Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) (False Basil) as an Alternative to the Chemical Antibiotics Used in Breeding Cobb-500 Broiler Chickens in the Department of Azaguie, Côte d’Ivoire

In order to propose a plant extract as an alternative to the use of antibiotics used in broiler breeding, an experimental study was carried out in the department of Azaguié and the choice fell on the aqueous extract leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L (EAOG). To achieve this objective, fifty (50) broiler chicks of Cobb-500 strains were divided into two (02) batches of twenty-five (25) each. Thus, batch I received only the aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum L., while batch II received the prophylaxis recommended for rearing in this locality. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and catechin tannins in Ocimum gratissimum L. The acute toxicity study carried out on broilers showed that EAOG is not toxic by the oral route in a single dose at a dose of 2000 mg/kg BW. The EAOG caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in the live weight of the treated chickens compared to the controls. In addition, the results showed a significant reduction in the mortality rate and feed conversion ratio of chickens treated with EAOG compared to controls. Finally, concerning the biochemical and leukocyte parameters, the results showed a significant increase in the levels of urea and AST, lymphocytes, white blood cells, neutrophils and basophils of chickens treated with the extract compared to those treated with the usual antibiotics. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum could be recommended to poultry farmers as an alternative to the usual antibiotics.

Changes of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney after cardiac arrest in the rat model

Globally, cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death and disability. Asphyxial CA (ACA)-induced kidney damage is a crucial factor in reducing the survival rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes in histopathological renal damage in an ACA rat model at different time points. A total of 88 rats were divided into five groups and exposed to ACA except for the sham group. To evaluate glomerular function and oxidative stress, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in renal tissues were measured. To determine histopathological damage, hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were performed. Expression levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival rate of the experimental rats was reduced to 80% at 6 h, 55% at 12 h, 42.9% at 1 day, and 33% at 2 days after return of spontaneous circulation. Levels of BUN, Crtn, and MDA started to increase significantly in the early period of CA induction. Renal histopathological damage increased markedly from 6 h until two days post-CA. Additionally, expression levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased at 6 h, 12 h, 1 day, and 2 days after CA. CA-induced oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-2, CAT, GPx) from 6 h to two days could be possible mediators of severe renal tissue damage and increased mortality rate.

Phenological, Morphological and Agronomic Characterization of Bambara Groundnut Genotypes on Plinthite Soil in East-centre Area, Burkina Faso

Bambara groundnut has long been a neglected and understudied crop. Thanks to the new orientations for the d関eloppement of agriculture and achievement of food security in Burkina Faso, in recent years, studies on Bambara groundnut have experienced renewed interest. Despites nutritional, agronomic and socio-economic importance and some studies carried out on this crop. The diversity within Bambara groundnut cultivated remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess phenological morphological and agronomic characterization of 20 Bambara groundnut accessions from National Institute for the Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) genebank. The experimental device used was a completely randomized Fisher blocks with four replications on the site of University Centre of Tenkodogo. These accessions were evaluated on 23 morphological characters including four qualitative characters and 19 quantitative characters. Qualitative traits showed high proportion of oval terminal leaflet shape (70%), cream coloured seeds (45%) and 80% presence of eyes of various shapes and colours. The analysis of quantitative characters showed all the characters are discriminating except the plant spread (PlS) at the 5% treshold with regard to morphological, physiological and agronomic traits and low coefficient of variation (CV) values for the different phenological characters, except for the number of days from sowing to 50% plantlet emergence (EMG50). Pearson correlation matrix indicated positive and negative correlation. Most of the negative correlation was observed between phenological and agronomic traits The dendrogram showed organization of the variability in three different groups on the basis of the physiological, phenological and agronomic traits. The variability expressed among INERA gene bank genotypes showed important variability, which can be exploited in Bambara groundnut breeding programs using the clustering and associations of characters.

