Pharmacological effect of walnuts consumption on metabolic syndrome: a current view

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2017). In addition to the global and national morbidity and mortality burdens of the disease, it imposes a substantial economic burden on society. The American heart association predicts that by 2035, 45% of Americans will suffer from CVD with costs expected to reach $1.1 trillion annually. Clinical trials have demonstrated that a nut-containing diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while high in poly and monounsaturated fatty acids has a beneficial effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins when compared with either a low fat or average American diet. Other bioactive compounds present in walnuts, including micronutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals, may also contribute to their cardio protective effect by reducing inflammation, improving vascular reactivity, and lowering oxidative stress. It has been demonstrated that the consumption of walnuts resulted in significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, increased lean body mass and an increased amount of water in the body. A large population cohort study also demonstrated a marked reduction in body weight and other anthropometric parameters in people on regular consumption of walnuts.

Potential effect of metformin and vildagliptin against isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

Background: Metformin and vildagliptin both are anti-diabetic agent and they play an important role in diabetic patients as they reduce blood glucose levels. Studies revealed that both metformin and vildagliptin has the ability to promote beta cell neogenesis and regeneration. So, our study was planned to explore the hepatoprotective potential of metformin and vildagliptin in Wistar albino rats exposed to isoniazid (INH) induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Wistar albino rats weighing 150-180 g were obtained from Mass Biotech, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. The animals were divided into 6 groups (n=6) and further treated orally against INH-induced hepatotoxicity except normal control group. group 1: normal control, group 2: INH, group 3: metformin+INH, group 4: vildagliptin+INH, group 5: metformin amd vildagliptin+INH, group 6: silymarin. Results: In the present study, INH was administered for 21 days to induce liver damage to rats except normal group. Each group was treated with metformin, vildagliptin, (metformin+vildagliptin) combination and silymarin half an hour before INH challenge. On the 22nd day the blood samples were collected to estimate the AST and ALT levels. Immediately after blood collection the animals were sacrificed, the livers were removed and kept in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. Conclusions: The study found that metformin, vildagliptin, and their combination showed hepatoprotective activity against INH-induced hepatotoxicity. The combination of metformin+vildagliptin was the most effective. Metformin reduces oxidative stress, while vildagliptin balances pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant levels, contributing to their hepatoprotective effects. This suggests their potential usefulness in drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Endoscopic decompression as management of uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus: case report and literature review

Sigmoid volvulus is a cause of intestinal obstruction explained by the twist of the sigmoid over its mesentery. The colon is at risk of ischaemia due to alterations in the irrigation due to rotation of the mesentery and risk of perforation. Surgical management is suggested in complicated cases, but endoscopic management with decompression and detorsion may be suggested in the case of uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus, with risk of recurrence. We present the case of a 49-year-old male with a diagnosis of uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus resolved by decompression with rigid proctosigmoidoscopy and medical management with remission of intestinal occlusion, without surgical intervention. A case and review of the current literature are presented.

Assessing accessibility of sexual reproductive health services among adolescents and young people living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya

Background: Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are fundamental human rights enshrined in national, regional, and international laws and agreements. This study aimed to determine the accessibility of SRHR services among young people living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study involving a sample of 224 adolescents and young people from Kenya. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. Before the study commenced, approvals were acquired from the Kenyatta University ethics and review committee, the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation, County Governments, and selected county and sub-county health facilities in Kenya. Results: About 68.2% of adolescents and young people (AYP) living with HIV/AIDS accessed SRH services with a significant difference in proportion between study counties (Nairobi city and Homabay counties) in Kenya (?2=20.553; df=2; p<0.0001). Nevertheless, 33% of them reported that there were challenges that affected access to SRHR services and the unavailability of some services. Therefore, there is a need to ensure enough and constant supply of commodities and supplies for comprehensive care services. Conclusions: The study showed a statistically significant difference in the proportion of AYP living with HIV/AIDS who accessed SRH services in the study counties of Nairobi city and Homabay.

Exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among mothers attending child care immunization services in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Background: Low adoption of exclusive breast feeding among mothers and its impact on the infants has been attributed to several factors. The im of the study was to assess exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among women attending child care immunization services at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). Methods: The design of this study is cross-sectional survey. The population of the study comprised of 2100 women who registered for child care immunization services at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki from the month of January-March, 2023. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, frequency counts and percentages and t test statistics. Results: The results showed that the exclusive breastfeeding practices of the women were high (3.33±0.39). Also, EBP of the women was high based on age and parity. Although, there was no significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on parity (p>0.05). However, there was significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on age of the mothers (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study concluded that to sustain the high practices of exclusive breastfeeding among women attending child care immunization services at AE-FUTHA, there is need to continue to engage them on seminars, workshops and conferences by health workers on the days of immunization with special focus to the younger age of the mothers in order to sustain the high EBPs.

