Chemical characterization and effects of volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet on the quality of collagen deposition and caveolin-1 expression in a muscular fibrosis murine model

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

Chemical characterization and effects of volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet on the quality of collagen deposition and caveolin-1 expression in a muscular fibrosis murine model / Caracterização química e efeitos do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet na qualidade da deposição do colágeno e expressão da caveolina-1 em modelo murino de fibrose muscular

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

CETP gene polymorphisms and haplotypes are explanatory variables for HDL cholesterol level in sickle cell disease

Variations in lipid profile have been observed in sickle cell disease (SCD) and understanding their relationship with disease severity is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the association of polymorphisms of the CETP gene and laboratory markers of disease severity with lipid profile in a pediatric population with SCD. Biochemical and anthropometric analyses and CETP and alpha-thalassemia genotyping were performed. The study included 133 children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA) or hemoglobin SC disease (SCC), in steady-state. The SCA and no hydroxyurea (no HU) groups had higher values of ApoB, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) compared to the SCC and HU groups. However, there were no significant differences in ApoA1 and HDL-C levels between the groups based on genotype. Furthermore, the groups with altered levels of ApoA1, HDL-C, and the triglyceride/HDL ratio exhibited lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels and higher white blood cell counts. Hb level was associated to HDL-C levels. Analysis of CETP gene variants showed that the minor alleles of rs3764261 (C>A), rs247616 (C>T), and rs183130 (C>T), as well as the TTA haplotype, are explanatory variables for HDL-C levels. These findings suggested that dyslipidemia in SCD, specifically related to HDL-C levels, may be influenced by individual genetic background. Additionally, further investigation is needed to determine if clinical manifestations are impacted by CETP gene variants.

Profil audiométrique des surdités à Brazzaville / Audiometric pattern of deafness in Brazzaville

Introduction. La surdité est une perturbation auditive correspondant à la diminution ou la suppression de la capacité d'entendre le son. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer le profil audiométrique de la surdité à Brazzaville Méthodologie. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et rétrospective réalisée dans les services d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et chirurgie cervico-facialedu CHU de Brazzaville et de l'hôpital de référence de Talangaï. L'étude s'est déroulée sur une période de 12 moisallant du 01 janvier2021 au 31 décembre 2021 et avait inclus les patients présentant une hypoacousie et /ou vertige périphérique et ayant réalisé une audiométrie tonale liminaire mettant en évidence une surdité. Résultats. Nous avons étudié360 dossiers depatients atteints de surdité. La moyenne d'âge était 24,6 ans avec une prédominance féminine (57%). Les étudiants et les élèves constituaient la classe professionnelle la plus retrouvée (47,2%). Le signe fonctionnel le plus représenté était l'hypoacousie bilatérale avec 88,6%. L'audiométrie tonale liminaire était dominée par la surdité de perception moyenne (41,6%).Conclusion. La surdité estun handicap auditif invalidantdont la prise en charge pourrait être améliorée par l'utilisation de l'audiométrie tonale.

Introduction.Deafness is an auditory disturbance corresponding to the decrease or suppression of the ability to hear sound. The objective of this study was to determine the audiometric profile of deafness in Brazzaville. Methodology. This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery departments of the University Hospital of Brazzaville and the Talangai reference hospital. The study took place over a period of 12 months from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, and included patients with hearing loss and/or peripheral vertigo who underwent a pure-tone audiometry revealing deafness. Results.We studied 360 medical records of patients with deafness. The average age was 24.6 years with a female predominance (57%). Students and pupils constituted the most frequently encountered professional group (47.2%). Bilateral hearing loss was the most represented functional sign, accounting for 88.6%. Pure-tone audiometry was predominantly indicative of moderate sensorineural hearing loss (41.6%). Conclusion. Deafness is a disabling auditory handicap that could benefit from improved management through the use of pure-tone audiometry.

