Prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Kano

Background:Human immunodeficiency virus/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), has remained a disease of public health concern, with the largest burden being found in sub Saharan Africa. The advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the mortality of the disease, thereby transforming it to a chronic disorder, with significant co-morbid psychiatric sequalae.Objectives:To determine the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among PLWHAattending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.Materials and methods:This was a cross sectional study of adult patients with HIV/AIDS attending outpatient clinic at the S.S. Wali Virology Centre of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital who gave informed consent. Systematic random sampling technique was used.Patients aged 18years and above who had been on ARVdrugs for at least one year were included, while those who had a medical emergency and needed immediate attention were excluded.Socio demographic characteristics were obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychiatric morbidity was assessed with the MINI International Neuropsychiatry Interview.Results:Atotal of 420 participants were recruited in the study with a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 and mean age of 40.4±10.0 years. The prevalence of a psychiatric disorder was 22.1% out of whom 5.0% had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. Major depression was the most common (11%) psychiatric disorder. Generalized Anxiety disorder, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse accounted for 7.6%, 5.5%, 2.4% and 1.7% of psychiatric disorders respectively.Conclusion:Psychiatric disorders are common in PLWHA, with major depression being the commonest.

Le taux de lymphocytes T CD4 au diagnostic de la séropositivité au virus de l'immunodéficience humaine à Libreville, 2022 / CD4 T lymphocyte count at diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in Libreville, 2022

Introduction. L'efficacité du traitement antirétroviral dans la restauration immunitaire dépend fortement du stade de l'infection et du taux de lymphocyte TCD4 au moment de l'introduction du traitement. Nous avons évalué le taux de lymphocytes TCD4 à la découverte de la séropositivité au VIH pour caractériser le niveau d'infection de chaque patient. Matériel et méthodes. C'est une étude transversale et descriptive qui s'est déroulée dans le laboratoire de virologie de la faculté de médecine de Libreville. Nous avons analysé les données de la cohorte DERIRADO. Résultats. Nous avons inclus 133 patients. L'âge médian était de 45 ans (Q1-Q3 :37 ; 52). La médiane de LTCD4 était de 388 cellules/mm3 (Q1-Q3 : 250 ; 556). Le diagnostic était avancé chez 112 (84%) patients. Conclusion. La découverte de la séropositivité au Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine est faite à un stade d'immunodépression avancé chez la majorité des patients. Ce constat relève la nécessité de mettre en route les politiques de sensibilisation pour cibler les populations clés et amener le plus grand nombre au dépistage de l'infection par le Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine si l'on veut diminuer la courbe de transmission.

Introduction. The effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in immune restoration largely depends on the stage of infection and the TCD4 lymphocyte count at the time of treatment initiation. We evaluated the rate of TCD4 lymphocytes at the discovery of HIV seropositivity to characterize the level of infection of each patient. Methods. This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytic study whose setting was the laboratory of virology of the faculty of medicine of Libreville. Our data source was DERIRADO cohort. Results. We included 133 patients. The median age was 45 (Q1- Q3:37;52). The median LTCD4 was 388 cells/mm3 (Q1-Q3: 250; 556). The diagnosis was advanced in 112 (84%) patients. Conclusion. The diagnosis of seropositivity to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is made at a stage of immunosuppression in the majority of patients. This highlights the need to implement sensitization policies to target key populations and bring as many people as possible to screening in order to reduce the transmission curve

Effect of Malted African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seed Flour Inclusion on In-vitro Glycemic Index, Starch and Protein Digestibility of Fibre Rich Snack Bars