Academy of Medicine, Singapore clinical guideline on endoscopic surveillance and management of gastric premalignant lesions

Gastric cancer (GC) has a good prognosis, if detected at an early stage. The intestinal subtype of GC follows a stepwise progression to carcinoma, which is treatable with early detection and intervention using high-quality endoscopy. Premalignant lesions and gastric epithelial polyps are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Surveillance of patients with premalignant gastric lesions may aid in early diagnosis of GC, and thus improve chances of survival. An expert professional workgroup was formed to summarise the current evidence and provide recommendations on the management of patients with gastric premalignant lesions in Singapore. Twenty-five recommendations were made to address screening and surveillance, strategies for detection and management of gastric premalignant lesions, management of gastric epithelial polyps, and pathological reporting of gastric premalignant lesions.

Rapamycin Improves Vascular Remodelling in a Controlled Rat Model of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

ABSTRACT Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious disease characterized by the progressive elevation of the pulmonary arterial resistance, leading to the right ventricular failure and death. Objective: To evaluate the effect of rapamycin (RAPA), a potent cell-cycle inhibitor, on exercise capacity, right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodelling on rats. Methods: A total of 39 nine-week-old male Wistar rats (160-240 g) were divided into three groups: the control (n = 10), PAH control (n = 15) and PAH-RAPA (n = 14) groups. On the 1st day, 60 mg/kg monocrotaline was injected intraperitoneally to induce PAH in the PAH control group and PAH-RAPA groups. On the 21st day, 3 mg/kg/day RAPA was started orally, and the animals were followed for 35 days. On the 35th day, the exercise capacity of the rats was analysed through a modified forced swimming test. After measuring their right ventricular systolic pressure using an open-chest method, their hearts and lungs were excised and analysed histopathologically for right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodelling. Results: Rapamycin treatment provided limited and insignificant improvements in exercise capacity, right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy of the rats. However, there was significant recovery in the rats' pulmonary artery muscular layer thickness with the RAPA treatment (p < 0.049). On the 35th day, the mortality rate was 0% in the control group, 53.1% in the PAH control group and 42.9% in the PAH-RAPA group. No statistically significant decrease was observed in their mortality rates with the RAPA treatment (p > 0.16); however, a significant recovery was noted in terms of the rats' median life span (p < 0.006). Conclusion: Pulmonary artificial hypertension is a progressive disease that is not curable with current therapies. Rapamycin may have the potential to reverse vascular remodelling and prolong life expectancy in cases of pulmonary hypertension.

Study of Management of Scalp Defect- Our Experience in a Tertiary Care Center of Vindhya Region, a Remote Area of MP.

Aetiology of the scalp defects may be burns, trauma, avulsion, infection, resection for neoplasm or congenital defects, the goals & principles are similar, and their repair is dependent upon their location, size and depth. In the case of the scalp, the repair of even small defects is complicated. We wanted to assess the epidemiology, etiological factors, type and site of distribution, various modalities, overall cosmetic effect and function of both donor as well as recipient sites of scalp defects. We also wanted to evaluate the epidemiological and aetiological factors influencing the various modalities of scalp defect management and the overall cosmetic effect on both donor as well as recipient site. METHODSA descriptive study was conducted at Sham Shah Medical College and associated SGM Hospital, Rewa, which is also known as Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 44 cases of scalp defects, that were treated in the department of surgery over a period of 18 months from May 2018 to November 2019 constitute the material of this study. Patients were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent. One-year follow-up of the patients was done, RESULTS26 cases [59.01%] of scalp defect were repaired with transposition flap; rotation flap was done in 2 cases [4.45%], bipedicled flap was done in 2 cases [4.45%], double opposing rotational flap was done in 01 case [2.27], S.T.G. was done in 7 cases [15.9%], and primary closure was done in 6 cases [13.63%]. In our study 59.09% cases are due to trauma and occur in second to fourth decade out of which 26 patients have exposed bone, and out of 26 patients, 09 patients have fracture of bone. CONCLUSIONSScalp reconstruction depends on the nature and the region of the defect. A range of reconstruction techniques have been described. The quality of the residual scalp is critical for performing a local flap. Local flaps are the reference for the reconstruction of such defects. Knowledge of scalp anatomy is essential for preparing these flaps. The parietal zone is the location offering the greatest flap mobilization possibilities. A review is provided of the different techniques for the reconstruction of large scalp defects.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates in Burn Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Study

