Factors associated with community engagement in areas with high and low incidence of local malaria cases in Zanzibar

Introduction: the prevalence of asymptomatic infection in the general population in Zanzibar has declined from above 25% in 2005 to less than 1% in 2010. Despite these achievements, in 2021, the number of malaria cases increased by two folds. This study aimed at understanding the levels of community engagement towards malaria elimination and factors associated with them to provide recommendations that can be used to reinforce community engagement. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to 431 randomly selected households. The interviewees were the heads of households or representative adults above 18 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the association between social demographic characteristics, malaria knowledge, practicing malaria prevention interventions and status of community engagement. Statistical significance test was declared at P- value <0.05. Results: of all respondents, 261 (60.6%) were not engaged in either planning or implementation of malaria interventions, of which 120 (45.9%) participants were in the high malaria transmission and 141 (54.0%) from the low malaria transmission (P=0.018). Factors significantly associated with increased odds of community engagement were the level of knowledge on malaria (P= 0.002) and factors independently associated with reduced odds of community engagement was the level of malaria burden (P= 0.01). Conclusion: level of malaria knowledge and malaria burden were associated with community engagement. There is a need to increase malaria knowledge in the community based on the existing gaps as this study suggests that having high malaria knowledge can significantly contribute to increased opportunity for community engagement.

The Prosthetic Management of a Case of Epulis Fissuratum by a Novel Technique / El manejo protésico de un caso de épulis fisurado con una técnica novedosa

ABSTRACT: The clinical management of the epulis involves the elimination of causal factors, excision of fibrous tissue excess accompanied by an appropriate prosthetic rehabilitation. The confection of interim prosthesis or the rectification of old prosthesis for the setting up of a tissue conditioner if necessary, to improve the healing and prevent the decrease of the vestibule depth after the surgical exeresis. Throughout this paper, we are going to present a new technique for the correction of old prostheses poorly adapted for the management of a case of the epulis fissuratum.

RESUMEN: El manejo clínico de un épulis comprende la eliminación de los agentes causales y la eliminación del tejido fibroso, acompañado de una adecuada rehabilitación protésica. Es necesaria la confección de una prótesis provisional o la rectificación de la prótesis vieja, para la colocación del acondicionador de tejidos si fuera necesario para mejorar el sanado y prevenir la disminución de la profundidad del vestíbulo después de la exéresis quirúrgica. En este artículo, presentaremos una nueva técnica para la corrección de la prótesis desajustada en el manejo de un caso de épulis fisurado.

Statistical optimization of cellulases by Talaromyces thermophilus utilizing Saccharum spontaneum, a novel substrate

BACKGROUND: At present, cellulases are the most important enzymes worldwide, and their demand has been increasing in the industrial sector owing to their notable hydrolysis capability. RESULTS: In the present study, contrary to conventional techniques, three physical parameters were statistically optimized for the production of cellulase by thermophilic fungi by using response surface methodology (RSM). Among all the tested thermophilic strains, the best cellulase producing fungus was identified as Talaromyces thermophilus ­ both morphologically and molecularly through 5.8S/ITS rDNA sequencing. The central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the interactive effect of the significant factors. The CCD was applied by considering incubation period, pH, and temperature as the model factors for the present investigation. A second-order quadratic model and response surface method revealed that the independent variables including pH 6, temperature 50 C, and incubation period 72 h significantly influenced the production of cellulases. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the established model was significant (P 0.05) and showed the high adequacy of the model. The actual and predicted values of CMCase and FPase activity showed good agreement with each other and also confirmed the validity of the designed model. CONCLUSIONS: We believe the present findings to be the first report on cellulase production by exploiting Kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum) as a substrate through response surface methodology by using thermophilic fungus, Talaromyces thermophilus.