The study was carried out to elucidate the suitability and utilization of malted African breadfruit (Treculia africana) seed flour in snack bars production. Malted African breadfruit seeds, maize and coconut were processed to flour and evaluated of their proximate composition, phytochemical composition and particle sizes. Six (6) products were developed from the flour blends in the respective ratio of 0:95:5 (T0), 20:75:5 (T20), 25:70:5 (T25), 30:65:5 (T30), 35:60:5 (T35) and 95:0:5 (T95). Soluble dietary fibre (SDF = 5.15 – 3.15%) decreased while insoluble (IDF = 7.23 – 19.23%) and total dietary fibre (TDF = 12.33 – 22.39%) increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing malted African breadfruit inclusion. In vitro glycemic index (IVGI) and starch digestibility (IVSD) decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 57.30 – 45.65% and 57.48 – 31.44% respectively, with increasing substitution of malted African breadfruit seed flour. A negative correlation was observed between the TDF and IVGI content of the snack bars. In vitro protein digestibility ranged from 68.19 to 87.45%. With reference to standard classifications, the formulated malted African breadfruit seed based snack bars could be referred to as ‘high fibre’ and ‘low glycemic’ foods, and may have positive health benefit to the consumers, especially the diabetics and those interested in weight management.

Traditional birth attendants and reproductive health services in the context of covid-19: a scoping review

Background: In developing countries, the lack of accessible, affordable and acceptable orthodox care makes a significant proportion of the populace patronize the nearby available and cheap traditional birth attendants (TBAs) that share similar local custom and tradition. Although there are widely diverging shreds of evidence regarding their effectiveness as health care providers, they may have a limited role as a workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic where the more community-based distribution of commodities is increasingly considered due to movement restrictions. However, it is still doubtful if their integration into the formal health system may substantially contribute to basic health care delivery especially in the rural often hard to reach areas. Objectives: To explore the various roles of TBAs in reproductive health service delivery with implication for redefining their roles especially with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: We searched and reviewed relevant literature on TBAs in PubMed, Africa Journals Online (AJOL) and Google scholar and relevant institutional websites for the role of TBAs pre and during the pandemic. The databases searched yielded 92 articles of potential significance to this review. After title/abstract review, 65 articles were moved to full document review. Nineteen articles explicitly and strictly focusing on TBAs concerning reproductive health were included in this review. Results: TBAs are providers of a wide range of reproductive health services and training to expand their roles and makes them safer is necessary for any consideration of their engagement; this implies the fight against COVID-19. TBAs should only be engaged if the gap in the resources for health must be filled by leveraging on their existing traditional roles and acceptance in the community. Conclusion: TBAs are widely utilised providers of care to their communities especially in the area of maternal care. With increasing emphasis on community-based services in healthcare delivery and the emergence of COVID-19, their roles must be reviewed and updated regularly to redefine their role in the health care delivery system especially because of the myriad personal and technical limitations associated with them. Any engagement with them should be with caution and as a stop-gap measur.

Comparative analysis of the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of the root extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla and Vitellaria paradoxa

Background: Over time, herbal plants and their various components have been major sources of therapeutic medicine for man. A comparative study was carried out to determine the phytochemical components and antibacterial activities of the different crude extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla and Vitellaria paradoxa roots on four enteric bacteria; Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris. Methodology: Root samples of E. heterophylla and V. paradoxa were collected, washed, air dried and processed to fine powder in the microbiology laboratory of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Crude extract of the root samples was done by the cold maceration technique using four solvents (chloroform, methanol, petroleum ether and water). Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was done using previously described technique, and in vitro antibacterial activities of different concentrations of the extracts (50-200 mg/ml) and a standard antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) were tested on four enteric bacteria (S. typhi, S. flexneri, E. coli, P. vulgaris) by the agar diffusion test. In vivo antibacterial activities of the two plants were also tested by daily oral administration of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight (for 7 days) of each extract on inbred mice infected through intraperitoneal inoculation of an infective dose of each of the four enteric bacteria. Data were computed as mean ± standard error and analysed by the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. Associations between variables were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p < 0.05 considered as significant value. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts of both plants revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins but V. paradoxa contain more carbohydrates and starch, and less phlobatannins, compared to E. heterophylla. In vitro assay showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity of the methanol, aqueous and chloroform (but not petroleum ether) extracts of the two plant roots. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the different extracts of V. paradoxica extracts were significantly higher (higher mean diameters of inhibition zones) than those of E. heterophylla (p<0.05), and methanol extracts gave the highest antibacterial effects. However, the root extract of E. heterophylla gave a higher antibacterial activity with the in vivo assay on inbred mice than V. paradoxa, and methanol extracts of the two plant extracts gave the highest in vivo activity, followed by aqueous extract and least activity was obtained with the chloroform extract. Conclusion: Crude extracts of E. heterophylla and V. paradoxa roots produce antibacterial activity against enteric Gram-negative bacteria pathogens involved in diarrhoea illnesses. Further researches should be directed towards isolation and characterization of the active compounds in the crude extracts.