Comparative Assessment of Contact Osteogenesis at the Titanium Implant-Bone Junction in Male Rabbits with Dissimilar Femoral Defects / Evaluación Comparativa de la Osteogénesis de Contacto en la Unión entre el Hueso y el Implante de Titanio en Conejos Macho con Defectos Femorales Diferentes

SUMMARY: Traumatized bone tissue has the capacity to repair itself so that it eventually regains its almost original form, even in the case of artificially inserted implants. The process that stays at the base of the regeneration is represented by osteogenesis or remote osteogenesis. The major difference between the two types of bone formation is the location of the cement line, which is located on the surface of the implant for contact osteogenesis and on the surface of the bone defect for remote osteogenesis. The aim of the present study was to assess the contact osteogenesis in the case of inserted titanium screws in holes with diameters of 1.8 mm and 1 mm respectively. The obtained results show, in the case of the groove with 1.8 mm that the newly proliferated bone represents 73.85 % of the total area, while in the case of the groove with 1 mm in diameter the value of the newly proliferated bone is 26.15 %. In conclusion, the insertion of titanium screws by self-tapping into the hole smaller than the core of the screw is accompanied by bone proliferation by contact osteogenesis much more modest than in the case of insertion into the hole larger than the core of the screw.

El tejido óseo traumatizado tiene la capacidad de reparar en forma espontánea, de modo que eventualmente recupera su forma casi original, incluso en el caso de implantes insertados artificialmente. El proceso que queda en la base de la regeneración está representado por la osteogénesis u osteogénesis a distancia. La principal diferencia entre los dos tipos de formación ósea es la ubicación de la línea de cemento, que se encuentra en la superficie del implante para la osteogénesis de contacto y en la superficie del defecto óseo para la osteogénesis remota. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la osteogénesis de contacto en el caso de tornillos de titanio insertados en forámenes con diámetros de 1,8 mm y 1 mm respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos muestran, en el caso del surco de 1,8 mm que el hueso neoproliferado representa el 73,85 % del área total, mientras que en el caso del surco de 1 mm de diámetro el valor del hueso neoproliferado es del 26,15 %. En conclusión, la inserción de tornillos de titanio por autorroscantes en el foramen menor que el núcleo del tornillo se acompaña de una proliferación ósea por osteogénesis de contacto mucho más modesta que en el caso de la inserción en el foramen mayor que el núcleo del tornillo.

Molecular Detection of Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in Ready-to-eat Cowhide (‘Ponmo’) Collected from Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Aims: Ready-to-eat [RTE] animal products like ponmo are preferred by consumers due to its palatability and quality. However, foodborne pathogens particularly Staphylococcus aureus are sources of concern due to cross-contamination of raw and cooked cowhide. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus in ready-to-eat locally processed cowhide. Methodology: Sixty (60) RTE cowhide samples were collected from different locations in Lagos, Nigeria and analyzed using conventional microbiological and molecular techniques for the detection of toxigenic S. aureus contamination. Suspected S. aureus isolates were confirmed by the presence of thermostable endonuclease [nuc] gene in their genome. Results: Result showed that 25 (41.67%) and 20 (33.50%) samples harbored coagulase-positive S. aureus and 20 other bacterial species different from S. aureus, respectively while 15 (24.83%) of the tested ponmo samples yielded no bacterial growth. Thirteen of the 15 randomly selected from the 25 suspected isolates were confirmed as S. aureus by the presence of thermostable endonuclease [nuc] gene in their genome. Enterotoxigenic genes were confirmed in all the 13 PCR detected S. aureus. Enterotoxin B gene is most prevalent in ponmo. Multiplex PCR detection of S. aureus enterotoxins [SE] genes revealed the molecular detection of different isolates carrying staphylococcal enterotoxin types A and B, mixed strain carrying both staphylococcal enterotoxins type A and type D. Antibiotic susceptibility of 20 S. aureus isolates revealed varying degrees of susceptibility patterns against the antimicrobial agents. Generally, gentamicin 70% (14/20), azithromycin 75% (15/20), co-trimoxazole 85% (17/20), levofloxacin 95% (19/20) were the most effective antibiotics to S. aureus. A low, ?50% susceptibility was recorded to chloramphenicol 55% (11/20) and nitrofurantoin 65% (13/20). A higher resistance to streptomycin (90%; 18/20) and ceftazidime (95%; 19/20) was identified, with resistance to ceftazidime being the highest (95%; 19/20). Conclusion: It can be concluded that RTE ponmo vended in the study sites is of low hygienic quality and may be of health risk to consumers. High level hygiene practice and good manufacturing practices are required during the production, distribution and marketing of ponmo to curb the potential health consequences of eating ponmo.

