Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model / Efeito de Agaricus blazei Murill no comportamento exploratório de modelo de camundongo

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados ​​para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Molecular Detection of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes (qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr) in Drug Resistant Escherichia coli, Sudan

Background: The quinolone group, a synthetic antimicrobial, is widely used worldwide to treat many diseases, including those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli and others are among the bacteria that produce quinolone resistance genes (qnr) such as qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr. Objective: The present study aimed to the isolate Escherichia coli from patients attending some Hospitals in Wad Medani city, identification of drug resistance patterns and detection of the frequency of quinolones resistance genes; qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr among isolated strains. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, hospital-based study included 119 Escherichia coli strains was conducted. A designed questionnaire used for demographic data collection and the attitude toward antimicrobials usage. Clinical specimens were processed for aerobic bacterial isolation and identification. Antimicrobial sensitivity performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique according to the CLSI guidelines. Presence of qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr genes was assessed by multiplex PCR. Results: Most strains of Escherichia coli originated from urine 53.8% (64/119) and wounds 42.9% (51/119) specimens. Meropenem had the best effect against tested strains with susceptibility of 85% (101/119). Multiplex PCR assay, using specific primers, demonstrated that 41.2% (49/119) and 37.8% (45/119) of isolated Escherichia coli possessed qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr genes respectively. Conclusion: The high rate of qnrA and aac (6)-Ib-cr genes among Escherichia coli necessitate the usage of molecular tools in detecting the genetic determinants of drug resistance microorganisms in countries such as Sudan.

The Osseous Pathology of Purpura Fulminans in a TwoYear-Old Child: A Case Report

@#Purpura fulminans (PF) is a severe clinical manifestation of Neisseria meningitides infection that is associated with high mortality rates in children. Survivors are frequently left with debilitating musculoskeletal sequelae. There is a paucity of reports on the musculoskeletal pathology of purpura fulminans. We report on a 2-year-old boy with purpura fulminans due to meningococcemia. The child developed distal gangrene in both the upper and lower limbs. Amputations were done for both lower limbs. Histological examination of the amputated specimens showed an inflammatory process and features of osteonecrosis. The latest follow-up at the age of 6 years showed a right knee valgus due to asymmetrical growth arrest of the proximal tibia. PF and its complications are challenging to treat and may require a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient’s functional ability.

Angular Deformities of the Knee in Children Treated with Guided Growth

@#Introduction: The guided growth technique is an alternative to corrective osteotomy for treating angular deformities of the extremities. It has the advantage of being minimally invasive and is effective in a growing child. This study reports on the outcome of guided growth technique using a plate in correcting knee angular deformities. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of children with angular deformity of the knee treated by the guided growth technique from January 2010 to December 2015 in a tertiary centre. The guided growth technique was done using either the flexible titanium plate (8-plate) or the 2- hole reconstruction plate. Correction of deformity was assessed on radiographs by evaluating the mechanical axis deviation and tibiofemoral angle. The implants were removed once deformity correction was achieved. Results: A total of 17 patients (27 knees) were evaluated. Twenty-two knees (81.5%) achieved complete correction of the deformity. The median age was 4.0 (interquartile range 3.0-6.0) years and the median Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.0 (25.0-28.0). There were 7 unilateral and 10 bilateral deformities with different pathologies (14 tibia vara, 3 genu valgus). The median rate of correction was 0.71° per month. One patient (1 knee) had screw pull-out and two patients (4 knees) had broken screws in the proximal tibia. Three patients (5 knees) failed to achieve complete correction and were subsequently treated with corrective osteotomies. Out of five patients (8 knees) who were followed-up for at least 12 months after removal of hardware, two had rebound deformities. No permanent growth retardation occurred in our patients. Conclusion: Our outcome for guided growth to correct knee angular deformity was similar to other studies. Guided growth is safe to perform in children below 12 years old and has good outcome in idiopathic genu valgus and Langeskiold II for tibia vara. Patients should be observed for recurrence until skeletal maturity following implant removal.

Subcapital Femoral Neck Tension Stress Fracture - A Rare Injury in A Child: A Case Report

@#Femoral neck stress fractures are rare in children. To the best of our knowledge, the tension type stress fracture has been reported only twice in the English language literature. We report on a five years follow-up of a 10-year-old boy with this injury which was initially missed. The fracture healed after screw fixation. We highlight the importance of considering stress fracture as a differential diagnosis in a child with chronic hip pain. A careful physical examination and the appropriate imaging will avoid missing the diagnosis.

