the duration of these symptoms was approximately 1 day. Likewise, it was observed that the symptoms occur mainly in females, for 33.72% of the cases in the first dose and 23.26% after the second dose was applied.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-4005
Musa Fadlelmula KhalidCorresponding author
Jazan University -Faculty of Medicine-Anatomy Department
During routine dissection of the right hand of a 52-year-old Asian descent male cadaver in the Department of Anatomy at Jazan University-Faculty of Medicine, we observed an anatomical variation of the ulnar nerve (UN). There was a trifurcation of the nerve in the ulnar tunnel proximal to the pisiform bone. An awareness of such variation may be of great clinical importance despite the presence of trifurcation of the ulnar nerve, which does not usually cause symptoms but becomes important in the evaluation of entrapment neuropathy and during surgical and orthopedic interventions
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-21-4010
G. Poda GhislainCorresponding author
University Pedagogical Institute, Public Health Department, Bamako - Mali.
Background: HIV / AIDS affects all social strata and including female sex workers who are a particularly vulnerable group at risk of HIV infection. Objective To assess the risky sexual behavior of female sex workers in Bamako, Mali. Methods This is a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 288 female sex workers in the city of Bamako, Mali. This study used a questionnaire to collect information from January to April 2021. Results Out of 288 sex workers, 41% came from neighboring countries (Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mauritania). More than half of the participants had started working as sex workers before the age of 20. More than half of sex workers do not always use a condom. About 32% of female sex workers had previously had anal sex, 20% had experienced group sex, and less than a quarter smoked or drank alcohol before sex. A significant relationship was found between the behavior or practice of sex workers with the following variables: ethnicity (P = 0.04); marital status (P = 0.01); monthly income (P = 0.001), age at first sexual intercourse (P = 0.03); the presence of STDs in the past (P = 0.02), knowledge of HIV status (P = 0.04) and nationality (P = 0.03). Conclusions This study highlights negative risk behaviors of sex workers such as not using condoms consistently, anal sex, alcohol, and smoking. It is therefore important to develop education actions to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sex workers related to HIV/ AIDS in Mali.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-21-4003
Tomas-Esteban DanicaCorresponding author
Resident, Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City, Philippines
This is a case of a pediatric patient who presented with a sudden onset of right abducens nerve palsy with contralateral hemiplegia with no facial paralysis. With the constellation of symptoms aided by the presence of enhancing pontine mass on magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) was presumed to have caused the findings consistent with the common type of Raymond syndrome.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-21-3978
J. Agustin KimCorresponding author
second year Resident, Rizal Medical Center, Ophthalmology Department
Objective To present a case of Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia in a 75yo patient Case Description A 75 year old, Filipino, male, known hypertensive for 10 years, but not compliant to medications, presented with a sudden onset binocular horizontal, diplopia and bilateral exotropia associated with dizziness. No other symptoms like slurring of speech, body weakness, numbness were noted. Primary gaze exotropia, abduction nystagmus, gaze evoked vertical nystagmus were also noted. Imaging was done which revealed hypodense focus in the subcortical region of the right centrum semiovale extending to the right corona radiata, with unremarkable orbits, midbrain and pons findings. WEBINO was still considered even without the presence of a pontine lesion in the imaging. The patient was advised patching and was asked to follow up after a month.
Sep 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3926
Patoka Guillaume Kalonji MuasaCorresponding author
University of Liège, Department of Public Health Sciences, Belgium
Background The nutritional situation in prisons of developing countries and the health status of inmates remain a major human rights concern. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of inmates jailed in a prison of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi, DRC. Three hundred inmates were selected according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Severe malnutrition was defined according to Buzby index and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI). Data were analyzed by Stata™ (version12.0). Results The inmates were aged between 18 and 70 years and primarily males (88.7%). Of them, 24% were suffering from severe malnutrition and 62% of moderate malnutrition as based on the NRI. At the time of study, 88% of inmates were incarcerated for more than 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently associated with severe malnutrition were incarceration of more than 6 months (OR=5.1; 95% CI (1.5-17.4)), origin of food (prison vs. family or NGO) (OR=4.7; 95% CI (1.6-13.8)) presence of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus and/or intestinal infections (OR=2.6; 95% CI (1.4-4.7)). Conclusions The nutritional situation in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi is precarious. There is urgent need to supply enough nutrient-rich food to improve health of inmates.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-21-3917
Tarassishin LeonidCorresponding author
Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States.
50 years ago the Enzyme Immunoassay Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, mostly known as ELISA was developed. This is a powerful but simple method that is very widely used in the diagnostic practice, as well as in biomedical research. During this time a number of ELISA modification were developed that significantly increased its properties, especially the senstivity, such as avidin-biotin assay, immuno-PCR, nano-ELISA and finally, the digital ELISA. This short review describes the principles of ELISA and the evolution from a conventional assay to the modern ultra-sensitive method. Most of the immunological methods have two components: antigen and antibody. The high specificity of their interaction gives a possibility to detect one of them if other one is included in the reaction as a specific partner. The simplest method for antigen detection in the presence of the antibody is immune diffusion (radial immune diffusion in that case), which practically the formation of precipitate of the “antigen-antibody” complex, when the target antigen diffuses from well into agarose containing the specific antibody. Unfortunately, this assay, as well as other traditional methods, like hemagglutination or complement fixation, have a low sensitivity and are unwieldy.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-21-3867
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Background Aging is said to represent a declining state that is possibly especially compromised by sleep issues, and declining melatonin levels. Aim This review examined the idea that aging can be favorably influenced in numerous ways by the addition or maintenance of adequate melatonin levels. Specifically, the impact of melatonin on skeletal muscle was the key topic of interest. Method Reviewed were peer reviewed research and review articles specifically pertaining to healthy aging, melatonin, and muscle associated observations. Results Declining melatonin levels greatly impact multiple essential body systems and tissues. Supplements or interventions that heighten melatonin presence appear to have beneficial impacts on aging in general, and muscle function and structure, in particular. Conclusion The use of melatonin early on in the aging process is likely to produce more favorable long-term outcomes than not in cases of deficiency, and should be further investigated.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3756
Boulila MoncefCorresponding author
Professor, Université de Sfax- Institut de l’Olivier- B.P. 14, 4061 Sousse Ibn Khaldoun, Tunisia.
In contributing to the initiative to address the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to enhance the knowledge on driving forces shaping the evolution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (isolated from Tunisian patients), a comparison in relation to other coronaviruses infecting humans (SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, HCoV/229E, HCoV/NL63, HCoV/OC43, and HCoV/HKU1) as well as animals (SARS-CoVs in tiger, bats, civet, pangolin, bovine, and MERS-CoV in dromedary/camel), was conducted. In-depth analysis was carried out involving 115 sequences of spike glycoprotein-coding gene extracted from the international databases. Phylogeny inference allowed the reconstruction of a bifurcating tree where four distinct groups were delineated and at the same time, three animal accessions (SARS-CoV-2/tiger, MERS-CoV/camel, and SARS-CoV/bovine) shifted from the animal group and integrated the human coronaviruses clades. Nonetheless, in the presence of reticulate events such as recombination, networks described better the phylogenetic relationships rather than the classic dendrogram. Thus, networks were produced and identified four clusters containing sharply demarcated subgroups (eight subdivisions). Except networked phylogenies of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and HCoV/HKU1, all the others showed edges and boxes illustrating the occurrence of incompatibilities related to the sequences of spike glycoprotein-coding gene. Thereby and consolidating this result, three methods (RDP package, GARD, and RECCO) were used to detect breakpoints in aligned sequences. Except the clades SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, all the remaining phylogenetic subdivisions were subject to recombination. Furthermore, the screening of selection pressure in all studied sequences by various statistics-based models of the HyPhy package, showed that, similarly, the lineages belonging to the clades SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 were not under selection. In contrast, all members of the remaining clades underwent, to different extents, adaptive selection as well as purifying selection.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-3738
Mahmoud M. S. AliCorresponding author
The present study aims to shed light directly towards the extraction of (IV) cerium ions using "liquid surfactant membrane" technology, "LSM" developed in the presence of synergistic cationic and nonionic materials. The effect of various factors such as Ce (IV) transport, synergistic surfactants, curing ratio, stir speed, temperature, and mixing time between the carrier and the cerium ion on the extraction rate was studied by LSM taking into account surfactant agents. The positive effect of benzethonium chloride "Hy-1622" on the extraction of cerium ion was demonstrated by LSMs technique. Experiments confirmed the efficiency of Hy-1622 chloride synergistically with Span 80/85 to extract cerium ions with LSMs technology for emulsions in the oil phase is critical as it determines the stability, viscosity and mass transfer resistance of the resulting emulsion. Besides, Hy-1622 chloride was found as a new cationic surfactant that appeared in FTIR characterization and surfactant was found to speed up the permeability process and accelerate the extraction rate due to electrostatic interaction with the carrier.
Jan 2021
Vladimir Leonidovich MartynovCorresponding author
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky (UNN), Russia
The presence of numerous complaints of a gastroenterocolitic nature in patients with proven NBZ and CNDP and a sharp regression of these complaints after surgical correction of NBZ and CNDP allows us to conclude that the causes of these pathological manifestations are the failure of the Bauhinia valve and chronic violation of the duodenal patency, and the most adequate surgical aid for elimination of clinical manifestations of reflux disease is bauginoplasty with simultaneous duodenojejunostomy.
Jan 2021
Vladimir Leonidovich MartynovCorresponding author
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky (UNN), Russia
Annotation On the basis of 40 years of work on the treatment of 415 patients with gastroenterocolitis clinic, the author revealed the presence of refluxes due to anatomical defects of the Bauhinia valve (its failure) and the duodenum (chronic duodenal obstruction) at all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. After surgical correction of these anatomical breakdowns, the author states a significant improvement in all indicators of the state of both the digestive system and some extraintestinal manifestations, possibly the onset of precancer. The results obtained allowed the author to conclude that there are no "functional" disorders, this is only the level of our knowledge. Operations have been developed to correct the failure of the Bauhinia flap, intraoperative prevention of refluxes, and indications for methods of correcting chronic disorders of duodenal patency.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-20-3362
V. Shirale VaishaliCorresponding author
Department of Surgery, ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Background and Aim Gallbladder (GB) cancer is a highly fatal malignancy and approx. 10% new cases are diagnosed every year in India. The GB cancer has poor prognosis due to progressive nature. Understanding of risk factors that lead to GB development is urgently required for better management of the disease. Presence of stones in gall bladder generates varied mucosal reactions, which leads to different types of histopathological changes in mucosa. Here, our aim is to study the correlation between various types of mucosal responses e. g. inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia and carcinoma with different characteristics e. g. number and morphology of gallstones both in males and females. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of gallstones was performed on 438 cases of cholecystectomies operated laparoscopically based on the histological changes. Out of 438 cases, 394 (89.95%) were associated with gallstones and the rest 44 (10.05%) belonged to acalculous cholecystitis. The mucosal changes in calculous gall bladder were studied in 394 cases and its correlation with number and types of observed gallstones were evaluated. Tissue sections were taken from the fundus, body, neck and abnormal area of gallbladder for histopathological studies. Results Our study has revealed the higher incidence of inflammatory changes in males, while gall bladder hyperplasia, intestinal metaplasia and cancer cases were found mostly in females. Conclusion Our study showed that changes in the number and morphology of gallstones are directly associated with the mucosal changes in gallbladder e.g. inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia and gall bladder carcinoma.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-20-3672
M. Chaudhary SanjeevCorresponding author
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Akola.