Process optimization for enhanced production of cellulases form locally isolated fungal strain by submerged fermentation

Cellulase has myriad applications in various sectors like pharmaceuticals, textile, detergents, animal feed and bioethanol production, etc. The current study focuses on the isolation, screening and optimization of fungal strain through one factor at a time technique for enhanced cellulase production. In current study sixteen different fungal cultures were isolated and the culture which quantitatively exhibits higher titers of cellulase activity was identified both morphologically and molecularly by 18S rDNA and designated as Aspergillus niger ABT11. Different parameters like fermentation medium, volume, temperature, pH and nutritional components were optimized. The highest CMCase and FPase activities was achieved in 100ml of M5 medium in the presence of 1% lactose and sodium nitrate at 30 oC, pH5 after 72 hours. The result revealed A. niger can be a potential candidate for scale up studies.

Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Women With and Without COVID-19: A Comparative Study From Bangladesh / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but insufficient research has investigated pregnancy and its outcomes in women with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study compared birth outcomes related to COVID-19 between Bangladeshi pregnant women with and without COVID-19. @*Methods@#The study was conducted at 3 tertiary referral hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March to August 2020. Pregnant women admitted for delivery at these hospitals with laboratory results (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) were analyzed. Using convenience sampling, we included 70 COVID-19-positive and 140 COVID-19-negative pregnant women. Trained and experienced midwives conducted the interviews. Data were analyzed using the t-test, the chi-square test, and univariate and multivariable linear and logistic regression. @*Results@#Pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to give birth to a preterm baby (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 4.37) and undergo a cesarean section (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.51 to 7.07). There were no significant differences in birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and the Apgar score at 1 minute or 5 minutes post-delivery between women with and without COVID-19. All the newborn babies who were born to COVID-19-positive women were COVID-19-negative. @*Conclusions@#Our study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to give birth to a preterm baby and undergo a cesarean section. For this reason, physicians should be particularly cautious to minimize adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women with COVID-19 and their newborn babies.

Impact of Foeniculum vulgare Fortified Diet on Coagulation Profile and Some Biochemical Parameters

Aims:Coagulation profile shows the clotting ability of blood. Biochemical tests indicate health status of vital organs such as liver, heart and kidneys. Herbal products are being assessed for their role in affecting these parameters. We evaluated role of Foeniculumvulgareincorporated diet on coagulation profile and some important biochemical parameters.Study Design:Laboratory centred randomized controlled trial.Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018 Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculumvulgareand 4% Foeniculumvulgaregroup. Control group was given standard diet whereas; 2% and 4% Foeniculumvulgaregroups were maintained on standard diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculumvulgarecrushed seeds. Coagulation profile and some biochemical parameters were done after interval of a month, for two months.Results:Platelet count and fibrinogen increased while activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels decreased in both the study groups animals as compared to control, while blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation was noted both Foeniculumvulgaregroups but within normal range.Conclusion:Foeniculumvulgaremay have some role in affecting coagulation and biochemical profile These parameters, however, need clinical trial to validate reliability

Antidepressant and Antiamnesic Potential of Foeniculum vulgare

Aim:To evaluate the antiamnesic and antidepressant effect of Foeniculumvulgarewhole crushed seeds.Study Design:Laboratory based randomized control study. Place and Duration of Study:Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi between January 2018 to August 2018. Methodology:Thirty swiss albino mice and wistar rats were divided equally in three groups. Control group was fed on standard rodent diet, group 2 was fed on 2% Foeniculumvulgarediet and group 3 was given 4% Foeniculumvulgarediet. Antidepressant activity was assessed using forced swimming test. Memory enhancement effect was evaluated by stationary rod test, passive avoidance test and water maze test.Results:Increased durationof struggling time was noted in both group 2 and group 3 as compared to control in forced swimming test. Decrease in time to reach platform in both water maze and stationary rod test was recorded in both the study group (group 2 & 3). Increase in stepthroughlatency was also seen in group 2 and group 3 as compared to control group.Conclusion:The results showed the memory enhancing and antidepressant actions of Foeniculum