Pacemaker Infective Endocarditis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Particularities in 2 Case Reports Including One of the Left Heart

Pacemaker infective endocarditis is a more real diagnostic problem than a therapeutic one. The precise impact is not well known. Its incidence is poorly known, and it is a serious infection with an estimated mortality of around 25%. It is with this in mind that we report 2 clinical cases with a literature review. Case 1: An 88-year-old patient with a double chamber pacemaker was admitted for febrile syndrome with a fever at 39.2°. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) found an image of vegetation on the aortic valve measuring 9mm, located on the noncoronary cusp, and overflowing on the right coronary cusp. An inflammatory syndrome was found on blood tests. Blood culture, wound swab culture, and bacteriological study of material after removal revealed Staphylococcus Aureus Meti S. The patient was initially put on Vancomycin with a loading dose of 2g / 24h then 1g / 24h, and the pacemaker was extracted. Case 2: A 68-year-old with a double chamber pacemaker (PM) was admitted for fever at 39 ° c with suppuration of the PM pocket. Echocardiography identified an image on the tricuspid valve measuring 14x8 mm evoking vegetation given the context. Two blood cultures and swabs isolated a Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was administered Triaxon 2g / day for 4 weeks and gentamycin 180 mg for 15 days. The pacemaker was removed. Pacemaker Infective endocarditis is rare, poorly understood, very serious, and potentially fatal, accounting for up to about 7% in some case series. In half of the cases, they affect the endocavitary leads, but also the valves, and in 45% of cases the infection of the pocket. The average age is 65 years. The clinical symptoms are disparate making the diagnosis more difficult, it must be evoked in case of unexplained fever in a patient implanted with a Pacemaker. Bactericidal dual therapy should be administered after blood cultures in case of strong suspicion of infective endocarditis (IE) and adapted after identification of the germ in question. Most authors are adamant about extracting any pacemaker whenever possible.

Echocardiographic and Etiopathogenic Features of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Casablanca University Hospital Experience

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with a prevalence of 1:500 in the general population, based on the recognition of the phenotype. HCM is defined by the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness that is not solely explained by abnormal loading conditions and the phenotype also includes disorganized myocyte arrangement, fibrosis, small-vessel disease, and abnormalities of the mitral valve apparatus. In particular to this pathology, we have conducted a one-year prospective study to determine clinical, echocardiographic features and etiopathogenic aspects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Casablanca university hospital. The results concluded that 50% of the causes was due to amyloidosis 35%, sarcomeric HCM and 15% Fabry disease in which 2 cases were related with pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardia MRI plays an important role in HCM diagnosis and prognosis.

Takayasu's Arteritis with Aortic Insufficiency as Initial Presentation: A Case Report

Takayasu's disease is the first cause of inflammatory aortitis in young subjects. The disease preferentially affects the women. Takayasu's disease could be a mode of non-specific reaction of the aorta to various infectious or dysimmune etiological factors. Aortic insufficiency is present in 7 to 10% of cases. It is usually moderate. Its mechanism is not unambiguous: direct damage to the aortic valves or dilation of the aortic annulus. Coronary damage responsible for angina or even myocardial infarction are also possible. We report the case of a severe aortic insufficiency secondary to takayasu disease complicated by acute coronary syndrome in a 42-year-old woman.