Background: Burn injuries and deaths pose a major public health concern globally, especially in developing and underdevelopedcountries. As burn patients have lost their primary barrier and exposed to microorganism invasion continually and chronically,Staphylococcus aureus becomes one of the greatest causes of nosocomial infection in burn patients though it is a normalskin flora. The cases of antibiotic resistance have increased, and resistant species such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus(MRSA) provide additional challenges in the form of virulence factors. Multimodal infection control concept is required to limitthe spread of infection with multidrug-resistant organism including MRSA in a burn unit. The common pathogens isolated fromburn wounds are S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Acinetobacter baumannii, and various coliformbacilli. Hence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates in burn patients plays a key role in the management ofthese patients.Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study involved the collection of wound swabs from burn patientsfrom June 2018 to May 2019. All patients with burn wounds irrespective of age and sex, admitted through surgery outpatientdepartment or casualty, during the period of study were included in the study.Results: Maximum prevalence was found for P. aeruginosa, i.e., 37.5% followed by S. aureus, for which the prevalencewas found to be 18.75%. The organism least commonly cultured was Acinetobacter; the prevalence of MRSA was found tobe 57.14% and the prevalence of methicillin resistance was found to be 42.8% in patients with Staphylococcus epidermidis.Overall, the prevalence of methicillin resistance was 51.72%. The drugs most effective against P. aeruginosa, the most commonisolate, were meropenem (97.62%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (90.48%) followed by gentamicin (64.29%). Meropenem andpiperacillin/tazobactam showed 100% efficacy against the other Gram-negative bacilli isolated as well. MRSA isolates showed100% sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid closely followed by piperacillin-tazobactam combination. Klebsiella pneumoniaeshowed 100% sensitivity to meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam.Conclusions: The overall isolation rate was 75%. Only solitary isolates were studied. Overall, Gram-negative organisms(66.66%) were more common than Gram-positive organisms (33.33%). P. aeruginosa (37.5%) was the most commonisolate followed by S. aureus (18.75%). The prevalence of MRSA was 57.14%, but all the MRSA isolates showed 100%sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid. On antibiotic sensitivity testing, piperacillin/tazobactam (95.24%) was found to bethe most effective drug against all the organisms isolated. Meropenem (99.40%) was the most effective drug against theGram-negative organisms. Vancomycin (100%) and linezolid (100%) were the most effective drugs for the Gram-positiveorganisms.

Prediction of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Based on Clinical and Ultrasonographic Parameters

Background: Cholelithiasis is the most common biliary pathology. The definitive treatment for cholelithiasis is either open/ laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The objective of this study was to predict difficulty in doing LC based on clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. Materials and Methods: A hundred patients admitted with a diagnosis of cholelithiasis in surgical wards in the Department of Surgery, Shyam Shah Medical College and Associated Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019, were included in the study. All necessary investigations were carried out. X-ray, ultrasonography (USG) abdomen, and blood investigations were done. Patients underwent LC, and a careful record of pre-operative and post-operative findings was made and carefully filled in the pro forma. Results: In the present study, body mass index >27.5 kg/m2 (27%) shows a correlation with predicting difficult LC and conversion to open procedure. Clinical parameters such as guarding and rigidity (8%) with mass (12%) were a sign of acute inflammation, associated with ultrasonography findings favor for difficult cholecystectomy. Gallbladder wall thickness (38%) and pericholecystic fluid collection (16%) in USG are strong predictors of difficulty. Conclusion: Clinical and USG findings help to predict difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and leading to the conversion of LC to open cholecystectomy.