Comparison of Apple Cider Vinegar and Metformin Combination with Metformin Alone in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aims to compare the effect of metformin monotherapy with the combination therapy of metformin and apple cider vinegar on the parameters of Body Mass Index and glycemic control of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: A total of 126 patients were enrolled in this open-label randomized controlled trial, divided into two parallel arms: Group I (Metformin 750 mg alone per day) and Group II (Metformin 750 mg+Apple Cider Vinegar 2 tablespoons per day) and assessed for weight, Body Mass Index, Fasting Blood Sugar and Hemoglobin A1c after which the post-treatment values of the aforementioned parameters were compared between the two groups. Informed consent from all patients and ethical approval from the institutional ethics board was obtained. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: All the parameters underwent a significant reduction in the pre and post intra group comparison of each group (p-value<0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was found in the post-treatment comparisons of the Fasting Blood Sugar (p-value<0.001) and HbA1c (p-value=0.04) in between the two groups. However, no significant difference was obtained in the post-treatment comparisons of weight and Body Mass Index in between the two groups. Conclusion: Apple Cider Vinegar in combination with Metformin appears to be more effective in improving glycemic control versus Metformin monotherapy.

Development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for accelerated stability study and pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for accelerated stability study and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine HCl. The chromatographic separation was carried out using ODS analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size). The mobile phase included acetonitrile, methanol and potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (30:30:40; pH 6.1) at a flow rate 1.5 mL min−1. UV-Visible detector was used at wavelength of 227 nm to monitor elutions. Retention time observed was 2.745 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and robustness. Accelerated stability study of venlafaxine HCl capsules was carried out at 40 and 50 ºC under 75% RH level. Suggested method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets. Each of ten albino rabbits (≈ 1.2 kg each) was orally administered with 5 mg dose of venlafaxine HCl. The method was proved to be linear (R2 >0.998), accurate (98.25-99.27%), sensitive (LOD: 35ngmL−1; LOQ: 105 ng mL−1) and robust (RSD<1%). The drug showed stability at accelerated conditions of temperature and humidity. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of tested products were as follows: tmax was 2.5h, Cmax was 56.5 µg mL−1, t1/2 was 8.2 h, AUC0-36 was 845.9 µg h mL−1. The developed method is suitable to apply for quality control analysis and pharmacokinetic studies.

Suspected child abuse and neglect cases in a single tertiary hospital in Malaysia - a 5-year retrospective study

@#Background: Published reports by the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia suggests that child abuse and neglect cases has been steadily increasing. There is a lack of basic data and qualitative study on child maltreatment in Malaysia. Objective: The aim is to describe the pattern and demographic features of all suspected child abuse and neglect (SCAN) cases seen in a single tertiary hospital in Malaysia over a period of five years. Methods: A retrospective descriptive review of children suspected of maltreatment, aged 0 to 18 years old who presented to the Hospital Serdang (HS), Selangor, Malaysia from January 2014 to December 2018 was done. A list of registered SCAN cases obtained from One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) HS census. Clinical information of patients was retrieved from the computerised database. Results: In all, there were a total of 391 SCAN cases over five years with almost a 3-fold increase in the number of cases from 2014 to 2018. Physical abuse was the most common (55%) seen followed by sexual abuse (34%) and neglect (10%). There were four deaths, all involving infants <1 year old who were physically abused by babysitters. The main perpetrator in sexual abuse were people known to the victim. Ninety-three percent of patients were neglected by their biological parents and more than 2/3rd of neglect cases occurred due to inadequate supervision. Discussion: Child maltreatment is an inevitable burden to our health system and infants are the most vulnerable group to sustain significant injuries leading to death and disabilities.

Coconut oil nanoemulsion attenuates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of the coconut oil nanoemulsion against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing Swiss albino mice. Methods: Forty mice were divided into four groups. Group Ⅰ served as the untreated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice in groups Ⅱ–Ⅳ received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 mL/kg coconut oil nanoemulsion, 20 mg/kg methotrexate as well as 0.2 mL/kg coconut oil nanoemulsion mixed with 20 mg/kg methotrexate, respectively. The toxicities of the treatments were assessed by determining the complete blood count, performing the serum analysis for liver and kidney functions, evaluating the oxidative status and visualizing histological changes in the liver and kidney tissues. Results: Treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion markedly diminished the liver parameters including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin which were raised by methotrexate treatment (P < 0.05). Similarly, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, as the indicators of kidney function, were dramatically lowered in the combination treatment group compared to the methotrexate group (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion reduced the malondialdehyde and increased catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase, in the liver and kidney tissues (P < 0.05). The treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion reduced white blood cell count and increased the hemoglobin amount (P < 0.05), but did not cause any change in platelets and red blood cell count. Conclusions: Coconut oil nanoemulsion as a nanocarrier has great potential in reducing the adverse side effects induced by methotrexate.