Diagnostic Use of Serum Ferritin as a Predictor of Hospital Outcome at Admission in Patients with Infective Endocarditis

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterised by a concentration of infection inside the heart; it is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection of the endocardial surface of the heart; and it is linked with substantial morbidity and death.The aim of this research was to assess serum ferritin as an admission predictor of in-hospital prognosis in subjects with IE. Methods: This case control researchincluded60subjects diagnosed with IEon the basis of the modified duke's criteria.Subjects were allocated equally into two groups: group I: IE subjects who were further subdivided into two groups based on presence or absence of major adverse cardiovascular events (subgroup A: 19 patients who showed IE complications or major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization and subgroup B: 11 patients who showed a smooth course during hospitalization without major adverse cardiac events or IE complications) and IE subjects as well as age and sex matched 30 healthy subjects. Results: serum ferritin level were significantly increased in group I than group II (P value<0.05). Serum ferritin level was significantly increased in subgroup A than subgroup B (P value<0.001). serum ferritin can significantly predict bad outcome (P value<0.001) with AUC of 0.964 (95% CI: 0.881 – 0.995). At cut off >1200, serum ferritin can significantly predict bad outcome with 94.44% sensitivity, 92.86% specificity, 85% PPV and 97.5% NPV. Conclusions: Serum ferritin was significantly increased in IE subjects who experiencedproblems on admission as compared to IE subjects who didn’t.

Left Main Total Chronic Occlusion in a Patient with Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report of a Rare and Severe Localization of Coronary Artery Disease

The aim of this case report is to draw attention at the potential severity of presentation of these associated pathologies. Prevention through early screening of colorectal cancer in patients with coronary artery disease and vice versa is the guarantee of a better management of the two pathologies. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests associations between cardiovascular disease and several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Many cases have reported severe coronary artery disease (CAD) in association with colorectal cancer including triple vessel disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reporting a total occlusion of the left main coronary artery in such patients. We report the case of a 52 years old woman presented to our cath lab for severe angina (Class III of the Canadian classification) and impairment of left ventricle function. Six months before the patient was diagnosed with a metastatic colorectal cancer. Coronary angiography showed absence of anterograde opacification of the left coronary system. Selective right coronary artery angiography showed a retrograde filling of the left coronary system by collaterals issued from proximal and distal dominant right coronary artery. Several studies have reported the association between colorectal neoplasm and CAD but Isolated left main coronary artery disease is extremely uncommon. Patients with left main coronary artery disease have always a grim prognosis and without prompt revascularization 60% will die after 5 years while survivors live with severe angina; heart failure or both.

Anti-inflammatory Assessment of Methanol Extract of Acalypha ciliata Leaves and It’s Leucocyte Mobilization in Adult Wistar Rats

Aim: The study's objective was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity and leucocyte mobilization of a methanol extract of leaves from Acalypha ciliata in adult Wistar rats. Study Design: Egg albumin-induced edema was used for anti-inflammatory test and leucocyte mobilization test was carried out to check for total leucocyte cout and differentials. Place and Duration of the Study: This original study was conducted between January and June 2013 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Methology: The pulverized leaf of Acalypha ciliata was extracted using cold maceration, and the Treas and Evans technique of phytochemical screening was used. The anti-inflammatory study was conducted using the method of Winter et al., and the acute toxicity study was assessed using Lorke's method. ANOVA was used to statistically examine the collected data. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, soluble carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Soluble carbohydrates appeared in abundant concentration (2199.76±10.81, 2141.6±7.583, 913±21.06). Acute toxicity tests showed no toxicity and mortality at doses up to 5000 mgkg-1. Anti-inflammatory study revealed that group treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of extract significantly (P =0.05) and in a dose dependant manner decreased in TLC when compared with normal control. Moreover, the group treated with 100,200,400 mg/kg b.w of extract and reference drug(Indometacin) mobilized the leucocyte at the rate of 36, 22, 12 and 62 % respectively. A significant (P = 0.05) reduction in the mean paw oedema was observed for all the treatment groups from 1 hour to 5 hours when compared to the toxic group. Conclusion: As a result of this study's findings, it can be concluded that methanol extract of the Acalypha ciliata leaf has anti-inflammatory characteristics. High dosages of the extract resulted in a better decrease of oedema and an increase in leukocyte mobilization in response to agar suspension than low doses. Many anti-inflammatory herbs and substances alter inflammatory reactions by hastening the breakdown of or reversing the effect of the inflammatory mediators. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties could potentially result from the interaction of different photochemical substances present. The findings suggest that, if used, the plant may serve as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Antibacterial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extracts against Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Infected Wounds

