Maternal age and miscarriage: A unique association curve in Sudan

This study's aim was to estimate the prevalence and maternal age and other risk factors of miscarriage among Sudanese women. Across-sectional study was conducted at the Saad Abuelela Tertiary Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan, from February to December 2019. Sociodemographic, obstetric and clinical data were collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Four hundred thirteen (20.5%) women reported experiencing a miscarriage. Risk factors included older age, high parity, histories of caesarean delivery, and obesity. Logistic regression showed that the lowest risk for women aged less than 20 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.33) or 20 to 24 years (AOR, 0.57), primiparas (AOR, 0.42) and women educated below the secondary level (AOR, 0.78). Unlike the global age-associated risk of miscarriage, the risk of miscarriage among Sudanese women follows a unique curve in relation to maternal age. Interestingly, the curve showed a lower risk for women less than 20 years and at 40 years. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26 [7]: 15-21).

Far-Lateral Approach for Ventral and Ventrolateral Upper Cervical Meningiomas: A Case Series and Literature Review

Methods@#We assessed 23 patients with a mean age of 57.3±15 years. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale; eight patients had grade 0, nine had grade I, and six had grade II. All patients underwent plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. The foramen magnum was involved in 10 patients, C1–2 in seven, C2–3 in four, and C3–4 in two. All patients were operated via the far-lateral approach. @*Results@#Gross total resection was achieved in 21 patients. Sixteen lesions were psammomatous, five were fibroblastic, and two were meningothelial meningiomas. The mean operative duration was 135±40 minutes, while the mean operative blood loss was 450±210 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 4.3±2.2 days. At the final follow-up that was conducted at 27.6±21 months and as per the JOA score; 16 patients were classified into grade 0 and 7 into grade II. The condition of none of our patients deteriorated postoperatively. There was no significant correlation of the clinical outcome with tumor level, pathological subtype of the tumor, symptom duration, age, and sex. There was no significant correlation of tumor resection completeness with tumor level, tumor pathological subtype, or tumor topography (ventral or ventrolateral). @*Conclusions@#The far-lateral approach is a safe and effective access for ventral and ventrolateral cervical meningiomas. It allows direct access to tumor with no spinal cord or nerve roots traction, and thus may yield a fairly better outcome than the standard posterior approach.

Population Dynamics of Intermediate-Host Snails in the White Nile River, Sudan: A Year-Round Observational Descriptive Study

We aimed to explore the population dynamics of snail in 3 sites of the White Nile in Sudan. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the annual patterns of snail populations that act as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and monthly snail infection rates and ecological characteristics presumably related to snail populations. We collected snails for 1 year monthly at 3 different shore sites in the vicinity of El Shajara along the White Nile river in Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, we measured air and water temperatures, water turbidities, vegetation coverages, and water depths and current speeds. Most of the collected snails were Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. The population densities of snails and their infection rates varied across survey sites. The collected snails liberated S. mansoni and S. haematobium cercariae as well as Amphistome and Echinostome cercariae. Infected snails were found during March-June. The ecological characteristics found to be associated with the absence of snails population were: high turbidity, deep water, low vegetation coverage (near absence of vegetation), high water temperature, and high current speed. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the snail population and ecological characteristics in the main basin of the White Nile river.

Population Dynamics of Intermediate-Host Snails in the White Nile River, Sudan: A Year-Round Observational Descriptive Study

We aimed to explore the population dynamics of snail in 3 sites of the White Nile in Sudan. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the annual patterns of snail populations that act as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and monthly snail infection rates and ecological characteristics presumably related to snail populations. We collected snails for 1 year monthly at 3 different shore sites in the vicinity of El Shajara along the White Nile river in Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, we measured air and water temperatures, water turbidities, vegetation coverages, and water depths and current speeds. Most of the collected snails were Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. The population densities of snails and their infection rates varied across survey sites. The collected snails liberated S. mansoni and S. haematobium cercariae as well as Amphistome and Echinostome cercariae. Infected snails were found during March-June. The ecological characteristics found to be associated with the absence of snails population were: high turbidity, deep water, low vegetation coverage (near absence of vegetation), high water temperature, and high current speed. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the snail population and ecological characteristics in the main basin of the White Nile river.

