Viability of periodontal ligament cells in selected transport media for avulsed teeth: an in vitro study

To compare the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells stored in Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) with those in readily available transport media over a variable period of time. Methods: Periodontal ligament cells harvested from premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic reasons were cultured for exponential growth. The cells were exposed to egg white, evaporated milk, water and Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) at room temperature. Their viability was evaluated after 30 minutes, 1 hour and 3 hours with the tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay (MTT assay). Statistical analysis was done using the IBM® SPSS version 23.0 software. Comparison between the Mean Optical Densities (MODs) of the cells stored in HBSS and other media at each time interval was done using the independent t test. Repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test were also carried out to compare the MOD of cells within each medium over time. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. Result: The PDL cells stored in egg white had higher MODs than those in HBSS at 30 minutes and 1 hour. Conversely, the MODs of the cells stored in milk and water were lower than those in HBSS at all the studied points. There was a significant difference in the viability of the cells stored in HBSS and water at all the time points (p<0.05). Conclusion: For up to an hour, egg white was found to perform better than HBSS in supporting the viability of PDL cell

Contextual factors in premature non-communicable disease mortality in selected African countries within the sustainable development goals framework: the implication of voice and accountability

Sustainable Development Goal number 3, target 4 (SDG 3.4), seeks a 30% reduction in premature Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) mortality from 2015 levels by 2030. Africa United Nations (UN) Member States continue to experience increasing NCD mortality significantly, with the highest proportion of diabetes mortality among the working-age group. Past efforts to address this burden have been centered primarily on individual risk modifications evident by the NCDs Cluster Program at the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office. To achieve a progressive reduction, a comprehensive premature NCD reduction approach which includes a consideration of contexts within which premature NCD, such diabetes mortality arises is necessary. The aim was to examine the relationship between contextual factors and diabetes-related deaths as premature NCD mortality and to enable an improved contextualized evidence-based approach to premature NCD mortality reduction. Country-level data was retrieved for post SDG initiative years (2016-2019) from multiple publicly available data sources for 32 selected Africa UN Member States in the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) East and West Africa Region. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine the relationship between diabetes-related deaths in individuals 20-79 years and contextual factors identified within the SDG framework. Weighted data analysis showed that voice and accountability as a contextual factor explained approximately 47% variability in diabetes-related deaths across the selected Africa UN Member Sates in IDF East and West Region (n=32). Civil society engagement is vital to develop effective premature NCD mortality reduction policies, and strategies and stakeholders' accountabilities are necessary to ensure adherence to obligations.

Incidence of dengue virus infections in febrile episodes in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Dengue viruses have been identified as the most important arboviral pathogen in the world. They are transmitted by mosquitoes of Aedes species. While dengue infection is accompanied by little or no subclinical signs in many; about 1-2% may produce clinically severe Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome. Early recognition; appropriate treatment and elimination of mosquito vectors will help control it. The study is aimed at determining the incidence of dengue infections in Ile-Ife. Materials and Methods: Three millilitres venous blood was collected from each of one hundred and seventy nine patients presenting with fever in the last two weeks; and analyzed for the presence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies using Dengue Virus IgM ELISA kit (DIA.PRO; Italy) according to the manufacturer's instructions while the results and demographic data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: It was observed that 46 (25.7%) of the 179 had detectable IgM antibodies to dengue virus with 9 of them having no detectable malaria parasite. The incidence was 26.5% and 25% in male and female respectively. Further studies will be necessary to confirm the relatedness of blood transfusion as an important risk factor to the transmission of dengue virus.Conclusion: The study established the presence of fresh dengue infections for the first time in Ile-Ife among different groups of people. Clinicians are advised to prioritize laboratory diagnosis; especially of fever

The Chikungunya virus: An emerging US pathogen / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND:The Chikungunya (CHIK) virus was recently reported by the CDC to have spread to the United States. We report an early documented case of CHIK from the state of Pennsylvania after a patient recently returned from Haiti in June of 2014. METHODS:A 39-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of fever, fatigue, polyarthralgias and a diffuse rash for two days. Four days before, he returned from a mission trip to Haiti and reported that four of his accompanying friends had also become ill. A CHIK antibody titer was obtained and it was found to be positive. During his hospital stay, he responded well to supportive care, including anti-inflammatories, intravenous hydration and anti-emetics. RESULTS:His condition improved within two days and he was ultimately discharged home. CONCLUSIONS:Manifestations of CHIK can be similar to Dengue fever, which is transmitted by the same species of mosquito, and occasionally as a co-infection. Clinicians should include Chikungunya virus in their differential diagnosis of patients who present with fever, polyarthralgia and rash with a recent history of travel to endemic areas, including those within the United States.