Knowledge, Attitude and Reporting Practices on Adverse Events Following Immunization among Routine Immunization Service Providers in Health Facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background/Introduction:Health workers at primary health care facilities (PHCs) are primarily involved with routine immunization activities including detection, reporting and management of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). To undertake such responsibilities effectively, they need to have good knowledge on AEFI and its management. Objective:To assess the knowledge, attitude and reporting practices of Routine Immunization Service Providers in health facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria.Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a total of 285 routine immunization service providers were recruited from all the PHCs in one selected local government from each of the three health zones of the State. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from eligible participants. Data were entered into SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed. Results:Of the 285 distributed questionnaires, 258 (90.5%) were duly completed and returned. The M: F ratio was 1.4:1, with mean age of 34.24 +8.06 years. Up to 164 (63.6%) respondents had good knowledge (score >50%), while 37(14.3%) and 57(22.1%) respondents had fair (score 41-49%) and poor (score <40%) knowledge respectively. Reporting practices were appropriate in 224 (86.8%) respondents. The most common method for reporting was by manual filing of AEFI forms. Some respondents would however not report an AEFI to avoid being blamed, feeling guilty or creating unnecessary anxiety to the patient. Conclusion:Though many respondents had good knowledge and reporting practices on AEFI, knowledge gap still exists; highlighting the need for continuous on-the-job training and retraining of these personnel

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Fractions of Plant Parts of Pterocarpus santalinoides

Aims: The study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the leaves, seeds, bark, and root of Pterocarpus santalinoides plant. Study Design: Agar well diffusion and Agar well dilution methods were used to test the preliminary antimicrobial and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations respectively of Pterocarpus santalinoides plants. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu Campus, Nigeria, between February – October, 2017. Methodology: Primary extraction and fractionation of the plant parts were undertaken with methanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. Agar diffusion method for the primary antimicrobial screening on Muller-Hinton agar (bacteria) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (fungi) were used to assess the antimicrobial activities of the sixteen (16) samples on some microbial isolates namely Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Microsporon canis, and Trichophyton rubrum. The minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) and percentage inhibition diameter growth (PIDG) of the samples that yielded positive activity were also evaluated. Results: Twelve (12) samples exhibited inhibitory activity on at least one or more of the test isolates. The MIC range observed for the extracts and fractions that yielded positive activity was 12.5 – 100 mg/ml. The n-hexane fraction of the plant root indicated the best value of 12.5 mg/ml against M. canis. The best MBC/MFC value of 25 mg/ml was observed with the ethyl acetate fraction of the bark (against E. coli and M. canis) and the n-hexane fraction of the root (against M. canis). The result showed S. typhi to be the most sensitive organism to the metabolites of P. santalinoides. Extended-spectrum activity was observed with the ethyl acetate fraction of the bark against three (3) of the test isolates namely S. typhi, E. coli and M. canis. The determination of PIDG values for the test organisms against the plants’ extracts/fractions showed that crude methanol extract (28.57%) and ethyl-acetate fraction (0.14%) of the leaves, butanol fraction (0.14%) of the root (all against S. typhi) were the most potent test samples. Conclusion: The results indicated that the plant parts may have potential medicinal values and confirmed its use in traditional medicine.