Anxiety Reaction in Children During Cast Removal using Oscillating Saw versus Cast Shear - A Randomised, Prospective Trial

@#Introduction: To compare the anxiety levels demonstrated by children during cast removal procedure between oscillating saw vs cast shear methods. Material and methods: A randomised prospective study of 102 children (mean age 8.3 ± 3.5 years) with fractures involving upper or lower limbs. Children undergoing removal of cast were divided into 2 groups; either by an oscillating saw or a cast cutting shear. The level of anxiety was assessed by recording the heart rate with a portable fingertip pulse oximeter before, during and after removal of the cast. Objective assessment was performed by documenting the fear level on Children’s Fear Scale (CFS). Results: There was a significant increase in the heart rate of children during cast removal while using the oscillating saw compared to cast shear (p<0.05). The noise level produced by the saw exceeded 80 dB (mean 103.3 dB). The fear level was significantly lower in the cast shear group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The noise produced by the oscillating saw was associated with an increased anxiety level in children undergoing cast removal. Cast shear is a simple and inexpensive instrument that can be used for cast removal in overly anxious children.

Earth Observation-based Damage Assessment of 2018 Flood in Parts of Hadejia-Jama’ are River Basin, Nigeria

Floods, Landslides, Forest fire, Volcanoes, Hurricanes and Tsunami among others are indeed considered as the most natural hazards that cause loosed of resources which includes human lives. Hadejia-Jama’ are River Valley has a well-known seasonal occurrence of floodings with maximum interval of five years incidents historically. Among these disasters floods especially along the river basin particularly in developing nations like Nigeria became a regular disaster with state of frequent occurrences almost seasonally. This study assessed pre-flood and post-flood nature of floodplain along Hadejia-Jama’ are from Jigawa to Tiga Dam in Kano State. Remotely sensed sentinel 2 satellite data and ALOS Digital Surface Model (DSM) was used for the study. The sentinel images were subjected to image pre-processing activities such as geometric correction and radiometric correction. To focus on the flood plain, a 5 km buffer of the area around Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin from Jigawa to Tiga dam were extracted from the data by using the extract/clip tools in ArcGIS 10.3 software. Findings of the study revealed that dominant land use along the floodplain prior to flood include bare surface, patches of agriculture/vegetation, settlement, water body. The study also revealed that patterns of flood damages vary irrespective of the risk with areas like Dawakin Kudu and Garun mallam were witnessing more flood damages than Miga LGA of Jigawa State. It is, therefore, concluded that Earth observation and its applications are useful tools/methods for flood damages assessment and evaluation as well as a basis for taking proactive steps in mitigating flood hazard along floodplains and another flood prone environment.

Assessment of vaccination with gamma radiation-attenuated infective Toxocara canis eggs on murine toxocariasis

@#Toxocara canis is a major parasite that infects many animals with high risk of human infections. This study aims at assessing the immunization with gamma radiationattenuated infective stage on rats challenged with non-irradiated dose. Level of vaccine protection was evaluated in liver and lung regarding parasitological, histopathological, biochemical and molecular parameters. Fifty rats were enrolled in three groups: group A (10 rats) as normal control; group B (20 rats) subdivided into subgroup B1 (infected control) and subgroup B2 infected then challenged after 14 days with the same dose of infection (challenged infected control); and group C (20 rats) subdivided into subgroup C1 vaccinated with a dose of 800 gray (Gy) gamma-radiated infective eggs (vaccine control) and subgroup C2 vaccinated then challenged on 14th day with same number of infective eggs (vaccinated-challenged). Tissues were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) for histopathological studies. Biochemical studies through detection of nitric oxide (NO) and Caspase-3 were conducted. Extent of DNA damage by Comet assay was assessed. Vaccinated-challenged subgroup revealed a marked reduction in larvae in tissues with mild associated histological changes. In addition there was accompanied reduction of NO, Casepase-3 level and DNA damage compared to the control infected group. It could be concluded that vaccination of rats with a dose of 800Gy gamma radiation-attenuated infective stage improves immune response to challenge infection and drastically reduces the morbidity currently seen.

Cubitus Valgus with Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy - Is Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve Necessary?: A Case Report

@#Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a known complication of cubitus valgus. The options for treating the ulnar neuropathy include anterior nerve transposition or neurolysis. We report on an 11-year-old boy who had a tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to cubitus valgus resulting from a non-union of a lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve was not done after the closing wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus. The close wedge osteotomy relieved the tension on the nerve and not transposing the ulnar nerve anteriorly prevented an iatrogenic nerve injury. The patient had no restriction with activities of daily living at the six years follow-up although neurological recovery was incomplete.

The Perils of Predatory Journals and Conferences

@#Predatory journals and conferences have little or no peer review. Their raison d'être is for making money through the article processing charges and the conference registration fees. Without a critical evaluation, predatory journals publishing flawed results and conclusions would cloud the existing scientific literature. Predatory conferences are the offshoots of predatory publishing. The conferences are not organised by learned societies, but by profit-making event organisers. There is a need for awareness among researchers and clinicians regarding predatory publishing. The scourge of predatory publishing and conferencing should be more often highlighted during scientific meetings and publication courses.