Determinants of Delivery Outcomes in Teenage Mothers at a University Teaching Hospital, South-Eastern, Nigeria.

Aim: This study aims at identifying some delivery outcome determinants in teenage mothers and evaluating the effect of booking in light of these parameters. Study Design: A retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Teenage mothers who delivered in a teaching hospital in Nigeria over a 5-year period (between 1st Jan, 2003 and 31st Dec, 2007). Method: Labour ward register and midwives report books were used to get their hospital numbers. These case notes were retrieved subsequently from the health records department and relevant data extracted. Results: There were 8,297 deliveries during the study period and 453 cases of teenage mothers giving a teenage delivery incidence of 5.5%. Of the total teenage deliveries, older teenage mothers (16-19 years) constituted 94.7% while younger teenage mothers were 5.3%. Booked teenage mothers were 83.5% while 16.5% were unbooked. Still birth rate was 87 per 1000. No maternal death was recorded among the teenage mothers. Older teenagers had better obstetric indices such as higher vaginal delivery rate, lower caesarean section and instrumental delivery rate, reduced blood loss, better Apgar scores and less intra uterine fatal deaths than younger teenagers. However, some of these were not statistically significant and in some cases, were barely marginal. Conclusion: Influence of age on teenage delivery and other biological risk factors may not be as much as earlier perceived. Paying special attention to the socio-economic condition of teenage mothers and by extension, their access to essential obstetric care, may obviate the poor obstetric outlook hitherto attached to it.

Plasmid profiles of mercuric chloride tolerant rhizobia from horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum).

Thirty two rhizobia were isolated from the fresh healthy root nodules of horse gram. They were found to be highly salt tolerant. They were identified as rhizobia by cultural, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequence. The sequences of the four selected isolates were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. The obtained accession numbers were GQ483457, GQ483458, GQ483459 and GQ483460. All the rhizobia were able to grow at 10 ppm mercuric chloride concentration. Four isolates HGR-11, 16, 30 and 31 were used to study the effect of different concentrations of mercuric chloride on the growth of rhizobia. These isolates were able to grow at 30 ppm concentration also. In these isolates, HGR-11 and HGR-30 showed maximum growth at 20 ppm than at control. These isolates contained one mega plasmid (~ 22 kb) at 20 ppm mercuric chloride concentration.

Effect of processing methods on some nutrients, antinutrients and toxic substances in amaranthus cruentus.

The presence of antinutrients and toxic substances severely limits the nutritional benefits of vegetables. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of processing methods on some of these substances. Effects of boiling and sun drying on oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, vitamin C, β-carotene, and the mineral elements Fe, Cu, Mg, Na and K in Amaranthus cruentus were investigated. Both methods significantly (p < 0.05) reduced oxalate, cyanide and nitrate levels. Vitamin C content was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. β-carotene level increased on boiling but was reduced in sundried vegetable. Boiling exceeding 5 minutes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced β-carotene level. The mineral elements decreased upon boiling but sun drying had no significant effect on their levels. We conclude that both methods are effective means of reducing the levels of antinutrients and toxic substances in Amaranthus cruentus to tolerable levels with boiling being a better method.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis and brucellosis in sugarcane fieldworkers in Trinidad and Tobago / Seroprevalencia de la toxoplasmosis, la leptospirosis y la brucelosis en los trabajadores de las plantaciones de caña de azúcar en Trinidad y Tobago