Recent Advances in Intra-peritoneal Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) frequently occurs in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and confers a dismal prognosis despite advances in systemic chemotherapy. While systemic chemotherapy has poor peritoneal penetration, intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy remains sequestered, resulting in high peritoneal drug concentrations with less systemic side-effects. The first application of IP treatment was hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM); but was associated with an increased morbidity and mortality rate without significantly improving overall survival (OS). While CRS confers limited benefit, the potential role of prophylactic HIPEC and laparoscopic neoadjuvant HIPEC are currently being evaluated. Combination systemic and IP chemotherapy (SIPC) gained popularity in the 1990s, since it provided the benefits of IP treatment while reducing surgical morbidity, demonstrating promising early results in multiple Phase II trials. Unfortunately, these findings were not confirmed in the recent PHOENIX-GC randomized controlled trial; therefore, the appropriate treatment for GCPM remains controversial. Small observational studies from Japan and Singapore have reported successful downstaging of PM in GC patients receiving SIPC who subsequently underwent conversion gastrectomy with a median OS of 21.6–34.6 months. Recently, the most significant development in IP-directed therapy is pressurized IP aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). Given that aerosol chemotherapy achieves a wider distribution and deeper penetration, the outcomes of multiple ongoing trials assessing its efficacy are eagerly awaited. Indeed, IP-directed therapy has evolved rapidly in the last 3 decades, with an encouraging trend toward improved outcomes in GCPM, and may offer some hope for an otherwise fatal disease.

Evaluation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Wad Medani City, Gezira State, Sudan

Plasmodium falciparumconsidered as the most serious form of species causes malaria compared with other species. Diagnosis of falciparummalaria in Sudan remain a major problem, the laboratory diagnosis depends solely on microscopy and RDTs. Loop mediated isothermal Original Research Article amplification (LAMP) assay is a molecular technique done in isothermal temperature using simple, inexpensive instruments for detection of falciparummalaria. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection ofP. falciparumand compare with microscopic detection. A cross sectional hospital based study conducted on 220 blood samples collected from participants suspected to have falciparum malaria attending Wad Medani Teaching Hospitalsand 26 healthy participants during the period November 2018 to January 2019. Thick blood films were done and used for P. falciparum detection. The extracted DNA by TE buffer was amplified by LAMP assay targeting 18S rRNA gene. Data were analyzed using Medical calculator (MedCalc) programs (V. 16). The results showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive values were 99.1%, 84.6%, 53.2%, 99.8% respectively. Validation of LAMP diagnostic performance revealed that area under the curve is 0.919, while Weighted Kappa is 0.866. The study concluded that the LAMP assay had the identical diagnostic performance compared with microscopy in diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This gives a relative effortlessness application of LAMP assay in Sudan after availing the required logistics

Assessment of depression and its correlates among college students in Rishikesh Uttarakhand

Background: Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective: To assess the levels of depression and its correlate among college students in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Methodology: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from February 2018 to April 2018 among 126 students of a Government PG College Rishikesh belonging to age 18 -26 years. A pre-validated semi- structured pretested Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was applied for this purpose. Results: Mean age of the participants was 22.84±1.5 years. Overall prevalence of depression among study population was 74.60% among them 4% were severely depressed. 58% of females and 40% males had suicidal ideations. Majority of participants were stressed with the undue peer pressure followed by career pressure. Physical activity for atleast 30 minutes a day for 5 days in a week was found to be significantly (p<0.02, odds ratio 0.20 (0.06-0.7 at 95%CI) beneficial for depression. Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among college going population. Peer pressure, academic stress, career pressure, financial stress in home, undue parental expectations on students are associated with depression among college going students.

Cancer du sein : immunohistochimie et pronostic au CHU Gabriel Touré de Bamako-Mali

Le sein est le deuxième siège du cancer chez la femme au Mali. Les examens immunohistochimiques sont peu réalisés dans nos pays africains. Objectifs: Décrire l'aspect immunohistochimique et déterminer le pronostic du cancer du sein. Méthodologie : C'est une étude descriptive à collecte rétrospective (mars 2006­juillet 2016) dans le service de chirurgie générale du CHU Gabriel TOURE de Bamako au Mali. L'examen immunoihistochimique a été réalisé chez tous les malades grâce à la collaboration de nos partenaires allemands. Résultats: Nous avons colligé 98 malades (95 femmes et 3 hommes) avec un âge moyen de 40,04 ± 13,07 ans. Vingt-deux malades (22,44 %) avaient un antécédent personnel de pathologie bénigne du sein. Chez 16 malades (16,33 %), il y avait une notion familiale de cancer du sein. La prise d'œtroprogestatifs a été évoquée chez 28 femmes (28,57%). Les types histologiques les plus fréquents étaient le carcinome canalaire infiltrant avec 84 (85,72%) et le carcinome lobulaire infiltrant dans 9 cas (9,18%). L'immunohistochimie a permis de trouver une prédominance du triple négatif avec quarante neuf malades (50%) suivi du sous type Luminal A avec 26 cas (26,23%).Selon la classification TNM, 44 patients (44,90 %) ont été reçus au stade III. La médiane de survie a été de 60 mois dans le groupe des patients ayant bénéficié d'une hormonothérapie versus 28 mois pour le groupe sans hormonothérapie (p=0.007). Conclusion: l'immunohistochimie est essentielle pour la prise en charge adéquate des cancers du sein. Sa réalisation nous a permis d'améliorer le pronostic des cancers hormono dépendant