Background: Wound infection comprises numerous different organisms that have the ability to surface colonization of wounds. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the pathogenic bacteria associated with wound infections. Aim: This study isolated and identified multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected wounds and determine the antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against it. Design: This is a Clinical and laboratory-based study involving patients with defined cases of wound infections. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) laboratory of Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, from February to November 2021. Methods: Twenty-eight (28) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 179 wound swabs using standard laboratory procedures and were screened for multidrug-resistant patterns according to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis was tested against the multidrug-resistant isolates using agar well diffusion techniques. The zone of inhibition was measured and the differences between means were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results: A total of twenty-eight (28) multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were confirmed, showing resistance to Amoxicillin (64.3%), Ceftazidime (85.71%), and Cefotaxime (78.57%) but sensitivity to Imipenem (95.5%). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins among others. MDR P. aeruginosa was inhibited at varied concentrations of the extracts with the diameter mean zone of inhibition increasing as the concentration increased. The Methanol extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa with a mean zone of inhibition of 9.500±0.288mm at 400mg/ml. Conclusion: These results indicated that Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts possess antibacterial activities on Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa which could be a good source for the production of plant-based antibacterial drugs., although somewhat less than the synthetic standard drugs (Imipenem) having a mean of 13.83±0.288mm.

Evaluation of Quality Characteristics and Storage Stability of Peanut Beverage Added Ginger, Moringa Leaf Powder and Lime

Peanut seeds were roasted at 800C for 20 min milled and blended with ginger (GI),with moringa leaf powder (MP), with lime (LI) with moringa leaf powder and ginger (MG) with lime and moringa leaf powder (LM) with lime and ginger (LM) into paste. Heated water (at 800C) was added to the paste while stirring for 30 min. The mixture was further heated in a boiling bath and filtered with muslin cloth cooled to obtain a drink which was flavored with pineapple, banana and milk flavor and sucrose was also added. The results showed moisture content of GI ranged from 79.87 – 83.95 %, with sample LI having the highest value was not significantly different () from MO, MG, LM and LG but sample GI having the lowest value, which was significantly () difference form LI, MG and LG. The ash content ranged from 1.92 – 2.41 %, with sample GI having the highest value which was significantly () different from LI and MG but not significantly () different from other samples. The crude fat content ranged from 2.92 -3.07 %, of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LI having the lowest value which are not significantly () different from one another. The crude protein ranged from 4.01 – 4.74 % of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LG having the least value which are not significantly () different from one another. The carbohydrate contents ranged from 3.49 – 6.49 % with sample LI had the highest value which was not significantly () different from sample GI and MO and sample MG having the lowest value which was significantly () difference from other sample except LG. pH of beverages decreased from 7.90 MG week 1 to 3.21 in LM in week 3.Total titretable acidity present in the beverages were GI in week 1; (0.13), MO(0.17), LI(0.18), MG(0.12), LM(0.19) and LG(0.16).At week 3, GI(0.18), MO(0.23), LI(O.24), MG(0.82), LM(0.24) and LG(0.24). The beverages contained low number of total plate counts (1.9 x 102 - 2.8 x 104) and fungi/yeasts counts (1.2 x 104- 4.2 X 106). Overall acceptability was high for all samples.