Verification of atmospheric plasma irradiation as an alternative control method for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) / Verificação da irradiação plasmática atmosférica como método alternativo de controle para Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract Radio frequency plasma, RF plasma, has been applied to a number of industrial applications. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the RF plasma potential in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) control. Three treatment variables: (1) helium or argon plasmas; (2) two power levels (50 and 100 watt); and (3) different RF plasma exposure times (0, 20, 40, 60 and 90 seconds) were examined in this study. The susceptibility of T. castaneum to treatment varies as gas, power level, and the exposure time varies. A positive correlation was found between insect mortality percent in treating larvae as well as treated pupae and exposure time to RF plasma and also the power level of irradiation. The results revealed that no live insects were found after a 90 second, 100 watt helium RF plasma treatment. The survival percents of the adults were developed from treated larvae and treated pupae were significantly reduced by increasing of the exposure time or power level. Obtained data indicated that the treatment with RF plasma might be considered as an environmentally compatible or alternative supplement to the other control methods for stored product-pests management.

Resumo Plasma de radiofrequência, plasma de RF, tem sido empregado em diversas aplicações industriais. Experimentos de laboratório foram conduzidos para determinar o potencial de plasma de RF no controle de Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Foram examinados nesse estudo três variáveis ​​de tratamento: (1) plasma de hélio ou argônio; (2) dois níveis de potência (50 e 100 watts); e (3) diferentes tempos de exposição ao plasma de RF (0, 20, 40, 60 e 90 segundos). A suscetibilidade do T. castaneum ao tratamento varia conforme o gás, o nível de energia e o tempo de exposição. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva dentre a porcentagem de mortalidade de insetos no tratamento de larvas, bem como as pupas tratadas e o tempo de exposição ao plasma de RF, e também o nível de potência da irradiação. Os resultados revelaram que não foram encontrados insetos vivos após 90 segundos, com 100 watts de tratamento com plasmas de hélio e RF. As porcentagens de sobrevivência dos adultos foram desenvolvidas a partir de larvas tratadas, e as pupas tratadas foram significativamente reduzidas pelo aumento do tempo de exposição ou nível de potência. Os dados obtidos indicaram que o tratamento com plasma de RF pode ser considerado como um suplemento ambientalmente compatível ou alternativo aos outros métodos de controle para o manejo de produtos-pragas armazenados.

Quality Control Measurement and in vitro Bioequivalence of Candesartan Cilexetil Tablets Marketed in Saudi Arabia

Aim:Some generics were reported to be counterfeit and inferior quality than the innovators. This study was aimed to make sure about the compliance with standard specifications and evaluation of the quality of different selected brands (generic and innovator),after performing different pharmacopeial quality control tests, of Candesartan cilexetil tablets (16 mg) commercially available in Saudi Arabia for hypertensive patients Study Design:In vitrostudy of tablets.Place and Duration of Study: Collegeof Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA, between September 2018 and May 2019.Methodology:The different generic brands of Candesartan cilexetil (CC) and innovator brand (16 mg) were subjected to weight variation, hardness, friability, assay, and disintegration tests following the established protocols. The purity of active ingredient was authenticated by comparative analysis of FT-IR spectra with pure drug. In vitro bioequivalence was studied after analyzing the results of dissolution summaries in phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) mixed with polysorbate 20 (0.35% v/v).Results:The results of the tests conducted for evaluation of the tablets were found to be in acceptable limits for all the selected brands. After comparative analysis of FT-IR spectra with pure drug, it was inferred that correct active ingredient was used for the preparation of tablets. The drug release profile exhibited 96.89 –101.97% of release of CC from all generic brands, in comparison to 99.4% for innovator brand after 60 min of study. The assessment of difference factor (f1<15) and similarity factor (f2>50) revealed the resemblance of generic brands with that of innovator brand. Furthermore, the dissolution efficiency (DE = ±10% of the innovator value) of all generic brands (73.12 –73.25%) exhibited equivalency with that of innovator brand (70.45%). Conclusion:The selected generics were considered to be biopharmaceutically equivalent to the innovator and maintained their efficacy. As a consequence, these brands can be used interchangeably by the hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia

Evaluation of lumbo-sacral epidural anaesthesia or analgesia with lidocaine-acepromazine combination in dogs undergoing cystotomy