In vitro effect of terpenoids - rich extract of Momordica charantia on alpha glucosidase activity / Efecto in vitro del extracto rico en terpenoides de Momordica charantia sobre la actividad de la alfa-glucosidasa

Background: Momordica charantia is a vine, native to tropics and subtropics that has found use in herbal medicine. In Nigeria, the plant is locally used in the treatment of diabetes. Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of terpenoid-rich extract from Momordica charantia on α-glucosidase activity. Method: The inhibitory effect of the terpenoid-rich extract from Momordica charantia on the activity of alpha-glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as the determination of the mode of inhibition were investigated using in vitro assay methods. Results: The results revealed that the terpenoid-rich extract had a high IC50 of 1.60 mg/mL. The Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed that the extract exhibited partially mixed­type inhibition of α-glucosidase. Conclusions: It can be inferred from this study that although terpenoid-rich extract inhibited α-glucosidase, further purification will be necessary on the extract so as to increase its potency as an inhibitor of α-glucosidase. The action of the extract on α-glucosidase provided an insight into the probable mechanism of action of Momordica charantia in reducing hyperglycemia.

Antecedentes: Momordica charantia es una vid, nativa de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales que ha sido usada en la medicina herbal. En Nigeria, esta planta se ha usado localmente en el tratamiento de la diabetes. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto inhibitorio del extracto rico en terpenoides de Momordica charantia sobre la actividad de la α-glucosidasa. Método: El efecto inhibitorio del extracto rico en terpenoides de Momordica charantia sobre sobre la actividad de la α-glucosidasa y el modo de inhibición se evaluó con un ensayo in vitro. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el extracto rico en terpenoides tiene un alto IC50 de 1,60 mg/mL. El gráfico Lineweaver-Burk reveló que el extracto presenta una inhibición combinada de la α-glucosidasa. Conclusión: De este estudio se infiere que aunque el extracto rico en terpenoides inhibió la α-glucosidasa, es necesario realizar una purificación con el fin de incrementar su potencia como inhibidor de la α-glucosidasa. La acción del extracto sobre la α-glucosidasa proporciona un entendimiento del mecanismo de acción probable de Momordica charantia en la reducción de la hiperglicemia.

Dose distribution evaluation of various dose calculation algorithms in inhomogeneous media

Background: dose calculation algorithms play a very important role in predicting the explicit dose distribution. We evaluated the percent depth dose [PDD], lateral depth dose profile, and surface dose volume histogram in inhomogeneous media using calculation algorithms and inhomogeneity correction methods

Materials and Methods: the homogeneous and inhomogeneous virtual slab phantoms used in this study were manufactured in the radiation treatment planning system to represent the air, lung, and bone density with planned radiation treatment of 6 MV photons, a field size of 10 × 10 cm[2], and a source-to-surface distance of 100 cm

Results: the PDD of air density slab for the Acuros XB [AXB] algorithm was differed by an average of 20% in comparison with other algorithms. Rebuild up occurred in the region below the air density slab [10-10.6 cm] for the AXB algorithm. The lateral dose profiles for the air density slab showed relatively large differences [over 30%] in the field. There were large differences [20.0%-26.1%] at the second homogeneous-inhomogeneous junction [depth of 10 cm] in the field for all calculation methods. The surface dose volume histogram for the pencil beam algorithm showed a response that was approximately 4% lower than that for the AXB algorithm