Enumeration of Salmonella Species Isolated in Ready–to–Eat Fruits Vended in Bukuru Market, Jos South, Plateau State

Background: Despite control measures to curtailed salmonella fruit contamination over the years, pathogenic disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of Salmonella contaminated fresh-cut-fruits pose a significant problem to human health by the consumption of fresh and minimally processed fruits. This study aimed to enumerate and determine the prevalence of Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits vended in Bukuru Market Jos South, Plateau state. Methodology: A total of seventy-eight ready-to-eat vended fruit samples were purchased and cultured for the enumeration of bacterial isolates according to National Food Safety Standard for Microbiological Examination. Pulp pH value of each fruit was obtained by immersing litmus paper into the pulp and results recorded. Results: Of the 78 fruits specimen, 22 (28.2%) were Salmonella positive. The prevalence rates of salmonella isolated were found to be higher (22.7%) in both coconut and avocado followed by watermelon (18.2%) and sweetmelon (13.6%) as compared with other fruits in the study area. Lower rates of 4.5% were found in banana, pawpaw, and dates with a rise in apple with 9.1% respectively. Conclusion: The study showed a high p<0.05 (7.811) prevalence of pathogenic Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits in the study area revealing that the spread of salmonella is not independent of fruits thereby suggestive of contamination made available by fruit vendors in this part of the world. Thus, epidemiological traceability and significant measures must be taken to check the safety of these vended products before consumption.

Upper Airway Stimulation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Long-Term Surgical Success, Respiratory Outcomes, and Patient Experience

Abstract Introduction Upper airway stimulation (UAS) with electric activation of the hypo-glossal nerve has emerged as a promising treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Objective To retrospectively analyze objective and subjective outcome measures after long-term follow-up in obstructive sleep apnea patients receiving upper airway stimulation. Methods An observational retrospective single-center cohort study including a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea receiving upper airway stimulation. Results Twenty-five patients were included. The total median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) significantly decreased from 37.4 to 8.7 events per hour at the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The surgical success rate was 96%. Adverse events were reported by 28% of the patients. Conclusion Upper airway stimulation is an effective and safe treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure or intolerance. However, it is possible that the existing in and exclusion criteria for UAS therapy in the Netherlands have positively influenced our results.

Histogram analysis in the differentiation between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas: the value of a single measurement / Análise por histograma para diferenciação entre adenomas da adrenal e feocromocitomas: o valor de uma medida única

Abstract Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of histogram analysis on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas (PCCs). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with proven PCCs who had undergone CT examinations between January 2009 and July 2019 at one of two institutions. For each PCC, we selected one or two adenomas diagnosed within two weeks of the date of diagnosis of the PCC. For each lesion, two readers scored the size, determined the mean attenuation, and generated a voxel histogram. The 10th percentile (P10) was obtained from the conventional histogram analysis, as well as being calculated with the following formula: P10 = mean attenuation - (1.282 × standard deviation). The mean attenuation threshold, histogram analysis (observed) P10, and calculated P10 (calcP10) were compared in terms of their diagnostic accuracy. Results: We included 52 adenomas and 29 PCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the mean attenuation threshold were 75.0%, 100.0%, and 82.5%, respectively, for reader 1, whereas they were 71.5%, 100.0%, and 81.5%, respectively, for reader 2. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the observed P10 and calcP10 were equal for both readers: 90.4%, 96.5%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 1; and 92.3%, 93.1%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 2. The increase in sensitivity was significant for both readers (p = 0.009 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: For differentiating between adenomas and PCCs, the histogram analysis (observed P10 and calcP10) appears to outperform the mean attenuation threshold as a diagnostic criterion.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica da análise por histograma na tomografia computadorizada (TC) sem contraste para a diferenciação entre adenomas adrenais e feocromocitomas (FCCs). Materiais e Métodos: Identificamos, retrospectivamente, pacientes com diagnóstico de FCC confirmado que foram submetidos a exames de TC entre janeiro de 2009 e julho de 2019 em duas instituições distintas. Para cada FCC, selecionamos um ou dois adenomas diagnosticados em até duas semanas da data do diagnóstico do FCC. Para cada lesão, dois leitores pontuaram o tamanho, determinaram a atenuação média e geraram um histograma com os voxels das imagens. O percentil 10 (P10) foi obtido a partir da análise convencional do histograma, além de ser calculado com a seguinte fórmula: P10 = atenuação média - (1,282 × desvio-padrão). O limiar de atenuação média, o P10 da análise por histograma (P10 observado) e o P10 calculado (P10calc) foram comparados em termos de acurácia diagnóstica. Resultados: Foram incluídos 52 adenomas e 29 FCCs. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do limiar de atenuação média foram de 75,0%, 100,0% e 82,5% para o leitor 1, respectivamente, e de 71,5%, 100,0% e 81,5% para o leitor 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do P10 observado e do P10calc foram idênticas para os dois leitores: 90,4%, 96,5% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 1; e 92,3%, 93,1% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 2. O aumento da sensibilidade foi significativo para ambos os leitores (p = 0,009 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Conclusão: Para a diferenciação entre adenomas e FCCs, a análise por histograma (P10 observado ou P10calc) parece superar o limiar de atenuação média como critério diagnóstico.