Temporal evolution of postsurgical bone repair in a rabbit model: A [99mTc]Tc-MDP scintigraphic study

Abstract Bone regeneration is crucial for repairing bone tissue following various injuries. Research techniques that enable the study of metabolic changes in bone tissue under different conditions are important for understanding bone repair and remodeling. This study used bone scintigraphy to evaluate osteogenesis secondary to osteotomy in a preclinical model of New Zealand rabbits. For this purpose, we conducted a longitudinal, prospective, case-control study in which scintigraphic variables were measured in both the right forearm (case-operated) and the left forearm (control - non-operated). The study sample consisted of 10 rabbits subjected to osteotomy, followed by a 12-week postoperative evaluation period, divided into six imaging stages at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. We observed that the operated forearm showed significantly higher external radiation than the control side, using the pinhole collimator, denoting an increase in the biodistribution and tropism of the radiopharmaceutical to the operated forearm. Among the three evaluated time points, osteoblastic activity was highest in the second week and presented a significant decline in the 8th and 12th weeks, denoting regeneration and resolution of the surgical injury; the control forearm was also influenced by the inactivity imposed by the operated forearm. This fact was notably evidenced by the reduction in the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the left forearm. Our study suggested that bone scintigraphy was sensitive enough to semi-quantitatively differentiate the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the operated forearm in the three temporal landmarks evaluated in the study.

Quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil / Qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro

Abstract Quilombola communities are present in many Brazilian states living in precarious health conditions. This is due to geographic isolation, limitations to the access of the area in which they live in, and the lack of quality in the service when it is needed to be provided. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil. It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 160 adult women were first interviewed through a form to collect a profile and then it was applied the WHOQOL Quality of Life questionnaire - bref. It was observed that the women were on average 40.7 years old (±17.25), married, self-declared black, who did not finish elementary school, housewife, had no income, with their own masonry house, with up to 6 rooms, supplied by a box of community treated water. Quality of Life had median scores in the domains: physical (3.18), psychological (3.4), social relationships (3.45) and environment (2.59). With this research, it was possible to characterize the quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL regarding the difficulties of access to health and income generation, issues that affect their health condition. The problems described in this study can contribute to health actions being planned and carried out in order to improve socioeconomic and health conditions in this community, considering the social, political and environmental context, valuing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Resumo As comunidades quilombolas, estão presentes em diversos estados brasileiros, vivendo em condições de saúde mais precárias. Isto ocorre por conta do isolamento geográfico, das limitações de acesso e da falta de qualidade no serviço quando este é prestado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro. Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Foram entrevistadas 160 mulheres adultas, através de um formulário para a coleta de perfil e do questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL - bref. Foi observado que as mulheres tinham em média 40,7 anos (±17,25), casadas, autodeclaradas negras, com fundamental incompleto, do lar, sem renda, com moradia de alvenaria, própria, com até 6 cômodos, abastecidas por caixa de água comunitária, tratada. A Qualidade de Vida, apresentou escores medianos nos domínios: físico (3,18), psicológico (3,4), relações sociais (3,45) e meio ambiente (2,59). Com a realização desta pesquisa foi possível caracterizar a comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL quanto as dificuldades de acesso a saúde e geração de renda, fatos que repercutem na sua condição de saúde. Os problemas descritos neste estudo podem contribuir para que ações de saúde sejam planejadas e efetivadas com o intuito de melhorar as condições socioeconômicas e de saúde nessa comunidade, considerando-se o contexto social, político e ambiental, valorizando seus saberes e práticas tradicionais.

Quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Quilombola communities are present in many Brazilian states living in precarious health conditions. This is due to geographic isolation, limitations to the access of the area in which they live in, and the lack of quality in the service when it is needed to be provided. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil. It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 160 adult women were first interviewed through a form to collect a profile and then it was applied the WHOQOL Quality of Life questionnaire bref. It was observed that the women were on average 40.7 years old (±17.25), married, self-declared black, who did not finish elementary school, housewife, had no income, with their own masonry house, with up to 6 rooms, supplied by a box of community treated water. Quality of Life had median scores in the domains: physical (3.18), psychological (3.4), social relationships (3.45) and environment (2.59). With this research, it was possible to characterize the quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL regarding the difficulties of access to health and income generation, issues that affect their health condition. The problems described in this study can contribute to health actions being planned and carried out in order to improve socioeconomic and health conditions in this community, considering the social, political and environmental context, valuing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Resumo As comunidades quilombolas, estão presentes em diversos estados brasileiros, vivendo em condições de saúde mais precárias. Isto ocorre por conta do isolamento geográfico, das limitações de acesso e da falta de qualidade no serviço quando este é prestado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro. Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Foram entrevistadas 160 mulheres adultas, através de um formulário para a coleta de perfil e do questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL bref. Foi observado que as mulheres tinham em média 40,7 anos (±17,25), casadas, autodeclaradas negras, com fundamental incompleto, do lar, sem renda, com moradia de alvenaria, própria, com até 6 cômodos, abastecidas por caixa de água comunitária, tratada. A Qualidade de Vida, apresentou escores medianos nos domínios: físico (3,18), psicológico (3,4), relações sociais (3,45) e meio ambiente (2,59). Com a realização desta pesquisa foi possível caracterizar a comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL quanto as dificuldades de acesso a saúde e geração de renda, fatos que repercutem na sua condição de saúde. Os problemas descritos neste estudo podem contribuir para que ações de saúde sejam planejadas e efetivadas com o intuito de melhorar as condições socioeconômicas e de saúde nessa comunidade, considerando-se o contexto social, político e ambiental, valorizando seus saberes e práticas tradicionais.

Influence of maternal factors on the immunization status of under- five in Ebonyi state

Background: Poor delivery of childhood immunization with the interacting factors has been a significant public health challenge especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria has been presented as one the countries with the worst under-five mortality rates, and factors affecting childhood immunization including maternal factors are poorly understood. The study determined the influence of maternal characteristics and immunization status of under-five children in Ebonyi State. Methods: Data were collected using an Immunization Status Checklist (ISC). The population of the study was 572,955 under-five children in Ebonyi State from which 2865 was sampled. Data were analyzed using percentages and chi-square. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 83.01% of under-5 children were fully immunized. The chi-square analysis shows a significant influence of mothers’ parity at (p<0.05), mothers’ occupation at (p<0.05) and mothers’ use of antenatal services at (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study concluded that immunization status of under-five children in Ebonyi State was high and maternal characteristics had significant influence on immunization status of under-five children. Thus, recommended that government should provide tangible incentives to mothers who fully immunized their children and promulgate a law to prevent children without immunization cards showing full immunization from registering in public and private primary schools.

Glomerular parietal epithelial expression of CD44 in minimal change nephrotic syndrome and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A clinico-pathological study

Introduction: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are the two common causes of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in both children and adults with overlapping clinical features, but with distinct prognostic and therapeutic implications. The distinction between these relies entirely on histopathology, which can sometimes be difficult. CD44 is expressed by activated parietal epithelial cells, plays a role in matrix deposition and thus in the pathogenesis of FSGS. Aims: To assess the expression of CD44 in MCNS and FSGS and to evaluate its association with the known clinical and histopathological prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: Thirty cases each of MCNS and FSGS were studied. The clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and CD 44 immunohistochemical data were recorded. The findings were analyzed and correlated. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistical association was noted between CD44 positivity and serum creatinine (p = 0.031), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.040), segmental sclerosis (p < 0.001), tubular atrophy (p = 0.027), interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.027), and histological diagnosis (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values were 90%, 76.67%, 79.41% and 88.46%, respectively. Conclusions: CD44 immunostain can effectively distinguish MCNS from FSGS. The congruent results of CD44 positivity with known prognostic factors support the possibility of using the CD44 marker as a predictive tool in selecting high-risk patients and offering appropriate therapeutic measures.

Analysis of the Russian Market of Biologically Active Supplements

Due to the difficult geopolitical situation, 2022 has become a turning point in many areas of trade for Russia. Many foreign manufacturers are leaving the market, giving way to domestic ones. This is especially true for the Russian pharmaceutical market, including the market for biological active supplements. In 2022, Herbalife Nutrition (USA), BAYER (Germany), ELI LILLY (USA), NOVARTIS (USA, Switzerland), GlaxoSmithKline (Great Britain), PFIZER (USA), SANOFI (France) left the Russian biological active supplement market. At the same time, the demand for biological active supplements in the country shows an extremely positive trend. In 2022, compared to the previous year, the volume of purchases of biologically active supplements increased by 19% in rubles and by 1% in packages. This article will continue detailed marketing research of the biologically active supplement market, indicate the most popular manufacturers (Evalar, Solgar, PharmaMed), give the most popular product groups (biological active supplements that affect the body as a whole, the digestive system, the nervous system), examine the dynamics of the main indicators for compared to previous years.