Sugarcane field-workers, like rice field-workers, livestock farmers and abattoir workers are known to be occupationally exposed to zoonotic agents. The study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulins to Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), Leptospira spp (IgM) and Brucella abortus (IgG) in sugarcane field-workers across weighing stations in the island of Trinidad. In addition, the association of risk factors to infections by the three zoonoses was investigated. Blood samples were collected from consenting apparently healthy sugarcane field-workers across the island of Trinidad. Current/acute infection in individuals was determined in the sera of individuals using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for T gondii IgM antibodies, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leptospira spp IgM immunoglobulins and both buffered plate agglutination test (BPAT) and competitive ELISA for B abortus IgG antibodies. The seroprevalence of IgM immunoglobulins to T gondii was 15.7% (64 of 407) and to Leptospira spp was 0.7% (5 of 704) and the difference was statistically significant (p 0 < 0.05; χ2). All 704 samples tested for B abortus IgG immunoglobulins were negative. All risk factors (age, gender, race and type of work done) were not statistically significantly (p > 0.05; χ2) associated with infections by T gondii and Leptospira spp. It was concluded that sugarcane field-workers in Trinidad were at high risk of acute toxoplasmosis and, to a lesser extent, to leptospirosis. The fact that the four risk factors studied were not significantly associated with T gondiiand Leptospira spp infections suggests that they may not be important in the epidemiology of both diseases in the population studied.

Se sabe que los trabajadores de las plantaciones de caña de azúcar - al igual que los trabajadores de los campos de arroz, la ganadería y los mataderos - se hallan expuestos a agentes zoonóticos debido a su ocupación. El estudio determinó la seroprevalencia de las inmunoglobulinas en relación con Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), Leptospira spp (IgM) y Brucella abortus (IgG) en los trabajadores cañeros a lo largo de las estaciones de pesaje en la isla de Trinidad. Además, se investigó la asociación de factores de riesgo de infecciones por las tres formas de zoonosis. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre a lo largo de la isla de Trinidad, tomadas de trabajadores cañeros de apariencia saludable, que dieron su consentimiento. La infección aguda presente en los individuos, fue determinada en sus sueros mediante el inmunoensayo enzimático (IEE) para anticuerpos de T gondii IgM, el ensayo inmunosorbente vinculado a enzimas (ELISA) para inmunoglobulinas frente a Leptospira spp IgM, y la prueba de aglutinación tamponada en placa (BPAT) así como el ELISA competitivo para anticuerpos de B abortus IgG. Palabras claves: toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, brucelosis, trabajadores cañeros, Trinidad. La seroprevalencia de inmunoglobulinas IgM para T gondii fue de 15,7% (64 de 407) en tanto que para la Leptospira spp fue 0,7% (5 de 704). La diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p 0 < 0.05; c²). Las 704 muestras sometidas a la prueba de inmunoglobulinas para B abortus IgG, fueron negativas. Los factores de riesgo (edad, género, raza y tipo de trabajo realizado) no estuvieron significativamente asociados (p > 0.05; c²) de manera estadística con las infecciones por T gondii y Leptospira spp Se llegó a la conclusión de que los trabajadores cañeros de Trinidad presentaban un alto riesgo de toxoplasmosis aguda y, en menor medida, de leptospirosis. El hecho de que los cuatro factores de riesgo estudiados no estaban significativamente asociadas con T gondiiy a infecciones de Leptospira spp, sugiere que puede que no sean importantes en la epidemiología de ambas enfermedades en la población estudiada.

Jamaican youth health status 2005 / Nivel de salud de la juventud jamaicana en el 2005

The purpose of this survey is to determine health-seeking behaviour, nutritional status and lifestyles of adolescents aged 10-15 years. A random sample of 3003 (1 422 males and 1 581 females) school-children, aged 10-15 years, was studied in a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered school-based survey conducted in all school types islandwide in a nationally representative sample of Jamaican children currently attending school. Some 3003 youths, 1422 males and 1581 females were interviewed. Males and females had similar healthcare-seeking behaviour but fewer students attending schools in rural areas reported having their eyes or hearing checked, or had seen a dentist than those attending urban schools. Some twelve per cent of adolescents were overweight/ obese. More females than males and more urban than rural students were overweight or obese. More boys (86.3%) were physically active in the last week than girls (75%). Physical activity peaked at age 13 years and was lowest at ages 11 and 14-15 years. Some 13% of adolescents 10-15 years old reported having had sexual intercourse, with boys being four times as likely as girls to report sexual activity (OR- 4.97; C.I. - 3.82, 6.47). The median age of sexual debut was 15.43 years for boys and over 15 years for girls. One-third of adolescents drank alcohol and 3% smoked marijuana in the past year. More boys than girls used drugs (p < 0.01). Some 14% of adolescents felt lonely, sad or wanted to cry most of the time/always. One-tenth seriously considered suicide. This study concluded that most adolescents attending primary and secondary schools in Jamaica were not involved in risky behaviour. However, it reveals some critical areas of concern with regard to nutritional status and physical activity, emotional well-being, drug use and sexual activity.