Background:Epidural anaesthesia is one of the most frequently used regional anesthetic techniques recommended for surgical procedures caudal to the umbilicus in dogs. However, the use of lignocaine alone for epidural regional analgesia has been discovered to have shorter duration of analgesia and prolong onset of action, hence there is need to explore combinations of agents that will overcome this challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the anaesthetic/analgesic effect of cranial epidural anaesthesia in dogs undergoing cystotomy using Lignocaine in combination with acepromazine at the dose rates of 7 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg respectively.Methods:Eight apparently healthy matured, male and female dogs were used for the experiment. The onset and duration of analgesia was determined. The pulse rates, respiratory rates, mean arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, complete blood count and the oxygen saturation level were determined at baseline, intra operative and post-operative.Results:There were no significant differences in all the parameters measured before and after the epidural administration of the agents. The onset of anaesthesia was rapid and the duration of anaesthesia was sufficient enough for the procedure to be carried out. However, there was significant difference in PCV, Hb and total RBC count between the baseline and other timing intervals. There were no significant differences in leucocytic and cardiopulmonary parameters between the baseline and other timing intervals.Conclusions:The epidural administration of lignocaine and acepromazine combination at the doses indicated can produced sufficientepidural anaesthesia with rapid onset for the purpose of cystotomy in dogs without major systemic influence on hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary changes

Partial mastectomy as management for unilateral gangrenous mastitis in a lactating Red Sokoto goat

A 7-year-old lactating Red Sokoto goat was presented to the veterinary clinic, Aliyu Jodi Road Sokoto, with the complaint of inappetance, weight loss, reduced milk output and foul-smellingudder four weeks after kidding. The goat weighed approximately 25 kg. The patient appears dull with rough hair coat, the right mammary gland was necrotic and blue-greenish, atrophied, hardened with a lacerated base, painful to touch with foul smelling. Gangrenous mastitis was diagnosed and animal as scheduled for surgery.The surgery was successfully conducted; the animal was later discharged 16 days post-surgery.

Protective Effects of Ginger Extract against the Toxicity of Cyclophosphamide on Testes: An Experimental Laboratory-Based Study

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used medication in chemotherapy and can cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can affect testicular functions by reducing the sperm motility and concentration, changing the sperm morphology, and increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm. Ginger is one of the most widely used spices in various foods and is used as an herbal medicine in many countries due to its antioxidant effects. We aim to study the protective effects of ginger against CP-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the role of ginger in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced adverse effects on the testicular histology of CP-treated male rats. Methods: The study was performed on 30 male albino rats with body weights of 300-350 g. The animals were divided into the following three groups (10/cage): Group 1 (control, untreated group), Group 2 (CP group, received a single dose of CP at 100 mg/kg-1 BW intraperitoneally), and Group 3 (CP+ginger, received ginger extract orally at 500 mg/kg for 35 days after CP injection). The morphological and histological structures of the testes were compared in the different groups of rats. Results: The CP-treated group showed a disorganized germinal epithelium compared with those of the controls. The CP+ginger-treated group showed a significant recovery of the organization of the germinal epithelium and the cellular attachments. Caspase-3-positive cells were significantly higher in the CP group and had remarkably lower levels in the CP+ginger-treated group. A reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the destruction of connective tissue were observed in the CP-treated group; these changes were improved in the CP+ginger-treated group. Conclusion: Ginger extract can protect reproductive functions against CP-induced toxicity in rats.

Non-Intrusive, Visual-Less Wearable Haptic Stimuli Navigational Assistance For Elderly With Dementia

@#Age is typically affiliated with the decline of cognitive function and the probability to be diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease, namely dementia. Of all dementia-related deficits, the paper highlights on the decline of wayfinding ability, since it is interrelated with mobility, autonomy, caregiving burden and eventually institutionalization. The sense of directions in elderly is also affected by the sensory changes, while the most obvious sensory declines are both vision and hearing. Hence navigation systems that support mainly on visual and auditory may not be the best option for them. A concept of wearable navigational assistance that is non-intrusive and uses haptic stimuli instead of visual and/or audio signals is presented in this paper. A Usability Test (UT) was performed towards the elderly with dementia at a selected nursing home to investigate how they perceive haptic-feedback as a modality of navigation. The assessments involved three phases: (1) orientation or training, (2) navigation test and (3) further navigation test. Results indicate the potential efficacy of haptic modality as a navigation signal. Improvement on subjects’ navigational performance was shown especially during the further navigation test, signifying the familiarization of the intervention. Employing the haptic modality could be a beneficial substitute for navigational purpose when vision and audio are less appropriate. Nevertheless, as much as the encouraging outcomes from the results and analysis of the assessments are valuable, the constructive reviews attained are indeed important for the future development of the device system.