Relationship between stress and sleep quality among undergraduate physiotherapy students of India who are engaged in clinical posting: a cross sectional study

Background: Physiotherapy students are exposed to different kinds of stress while pursuing their course and this stress affects their sleep quality. The author in this study investigated the relationship between stress and sleep quality among undergraduate physiotherapy students across India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate physiotherapy students studying in different physiotherapy colleges across India, using convenience sampling method. Data was collected with help of an Online Google form™. In order to assess the relationship between stress and sleep quality among students, student stress inventory (SSI) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) outcome measures were used. Results: A high prevalence of stress (99.9%) and poor sleep quality (76.7%) were found among students. To analysis the relationship between stress and sleep, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used, value of correlation coefficient was 0.613 shows a moderate positive relationship between variables and p value was 0.000 (<0.05) shows highly significant relationship between stress and sleep. Conclusions: The study confirms a strong association between stress and sleep among undergraduate physiotherapy students across India. A recommendation for management required promotion of sleep hygiene and including physical activity in the curriculum of students to deal with the stress.

The role of honey in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review of literature

The use of honey in the control of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is a current option being explored globally. Honey bees which are named in Latin as Apis, use the collected nectar from plants to produce honey after regurgitation and digestion of nectar. Carbohydrate constitutes about 80% of the components of honey. It includes monosaccharides [fructose (37.5%) and glucose (30.6%), disaccharides (sucrose (1.6%) and maltose (2.7%)] and oligosaccharides. Natural honey also contains water (17.2%), proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, acids such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and other components. Honey is rich in antioxidant content and these antioxidant compounds function as endogenous cellular antioxidant defences against free radicals in diabetes mellitus. Antioxidants have also been shown to exert a beneficial effects on blood glucose. Fructose and other bioactive constituents of honey have also been linked with amelioration of hyperglycemia. Besides the beneficial effects of honey on blood glucose, honey is widely used in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, an important complication of diabetes mellitus. The wound-healing benefits of honey are attributed to its antioxidant constituents and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Though additional studies are needed, the use of honey in the management of diabetes mellitus holds much promise.

Validation of an instrument for dentists' perception of pain in patients with communication difficulties

Pain is present in the dental clinic, whether due to oral problems such as dental caries and its complications or related to dental procedures. Pain evaluation in patients with communication difficulties (PCDs) is challenging for dentists, potentially compromising treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to assess the perception of dentists about pain in PCDs. This study followed a quantitative methodological approach involving constructing and validating an instrument administered to 50 dentists. The initial instrument consisted of 29 items divided into four domains. Content and construct validity and internal consistency were confirmed. Content validation was performed by judges using the Content Validity Index. The instrument underwent construct validation and internal consistency assessments through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis using Cronbach's α, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, and Bartlett's sphericity tests. The final instrument consisted of 21 items divided into three domains, with a high Cronbach's α for one domain and moderate values for the others. The total variance accounted for was above 46.03%. Each factor retained at least three items, with factor loadings greater than 0.3, commonalities greater than 0.2, and eigenvalues >1. Despite the study's limitations, the instrument demonstrated its applicability and potential in evaluating the perception and management of pain in PCDs.

A telepathology based screening tool for COVID-19 by leveraging morphological changes related to leukocytes in peripheral blood smears