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.2474-7785.jarh-20-3662
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background Most current Corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic deaths have been found to occur among populations older than 65 years of age, who often suffer from the presence of an array of chronic diseases that may be related to a co-occurring vitamin D deficiency. Another factor affecting older adults’ immune response mechanisms is air quality. In turn, air quality can impact the absorption of vitamin D from sunlight sources, a factor which could explain why older people, who are often vitamin D deficient, may be more likely than younger adults or healthy adults to be at risk for COVID-19 and poor outcomes. Aim This work was designed to examine the recent literature on COVID-19, vitamin D and air pollution and what it might imply for public health workers, policy makers, and others. Methods Available data accessed largely from the PUBMED data base for the year 2020 using the key words COVID-19, air pollution, and vitamin D deficiency were sought and selected items were carefully examined and documented in narrative and tabular formats. Results Many publications on COVID-19 prevail, but far fewer focus specifically on vitamin D deficiency and its possible role in explaining COVID-19 global health risk among older adults. A similar, albeit small number of publications, discuss the global pandemics of air pollution and its possible COVID-19 association, as well as its impact on vitamin D production. However, while most related articles support a possible independent as well as a dual role for both factors in COVID-19 the realm of this highly infectious widespread disease, very few actual studies have been conducted to date on any of these topical issues Conclusion More research to examine if vitamin D-based nutrients or supplements may provide some degree of community wide protection against COVID-19 in the older vitamin D populations, especially among those living in highly polluted areas may prove highly valuable. Controlling air pollution emissions globally and locally may also prove to be a highly impactful public health approach to reducing overall COVID-19 risk, and extent, and warrants study.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3650
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background The coronavirus Covid-19 strain that emerged in December 2019, continues to produce a widespread and seemingly intractable negative impact on health and longevity in all parts of the world, especially, among older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Aim The first aim of this review article was to examine, summarize, synthesize, and report on the research base concerning the possible use of vitamin-D supplementation for reducing both Covid-19 risk and severity, especially among older adults at high risk for Covid-19 infections. A second was to provide directives for researchers or professionals who work or are likely to work in this realm in the future. Methods All English language relevant publications detailing the possible efficacy of vitamin D as an intervention strategy for minimizing Covid-19 infection risk published in 2020 were systematically sought. Key words used were: Vitamin D, Covid-19, and Coronavirus. Databases used were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All relevant articles were carefully examined and those meeting the review criteria were carefully read, and described in narrative form. Results Collectively, these data reveal vitamin D is a powerful steroid like compound that is required by the body to help many life affirming physiological functions, including immune processes, but its deficiency may seriously impact the health status and well being of the older adult and others. Since vitamin D is not manufactured by the body directly, ensuring those who are deficient in vitamin D may prove a helpful overall preventive measure as well as a helpful treatment measure among older adults at high risk for severe Covid-19 disease outcomes. Conclusions Older individuals with chronic health conditions, as well as healthy older adults at risk for vitamin D deficiency are likely to benefit physically as well as mentally, from efforts to foster adequate vitamin D levels. Geriatric clinicians can expect this form of intervention to reduce infection severity in the presence of Covid-19 infection, regardless of health status, and subject to careful study, researchers can make a highly notable impact in this regard.
Oct 2020
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background Osteoarthritis, a serious and increasingly prevalent disabling global health condition found largely among older adults, has been linked to the presence of excess body weight. But what contributes to this growing health epidemic of excess weight, which is increasingly observed in children? Moreover, can a case be made for predicting a possible negative linkage between the pervasive use of social media from the earliest point in time and possible subsequent childhood overweight or obesity and late life osteoarthritis that may be amenable to intervention? Methods To examine the most probable answers to these questions, the EBSCO, Scopus and PUBMED data bases were sourced for relevant data. The extracted data were carefully reviewed, categorized and documented in narrative format. Results While one cannot readily carry out research to answer the above questions, prevailing data imply that there is more risk of being overweight in childhood, as well as acquiring possible later life disabling osteoarthritis, or a more serious manifestation of this disease, through the prolonged, unfettered and frequent use of social media in early and middle childhood. Conclusion Those in the realm of developing preventive strategies against childhood overweight or obesity as well as osteoarthritis are strongly encouraged to examine the role of the media environment and messages children are exposed early on in this regard. Alternately, children who already have disabilities, joint pain due to arthritis or other health conditions, and who may have to rely more on social media than others who are active- may suffer more readily from an energy imbalance and become overweight if due precautions against this are not taken.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3454
Gupta AnjuCorresponding author
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
We investigated physical steric and thermal stability effects induced by cholesterol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in liposomes encapsulated with riboflavin. The composition of liposome was varied systematically to decipher the individual and combined effects of cholesterol and PEG on the stabilization of liposomes, specially the photopolymerizable liposomes for their potential applications in photo-treatments. Our results indicate that inclusion of PEG in the lipids enhances the steric stabilization by adopting a brush-like regime that prevents the agglomeration of encapsulated liposomes. A mechanistic differential scanning calorimetry studies reveal the phase transitions and enthalpy changes in the lipid bilayer due to the presence of cholesterol suggesting its role in regulating membrane fluidity. Supporting in- vitro studies confirm the efficacy of PEGylated formulations encapsulating riboflavin.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3457
Gupta AnjuCorresponding author
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
PEGylation is a well-established strategy for improving the target specificity, circulation time and stability of liposomes, thereby improving their stealth properties. This brief review provides an insight on the composition of PEGylated liposomes and the characteristics that dictate the functionality of PEGylated liposomes such as surface density, molecular weight, presence of linkers and acyl groups. Physicochemical techniques used to characterize the PEG liposomes and test their stability are also discussed along with their clinical implications. This review provides the readers with a broad range of understanding of various PEGylated lipids, techniques to access their stability in liposomal formulations and state-of -the-art development of PEGylated liposomal formulations.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3434
R.R. Moreira PamelaCorresponding author
Background The mammary glands are the second most common tumor development site in female dogs. One of the ways of staging such tumors is to evaluate the presence or absence of distant metastasis, including in bone marrow. Such findings in human medicine are associated with poor survival of women with breast tumors. However, in veterinary medicine, this clinical staging is used more for patients with lymphomas and mastocytomas. Studies using bone marrow biopsies as a staging method for mammary tumors are scarce. Objectives The present study was to evaluate mammary lesions and bone marrow in 23 female dogs, searching for disseminated tumor cells or metastatic foci. Results: Grade I carcinoma in mixed tumors was the type most observed (22.4%), and there was no statistical difference in relation to tumor size or presence of metastasis in lymph nodes. In the bone marrow of one female dog with carcinosarcoma (4.35%), there was cytoplasmic marking of a probable disseminated tumor cell of epithelial origin, and immunohistochemical evaluation showed presence of cytokeratin-19 antibodies. None of the female dogs presenting reduced cellularity or medullary fibrosis, confirmed through Masson’s trichrome technique, had cell marking in immunohistochemical analyses. Conclusions Bone marrow evaluation can be used as a staging method for mammary gland tumors in female dogs, since disseminated tumor cells present the potential to become secondary lesions and to disseminate to distant foci, thereby causing tertiary metastases over an indeterminate period of time.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3442
Cameron Y. S. LeeCorresponding author
The Covid-19 pandemic has swept rapidly from Wuhan, China to the entire globe in less than six months, infecting over 7 million people and claiming the lives of over 500,000. In the United States, greater than 2 million individuals have become infected and over 110,000 people killed. With no evidence of slowing of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, public health authorities must prepare for possible sustained transmission of Covid-19, or a second wave into the Fall 2020, but with the presence of the influenza A virus. In the Fall 2020, schools will reopen from kindergarten to 12th grade. Dual pandemics or epidemics will result in high morbidity and mortality not observed when either virus was solely active. Community leaders, educational administrators and public health systems must be prepared for simultaneous outbreaks of both Covid-19 and influenza. Although there are no clinical studies that have evaluated the benefits on the use of face masks during an epidemic or pandemic, public health non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) measures should include the routine use of face masks during school sessions. Using face masks with other NPI may interrupt viral transmission as it has been established that respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19 and the influenza virus are transmitted via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and environmental surface contact.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-20-3416
Sarper Erikci VolkanCorresponding author
Sağlık Bilimleri University, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tepecik Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of mucofibrinous plugs which may occlude and conform the shape of tracheobronchial tree. These casts are exteremely cohesive. Most common presenting symptoms include cough, fever and dyspnea and if the cohesive casts occlude the airway totally life-threatening complications and even death may occur. The aim of treatment is to remove the casts and adress the symptoms. In this study a 6-year-old boy with PB is presented. In addition to medical treatment obstructing casts were removed via rigid bronchoscope. It is aimed to review the clinical and radiographic features and choices of treatment in this disease.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3347
Obioma AzuonwuCorresponding author
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Bacteriology / Virology / Parasitology Unit, Rivers State University, Nkpolu – Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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.2641-4538.jphi-20-3289
Rajendran ThilagaCorresponding author
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Sultanah Aminah (Ministry of Health, Malaysia), Johor, Malaysia
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) accounts for only 5% of all salivary gland tumors and is most often seen in the parotid glands. MEC occurrence in the larynx is, however, rare. The incidence of primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of salivary glands is also scarce and comprises only about 1.6% of all salivary gland malignancies. Hereby, we share our experience in managing two patients with rare and opposite variants of malignancy which were diagnosed at the same time; MEC of the larynx and SCC of the parotid. In MEC tumors, the presence of the intermediate and mucous cells with positivity in mucicarmine stain are the significant features. For SCC tumors, identification of the usual tumor markers (p40, CK 5/6 and p63) are pathognomonic. Although MEC and SCC are common in the head and neck regions, the existence of these malignancies in exceptional locations must be considered. The key features mentioned in our comparison table can help distinguish both these tumors and to deliver the correct treatment modalities. The prevalence of genomic and carcinogenic factors in the occurrence of these tumors in uncommon locations needs to be explored in future studies.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3293
Demiral SelcukCorresponding author
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
Objective Meningiomas are most common intracranial benign tumors comprising around one third of all intracranial neoplasms, and typically have benign and indolent nature with slow-growing behaviour. Benign meningiomas are slow growing tumors typically following an indolent disease course. Nevertheless, atypical or anaplastic meningiomas may follow a more aggressive disease course with invasion of critical structures and recurrences. In the current study, we evaluate the incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for radiosurgery treatment planning of atypical meningiomas. Materials and Methods Atypical meningioma radiosurgery target volume determination with and without incorporation of MRI has been evaluated. Ground truth target volume used as the reference has been outlined by the board-certified group of radiation oncologists after comprehensive assessment, thorough collaboration and consensus. Results Target volume definition by use of Computed Tomography (CT)-only imaging and by CT-MR fusion based imaging has been comparatively evaluated in this study for linear accelerator (LINAC)-based radiosurgical management of atypical meningioma. Ground truth target volume defined by the board-certified radiation oncologists after detailed evaluation, collaboration, colleague peer review and consensus has been found to be identical to target determination by use of CT-MR fusion based imaging. Conclusion Despite significant progress in neurosurgical techniques over the years, complete surgical resection may not be feasible in the presence of meningiomas located at eloquent brain areas in close association with important neurovascular structures. RT may have a role in multidisciplinary management of meningiomas. Incorporation of MRI into treatment planning for radiosurgery of atypical meningiomas may improve target definition despite the need for further supporting evidence.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-20-3161
Sedky KarimCorresponding author
Psychiatry Residency Director and Medical Student Education Director, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is a circadian rhythm disorder where individuals experience difficulty modifying the time they go to sleep and wake up in response to environmental changes. The circadian rhythm itself is regulated by a variety of clock genes, and various other genes (e.g., AA-NAT gene, CKIϵ gene) code for proteins that regulate clock genes. Various polymorphisms of the clock gene influencers have been shown to increase susceptibility to DSPS. This paper seeks to examine how certain cultural characteristics (e.g., napping, timing of meals, exposure to artificial light) and the presence of the AA-NAT gene (G619A polymorphism) and the CKIϵ gene (S408N polymorphism) influence the prevalence of DSPS amongst Japanese and Brazilian populations.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-20-3267
Sharma BechanCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
The phytochemicals are endowed with antioxidant activities because of the presence of plentiful polyphenols and many other phytochemicals. However, some recent reports have suggested that phytochemicals from certain plant species exhibit DNA damaging properties mainly due to presence of alkaloids. In the present study, pBR322, Salmonella typhi DNA, insect DNA and human DNA were treated with hexanolic extract of Argemone mexicana and Thevesia peruviana leaves to assess their DNA damaging abilities. Another set of experiments was carried out using the methanolic extracts of Citrus lemon leaves to assess their DNA protecting abilities from damage of DNA by extracts of A. mexicana and T. peruviana at 150000 ppm for all DNAs used. The results indicated that the leaves extract of A. mexicanaand T. peruviana demonstrated significant DNA damaging potential at higher concentrations. In contrast, the extracts from C. limonat 15000 ppm showed maximum DNA protective properties for all DNAs used.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3256
di Virgilio FabrizioCorresponding author
DVM, Clinique Vétérinaire Vet24 – 59700 – Marcq en Baroeul, France
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.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-20-3184
M.A. Khalifa RefaatCorresponding author
Parasitology Departement, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
Domestic pigeons (Columba liviadomestica) of the order Columbiformes are ubiquitous birds and can be found in virtually every town and city around the globe. Their interaction with humans and domestic animals and wild birds makes them a potential carrier of zoonotic parasites. The present study aimed to detect the prevalence of different zoonotic protozoans that affect different-aged domestic pigeons in different localities in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. A total of 50 fecal samples from 20 young and 30 adult pigeons were collected and examined for identification and estimation of prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. and Microsporidium sp. using modified Kinyoun acid-fast stain. For detection of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, serum samples from 50 pigeons were examined serologically for the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies by using Latex Agglutination test. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection was 20%; 6.7% in adult pigeons and 40 % in young pigeons while that of Microsporidium sp. was 40% both in adult and young pigeons. Mixed infection was detected in only two young pigeons (10%). Regarding Toxoplasma gondii detection, the number of seropositive cases detected by LAT was 29 out of 50 (58%). The positive agglutination titers, among 14 (48.27%) seropositive pigeons ranged between 1:2 -1:128. It was concluded that domestic pigeons may be considered as a reservoir host for Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, and Toxoplasmagondii human infection which represents a serious human public health problem especially for high risk groups of population living in the same dwellings with pigeons. Moreover, the present pilot results provide a baseline data for planning future researches and control strategies against domestic pigeon's parasites.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3186
Mamadou Sekongo YassonguiCorresponding author
Department of Training and Research, National Blood Transfusion Center; Abidjan; Côte D’Ivoire
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.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-19-3157
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Sleep biomarkers in brain such as melatonin, BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor), PGD2 (Prostaglandin D2), leptin, orexin-A, and acetylcholine were evaluated in the unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) rodent model in the presence of Consciousness Energy Healing Treated (the Trivedi Effect®) novel test formulation in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using ELISA assay. The test formulation was consisted of minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Ca, Mg), vitamins (C, E, B6, B12, D3), β-carotene, ginseng, and cannabidiol isolate. The test formulation constituents were divided into two parts, one part of each ingredient was distinct as the untreated test formulation, while the other portion of the test formulation and a group of animals received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of melatonin in groups viz. G5 (Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation) and G7 (15-days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation) was significantly increased by 17.6% (p≤0.01) and 16%, respectively as compared with the disease control group (G2). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in brain was increased by 5.2% in G7 group as compared with the G4. Prostaglandins D2 (PGD2) level was significantly (p≤0.001) increased by 12.7%, 18.1%, 23.7%, and 30.7% in the G6, G7, G8 (15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treatment per se rats), and G9 (untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the rats) groups, respectively as compared with the G2. The level of leptin after Biofield Energy Treatment and with the test formulation was altered. However, orexin-A level was significantly decreased by 37.1% (p≤0.05), 32.6%, 40.5% (p≤0.05), 44.4% (p≤0.05), and 28.2% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups respectively, as compared with the G2. Similarly, acetylcholine (Ach) level was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 42.5%, 49.2%, 40.1%, 47.9%, and 45% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2. Overall, the results showed the significant slowdown the stress-related disease progression and its complications/symptoms in the preventive in the Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and/or Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) comparatively with the disease group. The Trivedi Effect® showed increased level of melatonin and decreased levels of insomnia related brain biomarkers which might be helpful to induce better sleep in human.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3139
Q. Almulaiky YaaserCorresponding author
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, University of Jeddah, Khulais, P.O. Box 355, Khulais, 21921, Saudi Arabia
In this study, a peroxidase from new source was purified using ion exchange and gel filtration techniques. The recovery for peroxidase activity was 19% with 11-fold purification and specific activity of 749 unit/mg protein. Purified peroxidase demonstrated a molecular mass of 39 kDa using gel filtration and was confirmed as a single band on SDS-PAGE. The purified peroxidase revealed a broad optimum pH activity at 6.0-6.5 and 50°C temperature. The kinetic parameters for purified peroxidase toward H2O2 and guaiacol as substrates were found to be Km = 3.355, 5.395 mM, Kcat = 99.52, 79.56 s-1 and Vmax =1.531, 1.242 µmole ml-1 min-1, respectively. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of the purified peroxidase was 14.75 and 29.66 s−1 mM−1 for guaiacol and H2O2, respectively. Peroxidase activity was observed to be enhanced by Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and inhibited in the presence of Sn2+, Al3+, Hg2+, NaN3, EDTA and urea. Characterization showed that peroxidase purified from C. forskohlii has the ability to be used for food industrial applications.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-19-3038
Roy SmrityCorresponding author
Medical officer, Pediatrics outdoor, Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Background Persistent diarrhoea is a commonly observed phenomenon both in Bangladesh and all over the developing countries. It is the single most important cause of diarrhoea related deaths in the community, accounting for over half of them. If associated factors are properly identified & treated, it is possible to prevent most cases of persistent diarrhoea. Objective This study was undertaken to find out the possible risk factors associated with persistent diarrhoea in children below 5 years of age. Methods This was a prospective analytical case control study carried out in a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka. A total of 30 consecutive cases of persistent diarrhoea and 60 consecutive acute diarrhoea controls (matched for age and sex) under 5 comprised the study subjects in this study. Children beyond the age and whose parents didn’t give written consent were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a standered case definition of acute & persistent diarrhoeawere adopted. Data were later processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science version 12) in the year 2012. Results were considered statistically significant when p value was <0.05. Results According to the study, 56.6% of cases and 63.3% of controls were in the ‘6 to 12 months’ age group and about two-third of the participants in both cases 20 (66.7%) and controls 39 (65.0%) were males.Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding’ RR=2.2556; 95% CI: 1.259, ‘presence of blood/mucus’ RR=2.5038; 95% CI: 1.4129, ‘WAZ≤ 2)’ RR=2.8867; 95% CI: 1.7202 and ‘early complementary feeding [RR=4.67; 95% CI: 2.5017-8.7175 and OR=7.8858; 95% CI: 3.6791-16.9 Conclusion In the present studyfour factors showed some association with persistent diarrhoea, namely: ‘use of animal milk’; ‘antibiotic use during acute diarrhoea’; ‘history of diarrhoea in previous 3 months’ and ‘pre-lacteal feed’. Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding practices’ ‘presence of blood &/or mucus in stool’, WAZ <-2 and ‘early complementary feeding
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-19-3000
Hayat Khan SikandarCorresponding author
Department of pathology PNS HAFEEZ
Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly being diagnosed and treated with sometimes variable lifestyle advice and pharmacological interventions. Obesity is considered as the sole culprit and variable definitions in clinics compound the understanding of pathogenic heterogeneity of this syndrome. We evaluated the differences between various simple to calculate anthropometric indices along with some anthropometric-biochemical equations in subjects with or without PCOS. Objective To compare traditional measures like waist to hip and height ratio (WHpR and WHtR), BMI, newer markers depicting central obesity like Abdominal Volume index(AVI), Body roundness index (BRI), A Body Shape index (ABSI), Conicity index (C-index) along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like lipid Accumulation Products (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) for diagnosing PCOS as per the Rotterdam criteria Design Cross-sectional analysis Place & Study Duration Naval hospital, Islamabad from Jan- 2018 to July- 2019 Subjects and Methods From our finally evaluated 333 female subjects we initially compared the differences for the presence of hirsutism as per modified Ferrimen Gallwey scores and biochemical hyperandrogenism by measuring free androgen index (Total testosterone/SHBG x 1000. We evaluated waist circumference, BMI, WHpR, WHtR,AVI, BRI, ABSI, C-index along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like LAP, VAI and CVAI for differences in subjects diagnosed to have PCOS by Rotterdam criteria or ultrasonography alone. Results Differences in hirsutism as defined by modified FG score between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam defined criteria were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=17.33 + 9.05) (No PCOS=164, Mean=8.21 + 5.74), p< 0.001] and ultrasound [(PCOS=87, Mean=16.95 + 9.57) (No PCOS=246, Mean=11.38 + 8.51), p< 0.001]. Similarly, the differences in FAI between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam criteria and ultrasound were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=6.41 + 4.88) (No PCOS=164, Mean=2.77 + 1.79), p< 0.001] and [(PCOS=87, Mean=5.75 + 5.01) (No PCOS=246, Mean=4.22 + 3.68), p= 0.011]. Anthropometric measures and anthropometric-mathematical equations were raised in non-PCOS subjects than PCOS subjects. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS. Conclusion Hirsutism and free androgen indices were raised in PCOS females. Anthropometric based measurements were not different in PCOS cases and non-PCOS females. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-2982
Padaro EssohanaCorresponding author
Hematology Department, Campus Teaching Hospital, University of Lome.
Objective Rosenthal's disease (RD) is a rare constitutional hemorrhagic disorder defined by factor XI deficiency. It is clinically characterized by the presence of minimal haemorrhage. We report the first observation of RD in Togo. Observation Mrs. G. A., 45 years old with no particular pathological antecedents, was referred for anemia in a context of chronic epistaxis. It was a spontaneous anterior exteriorization epistaxis often of great abundance, rocking and which evolved episodically. The patient received several transfusions for anemia. The ear-nose-throat examination was normal and a sinus CT scan found only an inflammatory process of the right maxillary sinus. The blood count showed microcytic severe anemia (2,2g/dl). Hemostasis tests showed a prolonged aPTT (57,9 seconds). Clinical examination documented an anemic syndrome with dry skin. Iron deficiency was found. The hemostasis balance confirmed aPTT elongation. Coagulation factors activity showed normal VIII and IX level, but moderate decrease of factor XI (32%). The family survey was not possible (orphan patient). It is recommended the setting under fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in case of a new episode. Follow-up is in progress. Conclusion In the event of any hemorrhagic syndrome, the isolated elongation of the aPTT must lead to a systematic analysis of intrinsic pathway factors
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-19-2904
Y. Tiu RonaldCorresponding author
Department of Ophthalmology, Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City, Philippines
This case series presents 2 patients (67 and 58 year old females) with resolving vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of diabetic retinopathy. Both patients had around 50% of the retina still visible and the hemorrhage was confined at the posterior vitreous cavity near the retina, hence, a partial pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) was feasibly applied. On B-scan, both cases showed a liquified vitreous with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). For both patients, vitreous hemorrhage resolution occurred at less than 4 months from onset and consequently PRP was completed. Vitreous hemorrhage differs with bleeding in other tissues due to the presence of vitreous collagen matrix which promotes rapid clotting and hinders resolution of hemorrhage by preventing passive diffusion and delay in inflammatory cellular response. The prognosis for clearing hemorrhage was better when the fundus reflex was brighter and the retina adjacent to the ora serrata was visible. Clearing occurred sooner when hemorrhage was retrohyaloid rather than in the vitreous gel. In diabetic eye, the vitreous undergoes metabolic derangements resulting in premature liquefaction and abnormal vitreoretinal adhesion leading to traction and membrane formation. Partial PVD has also been associated with higher rate of diabetic retinopathy progression since it serves as scaffold for growth of neovascular tufts.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-19-2847
Sharma BechanCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, UP, India.
Background Carissa carandas L. is a well-known wild fruit plant distributed through-out the India and also present in other countries. The fruits are rich in nutrients and minerals. A number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as carrisone, carindone, carandinol, lupeol, scopoletin, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, myo-inositol, β-amyrin, Des-n-methylnoracronycine etc. have been reported from the extract of this plant. Being safe and cost effective molecules, the activity of phytochemicals against HIV-1 enzymes needs to be screened. Objective The aim of this study was to screen the potent phytocompound of C. carandas against human immunodeficiency virus-1 using docking method. Methods Total nine compounds viz. carandinol, caridone, carrisone, lupeol, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, rutin, scopoletin and ursolic acid were used for in-silico study towards drug development against human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1RT; PDB ID: 1REV) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease (PDB ID:1EBY) using Autodock software. Results The qualitative characterization of the extracts showed the presence of a number of phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terepnoids, terpenes, steroids, glycosides etc. Carandinol was observed as most effective anti-HIV-1 molecule having lowest binding energy and small inhibition coefficient. Another compound, p-coumaric acid, showed least effectiveness against human immunodeficiency virus- 1 reverse transcriptase or human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease showing highest binding energy and inhibition coefficients among all the evaluated phytocompounds. Conclusion The in-silico study demonstrated that some phytoconstituents of C. carandas exhibit potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus -1 activity and hence can be optimized to develop as a drug candidate in future.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2791
A. M. LawalCorresponding author
Plants used for medicinal practices which were discovered since prehistoric stone ages are termed Medicinal plants, which are also referred to as medicinal herbs, since plants produces bioactive chemical compounds (phytochemicals), this research however, is concerned with the extraction using Soxhlet extraction technique, phytochemical screening using various test methods, which reveals the presence of anthraquinones (free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones), carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids/ terpenes, phenolic compounds and tannins, and absence of alkaloids for extracts of senna occidentalis and also, thin layer chromatography profiling which gives probable foundation for further structural elucidation amongst others. This research shows the presence of potent secondary metabolites present in the leaves of senna occidentalis (leaves).
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-19-2722
Rodrigues Reina Moreira PamelaCorresponding author
Department of Veterinary Pathology, UNESP – FCAV – Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal city, São Paulo State, Brazil.
Onychogryphosis is one of the main clinical findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL); however, research focusing on the subungual area of infected dogs is scarce. This study aims to assess the subungual area of dogs with VL that presented or not onychogryphosis by means of histopathological analyses and immunohistochemical studies (parasite burden). The third digit of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of Leishmania infantum naturally infected dogs was collected regardless of sex, breed or age. The animals were split into two groups, dogs with onychogryphosis (G1; n=7) and without onychogryphosis (G2; n=9). The digits were evaluated in four areas (dorsal epidermis/dermis, ventral epidermis/dermis, dorsal matrix/dermis and ventral matrix/dermis). All lesions observed (mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, vacuolar degeneration of basal keratinocytes, dermoepidermal clefting and pigmentary incontinence) were present in both groups, being more severe in the digits of G1 group. Immunostaining of the amastigote forms of Leishmania infantum were observed in the different areas of the digit, with statistical difference between the dorsal epidermis/dermis area and the dorsal matrix/dermis of G1 group. In conclusion, the main histopathological alteration of the digit of dogs with VL is mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and parasite burden, especially in cutaneous tissue adjacent to the nail matrix. This aspect can influence the onychogryphosis development, due to the presence of the parasite and by inflammatory mediators released in the nail microenvironment.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-19-2714
Stefani LauraCorresponding author
Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit-Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University of Florence –Italy.
Progressive increase of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a rising costs for the society, is driving to focus on risk’s factors reduction. The importance to prevent acute events and to reduce mortality and morbility have risen the sound of the correct life style indications as the primary approach for hypertension. The new classification of hypertension has amplified an high-value of the role of the physical activity especially in the initial phase of the disease when the potential positive impact of the regular physical activity can permit to avoid the use of the pharmacological treatment. The numbers of the hypertensive subjects is increasing everywhere; however the awareness of the presence of the disease is not so frequent. Although some risk factors, such as age and hereditary factors cannot be changed, on the contrary lifestyle’s modification can prevent the CVD and hypertension. Sports Medicine physicians agree that healthcare providers need to focus on preventive and lifestyle aspects of cardiovascular care to promote individual and population health. A dedicated approach to prescribe the amount of weekly physical activity at moderate intensity can allow to control the blood pressure values avoiding the assumption of antihypertensive drugs. Aerobic and resistance exercises need to be individually established by dedicated models tailored on the basis of the specific characteristics of the people involved. Sports and Exercise Medicine can contributes to manage and to tailor the amount of programmed physical activity starting from the ”exercise prescription” guidelines.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2579
Ghayour-Mobarhan MajidCorresponding author
Metabolic Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Objective Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease. We aimed to investigate whether this risk differed between individuals with a naturally occurring and other reasons for menopause within a large population-based Iranian sample. Study Design A total number of 1763 postmenopausal women (defined by amenorrhea for more than a year, or FSH > 30-40 mIU/ml), 900 of them with a natural menopause and 863 of them with other reasons for menopause caused by (hysterectomy without oophorectomy or one side oophorectomy, hysterectomy with oophorectomy or two side oophorectomy without hysterectomy) were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. Biochemical and hematological risk factors were measured in all the subjects and the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20 Results There was a significant difference in the presence of cardiovascular disease in the natural menopause group compared with other reasons for menopause group (p<0.05). There was also a meaningful difference between the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the natural menopause individuals compared with other reasons for menopause group (p<0.05). Discussion High prevalence of CVD, depression and anxiety in other reasons in menopause women were observed among Mashhad urban females. It should be considered as a noticeable message. Furthermore, studies are necessary to determine different parameters between evaluating CVD, depression and anxiety among menopauses women.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-7061.jcrc-18-2526
E. Ahmed FaridCorresponding author
GEM Tox Labs, Institute for Research in Biotechnology, 2905 South Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
There is currently no validated micro(mi)RNA diagnostic stool test to screen for colon cancer (CC) on the market because of the complexity of fecal density, vulnerability of stool to daily changes, and the presence of three sources of miRNAs in stool (cell-free from fecal homogenates, exsosomal miRNAs from fecal exosomes, and fecal colonocytes). To address these complexities, we have first carried out a microarray miRNA experiment, using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Arrays, on immunocaptured and enriched stool colonocytes of 15 subjects (three healthy controls and twelve colon cancer patients [three TNM stage 0-1 (e.g., polyps◻ ³ 1 cm, villous or tubvillous, or with high grade dysplasia), three stage 2, three stage 3, and three stage 4 in triplicates to select a smaller panel of 14 preferentially expressed mature miRNAs associated with colon cancer (12 Up-Regulated, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-31, miR-34a, miR-96, miR-106a, miR-133a, miR-135b, miR-206, miR-224 and miR-302; and 2 Down-Regulated, miR-143 and miR-145). In a subsequent validation study carried out on total small RNA extracted by immunocapture, followed by RT that employed TaqMan® miRNA Reverse Transcription (RT) Kit and a Custom TaqMan RT Primer Pool, absolute quantification of miRNAs, in copies/µl, was measured using a chip-based Absolute QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR analysis. To ensure that we have chosen human and not bacterial small total RNA, we have carried out coextraction protocols with E. coli K1 strain RS18, compare Agilent electrophoretic patterns, and also sequenced random samples throughout this research using mRNA/miRNA sequencing. Our initial quantitative dPCR miRNA data presented herein showe that the quantitative changes in the expression of a few mature miRNA genes in stool, which are associated with right and left colon cancer, would provide for a more convenient, sensitive and specific diagnostic screening markers thatare more useful than those test markers currently available on the market, such as the low-sensitivity (<15%) fecal occult blood test (FOBT); result in better compliance; and is more economical than the invasive and expensive colonoscopy exam in colon cancer, which can be cured if that cancer is detected at the early TNM stages, and that becomes incurable and deadly if not diagnosed before metastasis. Initial test performance characteristics of the miRNA approach showed that the test has a high numerical predictive value in colon cancer. Moreover, underpinning of the miRNA markers as a function of total RNA showed that the test can numerically differentiate between control subjects and colon cancer patients, particularly at the early stages of that curable cancer. We propose to extend our initial research results to a larger prospective and randomized five-years nested case-control study, to validate the expression of the above 14 miRNAs, in stool of 180 individuals in an epidemiologically designed study, using (30 controls and 150 colon cancer patients (thirty precancerous polyps (stage 0-1), forty five stage 2, and seventy-five colon cancer stages 3 or 4). chosen randomly by an epidemiological method from 900 control and CC subjects to allow for an adequate time to collect the required 900 stool samples, as well as allowing for statistically valid analysis, standardized test conditions, and to provide a mean for determining the true sensitivity and specificity of a miRNA-screening approach in noninvasive human stool. Power-analysis has indicated that a total of 180 individuals, which will take us 5 years to enroll in testing, is an appropriate number of subjects to standardize and validate our proposed miRNA screening test. We may find out at the end of the proposed validation study in stool that fewer miRNAs, or even one miRNA, may suffice to serve as an efficient and a quantitative marker for the non-invasive diagnostic screening of colon cancer in human stool. The above approach when combined with bioinformatics analysis, to correlate miRNA seed data with our previously published messenger (m)RNA target data in stool, allows for a thorough mechanistic understanding of how miRNA genes regulate mRNA expression, and would offer a better comprehensive diagnostic screening test for the non-invasive early detection stage (0-1) of colon cancer. In order to show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed miRNA test, the absolute miRNA PCR values, in copies/µl, will be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization will establish test’s performance characteristics (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage) to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in the World. Ultimately, a smaller number of selected validated miRNAs (<10) showing increased and reduced expression could suffice to give quantitative miRNAs colon cancer expression values, useful for the early diagnostic screening of that curable cancer.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-18-2555
Ya. Abdullaiev RizvanCorresponding author
Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Ukraine
Introduction: Tension-type headache (TTH) is very common, with a lifetime prevalence in the general population ranging in different studies between 30% and 78%. TTH, divided into episodic and chronic types, introduced in the manual "International Classification of Headache Disorders"(ICHD-I), is of practical importance. Infrequent episodic headaches (no more than once a month) may not require drug therapy, but, on the contrary, frequent forms may require expensive treatment. Objective: To study the state of cerebral hemodynamics and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with Tension-type headache and evaluate the efficacy of treatment with Phenibite using Doppler ultrasound. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the results of ultrasound dopplerography of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA and PCA), Vertebral and Basal (VA, BA) arteries was performed in 188 patients with TTH. Among them are infrequent episodic TTH - 68 (36,2%) patients, frequent episodic TTH - 64 (34,0%) patients, chronic TTH - 56 (29,8%) patients. The age of the subjects was 18-45 years, among them 85 (45.2%) men and 103 (54.8%) women. The maximum systolic velocity (Vs), the end diastolic velocity (Vd), the resistance and pulsativity indexes (RI, PI) in all vessels were determined. Patients were given consent to participate in the study. Results: Infrequent episodic (IFE) TTH were recorded in 86.4% of cases, frequent episodic (FE) — in 88.9%, and chronic (Ch) TTH — in 81.6% of cases. Bilateral TTH was noted in 39.2%, frontal localization - in 35.6%, in the occipital region - in 25–7% of cases. The asymmetry of the maximum systolic blood flow velocity (Vs) in the paired arteries within 20-30% was considered a violation of cerebral hemodynamics, which was detected in 38.7% of patients. An increase in Vs was noted in all cerebral vessels, especially in patients with FE TTH and chronic Ch TTH compared with the control group. In patients with IFE TTH the average value of RcFMt was 1.24±0.03, in patients with FE TTH - 1.25±0.02, in patients with Ch TTH - 1.27±0.03. In patients with TTH, hyper-responsiveness to hypercapnic test was detected: RcCO2 was 1.43±0.05 in the group with FE TTH; 1.39±0.07 in the group of Ch TTH and 1.37±0.04 in the group of IFE TTH, which indicates a tendency for the tension of the vasodilator regulation mechanism even in clinically insignificant forms of TTH. In the study of reactivity to the O2-test, a hyporeactive response was observed in the groups with FE TTH and Ch TTH (0.38±0.04 and 0.35±0.05, respectively. The treatment with Phenibut carried out in a step-by-step manner - during the first week the drug was applied at a dose of 250 mg 2 times a day, over the next 6 weeks the dose increased to 500 mg 2 times a day, then the dose was reduced back to 250 mg 2 times a day. Among patients with FE TTH, the frequency of headache decreased from 5.7±2.3 to 3.6±2.1 days/month, and in patients with Ch TTH - from 22.8±1.7 to 17.7±1,3 days/month (P<0,05). Influence of the drug was manifested at the initially increased RcFMt and RcCO2. A decrease in initially elevated RcCO2 was noted in all (FE TTH, ChTTH, IFETTH) clinical groups. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In patients with TTH, an increase in the Vs is more often recorded, their asymmetry in the middle cerebral artery. Hyperreactivity on CO2-load is typical for patients with chronic TTH, and reflects the mobilization of metabolic regulation of cerebral blood flow. Conducting FMt was the most informative method for detecting autoregulatory disorders mainly in patients with IFE TTH. FE TTH in patients is characterized by the presence of a hyperactive reaction to hypercapnic and orthostatic tests, probably due to mobilization of humoral-metabolic and neurogenic links of regulation. In the group of patients with chronic TTH prevails hyporeactivity for hyperventilation test, reflecting the depletion of vasoconstriction reserve. The use of Phenibut(Noophen® (JSC Olainfarm Latvia in the treatment of TTH is accompanied by a decrease in the frequency of pain, and of pericranial muscle tone, most pronounced in patients with FE TTH. It's effectiveness is evident in the normalization of the coefficients of cerebrovascular reactivity in a patients with chronic TTH. The minimal statistical significance was observed on the dynamics of blood flow only in the VA.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-18-2530
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Nowadays, obesity is seriously threatening healthy life in all societies, especially in developed societies. Obesity is showing its likely effects through biologically active substances called adipokines. The most familiar of these is leptin. Leptin is synthesized in directly proportional to the amount of adipose tissue and reduced appetite by stimulating the satiety center. This status is like a protective mechanism that tries to reverse severe pathological process. Similar to this behavior of leptin, thyroid hormones are increasing in the advanced stages of obesity, increasing the resting energy expenditure (REE). The accelerating oxidative phosphorylation causes the use of energy as heat, the energy that has not transformed into ATP, together with ATP synthesis. This situation, the significant portion of energy provides to consumed instead of storing as fat. In addition, finding that T3 accelerates glucose transport and the TCA cycle without changing the rate of ATP synthesis in skeletal muscles suggests that thyroid hormones may be an effective tool in standing against obesity. In addition of that, the presence of studies indicating that thyroid hormones have an increasing tendency in the advanced stages of obesity is likely thought to be a rescuer mechanism to increase the effectiveness of suppressed thyroid hormones. On the contrary of these ideas, having been reported suppressing 5’-deiodinease enzyme activity in chronic diseases causes anxiety about the effectiveness of thyroid hormones in obesity. Based on available information, we aimed to prepare a review evaluating of this adaptive condition of thyroid hormones.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-18-2523
Nour KareenCorresponding author
University of Sherbrooke and CISSS Montérégie-Centre
This study explores the effects of the collaborative model of health impact assessment (HIA), as deployed in Monteregie (Quebec), on the development, adoption and implementation of municipal projects that include health considerations. Nine HIA processes were studied in nine territories and 35 individuals were interviewed. Data collection was based on the six steps of contribution analysis, and included document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observations. The study design is cross-sectional design were every HIA was analysed at least six month after completion. The individuals interviewed where those implicated into the HIA process (no matter at what point of the process). No exclusion criteria were applied considering that all points of view were important for this analysis. The Contribution Analysis (CA) was used to analyze the data. The study results emerged form by the interviews, the field observations and document analysis. They showed that the HIAs had varying results. First, the actors involved acquired new knowledge. However, the HIAs had little impact in terms of increasing the municipal actors’ awareness of health issues. Rather, it helped them acquire arguments for raising awareness among and convincing their municipal council members of the merits of certain actions and their potential positive impacts on citizens’ health. In fact, the HIAs were generally undertaken by municipal actors already aware of the importance of promoting citizen health. Second, as observed in the document, in a few of the HIAs, some recommendations were integrated into planning documents, but usually, as reported by the actor, the HIA report constituted an additional planning document and was not merged with the original planning documents. Lastly, following the HIAs, document analysis and interviews showed that most of the municipal actors continued to include health considerations in their subsequent planning of public policies and projects. Prerequisites for effective HIA include the presence of municipal actors, who are aware of the importance of their role in their local population’s health, municipal policies that include health considerations, and the municipality’s active participation in the HIA process. This study sheds light on the complexity of the factors that ensure HIA impact on municipal decision making and decisions. The particularities of each HIA process play a major role.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2475
Kumar Srivastava RajeshCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Technology, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam (A.P.), India.
Callus and biomass culture of Catharanthus roseus L. were established to check for the presence of total alkaloid and its subsequent yield. Various treatments like strength of nutrient salts, sucrose concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGR’s) were applied to both MS and B5 in agar as well as suspension medium to test their effects on enhanced alkaloid content and its yield. There was no significant difference in any of the observable parameters of fresh wt, dry wt, alkaloid content, production, productivity and yield if the culture were treated similarly in both types of media formulations (MS or B5 salts). Physical state (agar solidified or the liquid suspension) of the medium had significant effect on all the parameters particular on fresh wt, alkaloid content and yields. Although, the fresh wt. and dry wt. of biomass in suspension culture was 2-3 times less than that of callus obtained from agar medium. However, the alkaloid content and yield was 2-3 times higher in suspension culture compared to agar medium in similar treatments. The highest alkaloid content observed was 5.67mg/g dwt in B5 suspension medium containing 3% sucrose and modified with 0.5mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 1 mg/l Kinetin (KIN) + 2mg/l α- naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The combined effects of these factors on the enhanced production of total alkaloids were expected to contain higher yield of anticancer vinblastine and vincristine in the cell suspension culture system.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-18-2393
Bireslavskii E.N.Corresponding author
Department of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, University of Civil Aviation, St. Petersburg, Russia
We consider a plane steady-state filtration in a rectangular bridge with a partially impermeable vertical wall in the presence of evaporation from a free surface of groundwater. To study the effect of evaporation, a mixed multiparametric boundary-value problem of the theory of analytic functions is formulated and using the method of P. Y. Polubarinova-Kochina. Based on the proposed model, an algorithm is developed to calculate the dependence of efficiency and productivity of hydrodynamic analysis.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-18-2344
Muschietti LilianaCorresponding author
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cátedra de Farmacognosia, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (UBA), IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
In recent years, the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) has increased worldwide. In Argentina, approximately 14 million DS units were sold between 2015 and 2017. The adulteration of DS with active pharmaceutical ingredients or their analogues has been reported. This represents an alarming emerging risk to public health. The aim of this work was to detect the possible adulteration of a DS marketed in Argentina for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Initially, thin layer chromatography analysis of the DS capsules content suggested the presence of a major compound. For the isolation and purification of this compound, an easy method consisted of a liquid-liquid extraction (water/CH2Cl2) followed by re-crystallisation from ethanol, is reported. Spectroscopic techniques such as mono- and bidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry allowed its identification as tadalafil. A rapid and reliable method was developed for the quantification of tadalafil in this DS by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The mean content of tadalafil per capsule was 21.2 mg which represents a slightly higher value than that found in approved products in Argentina (5 or 20 mg per tablet). In addition, an undeclared alga was identified in the DS by microscopic techniques.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2212
T NkrumahCorresponding author
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Fish meat is a common and broadly used food due to its high nutritional values yet the bones and flavour of fresh fish can be unpleasant. The unpleasant fishy flavour makes it difficult to handle and process. The fishy flavour is as a result of microbial presence and growth. Studies associated with microbial contaminations have concentrated more on the carcass. Such contaminations which affect the microbiological status of processed products can emanate from spices and other non-meat ingredients, environment, equipment and handlers. The successful application of processing/preservation technology results in the conservation of desirable qualities in stabilized and varietal fish products. This study sought to use fish in the manufacture of frankfurter-type sausages, which could have improved preservation characteristics without any adverse effects on sensory properties. The nutritional composition and microbiological safety of fresh fish and sausages were determined using the methods described by AOAC and ICMSF respectively. The study showed that, catfish sausages were higher in protein (15.69 %) and were lower in fat (10.66%) compared to the other sausages. Total Viable Counts (TVC) were within the accepted limits (106 and 107cfu/g) for fish and pork respectively. E. coli was not detected in any of the treatments during frozen storage for 6 weeks. It was concluded that catfish frankfurter has high nutritive value because it contained less fat but with higher crude protein. Like pork frankfurters, both catfish and mackerel sausages could be stored for six weeks without any negative effects on microbial quality.
Aug 2018
Sh. Badawy M.Corresponding author
Chest Department, Qena Faculty of medicine, South Valley University, Egypt
Background: Co-morbidities are associated with increasing risk of mortality, hospitalizations and costs of treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients. Identification of Co- morbidities related to COPD phenotypes may guide individualized therapies and achieve better prognosis. Methods: A prospective study of one hundred ten patients of confirmed COPD diagnosis were carried out and divided into five different phenotypes with related co-morbidities. History taking, clinical examination, Chest X-ray, Computed chest Tomography, laboratory investigations, arterial blood gas, Echocardiography and Electrocardiography were done for all patients. St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, COPD assessment test (CAT score) and BODEx (BMI, FEV1, dyspnea and exacerbations) were used for assessment of disease impact on quality of life, severity, and exacerbation respectively. Results: Emphysema group were 31% among all cases with mean age 61.8±9.1, frequent exacerbator group and Chronic bronchitis phenotype were 18% with mean age 64.4±11.3, and 48.8±9 respectively. COPD with bronchiectasis group were 19% with mean age 60.3±6 and Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS) were 12% with mean age 62.8±15.8. There was significant difference as regards age between different group of phenotypes P- value <0.001. There was significance difference in BODEx index and in (CAT) score among different COPD phenotypes P-value 0.020, 0.001 respectively. There was significant difference in all items of SGRQ among different COPD phenotypes P–value 0.001. Diabetes was commonly presented in 50 % ACOS cases, Ischemic heart disease was present more in Emphysema 22.9%, Osteoporosis was more in COPD with bronchiectasis 28.6%, Cor-pulmonale was more present in frequent excerbator 65%, and Anemia more common in COPD with bronchiectasis 23.8%. Depression was more common in frequent excerbator phenotype (45.0 %). Gastro-esophageal reflux was the most common co-morbidities (58 %) then cor-pulmonale 41.8%, systemic hypertension 40 % and pulmonary hypertension 28%. Conclusion: The presence of significant co-morbidities is important modifying risk factors for severity in COPD. They contribute to the overall severity in individual patients, have a major impact on quality of life, and major causes of hospitalization. Co-morbidities can be associated with any clinical phenotype.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn-2470-0436.jos-18-2222
B. Iguban EleonoreCorresponding author
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Objective: The aim of the present study is to determine the efficiency of third year ophthalmology residents from a tertiary hospital in performing preliminary retinal examination to identify eyes at risk retinopathy of prematurity on the basis of retinal fundus findings up to International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) Zone II. Methods: This is a single-center, cross-sectional, prospective comparative research conducted from June to October 2015 at a tertiary training hospital in the Philippines. All infants referred for retinopathy of prematurity screening within the study period where included. The presence of retinal vessel dilatation and tortuosity were identified by third year ophthalmology residents using indirect funduscopy. The residents’ fundus findings were then compared to that of a retina consultant who is proficient in the diagnosis and management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The Kappa index was used to rate inter-observer agreement. The correlation between ROP risk factors and the presence of abnormal retinal vessels were assessed using odd ratio computations. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the correlation between retinopathy of prematurity and the presence of retinal dilatation and tortuosity. The McNemar’s test was also applied to determine significant differences in the retinal findings of the consultant and ophthalmology residents. Results: A total of 82 eyes of 41 premature infants were evaluated to determine if retinal findings observed by ophthalmology residents were comparable to that of a retina consultant. Odds ratios show that age of gestation, birth weight, and history of blood transfusion are significantly associated with the presence of retinopathy of prematurity. Retinal vessel tortuosity and dilatation are also more common among infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity. There was no significant difference between the retinal vascular findings of the retina consultant and the third year ophthalmology resident in terms of identifying retinal vessel dilatation and tortuosity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After sufficient and in-depth ophthalmology training, third year ophthalmologists, who will be general ophthalmologists in the future, can reliably identify eyes at risk for severe retinopathy of prematurity on the basis of retinal vascular dilatation and/or tortuosity.
Jul 2018
Ivanovska NinaCorresponding author
Department of Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Bone remodeling processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depend mainly on the action of three types of cells. Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of new bone, osteoclasts degrade mineralized bone and osteocytes regulate and maintain the bone homeostasis. Except, many other cell populations become pathologically activated in the inflamed microenvironment of the joint. The role of megakaryocytes and platelets in RA is poorly clarified. In the present study the presence of MK in the synovium and cartilage was observed in a model of arthritis induced in normal and complement depleted mice.
Jul 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2166
Chandra Gupta PrakashCorresponding author
University Institute of Pharmacy, Chhatrapati shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur-208024, Uttar Pradesh India
Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel synonym Diospyros peregrina Gurke (Family: Ebenaceae) is a medium sized evergreen tree commonly known as Kendu in Assamese. The plant has ethnomedicinal significance and used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea malaria, ulcer and wounds. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore, the present work was carried out to perform morpho-anatomical and physicochemical analysis of D. malabarica stem bark. The bark is externally dark brown to black in color and rough having characteristics odor and astringent taste. The microscopy of bark reveals the presence of polygonal thick walled cork, 3-4 layered phellogen, 7-8 layered phelloderm, stone cells, phloem fibers and medullary rays. Stem bark powder showed thick walled cork cells, thick walled elongated phloem fibers, lignified stone cells and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash as 6.2, 5.6, 1.1, 2.45, and 5.7% w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 10.6 and 16.8% w/w respectively. The result of preliminary phytochemical screening indicates presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of an herbal monograph for the species.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-18-2071
Sedky KarimCorresponding author
Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Student Clerkship Director, CMSRU, Camden, NJ.
Study Objectives: Narcolepsy diagnosis has been associated with a long lag time between the onset of the disorder and the diagnosis itself among patients with the disorder. This article reviews the childhood epidemiology of idiopathic narcolepsy, including its prevalence, subtypes, and disease progression. Methods: A literature review was conducted to include both published and unpublished data on pediatric narcolepsy. All English language articles were included through April, 2015. Results: Time from symptom onset to diagnosis for children is approximately three years. The prevalence of cataplexy appears to be lower in children compared to adults, suggesting a later onset of cataplexy. The presence of cataplexy, however, was unrelated to demographic factors and laboratory findings. Conclusion: There is a substantial lag-time between initial symptom presentation and diagnosis in children with narcolepsy. A less quintessential presentation of narcolepsy might occur in children relative to adults, making diagnosis more challenging. Continued improvements in narcolepsy education for both pediatricians and parents might facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of the disease, thus leading to improved outcome.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-18-2139
S. Afriyie-Mensah JaneCorresponding author
Department of Medicine and therapeutics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences university of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has become an increasingly recognized complication in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Though the burden of SCA in sub-Saharan Africa is high, there is paucity of data on SCA-associated PH with little or no attention given to it in routine patient care. The current study therefore sought to determine the prevalence of PH and its associated risk factors among adult patients with SCA. This was a cross-sectional study involving 76 clinically stable, hydroxyurea-naive participants. We obtained socio-demographic and clinical history. Measurement of Tricuspid Regurgitant jet Velocity (TRV) was obtained via transthoracic echocardiography and lung function was assessed using spirometry and pulse oximetry. Other investigations were complete blood counts, free plasma haemoglobin, serum urea and creatinine. Twenty-five (32.9%) of study participants had elevated TRV (≥ 2.5m/s) on Doppler echocardiography, which was suggestive of raised pulmonary artery systolic pressure. There were significant associations between elevated TRV and steady-state haemoglobin (p < 0.001), blood urea level (p = 0.030), presence of chronic leg ulcers (p = 0.043) and oxygen saturation (p < 0.001) and these may be identifiable and modifiable risk factors for selective screening with echocardiography in a resource poor setting.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-18-2122
Maekawa ShoheiCorresponding author
Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe-University, Japan.
Membrane dynamics in the presynaptic region of the neuron is a key process of neuronal signal transduction. Dynamin plays a central part during endocytosis participating in the deformation of membrane structure and constriction. During the study of molecular interaction of presynaptic proteins, we found that dynamin fraction prepared from brain extract contains several lipid components. Fractionation of lipids with thin layer chromatography and mass-analysis showed the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cerebroside, cholesterol and its-derivatives, and triacylglycerol. Since the GTPase activity of bacterially expressed dynamin was activated by the extracted lipid fraction, lipid components that affect the GTPase activity of dynamin was screened and cerebroside, hydroxycholesterols, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were found to activate the GTPase activity. This result not only suggests the possibility that several neutral lipids participate in the membrane dynamics, but also revealed the possibility that a protein fraction contains lipid components even if its purity was confirmed with SDS-PAGE.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-18-2043
Rameshthangam PalanivelCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India
Disposal of chitin wastes from crustacean shell can cause environmental and health hazards. Chitin is a well known abundant natural polymer extracted after deproteinization and demineralization of the shell wastes of shrimp, crab, lobster, and krill. Extraction of chitin and its derivatives from waste material is one of the alternative ways to turn the waste into useful products. Chitinases are enzymes that degrade chitin. Chitinases contribute to the generation of carbon and nitrogen in the ecosystem. Chitin and chitinolytic enzymes are gaining importance for their biotechnological applications. The presence of surface charge and multiple functional groups make chitin as a beneficial natural polymer. Due to the reactive functional groups chitin can be used for the preparation of a spectrum of chitin derivatives such as chitosan, alkyl chitin, sulfated chitin, dibutyryl chitin and carboxymethyl chitin for specific applications in different areas. The present review is aimed to summarize the efficacy of the chitinases on the chitin and its derivatives and their diverse applications in biomedical and environmental field. Further this review also discusses the synthesis of various chitin derivatives in detail and brings out the importance of chitin and its derivatives in biomedical and environmental applications.
Apr 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-18-2018
Hinzpeter JaimeCorresponding author
Medical Doctor, University of Chile, Clinical Hospital, Santiago Chile
Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin in a patient with arthrofibrosis of the knee. Arthrofibrosis is a common complication of knee surgery that tends to manifest itself as a limitation of the musculoskeletal ranges. Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin has been proposed as an alternative treatment for painful musculoskeletal pathologies. Subjects: Use of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin in arthroscopic menisectomy. Case report. Methods: Three doses of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin were administered in an intra-articular manner on different days. Functionality, musculoskeletal ranges, pain at rest and pain during motion were evaluated. Results: The current alternatives for management of arthrofibrosis include the use of oral steroids, physiotherapy, mobilization under anesthesia and the liberation of arthroscopic debris. This case is the first report of the use of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin. The adverse effects the patient presented coincided with those described in the literature but without the presence of severe reactions. Improvement in functional tests, progress in musculoskeletal ranges and a decrease in the level of pain were achieved. Adverse effects included parenthesia and a feeling of weightlessness.
Apr 2018
Molino AntonioCorresponding author
Respiratory Department Federico II University- A.O. "Dei Colli",Naples, Italy
The presence of bronchiectasis is considered an aggravating factor in COPD patients. In particular, the coexistence of bronchiectasis and COPD was associated with greater frequency and severity of exacerbations. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD exacerbation. We retrospectively collected data from 212 patients admitted to the hospital with diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. In order to detect the presence of bronchiectasis, only patients that had received a chest HRCT scan examination were included in the study. We compared clinical and functional data between COPD patients with bronchiectasis and those without bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis was 31,6% in this study. The presence of bronchiectasis in COPD patients was associated with increased risk for isolation of PPMs in the airway (56,1% vs 28,3%, p 0,02), and in particular of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (17,5% vs 5,6% p 0,02), and with a longer duration of hospitalization (8,22 ±3,67 vs 6,88 ± 3,43 days, p=0.004). These results could encourage efforts to optimize medical care for patients with COPD and bronchiectasis. Clinical trials with treatments for infective component are needed to investigate their impact on the reductions of exacerbations and improvements in the disease course.
Mar 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-18-1993
W. Kurtis ChildersCorresponding author
Cardiovascular disease and lung cancer are two of the most common causes of death in the United States. The cardioprotective benefits of statin class drugs is predominantly mediated through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, decreasing available mevalonate, and thus limiting in vivo cholesterol biosynthesis. Mevalonate and its metabolites have significant roles in cellular membrane synthesis, which is dysregulated during tumorigenesis, and is therefore a potential source for anti-tumor effects of statins. Similarly, dysregulation of cellular signaling is a hallmark of tumorigenesis. In vitro studies of EGFR, RAS, and AKT signaling pathways in cancer cells can all be reformed back to states more indicative of normally functioning cells when treated with statins. Statins have also been shown to exert beneficial properties in the presence of chemotherapeutic medications and radiation therapies by modulating the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species, decreasing tumor cell resistance, and minimizing damage to surrounding native tissues. There is abundant of in vitro evidence to support the beneficial effects of statins on lung cancer patients. Prospective studies to determine the value of statin therapy on lung cancer prevention could lead to a significant change in lung cancer treatment.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2313.jeh-17-1756
Tamer GoncaCorresponding author
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medeniyet University, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul.
Objective We aimed to evaluate β-cell function of type 1 diabetic patients (T1DP)s based on fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels. Material and methods Study included 135 T1DPs and 31 healthy subjects. Fasting C-peptide levels were measured in healthy subjects and T1DPs. The Mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) was performed in T1DPs. Fasting and stimulated (90 minute post MMTT) C-peptide levels were measured via electrochemiluminescence assay. Two categorizations were made according to fasting (the first categorization ) and at 90th minute MMTT (the second categorization) C-peptide levels. For the first categorization; the groups were classified as follows: patients with undetectable ≤0.1ng/mL(group1); minimal 0.1-0.8ng/mL(group2); and sustained ≥0.8ng/mL (group3) C-peptide levels. For the second categorization, groups were as follows: patients with undetectable ≤0.1 ng/mL(group1); minimal 0.1-0.8 ng/ml (group2); and sustained ≥0.8ng/mL (group3) in which C peptide levels were increased to ≥150% of fasting C-peptide levels at the 90th minute after MMTT. Results For the first category; 41.5%, 40% and 18.5% of T1DPs were in group1, group2 and group3, respectively. For the second category; 34.8%, 20.7% and 44.4% were in group1, group2 and group3, respectively. In first categorization 58.5% and in second categorization 65.1% of T1DPs had detectable C-peptide levels. 44,4%of the T1DPs had a response to MMTT with C-peptide levels ≥0.8 ng/mL which increased to ≥150% of fasting C-peptide level at the 90th minute after MMTT as it is seen in non-diabetics. Conclusion The present study suggests the presence of functioning β-cells in T1DPs and 44.4 % of T1DPs have a response to MMTT as seen in non-diabetics. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02199470.)
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-18-1965
T. Caracciolo JamieCorresponding author
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
Lipomatous tumors are among the most common primary musculoskeletal neoplasms affecting both pediatric and adult patient populations. Patient age, tumor location, and imaging features all contribute to the differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors. Tumors identified outside of common patient demographics or in unusual locations may lead to preoperative misdiagnosis. We present an uncommon adipocytic tumor occurring at an uncommon age which was proven at surgery to represent a preoperatively unexpected diagnosis. A 13 year old male presented with a fatty anterior proximal thigh mass; age and magnetic resonance findings suggested lipoblastoma. However, following complete surgical resection, histopathology confirmed hibernoma, a benign lipomatous tumor characterized by the presence of white and multivacuolated brown fat cells, the vast majority of which occur in adult patients.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-18-1932
Erne PaulCorresponding author
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
The aim of this study was to assess the use of ambulatory acoustic cardiography during the initial data collection of the longitudinal study of a rural population in Switzerland (n=297, mean age 48.9 ±16.5 years, 57% female). Ambulatory acoustic cardiography non-invasively can assess sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and provides markers of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The percentage of the third heart sound detected during sleep decreased significantly across age groups (age < 40 years, 40-60 years, > 60 years) for both genders (males, p=0.04; females, p=0.02). The percentage of a fourth heart sound detected exhibited an increasing trend for both genders with age suggesting increased diastolic dysfunction with aging. Mean electromechanical activation time (EMAT) during sleep was within the normal range across age groups and both genders (male 93.7 ± 11.6 ms, female 94.6 ± 13.0 ms), and did not vary significantly with age. A large proportion of subjects had a high likelihood of sleep disordered breathing (17.6%). Baseline characteristics categorized by SDB severity indicate increasing age, male gender and being overweight (BMI ≥ 25) to be associated with greater SDB severity. Acoustic cardiography findings categorized by SDB severity reveal increased nocturnal non-dipping heart rate, presence of atrial fibrillation, prolonged QRS duration and QTc interval, increased percentage of fourth heart sound detected, and longer EMAT to be significantly associated with greater SDB severity. Overall, acoustic cardiography detected a very low prevalence of systolic dysfunction, age-related increases in diastolic dysfunction and a moderate prevalence of sleep disordered breathing.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1872
Agaba EdgarCorresponding author
FTF Nutrition Innovation Lab, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
Objective: To elaborate on the procedures undertaken to establish blood draws and cold chain for nutrition assessments. Setting: A total of 5,044 birth cohort households were enrolled and assessed using household questionnaires, anthropometry, and blood sampling to assess nutritional issues and exposures to environmental contaminants. The challenge was to obtain, transport, process, store, and analyze tens of thousands of serum samples obtained in sites that were often difficult to reach. Approach: Before enrollment began, 24 healthcare facilities in the North and Southwest of Uganda were assessed for suitability as local nodes for processing and storage. Equipment needs included functional centrifuges, refrigeration, ice machines, and -20oC freezers. Other important physical infrastructure included the presence of backup power (generator or solar generated) in the event of electricity failure. Once samples were obtained, they were transported within 5 hours to the facility laboratories, where serum was separated and aliquoted into properly labelled storage tubes and then frozen. Relevant Changes: At community level, our team visited households or small group of household members close to their homes to reduce on travel time hence contributed to high retention rates. Our immediate testing for anemia and malaria results benefited enrollees and enhanced community acceptance. By using Village Health Teams (VHTs), we could accommodate household preferences for the timing of sample collection. Our engagement with phlebotomists transformed their role from a simple service into active team members. Lessons Learned: Our first lesson was that in our setting, the success of this nutrition biological sampling system required community engagement and acceptance. By combining an immediately actionable set of tests (for anemia and malaria), and visiting cohort households, we greatly enhanced the success of the system.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1869
de Cassia Stocco RitaCorresponding author
Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
Introduction Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is the etiological agent of bovine papillomatosis, infectious and neoplastic disease, characterized by the presence of multiple papillomas that can regress spontaneously or to persist and progress to malignancies when in association with environmental cofactors. Although recognized that the BPV can induce DNA damages, the viral role following cancer initiation remains unresolved. Based on this, we stablished cell lines derived from cutaneous papilloma, fibropapilloma and esophageal carcinoma to study the BPV action on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results showed strong evidences that the virus action can contribute to EMT and, therefore, metastasis. Aim In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of the EMT markers (cytokeratin 10, STAT3 Y705, Oct-3/4 and vimentin) in paraffin-embed samples, using the same tissues that originated the cell lines previous studied, aiming to validate the results observed using cell lines. Material and Methods Expression levels of these markers was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the collagen composision by Picrosirius red staining. Results We verified an overexpression of these markers in fibroblastoid cells present into the epidermis and ketarinocyte-like cells into the dermis present in dermo-epidermal junction. These data reinforce our previous results using cell cultures, validating both systems (cell culture and paraffin-embed tissues) as useful models to study the natural history of BPV-infected lesions. Conclusion Altogether, the results from these systems indicate that the BPV promote the cancer progression and metastasis through the transdifferentiation of an epithelial to mesenchymal cells (EMT).