Ergonomics Study Of Stretcher For Rescuer To Lift Drown Body

@#Drowning is one of 10 leading causes of death in every region of the world especially in the picnic and recreation. Statistics from Fire and Rescue Department showed an average of 700 people drown each year in this country. There were also cases where casualty to rescuers during the Save and Rescue Operation (SAR). As the incidents increased, the task of rescuers and equipment used should be reviewed. Issue How to ease rescuer task and safely lift underwater drown body. Problem Statement Difficulties arise during lifting drown body from underwater to the surface due to certain circumstances. This involved safety to rescuers, process of rescuing and time consuming of the operation. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the efficient ways of lifting drown body based on rescuers preferences. From the results, new stretcher design parameters will be established. Method Thirty rescuers from two Water Rescue Teams namely PPDA Putrajaya and PPDA Shah Alam Branches participated in this study. They are 24 male and 6 female aged between 23 to 51 years with mean of age at 29.5 year and experienced in SAR. Instrument Questionnaires were used to identify factors contributed to success or failure of any SAR operation. Likert scale questions were used to measure their preferences. Data then processed using statistical software (SPSS). Results Findings shows that all respondents agreed that lifting method is the most significant factor affecting their task performance, safety and time consumes. Meanwhile 83.3% of them strongly agreed and 16.7% agreed the usage of proposed floatable stretcher to lift drown body in their future SAR Operations.

Robotic surgery for colorectal disease: review of current port placement and future perspectives

PURPOSE: As robotic surgery is increasingly performed in patients with colorectal diseases, understanding proper port placement for robotic colorectal surgery is necessary. This review summarizes current port placement during robotic surgery for colorectal diseases and provides future perspective on port placements.METHODS: PubMed were searched from January 2009 to December 2018 using a combination of the search terms “robotic” [MeSH], “colon” [MeSH], “rectum” [MeSH], “colorectal” [MeSH], and “colorectal surgery” [MeSH]. Studies related to port placement were identified and included in the current study if they used the da Vinci S, Si, or Xi robotic system and if they described port placement.RESULTS: This review included 77 studies including a total of 3,145 operations. Fifty studies described port placement for left-sided and mesorectal excision; 17, 3, and 7 studies assessed port placement for right-sided colectomy, rectopexy, transanal surgery, respectively; and one study assessed surgery with reduced port placement. Recent literatures show that the single-docking technique included mobilization of the second and third robotic arms for the different parts without movement of patient cart and similar to previous dual or triple-docking technique. Besides, use of the da Vinci Xi system allowed a more simplified port configuration.CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted colorectal surgery can be efficiently achieved with successful port placement without movement of patient cart dependent on the type of surgery and the robotic system.

Impact of Playing Violent Video Games Among School Going Children

Introduction: Children who play violent video games can become violent and aggressive. An aggressive emotional change in their behavior and deviation in academic performance is usually noticed. Aim: To assess the impact of violent video games playing among school going adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 400 adolescents recruited from four selected English medium schools of a City of Northern India by convenient sampling. Each student was interviewed by using a self-structured questionnaire which covered demographics, video gaming behaviors, and effects of video game playing on adolescents. Statistical Analysis: Collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and subjected to suitable statistical tests. Results: 83.75% of the participants play video games while 1/3rd preferred to play violent games. 72.24% of the parents did not monitor the video game content of their children. Both boys (58.56%) and girls (17.12%) got aggressive during parent’s interference while playing violent video games. Most of the male (62.07%) were willing to apply actions of violent video games in real life. About 63.21% male violent video gamers showed poor academic performance as compared to girls (33.33%). Conclusion: Adolescents and their parents should be updated about the negative impact of excessive video game playing on health and psychosocial functioning.