Conclusion: the dose calculation uncertainties were shown to change at the interface between different densities and in varied densities using the dose calculation methods. In particular, the AXB algorithm showed large differences in and out of the field in inhomogeneous media

Anti-BP180 NC16A IgG Titres as an Indicator of Disease Activity and Outcome in Asian Patients with Bullous Pemphigoid

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Anti-BP180 IgG titres were observed to parallel disease activity in case series of bullous pemphigoid (BP). This study aimed to examine whether anti-BP180 titres are an indicator of disease severity, clinical course and outcome in Asian patients with BP.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>This was a prospective observational study conducted between March 2005 and March 2008 in the Immunodermatology Clinic at the National Skin Centre, Singapore. Disease activity and anti-BP180 IgG titres were measured 4-weekly for 12 weeks and during disease flares and clinical remission. Associations between anti-BP180 titres and disease activity, disease flare, clinical remission and cumulative prednisolone dose were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-four patients with newly diagnosed BP were recruited. Median follow-up duration was 3 years. Notable correlations between disease activity and anti-BP180 titres were at baseline (r = 0.51, P = 0.002), and disease flare (r = 0.85, P <0.001). Lower titres at Week 12 were associated with greater likelihood of clinical remission (P = 0.036). Post hoc, patients with anti-BP180 titres above 87.5 U/mL at time of diagnosis who reached remission within 2 years of diagnosis received significantly higher cumulative doses (mg/kg) of prednisolone (median, 72.8; range, 56.5 to 127.1) than those with titres <87.5 U/mL (median, 44.6; range, 32.5 to 80.8); P = 0.025).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anti-BP180 titres may be a useful indicator of disease activity at time of diagnosis and at disease flare. Lower titres at Week 12 may predict greater likelihood of clinical remission. Titres above 87.5 U/mL at time of diagnosis may suggest the need for higher cumulative doses of prednisolone to achieve remission within 2 years.</p>

Toxicity Study of Ricinus cummunis Lnn Seed Suspension in Female Wister Albino Rats.

Ricinus communis seed has been proven effective to prevent conception since time immemorial. This research focuses on the toxicity study of the seed suspension in Wister albino rats. Twenty four (24) rats were used for the sub-chronic toxicity study, while 13 mice for the acute toxicity study. The seed suspension of Ricinus communis seed at three graded concentrations (3.80, 7.60 and 11.40 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally; to Groups I, II and III respectively once every day for the period of one month. The liver and kidney functions were determined after the last administration. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were determined. The activity of ALT, AST, ALP and the concentrations of urea and creatinine at 3.80 mg/kg body weight showed no significant difference (p>0.05) compared to the control. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in these parameters was observed in rats given 7.60 and 11.40 mg/kg body weight. Similarly a significant increase (p<0.05) in lipid profile was observed in rats given 11.40 mg/kg body weight. Acute toxicity revealed the median lethal dose (LD50) of 1587 mg. Histological analysis of the liver and kidneys of the rats after three months revealed no cellular death, necrosis or inflammation. This indicates that consecutive use of the seed at the traditional dose (3.80 mg/kg in rat; equivalent to 3 seed/70Kg in human) for long period of time is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic. Ricinus communis seed is therefore safe in rats at the concentrations administered.

Brucellosis: A Neglected Zoonosis.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease mainly of domestic animals. The infection is directly transmitted to humans by animals through breaks in the skin or by contact with infected materials like aborted foetuses and placenta. It can also be transmitted indirectly by ingestion of contaminated animal products as well as inhalation of the agent. It is an important zoonosis worldwide which accounts for about 500, 000 reported human cases annually around the globe; particularly amongst agricultural and pastoral populations. It results in serious economic losses in animals due to abortion, reduced fertility, birth of weak off springs and reduced productivity. In humans, it leads to chronic debilitation resulting in low work output and subsequent negative economic impact. The paper reviews brucellosis in different species of animals. It highlights the aetiology, morphology, host range, pathophysiology, clinical signs, pathology and epidemiology of the disease in various species. Preventive and control measures against the disease, economic and public health implications have also been examined. It is concluded that, the eradication of brucellosis in animals may be achieved by long-term investment in surveillance programmes, including testing and culling of positive reactors. Vaccination of animal hosts may culminate in the eradication of the disease in human population.