Cognitive Functions and Depression in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with alterations in the gut-brain axis which influences various gastrointestinal and psychological functions. The cognitive performance and frequency of depression have not been previously assessed among Saudi patients with IBS so the primary aim was to study cognitive functions and depression in patients with IBS. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled Saudi males and females of more than 18 years of age living in Riyadh and Kharj cities, Central Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants were invited to complete 2 self-administered validated questionnaires. One questionnaire focused on Rome III criteria which classify functional GI disorders (FGIDs) in addition to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) which includes a set of 3 self-report scales designed to measure the major depressive disorder. Individuals who did not show IBS criteria have been enrolled as control subjects. Results: The overall prevalence of IBS among the enrolled subjects was 17.3% of whom women constituted (73.4%). Among subjects with IBS, 71.3% had mixed (constipation and diarrhea) type, 5.3% had diarrhea predominant type and 23.4% had constipation predominant IBS. Depression was significantly higher in IBS patients compared to control subjects. Among IBS cases, 20.2% had minimal depressive symptoms and 20.2% had major depression, mild severity. Major depression with moderate severity was found in 18.1% and major depression with severe severity was found in 28.7%. Depression was associated with impaired cognitive function in 25% of IBS patients. Conclusion: IBS was associated with depression and mild impairment of cognitive functions. The frequency of depression in IBS subjects suggests the importance of the psychological assessment of these patients and the integration of cognitive therapy with pharmacologic IBS therapy.

Oxidative stress and lipid profile among hypertensive patients at a tertiary centre in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension as a global public health challenge is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary heart diseases (CHD) because of its chronic sequelae. It is accompanied by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to increase in lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to measure the fasting serum lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) and determine the atherogenic index as well as the cardiovascular risk ratio among hypertensive patients in Kano, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Two hundred subjects (100 hypertensive patients vs. 100 normotensive controls) were recruited for the study. The fasting serum lipid profile and MDA were assayed using routine laboratory methods. Lipid ratios that predict and identify an individual's increased risk for cardiovascular diseases were then determined from the results of the profile. Results: The serum total cholesterol (7.0±0.5 vs 4.1±0.4 mmol/L), triglycerides (2.9±0.2 vs 2.0±0.3 mmol/Lg/dl), LDL cholesterol (3.8±0.4 vs 2.6±0.4 mmol/L), VLDL cholesterol (3.0±0.2 vs 2.1±0.2 mmol/L) and MDA (TBARS) (9×10-5±1.4×10-5 vs 3×106±0.9×10-6 mol/l) were significantly (p<0.05) increase in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive controls. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher (p<0.05) in normotensive controls compared to hypertensive patients (31.4±8 vs 23.9±6 mg/dl). A statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation was observed between LDL cholesterol and MDA only. Both the atherogenic index (AI) ratio and the CardioRisk ratio were significantly higher in Hypertensives than Normal controls (10.4 vs 4.1; 11.7 vs 5.1 respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increased occurrence of atherogenic lipid profile and oxidative stress among hypertensive patients. It further showed a strong correlation between dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress. Therapeutic lifestyle changes and use of statins should be considered an integral part of the treatment for hypertensive patients in Nigeria

Therapeutic Effects of Camel Milk to Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient

The therapeutic benefits of camel milk consumption are a supplement to routine sickle cell disease management. In maintaining hemolytic crises in sickle cell anaemia, patients were assessed during a six weeks study. Throughout the study, 20 patients were recruited for the study and divided into 4 groups, 5 patients per group. Group 2, 3 and 4 were treated with daily consumption of raw camel milk (100 ml, 50 ml + Folic acid + Paludrin and 100 ml + Folic acid + Paludrin respectively). In all groups, the foetal haemoglobin (Hb F), packed cell volume (PCV), platelet, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured before initiation of the study and monitored at 2 weeks intervals for 6 weeks. In the group that took camel milk (50 ml in addition to Folic acid and Paludrin), there was a significant increase in WBC (8.16 ± 4.12 to 16.68 ± 3.53), a significant increase in PCV (21.28 ± 1.23 to 25.24 ± 1.11) with decrease in platelet (311.80 ± 61.93 to 260.40 ± 29.22) and significant increase in Hb F (7.06 ± 2.42 to 10.02 ± 2.41) compared to group 1 (control). However, there was no significant difference in the haematological parameters of group 2 and 4. The results implied that the consumption of camel milk in sickle cell patients resulted in an increase in foetal hemoglobin concentration which prevented crises in almost all the patients. Increase in foetal haemoglobin has been postulated to reduce hemolytic crises in sickle cell anaemia patients. Based on these findings, camel milk consumption may, therefore, be considered useful in the management of sickle cell diseases.