Distribution of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM and CTX-M resistance genes among Proteus species Isolated in Sudan

Proteus species are found in the human intestinal tract as part of normal flora. Proteus species are also found in multiple environmental habitats, including long-term care facilities and hospitals, and can cause both community and nosocomial infections. For a long time Proteus was known to be susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics but nowadays they become resistant. The aim of this study was to detect the Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) TEM and CTX-M genes in 90 Proteus species isolated from urine and wound swabs, obtained from different hospitals in Khartoum state, Sudan, from January to August 2018. Antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using the following set of antibiotics: amoxiclav, ceftazidime, gentamicin, meropenem, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole. ESBL producing strains were detected by double disc diffusion synergy test and the resistance genes TEM and CTX-M were detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Antibiotic resistance was found: amoxicillin 40 percent, ceftazidime 25.6 percent, ceftriaxone 23.3 percent, gentamicin 22.2 percent, cotrimoxazole 21.1 percent, and cefotaxime 18.9 percent. Most of the isolates were sensitive to meropenem 92.2 percent and ciprofloxacin 86.7 percent. In double-disk diffusion synergy test, 20 isolates (22.2 percent) were found to be positive for ESBL. The PCR demonstrated that TEM gene was present in 18 isolates (90 percent). It was present alone in 11 isolates (55 percent) and in combination with CTX-M gene in seven isolates (35 percent). The percentage of ESBL producing strains of Proteus was 23.5 percent. This percentage is a bit lower than in previous studies in Sudan. In conclusion; it seems that the CTX-M gene is emerging among Proteus species in SudanAU)

Las especies de Proteus se encuentran en el tracto intestinal humano y forman parte de su flora normal. También se localizan en el medio ambiente y otros hábitats, incluyendo hospitales y diversas instituciones de salud, provocando tanto infecciones en la comunidad como nosocomiales. Durante mucho tiempo, las especies de Proteus fueron susceptibles a los antibióticos betalactámicos, pero actualmente se han tornado resistentes. El propósito de este estudio fue detectar genes de resistencia betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) TEM y CTX-M, en 90 especies de Proteus aisladas en orina y heridas, provenientes de diversos hospitales del estado de Jartum, Sudán, entre enero y agosto de 2018. La sensibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó con el siguiente juego de antibióticos: amoxiclav, ceftazidima, gentamicina, meropenem, cefotaxima, ciprofloxacina, amoxicilina, ceftriaxona y cotrimoxasol. Las cepas productoras de BLEE se detectaron mediante la técnica de sinergia de doble disco, y los genes de resistencia TEM y CTX-M mediante Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR). Se encontró resistencia antibiótica: amoxicilina 40 por ciento, ceftazidima 25,6 por ciento, ceftriaxona 23,3 por ciento, gentamicina 22,2 por ciento, cotrimoxasol 21,1 por ciento y cefotaxima 18,9 por ciento. La mayor parte de los aislamientos fueron sensibles a meropenem (92,2 por ciento) y ciprofloxacina (86,7 por ciento). Con la técnica de sinergia de doble disco se detectó positividad a BLEE en 20 aislamientos (22,2 por ciento). Mediante PCR se demostró que el gen que codifica TEM estaba presente en 18 aislamientos (90 por ciento); de forma aislada en 11 aislamientos (55 por ciento) y combinado con el gen CTX-M en los otros siete (35 por ciento). El porcentaje de cepas de Proteus productoras de BLEE fue de 23,5 por ciento. Este valor es ligeramente inferior que los detectados en estudios previos en Sudán. En conclusión, hay evidencias de que el gen CTX-M está emergiendo entre las especies de Proteus en Sudán(AU)

Bordetella pertussis: Vaccine Coverage and Immune Status among Children Under Five Years Old in Sana’a City, Yemen