Time Series and Empirical Orthogonal Transformation Using Meteorological Parameters across the Climatic Zones in Nigeria

Time series and empirical orthogonal transformation analysis was carried out for four (4) selected tropical sites, which are situated across the four different climatic zones, viz. Sahelian, Midland, Guinea savannah and Coastal region in Nigeria using measured monthly average daily global solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperatures, sunshine hours, rainfall, wind speed, cloud cover and relative humidity meteorological data during the period of thirty one years (1980-2010). Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were developed along with their respective statistical indicators of coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results indicated that the models were found suitable for one step ahead global solar radiation forecast for the studied locations. Furthermore, the results of the time series analysis revealed that the model type for all the meteorological parameters show a combination of simple seasonal with one or more of either ARIMA, winter’s additive and winter’s multiplicative with the level been more significant as compared to the trend and seasonal variations for the exponential smoothing model parameters in all the locations. The results of the correlation matrix revealed that the global solar radiation is more correlated to the mean temperature except for Akure where it is more correlated to the sunshine hours; the mean temperature is more correlated to the global solar radiation; the rainfall is more correlated to the relative humidity and the relative humidity is more correlated to the rainfall in all the locations. The results of the component matrix revealed that three seasons are identified in Nguru located in the Sahelian region namely, the rainy, the cool dry (harmattan) and the hot dry seasons while in Zaria, Makurdi and Akure located in the Midland, Guinea savannah and Coastal zones two distinct seasons are identified namely, the rainy and dry seasons.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Study on the Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (Van Teigh) Loranthaceae

Leaves of Tapinanthus dodoneifoliusis used as traditional medicine for the treatment of menstrual pain, wound, gonorrhea, and control of diarrhea and dysentery which was extracted by cold maceration in methanol. The concentrated methanol extract was subsequently partitioned with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol. Agar wellDiffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureaus,Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiela pneumonia,Salmmnella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis,andCandida albicanat different concentrations. Antimicrobial sensitivity test indicated that,the extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms to varying degrees except Pseudomonas aeruginosaandCandida kruseirespectively. The in vitroantimicrobial screening revealed that, the extracts exhibited diverse activities against different microbe’s concentrations ranging from 2.5mg/ml-5mg/ml. The plant extract was found to contain flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides which may be responsible for its antimicrobial properties. The result justifies the traditional use of the plant leaf in the treatment of menstrual pain, sexual transmitted diseases, wounds and control of dysentery and diarrhea Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the antihyperglycemic effect of a combined extract of Vernonia amygdalinaand croton zabensicuscompare with a hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide.Methodology:Twenty 20 experimental animals were used (albino rats); the rats were divided equally into four groups of five rats each; namely A (control), B (glibenclamide 10mg/kg body weight), C (synergetic treatment 1000mg/kg body weight), D (synergetic treatment 500mg/kg of body weight). Diabetes was induced intraperitoneal using Alloxan Monohydrate to all the animals and their blood glucose rise above 200mg/dl.Results:It was observed that group B and group C treated with glibenclamide (10mg/kg body weight) and synergetic aqueous extract (1000mg/kg body weight) show significantdecrease in the

Perceptions and Suggestions of II year M.B.B.S. Students Regarding Updated Pathology Teaching Curriculum: An Analytic Study

Introduction: In most of the medical colleges of India, the knowledge regarding basic science subjects is taught mainly through didactic lectures, tutorials and practicals. And hence the system is more of teacher centered with less interaction or involvement from the students. There is a need to explore innovations, so as to sustain interest. Objectives: To introduce interactive teaching and assessment methods during lectures and examinations respectively and to elicit student’s perception about them. Materials and Method: A number of interactive methods were introduced in the pathology curriculum in a batch of 153 medical students of 2nd year M.B.B.S. Later the perceptions of the students were elicited regarding these sessions using a questionnaire based on Likert scale. Results: Validation of the scale indicated good internal consistency with Crohnbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.9. Majority (83%) of the students agreed or strongly agreed to like the interactive sessions. Similarly, 86% agreed or strongly agreed to like teamwork in group discussions and quiz sessions. Most popular interactive mode was MCQ’s followed by Cinemeducation. Most students were also of the view that interactivity during lectures keeps them active, more attentive in the class, makes the atmosphere more lively, also improved their communication skills, helps in retention of the topic, clearing doubts, improves attention span and hence results in better understanding of the subject. Conclusion: This project clearly proves that updated pathology curriculum is preferred by students. So, teacher should take a new role of facilitating the process of interactive learning rather than delivering elaborative lectures.