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Coconut oil nanoemulsion attenuates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of the coconut oil nanoemulsion against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing Swiss albino mice. Methods: Forty mice were divided into four groups. Group I served as the untreated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice in groups II-IV received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 mL/kg coconut oil nanoemulsion, 20 mg/kg methotrexate as well as 0.2 mL/kg coconut oil nanoemulsion mixed with 20 mg/kg methotrexate, respectively. The toxicities of the treatments were assessed by determining the complete blood count, performing the serum analysis for liver and kidney functions, evaluating the oxidative status and visualizing histological changes in the liver and kidney tissues. Results: Treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion markedly diminished the liver parameters including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin which were raised by methotrexate treatment (P < 0.05). Similarly, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, as the indicators of kidney function, were dramatically lowered in the combination treatment group compared to the methotrexate group (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion reduced the malondialdehyde and increased catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase, in the liver and kidney tissues (P < 0.05). The treatment with methotrexate and coconut oil nanoemulsion reduced white blood cell count and increased the hemoglobin amount (P < 0.05), but did not cause any change in platelets and red blood cell count. Conclusions: Coconut oil nanoemulsion as a nanocarrier has great potential in reducing the adverse side effects induced by methotrexate.

Enhanced production of ß- glucosidase by locally isolated fungal strain employing submerged fermentation / Aumento da produção de ß-glucosidase por estirpe fúngica isolada localmente, por fermentação submersa

ß-glucosidase has wide spectrum of biotechnological applications in different industries including food, textile, laundry detergents, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical and biofuel industry. The present investigation related to isolation, screening, and process optimization of fungal strain for enhanced production of ß-glucosidase (BGL). For this purpose, different fungal stains were isolated from different sources including soil, fruits, bark of tree as well as from the compost. The screening of fungal strain for BGL production was carried out via submerged fermentation. All the tested strains were identified on the basis of micro and macroscopic features. The fungal strain having greater ability for BGL synthesis among tested ones wasidentified as Aspergillus niger and given the code SBT-15. The process parameter including fermentation media, temperature, pH, rate of fermentation, carbon and nitrogen sources, volume of media were optimized. Five different fermentation media were evaluatedM3medium gave maximum production. The optimal conditions for BGL production was 72 hours of incubation at 40°C, pH 6 and 50 ml fermentation medium. Glucose (1%) and ammonium sulphate(3%) were optimized as best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively.

A ß-glicosidase possui amplo espectro de aplicações biotecnológicas em diferentes indústrias, incluindo alimentos, têxteis, detergentes para lavanderia, papel e celulose, indústria farmacêutica e de biocombustíveis, etc. A presente investigação relaciona-se ao isolamento e triagem e otimização de processos de cepas fúngicas para produção aumentada de ß- glucosidase (BGL). Para este efeito, diferentes manchas fúngicas foram isoladas a partir de diferentes fontes, incluindo solo, frutos, casca de árvore, bem como a partir do composto. A triagem da linhagem fúngica para produção de BGL foi realizada via fermentaçãosubmersa. Todas as cepas testadas foram identificadas com base em características micro e macroscópicas. A linhagem fúngica com maior capacidade de síntese de BGL entre os testados foi identificada como Aspergillus niger e recebeu o código SBT-15. O parâmetro do processo, incluindo meios de fermentação, temperatura, pH, taxa de fermentação, fontes de carbono e nitrogênio, volume de mídia foram otimizados. Cinco meios de fermentação diferentes foram avaliados. O meio M3 deu a produção máxima. As condições ótimas para a produção de BGL foram 72 horas de incubação a 40 ° C, pH 6 e 50ml de meio de fermentação. Glicose (1%) e sulfato de amônio (3%) foram otimizados como melhores fontes de carbono e nitrogênio, respectivamente.