El propósito de este estudio es determinar el comportamiento de búsqueda de la salud, el nivel nutricional, y los estilos de vida de adolescentes de 10-15 años. Una muestra aleatoria de 3003 (1422 varones y 1581 hembras) escolares de 10-15 años de edad, fue sometida a una encuesta transversal aplicada por el entrevistador. La encuesta con sede en la escuela, fue conducida en todos los tipos de escuela a lo largo de la isla en una muestra nacionalmente representativa de niños y niñas jamaicanos que asisten a la escuela actualmente. Se entrevistaron unos 3003 jóvenes, 1422 varones y 1581 hembras. Los varones y las hembras tenían comportamientos de búsqueda de la salud similares pero el número de estudiantes que reportó haber tenido chequeos de la vista o de la audición, o haber visto a un dentista, fue menor entre aquellos que asistían a las escuelas en áreas rurales que entre los que asistían a escuelas urbanas. Alrededor del doce por ciento de los adolescentes eran obesos o estaban pasados de peso. Más hembras que varones y más estudiantes urbanos que rurales estaba pasados de peso o eran obesos. Más muchachos (86.3%) que muchachas (75%) estaban físicamente activos en la última semana. La actividad física alcanzó su punto máximo en la edad 13 años y el más bajo en las edades 11 y 14-15 años. Alrededor de 13% de adolescentes de 10-15 años reportaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales, siendo el caso que la tendencia a reportar actividad sexual fue cuatro veces mayor en los muchachos que en las muchachas (OR- 4.97; C.I. - 3.82, 6.47). La edad promedio de la iniciación sexual fue de 15.43 años para los muchachos y mayor de 15 años para las muchachas. Un tercio de los adolescentes bebió alcohol y un 3% fumó marihuana el año pasado. Más muchachos que las muchachas consumían drogas (p < 0.01). Alrededor del 14% de los adolescentes se sentían solos, tristes o sentían deseos de llorar la mayor parte del tiempo/siempre. La décima parte de ellos consideró seriamente la posibilidad de suicidio. Este estudio concluyó que la mayoría de los adolescentes que asisten a las escuelas primarias y secundarias en Jamaica no estuvieron involucrados en conductas de riesgo. Sin embargo, se ponen de manifiesto algunas áreas críticas de preocupación con respecto al nivel nutricional y la actividad física, el bienestar emocional, el uso de drogas y la actividad sexual.

Molecular characterization of chikungunya virus from Andhra Pradesh, India & phylogenetic relationship with Central African isolates.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Chikungunya virus has caused numerous large outbreaks in India. Suspected blood samples from the epidemic were collected and characterized for the identification of the responsible causative from Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. METHODS: RT-PCR was used for screening of suspected blood samples. Primers were designed to amplify partial E1 gene and the amplified fragment was cloned and sequenced. The sequence was analyzed and compared with other geographical isolates to find the phylogenetic relationship. RESULTS: The sequence was submitted to the Gen bank DNA database (accession DQ888620). Comparative nucleotide homology analysis of the AP Ra-CTR isolate with the other isolates revealed 94.7+/-3.6 per cent of homology of CHIKAPRa-CTR with other isolates of Chikungunya virus at nucleotide level and 96.8+/-3.2 per cent of homology at amino acid level. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The current epidemic was caused by the Central African genotype of CHIKV, grouped in Central Africa cluster in phylogenetic trees generated based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences.