Fluorescent quantitative PCR of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn's disease

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn's disease (CD) are granulomatous disorders with similar clinical manifestations and pathological features that are often difficult to differentiate. This study evaluated the value of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in fecal samples and biopsy specimens to differentiate ITB from CD. From June 2010 to March 2013, 86 consecutive patients (38 females and 48 males, median age 31.3 years) with provisional diagnoses of ITB and CD were recruited for the study. The patients' clinical, endoscopic, and histological features were monitored until the final definite diagnoses were made. DNA was extracted from 250 mg fecal samples and biopsy tissues from each patient. The extracted DNA was amplified using FQ-PCR for the specific MTB sequence. A total of 29 ITB cases and 36 CD cases were included in the analysis. Perianal disease and longitudinal ulcers were significantly more common in the CD patients (P<0.05), whereas night sweats, ascites, and circumferential ulcers were significantly more common in the ITB patients (P<0.05). Fecal FQ-PCR for MTB was positive in 24 (82.8%) ITB patients and 3 (8.3%) CD patients. Tissue PCR was positive for MTB in 16 (55.2%) ITB patients and 2 (5.6%) CD patients. Compared with tissue FQ-PCR, fecal FQ-PCR was more sensitive (X2=5.16, P=0.02). We conclude that FQ-PCR for MTB on fecal and tissue samples is a valuable assay for differentiating ITB from CD, and fecal FQ-PCR has greater sensitivity for ITB than tissue FQ-PCR.

Analyse de 87 dossiers de maladies a caractere professionnel colliges au CHU de Yopougon a Abidjan de 1990 a 2009

Les auteurs rapportent un ca s de pheochro- mocytome ectopique. Cas clinique : patiente de 29ans; hypertendue connue depuis 8ans et diabetique depuis 7ans; admise en urgence pour perte de connaissance. L'examen clinique a montre une pression arterielle a 190/130mmHg; un pouls a 116 battements/minute et un Glasgow a 7 sans deficit hemi corporel. L'examen du fond d'oil a mis en evidence des signes de retinopathie hypertensive stade III. Le dosage plasmatique de la normetanephrine etait de 3917ng/l (normale170) et celui de la metanephrine de 59ng/l (normale73). Le scanner abdominal a montre un processsus tumoral tissulaire para-renal anterieur et polaire superieur gauche; mesurant sur une coupe axiale 73;8 X 51;3mm. Le diagnostic de pheochromocytome a ete pose. Le traitement a consiste a une exerese de la tumeur. L'evolution est favorable. Conclusion : le pheochromocytome para renal est une cause rare d'hypertension arterielle maligne

In vitro proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells and their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation

Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are recognized as facultative liver progenitor cells that play a role in liver regeneration after acute liver injury. Here, we investigated the in vitro proliferation and differentiation characteristics of HOCs in order to explore their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation. Clusters or scattered HOCs were detected in the portal area and interlobular bile duct in the liver of rats subjected to the modified 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy method. Isolated HOCs were positive for c-kit and CD90 staining (99.8% and 88.8%, respectively), and negative for CD34 staining (3.6%) as shown by immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. In addition, HOCs could be differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells after leukemia inhibitory factor deprivation. A two-cuff technique was used for orthotopic liver transplantation, and HOCs were subsequently transplanted into recipients. Biochemical indicators of liver function were assessed 4 weeks after transplantation. HOC transplantation significantly prolonged the median survival time and improved the liver function of rats receiving HOCs compared to controls (P=0.003, Student t-test). Administration of HOCs to rats also receiving liver transplantation significantly reduced acute allograft rejection compared to control liver transplant rats 3 weeks following transplantation (rejection activity index score: control=6.3±0.9; HOC=3.5±1.5; P=0.005). These results indicate that HOCs may be useful in therapeutic liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation.