The synergism of hepatitis B and aflatoxicosis in hepatocellular carcinoma development: A mini-review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the twelfth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of worldwide cancer related death. Chronic hepatitis B infection, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to aflatoxins is fundamental in the formation of HCC in developing countries. This review of scientific publications aims to establish the detrimental effects of aflatoxin-contaminated foods and highlights the correlation between aflatoxin and hepatitis B viral-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Research has shown a significant increase in the occurrence of HCC in HBV-infected individuals exposed to fungal toxins. HBV demonstrates the ability to integrate and bind to p53 protein in the host DNA and propagate hepatocyte vulnerability through carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) damage. Although there has been clear evidence about the synergistic interaction of exposure to AFB1 and HBV infection in the induction of HCC, other literature has shown otherwise, mainly because incomplete and vague findings and hypotheses were made in regions where AFB1 and HBV pose a public health risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and measures such as robust food safety systems to avoid hepatotoxicity and hepatocellular carcinogenesis induced by AFB1 is the most effective methods in the prevention of HCC induced by HBV and AFB1

Effect of Balance Exercise on Selected Kinematic Gait Variables in Patients with Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balance exercise on some selected kinematic gait parameters in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. Forty subjects (18 men and 22 women) participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (experimental) that was treated with balance exercises; thermal therapy and soft tissue massage; Group 2 (control); treated with thermal therapy and soft tissue massage without balance exercise. Gait analysis was done from footprints on a 900cm walking paper and functional balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. The result showed a significant difference (P0.05) in all the gait parameters except step width and foot angle for group 1 and only walking velocity for group 2. The functional balance was significantly different in group 1 and not in group 2 comparing the pre and post treatment variables. It was concluded that balance exercise is effective in improving the functional ambulation of patient with knee osteoarthritis and should be an integral part of the patient rehabilitation