A critical analysis of the COMPASS trial with respect to benefit-risk assessment using the numbers needed to treat: Applicability and relevance in Indian patients with stable cardiovascular disease

The recently published Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies (COMPASS) trial evaluated the hypothesis that rivaroxaban alone or in combination with aspirin would be more effective than aspirin alone for secondary prevention. In India, stable cardiovascular disease occurs in a much younger age group relative to the rest of the world. Our critical analysis of COMPASS trial showed that the younger age group appeared to derive greater benefit from the rivaroxaban + aspirin combination (relative to aspirin alone) as seen with number needed to treat metrics as compared to the older age group.

Production of Bioethanol from Sugarcane Bagasse Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Ethanol is an alternative fuel derived from renewable biological resources. It's a good substitute for gasoline in spark ignition engines. In this study, the sugar cane bagasse was chemically pretreated with 1% NaOH at room temperature for 2 hours. Dilute acid H2SO4 and Aspergillus niger was used to hydrolyse the biomass to sucrose. Fermentation of the hydrolysed sample was done using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The fermented product was purified by distillation process at 78oC, and the fraction was collected, and the ethanol was determined by measuring the specific gravity. The production of ethanol from sugar cane bagasse with Saccharomyces cerevisiae was determined after the inoculation into sample A1, A2 and B1 and B2 and highest ethanol produced were from B1 with 0.090 followed B2 0.074, A2 with 0.069% and D 0.116. The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae gives a better yield. The result of this study can be of a better application in the large production of biofuel from sugar cane bagasse which is renewable and highly abundant, it is saving costs by recycling of wastes, and it also helps to alleviate environmental problem such as an excessive release of greenhouse gases from combustion of non-renewable fossil fuel. From the chromatograph, when the peaks spectrum wave analysed by mass spectrometer of the three volatile organic compounds, two were common to both samples, A contains the abundance of Acetic acid 22.37%, Ethyl alcohol 13.55% isobutene 64.08%. While that of Sample B contains the abundance Acetic acid 17.43%, Ethyl alcohol 7.12% and Propane 75.4.according to Pasteur this is due to Microbial oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid that decreases metabolic toxicity to the yeast cells. This study has proven the efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of bioethanol.

A comparison of mid upper arm circumference with other Indices for discharge from community-based management of malnutrition clinics in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Background: Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) program has saved millions of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) globally. World Health Organization recommended discharge indices include Midupper arm circumference (MUAC) =12.5cm, =15-20% weight gain and weight-for-height Z score (WHZ) =-2. We compared MUAC with WHZ and percentage weight gain as discharge criteria from CMAM. Methods: It was a community based cohort study of children aged 6-59 months with SAM discharged from CMAM clinics in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data, nutrition history and anthropometry were recorded at enrolment and discharge. Results: Of a total of 405 children studied, 209(51.6%) were females and had a peak age group of 12-23months (43.7%, range 6-42 months). At discharge, 353(87.2%) had MUAC = 12.5cm while 231(57.0%) and 204(50.4%) had percentage weight-gain =15% and WHZ=-2 respectively. There was weak agreement between MUAC and WHZ (agreement 50.8%, ê=0.012) and MUAC and percent weight-gain (agreement 54.8%, ê=-0.004). Children aged between 11-23 months (OR 2.12, p=0.006) and 24-35 months (OR 2.60, p=0.002) had increased risk of discharge with inadequate percentage weight gain. WHZ <-3 at enrolment was associated with increased risk of discharge with WHZ <-3 (OR 3.21, p<0.001) and reduced risk of discharge with inadequate percentage weight gain (OR 0.45, p<0.001). Age sex, WHZ at enrollment were not associated with MUAC at discharge. Conclusion: The use of MUAC alone as discharge criterion allows a significant proportion of children still needing urgent care exiting CMAM clinic prematurely. Stratifying these criteria may lead to better recovery before discharge