Screening and optimization of arsenic degrading bacteria and their potential role in heavy metal bioremediation / Triagem e otimização de bactérias que degradam arsê nicos e seu papel potencial na biorremediação de metais pesados

Industrialization has added extremely toxic metalloid arsenic into the environment which at high concentration severely threatens the biota. Naturally, some microbes possess the ability to bio-accumulate metals and also to transform arsenite (As III) a toxic form to a non-toxic arsenate As V. The present study aimed to isolate arsenic resistant bacterias from the arsenic contaminated soil and water. Among eleven bacterial isolates, three FAs 1, 4 and 9 exhibited tolerance against sodium arsenite at 100mM concentration by achieving growth of 7.48×109,1.57×109 and 2.23×109 C.F.U./ml, respectively. Optimization at differentconditions such as temperature, pH and arsenic concentration revealed high arsenic tolerance from isolate FAs 4 (5.33×108) at 37°C and FAs 1 (4.43×108 C.F.U./ml) at pH 7. Arsenic resistance at optimum conditions for the bacterial strains FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 showed maximum growth at 80mM concentration of arsenite. These bacterial isolates did not show redox ability to oxidize arsenite As III to arsenate As V. However bacterial isolates FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 were able to accumulate arsenic 39.16, 148 and 125 µ g/L on the 4th, 3rd and 5thday of incubation, respectively. The isolates FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 were identified as Gram negative non endospore forming rods. In future, these novel isolates possess a great potential in biotechnology field, as bioremediation of arsenic contaminated soil and water can be done by employing arsenic accumulating bacteria which is an eco-friendly and cost effective method.

A industrialização adicionou arsênico metalóide extremamente tóxico ao ambiente que, em alta concentração, ameaça severamente a biota. Naturalmente, alguns micróbios possuem a capacidade de bio-acumular metais e também transformar arsenito (As III) uma forma tóxica a um arsenato não-tóxico Como V. O presente estudo visa o isolamento de bactérias resistentes ao arsênico do solo contaminado com arsênico e água . Entre onze isolados bacterianos, três FAs 1, 4 e 9 exibiram tolerância à concentração de 100 mM de arseatura de sódio, obtendo crescimento de 7,48 × 109,157 × 109 e 2,23 × 109 C.F.U./ml, respectivamente. Otimização em diferentes condições como temperatura, pH e concentração de arsênio revelaram alta tolerância ao arsênico do isolado FAs 4 (5,33 × 108) a 37 ° C e FAs 1 (4,43 × 108 UFC / ml) em pH 7. Resistência ao arsênico em condições ótimas para as cepas bacterianas FAs 1, FAs 4 e FAs 9 apresentaram crescimento máximo na concentração de 80 mM de arsenito. Estes isolados bacterianos não mostraram capacidade redoxpara oxidar o arsenito As III para arseniar como V. No entanto, os isolados bacterianos FAs 1, FAs 4 e FAs 9 foram capazes de acumular arsênico 39,16, 148 e 125 µ g / L no 4º, 3º e 5º dia de incubação, respectivamente. Os isolados FAs 1, FAs 4 e FAs 9 foram identificados como bastonetes gram-negativos não endoscópicos. No futuro, esses novos isolados possuem um grande potencial no campo da biotecnologia, já que a biorremediação de solo e água contaminados com arsênico pode ser feita empregando-se bactérias que acumulam arsênico, o que é um método ecologicamente correto e econômico.

Effects of Diabetogenic Agent Streptozotocin on Hematological Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats “An Experimental Study”