Aims: This study was made to evaluate the immune response to pertussis among children under five years old by measuring the level of circulating Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against pertussis toxin (IgG-PT) after immunization with the primary series of DPT (DPT1-3)and then determining the coverage rates of universal childhood vaccines.Study Design:Cross-sectional laboratory study.Place and Duration of Study:Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, between June and October 2010.Methodology:A total of 345 children were randomly selected and investigated for universal childhood vaccination coverage rates; of these, 273 children who had received 3 full doses of DPT were studied for their pertussis immunological status. Blood samples were collected from the latter group and then tested for levels of IgG-PT by ELISA method. For assessment IgG-PT levels more than 24 units/ml were considered protected against pertussis. Data were analyzed according to Original Research Article gender and age groups. Results:The coverage rate of pertussis vaccine was 79.1%; only 71.4% of vaccinated children responded to the vaccinewith mean level of 33 U/ml. A statistically significant difference was observed with respect to sero-protective IgG-PT between males and females (63.8% and 84.8% respectively, with χ2=15, p=0.0001). Also, a statistically significant difference was observed with respect to sero-protective IgG-PT in different age groups, with older children (>48 months) having a higher rate of antibodies than younger (13-24 months) (90% and 59.1% respectively, with χ2=3.87, p=.04). Conclusion:We conclude that a considerable proportion of vaccinated children with a normal immune status were not serologically immune to pertussis. They remain to be reconsidered for either revaccination or booster doses due to lack of or inadequate response. Also, the rates of vaccine coverage for the main universal childhood vaccines are low.

Predictors of success of shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones based on computed tomography scan parameters

Background: For shock wave lithotripsy has proven to be an effective, safe and truly minimally invasive option for the treatment of nephrolithiasis. Various technical factors as well as patient selection can impact the success of the procedure. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the parameters on NCCT that may predict the success of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in ureteral stones. Patients and Methods: 102 patients who underwent SWL for ureteral stones at sayed Galal University Hospital from January 2015 to August 2018 diagnosed by non-contrasted computed tomography were studied. The failure was defined as remnant stones ﻞ4 mm. We assessed age, sex, body mass index, stone size, location, skin-to-stone distance (SSD), presence of JJ and the presence of secondary signs (hydronephrosis, renal enlargement, perinephric fat stranding, and tissue rim sign). Results: 102 patients with success rate 61.8%, stone size, stone density were significantly associated with outcome of SWL. While SSD, JJ and secondary signs (hydronephrosis, perinephric fat stranding and tissue rim sign) were insignificant. On multivariate analysis, stone size and stone density were the independent factors affecting the outcome of SWL. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that stone size and density are significant and independent predictors of outcome in patients with upper ureteral stones. However SSD and signs of impaction still have to be evaluated

Development of a rat model of knee osteoarthritis by a combination of monoiodoacetate and streptozotocin / Desarrollo de un modelo de rata de osteoartritis de rodilla por una combinación de monoiodoacetato y estreptozotocina

SUMMARY: Osteoarthritis (OA) caused by ageing joints or as a secondary complication of diabetes is a common health problem. We sought to develop an animal model of OA induced by a combination of the chondrocyte glycolytic inhibitor mono-iodoacetate (MIA) and streptozotocin (STZ), the agent that induces diabetes mellitus. We then hypothesized that the extent of damages to the knee joint induced by this model can be greater than OA induced by either MIA or STZ. Rats were either injected with MIA (model 1) or STZ (model 2) or both agents (model 3). After 8 weeks, harvested tissues from the knee joint of these groups were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, blood samples were assayed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin -6 (IL-6) that are known to be modulated in OA and diabetes. Compared to control group, substantial damages to the articular cartilage of the knee joint were observed in the three models with the severest in model 3. In addition, rats in model 3 showed significant (P<0.0001) increase in TNF-α and IL-6 compared to model 1 and 2. Thus, we have developed a new model of knee OA in rats that mimics a type of OA that is common among elderly people who have both, "ageing" joints and diabetes.

RESUMEN: La osteoartritis (OA) es un problema generalizado de salud a causa de un envejecimiento de las articulaciones, o bien de una complicación secundaria de la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un modelo animal de OA inducido por una combinación dos drogas, un inhibidor de los condrocitos glucolíticos, el mono-iodoacetato (MIA), y la estreptozotocina (STZ), agente que induce la diabetes mellitus. Se consideró como hipótesis que el alcance de los daños a la articulación de la rodilla inducida por este modelo puede ser mayor que la OA inducida por MIA o STZ. Las ratas fueron inyectadas con MIA (grupo 1) o STZ (grupo 2) o ambos agentes (grupo 3). Se extrajeron muestras de la articulación de la rodilla de estos grupos al término de 8 semanas, y se examinaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido y de transmisión. Además, se analizaron muestras de sangre para el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e interleucina-6 (IL-6), que están moduladas en OA y en la diabetes. En comparación con el grupo control, se observaron daños sustanciales en el cartílago articular de la articulación de la rodilla en los tres modelos, encontrándose los daños más severos en el grupo 3. Además, las ratas del grupo 3 mostraron un aumento significativo (P <0,0001) de los niveles de TNF-α e IL- 6, en comparación con los grupos 1 y 2. Hemos desarrollado un nuevo modelo de OA de rodilla en ratas que imita un tipo de OA el cual, además de la diabetes, es común entre las personas mayores con un nivel importante de daño en las articulaciones.