Blood pressure pattern and the relationship with body mass index among apparently healthy secondaryschool students in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Background. Childhood obesity may result in the premature onset of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, hence the need for proper screening. However, blood pressure (BP) is measured only once in most studies in Nigeria, probably because of difficulties in returning to the study areas for repeat measurement.Objective. To determine the BP pattern and assess its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in apparently healthy secondary-school students aged 10 - 18 years in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria.Methods. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional, and carried out between 13 October 2014 and 30 January 2015. In total, 800students from 6 schools were selected through multistage sampling. BP was measured on three separate days according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program charts. BMI was categorised according to the Centers for Disease Control charts. The relationship of BP level with BMI was determined.Results. There were 424 (53.0%) males and 376 (47.0%) females, with a ratio of approximately 1:1. BP increased with age. The mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly higher in females than males (systolic 113.1 mmHg v. 110.5 mmHg, and diastolic 69.0 mmHg v. 66.5 mmHg, respectively; p=0.01). Females had a higher mean BMI than males (18.7 kg/m2 v. 17.9 kg/m2, respectively; p<0.01). BP increased as the BMI percentile increased (p<0.001). The prevalence rates of hypertension were 6.1%, 3.5% and 3.1% at the first, second and third screenings, respectively, while the corresponding prevalence rates of prehypertension were 14.3%, 8.4% and 7.1%. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 0.3% and 5.9%, respectively.Conclusion. The prevalence rate of prehypertension and hypertension reduced with subsequent measurements, and the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were low. However, higher BP levels were associated with higher BMI, supporting its predictive significance for elevated BP

Utilização de sal mineral rico em molibdênio na prevenção da intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos - microminerais hepáticos / Use of molybdenum rich mineral mix in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning in sheep - hepatic microminerals

Este estudo avaliou a capacidade de um sal mineral rico em molibdênio (Mo) em prevenir a intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), mediante a análise das variáveis clínicas e dos teores de cobre (Cu) e Mo hepático. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos cruzados da raça Ile-de-France, aleatoriamente distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos, em que o grupo 1 recebia dieta contendo 80% de volumoso e 20% de concentrado, os grupos 2 e 3 recebiam 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado, e os grupos 4 e 5 recebiam a mesma dieta dos grupos 2 e 3, com a adição diária de 150mg de sulfato de Cu. Os grupos 1, 3 e 5 recebiam sal mineral contendo 300ppm de Mo. Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas para determinação de Cu, Mo e Zn. Três ovinos do grupo 4 e um do grupo 5 manifestaram ICA. Não houve diferença na frequência de mortalidade entre os grupos (P=0,56). Os teores de Cu hepático nos ovinos com ICA (2450ppm) foram superiores aos que não intoxicaram (1518ppm). Quanto maior a ingestão de Mo na dieta, menor foi o acúmulo de Cu hepático ao término do experimento (r = -0,72).(AU)

The aim of this project is to evaluate the capacity of a molybdenum-rich mineral salt in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning (CCP) in sheep, through clinical and hepatic copper and molybdenum concentrations. Twenty five crossbreed Ile-de-France sheep were randomly distributed equally into five groups. Group 1 received a 80% forage and 20% concentrate diet, groups 2 and 3 received a 50% forage and 50% concentrate diet, and groups 4 and 5 received the same diet as groups 2 and 3 with a daily supplementation of 150 mg of copper sulfate. Groups 1, 3 and 5 received a mineral salt with 300 ppm of molybdenum. Three times during the experiment a liver biopsy was carried out to evaluate the degree of copper accumulation. Three sheep from group 4 and one sheep from group 5 showed a clinical picture of CCP. There was no difference in the frequency of mortality between groups 4 and 5 (P=0.56). The liver copper concentration was higher in sheep with CCP (2450 ppm) compared to sheep that did not present CCP (1518 ppm). The higher the ingestion of molybdenum in the diet the lower the liver copper concentration at the end of the experiment (r=-0.72).(AU)

Clinical Presentation of Infants Hospitalised with Pertussis

Background. Despite the widespread use of pertussis vaccine; there has been a resurgence of pertussis cases in developed and developing countries. South Africa lacks data regarding clinical presentation and healthcare impact of pertussis.Objectives. To describe the clinical presentation and healthcare impact in hospitalised infants with confirmed pertussis.Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study; conducted in Bloemfontein between April 2008 and September 2012. Infants with laboratory-confirmed pertussis (group 1; N=102); were compared with infants with a negative pertussis result (group 2; N=104) and infants with a lower respiratory tract infection of unspecified aetiology (group 3; N=104). The following data were extracted from the clinical records: demographics; presenting symptoms; paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission; length of stay in the general ward and PICU; overall hospital stay and outcome.Results. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. A larger percentage of infants in group 1 (n=41; 40%) required PICU admission compared with group 2 (n=37; 36%) and group 3 (n=20; 19%). The median PICU stay of group 1 was longer (11 days) compared with group 2 (6 days) and group 3 (5 days). The presence of cough and post-tussive vomiting was significantly higher in group 1 than groups 2 and 3. There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups. Conclusion. Pertussis results in significant morbidity in infants. Measures to identify and manage this vaccine-preventable disease should be considered at a national level

Oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients with and without predisposing habits in glossal and extra‑glossal site: An institutional experience in South India.

INTRODUCTION: We report our cohort of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients with or without predisposing habits in glossal and extraglossal sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of OSCC cases over a period of 13.75 years from the archives of Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India. Demographic details, site, details of habits, and grade of OSCC were retrieved. Social Package for Social Service version 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, Chi‑square test, and comparison of mean were employed appropriately. RESULTS: There were 151 OSCC cases, of which 60.9% (92/151) were males, 21.2% (32/151) were aged ≤40 years and 27.82% (42/151) occurred in the tongue. The glossal to extraglossal site ratio was 1:2.6. Predisposing habits were present in 52.4% of glossal OSCC and 82.6% with extra‑glossal sites (P = 0.000). Besides tobacco, exclusive areca nut chewing was observed in 15.23% (23/151) patients. Thirty‑nine (25.8%) belonged to non‑tobacco, non‑areca nut, non‑alcohol (NTND) group with male to female ratio was1:3. DISCUSSION: In our cohort, 112 of 151 OSCC (74.8%) had at least one predisposing habit. Chewing of areca nut alone was a predisposing habit by itself. In addition, there was a small, subset of cases that were not associated with history of any habits. This study brings to focus the subsets of OSCC predisposed by areca nut and NTND, that needs to be studied further.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses in healthy Argentine Mastiff dogs recorded with surface electrodes / Evocado auditivo de respostas em cães Mastiff argentino saudáveis rever utilizando eletrodos de superfície

Evocado auditivo de respostas ­ BAER ) foi gravado utilizando eletrodos de superfície em sete cães Mastiff argentino saudáveis para estimulações monoaural e binaural em intensidades sonoras de 90 dB NPS . As latências e amplitudes das ondas I, III e V bem como os intervalos InterWave I- III , III -V e IV foram calculados. As diferenças estatísticas foram obtidas para as ondas III e latências V, amplitudes das ondas III e intervalos I- III e I-V entre mono e estimulação binaural. Por serem uma das raças geneticamente predispostas à surdez congênita, obtendo valores de referência BAER, os cães Mastiff argentino têm uma importância clínica especial.(AU)

Comparison of conventional and supported liquid extraction methods for the determination of sitagliptin and simvastatin in rat plasma by LC-ESI-MS/MS / 药物分析学报

Three extraction methods were compared for their efficiency to analyze sitagliptin and simvastatin in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS, including (1) liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), (2) solid phase extraction (SPE) and (3) supported liquid extraction (SLE). Comparison of recoveries of analytes with different extraction methods revealed that SLE was the best extraction method. The detection was facilitated with ion trap-mass spectrometer by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) in a positive ion mode with ESI. The transitions monitored were m/z 441.1→325.2 for simvastatin, 408.2→235.1 for sitagliptin and 278.1→260.1 for the IS. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.2 ng/mL for sitagliptin and 0.1 ng/mL for simvastatin. The effective SLE offers enhanced chromatographic selectivity, thus facilitating the potential utility of the method for routine analysis of biological samples along with pharmacokinetic studies.