A Young Healthy Woman with Supraventricular Tachycardia Reveals an Underlying Left Ventricular Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy: A Rare Case Report

LVNC (left ventricular non-compaction) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy with a reported incidence of 0.05% in adults. It can occur in isolation or affect both ventricles. It’s characterized by prominent LV trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses which are filled with blood from the ventricular cavity without evidence of communication to the epicardial coronary artery system. Frequent premature supra ventricular tachycardia as unique finding in LVNC cardiomyopathy is rare manifestation of this disease. We report a case of a frequent persistent supraventricular tachycardia as first manifestation of a patient with LVNC cardiomyopathy in a young healthy woman who despite radio frequency ablation therapy of the supraventricular tachycardia remains symptomatic. The patient was later placed on medical therapy based on a non-cardio selective beta-blocker with a good clinical outcome without recurrent of supra-ventricular arrythmias.

Amazonian soil fungi are efficient degraders of glyphosate herbicide; novel isolates of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Trichoderma / Os fungos do solo amazônico são degradadores eficientes do herbicida glifosato; novos isolados de Penicillium, Aspergillus e Trichoderma

Pesticide residues that contaminate the environment circulate within the hydrological cycle can accumulate within the food chain and cause problems to both environmental and human health. Microbes, however, are well known for their metabolic versatility and the ability to degrade chemically stable substances, including recalcitrant xenobiotics. The current study focused on bio-prospecting within Amazonian rainforest soils to find novel strains fungi capable of efficiently degrading the agriculturally and environmentally ubiquitous herbicide, glyphosate. Of 50 fungal strains isolated (using culture media supplemented with glyphosate as the sole carbon-substrate), the majority were Penicillium strains (60%) and the others were Aspergillus and Trichoderma strains (26 and 8%, respectively). All 50 fungal isolates could use glyphosate as a phosphorous source. Eight of these isolates grew better on glyphosate-supplemented media than on regular Czapek Dox medium. LC-MS revealed that glyphosate degradation by Penicillium 4A21 resulted in sarcosine and aminomethylphosphonic acid.

Resíduos de agrotóxicos que contaminam o meio ambiente circulam no ciclo hidrológico, podendo se acumular na cadeia alimentar e causar problemas tanto à saúde ambiental quanto humana. Por sua vez, microrganismos são bem conhecidos por sua versatilidade metabólica e capacidade de degradar substâncias quimicamente estáveis, incluindo xenobióticos recalcitrantes. O estudo atual se concentrou na bioprospecção nos solos da floresta amazônica para encontrar novas linhagens de fungos capazes de degradar com eficiência o herbicida onipresente na agricultura e no meio ambiente, o glifosato. Entre os 50 fungos isolados (usando meio de cultura suplementado com glifosato como única fonte de carbono), a maioria eram isolados do gênero Penicillium (60%) e os outros eram isolados de Aspergillus e Trichoderma (26 e 8%, respectivamente). Todos os 50 isolados de fungos foram capazes de usar glifosato como fonte de fósforo. Oito desses isolados cresceram melhor em meio suplementado com glifosato do que em meio Czapek Dox regular. LC-MS revelou que a degradação do glifosato por Penicillium 4A21 resultou nos metabólitos sarcosina e ácido aminometilfosfônico.