Background:Diabetes mellitus has remained the major concern for medical sciences researches duetoits deleterious effects on general, physical and mental health of patients. To understand the pathophysiology and to explore better treatment options for such kind of metabolic disorders it is necessary to generate the experimental animal models. To create diabetic animal models, streptozotocin has shown predominance in selectivity as a diabetogenic agent. While studying effects of any intervention in the diabetic animal models, being a cytotoxic drug streptozotocin may affect the study results by inhibiting highly replicating cells especially hematopoietic cells.Original ResearchArticle Aims:The aim of study was to analyze the effects of streptozotocin on various cellular components of blood such as RBCs, WBCs (Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils), Hb%, HCT and Platelets, at baseline,5thday and 15thday without any intervention.Study Design:Animal based Experimentalstudy.Place and duration of Study:The study was conducted at animal house of faculty of Pharmacy Ziauddin University Karachi, while laboratory work was performed at MDRL-1 Ziauddin University.Methodology:In Group A normal saline and in group B and C 60mg / kg streptozotocin diluted in normal saline was administered intraperitoneally. After the confirmation of induction of Diabetes in rats, on fifth day blood samples were drawn from Group A and B and were analyzed. While blood samples from group C weredrawn on fifteenth day.Results:Analysis of various hematological parameters on 5thday revealed that there was a decrease in the levels of Hb, HCT, RBCs and WBCs with an increase in platelet count in group B in comparison to group A (control). On the other hand, in Group C (15th day), blood cell counts (Hb, HCT, RBCs, WBCs, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils and platelets) seemed to recover from streptozotocin induced decline that was observed in group B, however did not reach the baselines as in group A(control).Conclusion:It is concluded that change in hematological parameters of rats after administration of streptozotocin is reversible. The blood parameters may recover near to base line values without any intervention within two weeks

Clinical Evaluation of Demineralized Bone Matrix Allograft in Femur Fracture in Dogs

Eight clinical cases of dogs having femur fracture, were divided into two groups, A and B with four dogs (n=4) in each group. Group A animals were treated with intramedullary pinning (IMP) alone and group B were treated using IMP alongwith demineralized bone matrix (DBM) implantation at the fracture site. The efficacy of healing was evaluated on the basis of clinical evaluation, haemato-biochemical and radiographic parameters on the day of admission (day 0), followed by 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th post-operative days. The weight bearing was observed to be better in dogs of group A. Swelling was completely absent after 15th post-operative day in dogs of both the groups. The mean values of Hb, PCV, TLC and DLC showed a non-significant variation on subsequent post-operative days in both the groups. There was a significant increase in serum calcium up to 30th post-operative day and thereafter, followed a decreasing trend. The serum alkaline phosphatase values showed non-significant variation in group A while in group B animals significant increase observed on 15th, 30th and 45th post-operative day. Radiographically, the dogs of group B showed better radiographic union of fracture evidenced by early disappearance of fracture line than those of group A

Variations In The Origin Of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery

Medial circumflex femoral artery(MCFA) usually arises from the Profunda femoris artery(PFA) in the femoral triangle and is the chief source of blood supply to the head of femur. Knowledge about the anatomy of MCFA is essential during orthopedic procedures and interventional surgeries. AIM: To study the variations in the origin of medial circumflex femoral artery MATERIALS AND METHODS:100 lower limbs, by dissection method. RESULTS: MCFA arose from PFA in 65% and from FA(Femoral artery) in 35%.A common stem for PFA and MCFA was found in 15%.A common stem for MCFA, Lateral circumflex femoral artery and PFA was found in 4%.

Nature of Complex Network of Dengue Epidemic as a Scale-Free Network / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Dengue epidemic is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that has gained considerable attention due to its injurious effects. The focus of this study is to statically analyze the nature of the dengue epidemic network in terms of whether it follows the features of a scale-free network or a random network. METHODS: A multifarious network of Aedes aegypti is addressed keeping the viewpoint of a complex system and modelled as a network. The dengue network has been transformed into a one-mode network from a two-mode network by utilizing projection methods. Furthermore, three network features have been analyzed, the power-law, clustering coefficient, and network visualization. In addition, five methods have been applied to calculate the global clustering coefficient. RESULTS: It has been observed that dengue epidemic follows a power-law, with the value of its exponent γ = −2.1. The value of the clustering coefficient is high for dengue cases, as weight of links. The minimum method showed the highest value among the methods used to calculate the coefficient. Network visualization showed the main areas. Moreover, the dengue situation did not remain the same throughout the observed period. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the network topology exhibits the features of a scale-free network instead of a random network. Focal hubs are highlighted and the critical period is found. Outcomes are important for the researchers, health officials, and policy makers who deal with arbovirus epidemic diseases. Zika virus and Chikungunya virus can also be modelled and analyzed in this manner.