Prevalence, determinants and impacts of khat chewing among professional drivers in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of khat chewing, and explore its social, economic and work impacts and examine its relation with road traffic accidents [RTA] among professional drivers in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 drivers recruited from transport stations in Jazan region by random cluster sampling. An interview questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and 47.4% of drivers were currently khat chewers. Using a logistic regression, the independent predictors of khat chewing were being a citizen of Saudi Arabia, divorced or widowed, working for less than 4 hours/day, and a non-seatbelt user. Khat chewing was significantly associated with shorter working hours; higher average number of significant RTA, and higher frequency of traffic violation. In conclusion, khat chewing habit affected almost half of the professional drivers in Jazan area. Moreover, khat chewing was associated with impaired working ability and productivity, family conflicts, and violation of traffic rules

First study in Qatar to reveal high Legionella counts in cooling towers

Legionella spp. is transmitted from water to humans by aerosol-generating devices, including cooling towers [CTs]. There have not been published reports about Legionella in these systems in Qatar. Ten CTs in Qatar University were sampled on a monthly basis. Bacteria were recovered from 90 water samples by filtration and concentration. Legionella DNA copy number [CN] was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Legionella DNA was detected in 100% of the samples. The bacterial counts ranged from 0.006 to 199.56 CFU/mL, and critical counts were found in 51 [56.7 %] samples. Moreover, 7 [7.8%] samples showed a count of more than 100 CFU/mL. The highest counts were found in the months of May and June. These results suggest that this organism is found in high number in tested CTs, presenting a potential health risk to the local population

Verification of atmospheric plasma irradiation as an alternative control method for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract Radio frequency plasma, RF plasma, has been applied to a number of industrial applications. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the RF plasma potential in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) control. Three treatment variables: (1) helium or argon plasmas; (2) two power levels (50 and 100 watt); and (3) different RF plasma exposure times (0, 20, 40, 60 and 90 seconds) were examined in this study. The susceptibility of T. castaneum to treatment varies as gas, power level, and the exposure time varies. A positive correlation was found between insect mortality percent in treating larvae as well as treated pupae and exposure time to RF plasma and also the power level of irradiation. The results revealed that no live insects were found after a 90 second, 100 watt helium RF plasma treatment. The survival percents of the adults were developed from treated larvae and treated pupae were significantly reduced by increasing of the exposure time or power level. Obtained data indicated that the treatment with RF plasma might be considered as an environmentally compatible or alternative supplement to the other control methods for stored product-pests management.

Resumo Plasma de radiofrequência, plasma de RF, tem sido empregado em diversas aplicações industriais. Experimentos de laboratório foram conduzidos para determinar o potencial de plasma de RF no controle de Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Foram examinados nesse estudo três variáveis de tratamento: (1) plasma de hélio ou argônio; (2) dois níveis de potência (50 e 100 watts); e (3) diferentes tempos de exposição ao plasma de RF (0, 20, 40, 60 e 90 segundos). A suscetibilidade do T. castaneum ao tratamento varia conforme o gás, o nível de energia e o tempo de exposição. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva dentre a porcentagem de mortalidade de insetos no tratamento de larvas, bem como as pupas tratadas e o tempo de exposição ao plasma de RF, e também o nível de potência da irradiação. Os resultados revelaram que não foram encontrados insetos vivos após 90 segundos, com 100 watts de tratamento com plasmas de hélio e RF. As porcentagens de sobrevivência dos adultos foram desenvolvidas a partir de larvas tratadas, e as pupas tratadas foram significativamente reduzidas pelo aumento do tempo de exposição ou nível de potência. Os dados obtidos indicaram que o tratamento com plasma de RF pode ser considerado como um suplemento ambientalmente compatível ou alternativo aos outros métodos de controle para o manejo de produtos-pragas armazenados.