Sex differences in angiotensin II- induced hypertension

Sex differences in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease have been described in humans and in animal models. In this paper we will review some of our studies which have as their emphasis the examination of the role of sex differences and sex steroids in modulating the central actions of angiotensin II (ANG II) via interactions with free radicals and nitric oxide, generating pathways within brain circumventricular organs and in central sympathomodulatory systems. Our studies indicate that low-dose infusions of ANG II result in hypertension in wild-type male mice but not in intact wild-type females. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that ANG II-induced hypertension in males is blocked by central infusions of the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, and by central infusions of the superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol. We have also found that, in comparison to females, males show greater levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species in circumventricular organ neurons following long-term ANG II infusions. In female mice, ovariectomy, central blockade of estrogen receptors or total knockout of estrogen a receptors augments the pressor effects of ANG II. Finally, in females but not in males, central blockade of nitric oxide synthase increases the pressor effects of ANG II. Taken together, these results suggest that sex differences and estrogen and testosterone play important roles in the development of ANG II-induced hypertension.

Maternal and child health services utilization in married women of age 15- 45 years.

A house-to-house survey was carried out in Edavanakad Panchayat in Ernakulam district of Kerala to study the utilization and satisfaction from the MCH services provided by the Government and private hospitals. In all 92 women of age 15-45 were selected for the study. The use of private hospital for delivery increased with education. Younger women (age <20 years) used equally both the Government and private hospitals. Overall Government hospital was preferred over private. Antenatal practices were very good with 99% of the women having visited a doctor at least 3 times during pregnancy and women who received TT injection (99%) & IFA tablets (98%) respectively were also very good. More housewives used Government services as compared to the workingwomen and found them convenient and satisfying. The further satisfaction in services may be increased by encouraging community participation.

Self reported morbidity and awareness regarding common cancers in elderly women.

A study based on 198 women above 45 years of age was undertaken using interview methods in a house to house survey, to find the self reported morbidity and awareness regarding common cancers and screening tests. In this study the most commonly reported morbidity was due to reproductive system and related problems. Among reported problems the most common was visual (66.5%) followed by joint pains(58.9%).There was a highly significant relationship between Hypertension, Diabetes and age and also highly significant relationship between education and reported morbidity like low back ache, easy fatiguability, Hypertension and Diabetes. Women in the age group (45-55years) had a significantly better awareness about common cancers. 29.7% women were aware of breast self examination (BSE) and 20.6% practicing BSE. It was also found that women belonging to nuclear families were significantly more likely to practice BSE. Two thirds of the respondents did not know about the screening test for Breast Cancer and 83.7% were unaware of the test for cervical cancer.

Identification of the elongation factor Tu binding site on 70S E. coli ribosomes by chemical crosslinking.

Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), in the presence of Phe-tRNA, GMPPCP, and Poly (U), binds to 70S ribosomes at the recognition (R) site. In order to identify the ribosomal proteins adjacent to the EF-Tu occupying the R site, EF-Tu:Phe-tRNA:GMPPCP:ribosome complexes were crosslinked by modification with 2-iminothiolane and mild oxidation to form disulfide bridges between neighbouring proteins whose endogenous or introduced SH groups were appropriately located. The binding of Phe-tRNA to the ribosome was shown to be largely dependent on the presence of Poly(U). The total protein from the complexes was extracted and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis by non-equilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis (NEpHGE) in the first dimension, followed by gradient SDS gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. Comparison of control samples crosslinked without Poly(U) to those crosslinked with Poly(U) present showed a single crosslinked complex in the region of the gel near EF-Tu. No cross-links in the vicinity of EF-Tu were visible in the absence of Poly(U). The crosslinked proteins in this region were recovered by electroelution, radiolabeled and their identity was confirmed by 2D gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses. Two major 50S ribosomal proteins, L7/L12 and L10 were found to be covalently linked to EF-Tu. The isolated crosslinked complex did not contain any protein from the 30S subunit. These results demonstrate that L7/L12 and L10 are the major, if not only, ribosomal protein cross-links to EF-Tu in the R site. In contrast to previous crosslinking results obtained by others, our results define a unique location for the EF-Tu binding site, one compatible with functional data and near that of the EF-G binding site on the ribosome.