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-17-1818
Manuela BesserCorresponding author
University Witten/Herdecke, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Dpt. Of Translational Wound Research
If a wound progressively heals or the healing process is impaired is basically influenced by the surrounding milieu. This is reflected by the wound fluid. Its specific composition triggers the migration, proliferation and differentiation of dermal and epidermal cells which so far was not sufficiently examined in 2D cell culture models. The influence of the different wound entities was analyzed on a newly implemented three dimensional in-vitro model, which improved the transferability to the in-vivo situation. The influence of pooled wound fluids from patients suffering from acute or chronic wounds were investigated within a time period of 10 days after wound application. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed addressing the impact of AWF and CWF on regeneration, such as cell proliferation, fibroblast activity and cell migration. AWF slightly stimulated fibroblast migration while CWF inhibited their activation and migration. The CXCR4- immunopositive population was continuously decreased compared to the control and AWF treatment. The expression of FAP was enhanced under AWF and medium. In keratinocytes CWF massively stimulated cell proliferation initiating on day six after injury. The presence of 10% CWF inhibited fibroblast activation and migration and induced the degradation of the collagen matrix. Keratinocytes were stimulated to proliferate, resulting in healing inhibiting hyperplasia. Transferred to human wounds, no effective wound closure would be achieved because of the de-regulation of pro-proliferative and migration-stimulating factors and a degraded extracellular matrix. This newly implemented 3D study model represents a novel appropriate in-vitro system for studying healing mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-17-1497
Darouichi M.Corresponding author
Medical institute radiology and gynecology ,Genrva,Switzerland.
Volvulus occurring during pregnancy is a rare complication, still potentially lethal nowadays for both the mother and child due to several, early arising complications. We report here a case of small bowel volvulus in a 28 weeks and 4 days, 29 years-old, pregnant woman with a past medical history of appendectomy in her childhood. Patient presented in emergency department with abdominal pain and abnormal hepatic tests. Cholangio-MRI suggested bowel obstruction due to volvulus that was confirmed by gastroscopy (showing the obstruction) and intestinal MRI. Patient was first treated by laparoscopy but, due to a very complicated abdominal status with the presence of several adhesions of the small bowel, surgery was changed to an open laparotomy, which allowed discovery and repositioning of small bowel malrotation and removal of adhesions. Both patient and the foetus were healthy after surgery and the patient was then discharged. In the light of this particularly rare case of small bowel volvulus due to malrotion, we will describe the pathology of bowel obstruction and more particularly volvulus during pregnancy and discuss its diagnosis and treatment.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-1293
Reginald F. BaughCorresponding author
Cyanobacteria have been implicated in the etiology of ALS for the past 50 years. The weakness of the theories of cyanobacteria or its neurotoxin, BMAA as the etiologic agent in ALS is the iniquitousness of cyanobacteria in the environment. In third world countries, clean water is far from commonplace, the exposure to cyanobacteria higher, yet the incidence of ALS is probably less than it is in developed countries. Even in the developed world, exposure to cyanobacteria is commonplace. Differences in the gut microbiome, possibly the presence of Proteobacteria, a protective agent against cyanobacteria toxins, may be important.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-17-1736
Ahmed Kamal SamiaCorresponding author
Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Some strains of Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) are endemic in Egypt. The present study was performed on cattle and buffaloes (ages: 3 months up to 1.5 years old, of years 2015 and 2016), which were suffering foot and mouth disease (FMD). Sera and tissues samples were tested by different techniques including serum and virus neutralization tests (SNT, VNT), virus isolation and identification by tissue culture methods, Enzyme linked immune-Sorbent Assays (ELISA); and by the pathological and hematology techniques. The results showed the predominance of FMDV serotype O with the presence of serotypes SAT2 and A. The results showed the pathologic picture of FMD was similar regardless its specific subtypes, as apparently the studied strains produces same pathological and hematological changes. Microscopic examination reveals severe hydropic degenerations and necrosis in most affected organs, accompanied by significant changes in blood parameters which indicate severity and direct effects of FMDV on the hematopoietic system. These findings indicates the mode of pathogenesis of FMD virus in its way to exhibits the characteristic symptoms of illness. However, the investigation showed the presence of FMDV type O, A and SAT2 in the studied areas of delta governorates. It is important to focus on producing of vaccines which have only these serotypes as solution to get rid of the endemic behavior of FMDV in delta of Egypt.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-17-1555
Karam IsamCorresponding author
Central Laboratory of Veterinary Research, Soba (Animal Resources Research Corporation ARRC),
The study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia CBPP in Khartoum state. One-hundred twenty-two pneumonic lung tissue samples were collected from different slaughterhouses (116 samples most of which from local breed cattle) and from the field (six samples from cross breed cattle). Two-hundred and fifty-seven serum samples were collected randomly from cattle in different areas of the state. Tissue samples were cultivated using the standard mycoplasma procedures. Mmm was isolated from three pneumonic lungs collected from the field while no isolates were recovered from slaughterhouse samples. Histopathological sections from the positive samples revealed the typical picture of the CBPP which include fibrinonecrotic pneumonia within filtration of inflammatory cells and fibrin and distention of interlobular septae. One hundred and eight out of 257 serum samples were found positive for antibodies against Mmmusing complement fixation test (CFT). Findings of this study confirmed the presence of CBPP in Khartoum state by the isolation and identification of the causative agent.
Aug 2017
Zugor VahudinCorresponding author
Department of Urology, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
Purpose: To show the increased necessity of routine prostate biopsy in men older than 75 years and to identify markers, which reliably indicate the presence of a prostate cancer (PCa), we evaluate several different parameters from elderly patients. Methods: 196 patients over 75 years were included in the study, inclusion criteria for the biopsy were: PSA levels >4 ng/ml and/or a suspicious finding on dig ital rectal examination (DRE). The parameters analyzed included: age, prostate size, PSA levels, DRE findings, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) PCa detection rate, Gleason score, clinically significant PCa detection rate and type of therapy once PCa had been detected (curative intent or palliative intent). Results: PCa was detected in N=115 patients (59%), with 84.3% of them being defined as clinically significant (p<0.05) and 60.8% (p<0.05) as high grade. Only a PSA level > 10 ng/ml with a simultaneous positive DRE finding was a marker for high-grade or significant PCa (p< 0.001) in patients >70 years. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the prevalence of significant and high-grade PCa in the elderly patients is high raised (~60%). We identified two significant markers for patients over the age of 75, namely an increased high PSA level (PSA>10 ng/ml) and positive DRE. The combination of both markers indicates that the patient is suffering under a significant and high-grade PCa. In our opinion, every patient showing a combinational increase of both markers should be biopsied in order to receive an adequate therapy.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-17-1665
Krishnadath ISKCorresponding author
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Public Health, Anton de Kom University of Suriname
Objective: To describe the presence of mental distress in a representative sample of the Surinamese ethnic groups in the population, across urban and rural areas. Design and Methods: The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was applied to data from the Suriname Health Study (n=5,434 (15 to 65 years)) designed according to WHO Steps guidelines,to determine prevalences for mental distress in all living areas. Calculations were made in subgroups of sex, age, ethnicity, education, income, marital and employment status. The Odds Ratio (OR) for Sex and Ethnicity was estimated for mild-moderate and severe mental distress. Results: An overall prevalence of 3.8% (95%CI, 3.3-4.4) was observed for severe mental distress, 4.9% (95%CI, 4.4-5.5) for moderate mental distress and 10.8% (95%CI,10.0-11.6) for mild mental distress. The OR for mild-moderate and severe mental distress was 0.7 and 0.5 for men compared to women and higher prevalence of all categories of mental distress were found in women compared to men. Respondents with lower education and lower income showed higher prevalence of all categories of mental distress. Prevalence was also higher among respondents living in urban versus rural coastal areas, among singles versus people living with a partner and in unemployed versus employed. Maroons had higher Odds for mild-moderate and severe mental distress compared to Hindustani. Amerindian and Javanese had lower Odds for mild-moderate mental distress and Creole had lower Odds for Severe mental distress compared to Hindustani. Conclusions: Overall 19.5% of respondents reported mental distress. The main risk factors were female gender, Maroon ethnicity, low level of education and income, living in urban areas, unemployment and being single.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1606
O OsmanCorresponding author
Consultant nephrologist, Alqunfudah Hospital, KSA.
Several interactions exist between thyroid and kidney function in many disorders. Many publications explored the relationship between thyroid diseases (TD) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, the morphological thyroid changes in patients with CKD or End Stage Kidney disease (ESKD) were not fully explored. The aim of this study is to explore the morphological and the functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland among ESKD patients as detected by Doppler ultrasound. Patients and Methods: All of the 92 ESKD patients at our center were consented and included in the study. Demographic and clinical data and biochemical and hormonal profiles were recorded. Every patient received a dedicated ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland. GE ultrasound system with Doppler capabilities and high frequency transducer was used. Grey scale imaging and Doppler ultrasound were used to image the thyroid gland for every patient. Taking the thyroid morphology detected by ultrasound and the thyroid function as the dependent variables, all other parameters of age, sex, BMI, occupation, residence, duration of time on dialysis and other comorbilities were taken as independent variables and their relationship to the dependent variables was further studied using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Thyroid nodule(s) presence was found to be the most prevalent thyroid morphology detected on ultrasound scanning. Fifty three patients (57.6%) were found to have ultrasound detected nodule(s). The nodule presence was correlated to different independent variables and was found to significantly correlate with age only. The thyroid function as reflected by the level of thyroid hormones was also studied for correlation with the independent variables. No correlation was found between the thyroid function and the presence of nodules. Conclusion and Recommendation: Ultrasound detected nodules are very common in ESKD patients. The presence of nodule significantly correlates with patient age denoting its degenerative nature. Ultrasound screening of the thyroid in ESKD patients may be cost effective. However, we recommend a larger multicenter study for better results.