As we approach the aftermath of a global pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2), the importance of quickly developing rapid screening tests has become very clear from the point of view of containment and also saving lives. Here, we present an explorative study to develop a telepathology-based screening tool using peripheral blood smears (PBS) to identify Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-positive cases from a group of 138 patients with flu-like symptoms, consisting of 82 positive and 56 negative samples. Stained blood smear slides were imaged using an automated slide scanner (AI 100) and the images uploaded to the cloud were analyzed by a pathologist to generate semi-quantitative leukocyte morphology-related data. These telepathology data were compared with the data generated from manual microscopy of the same set of smear slides and also the same pathologist. Besides good correlation between the data from telepathology and manual microscopy, we were able to achieve a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.71, respectively, for identifying positive and negative COVID-19 cases using a six-parameter combination associated with leukocyte morphology. The morphological features included plasmacytoid cells, neutrophil dysplastic promyelocyte, neutrophil blast-like cells, apoptotic cells, smudged neutrophil, and neutrophil-to-immature granulocyte ratio. Although Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antibody tests have a superior performance, the PBS-based telepathology tool presented here has the potential to be an interim screening tool in resource-limited settings in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Anthelmintic and Antioxidant Activities, Phytochemical Profile and Microscopic Features of Senna alata Collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile of Senna alata LINN using chemical screening in solution and thin-layer chromatography, and to assess the antioxidant and anthelmintic activities of the plant抯 aqueous extracts. Methodology: All the analyses performed in this study were, respectively, done as described by the standard protocols. These were: the microscopic examination of the plant powders performed using a light microscope, the search for secondary metabolites carried out by chemical screening in solution and by thin-layer chromatography, the determination of the secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant activity carried out by UV-visible spectroscopy and the anthelmintic activity performed by dilution in decreasing order of concentration. Results: Micrographic analysis of the powder of Senna alata revealed the histological elements rich in unicellular covering hairs with a punctate surface and in fragments of palisade parenchyma, with elongated cells. The presence of polyphenols (flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, leuco anthocyanins, free quinones), steroids, terpenoids, and iridoids was detected by phytochemical screening in solution and confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. The determination of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, total tannins, and anthocyanins showed that Senna alata contains 254.64 mg EQ/g, 12.3%, 9.5%, and 6.5%, respectively, of these metabolites. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Senna alata showed a good anthelmintic activity after 41 minutes of exposure to 5.00 mg/mL of the extract and the antioxidant activity was reported, of which the value of IC50 ( g/mL) of the extract for the DPPH tests is 91.42 15.56. Conclusion: Histological elements rich in unicellular covering hairs with a punctate surface and in fragments of palisade parenchyma, with elongated cells were revealed in the micrographic analysis of Senna alata. The plant抯 leaf methanol extract showed good antioxidant activity, while the anthelmintic activity was demonstrated in its aqueous extract.

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.

Wound Healing Activity of Neocarya macropyhlla Seed Extracts in Wistar Rats

Neocarya macropuylla seed hexane extract (NMSHE) was examined for the presence of various phytoconstituents. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by testing the extract on selected drug resistant bacteria viz: S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and fungi viz: C. albicans, A. niger using agar technique of pour plate and surface plate dilution that were selected based on their peculiarity to humans. Wound healing activity of NMSHE was investigated by formulating a dosage of 5 % and 10 % concentration of the extract in paraffin. 21 wistar rats shared into three groups with each group housing 7 animals each over an experimental period of 21 days were properly fed and given free access to water throughout the experiment that was authenticated by the weight measurement taken every four days. Investigation of the wound healing activity of the extract was performed by measuring the wound area (mm2) and percentage of wound closure on the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th day of the study; the wound epitheliasation was determined from the 16th to 20th days. Histopathological analysis of the control and test groups’ skin tissues, liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen and haematological evaluation of the blood parameters were carried out at the end of the experiment. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids and glycosides in NMSHE. At 5 % and 10 % concentrations, NMSHE inhibited the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger. Group 2 rats treated with 5 % NMSHE gave a faster and better epitheliasation time than those in group 1 treated with control base ointment. The histopathology and haematology analyses result showed no disparity between the control and the test group; this is a point of reference showing that the extracts seemed to possess some essential constituents which actually hastened the wound healing process. macrophylla seed hexane extract healed the wound created on wistar rats at a faster time than the control ointment hence could probably serve as a replacement to conventional wound healing ointment.

Genetic diversity of Duffy binding protein 2 region II of Plasmodium cynomolgi from wild macaques in Peninsular Malaysia

@#Recent reports of natural human infection by Plasmodium cynomolgi indicate the increased risk of zoonotic transmission by this simian parasite. The P. cynomolgi Duffy binding protein 2 (PcDBP2) has a potential role in the invasion pathway of host erythrocytes, and it is a possible vaccine candidate against cynomolgi malaria. This study investigates the genetic diversity, haplotypes, and natural selection of PcDBP2 region II from isolates collected from wild macaques in Peninsular Malaysia. Blood samples from 50 P. cynomolgi-infected wild macaques were used in the study. Genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples was used as template for PCR amplification of the PcDBP2 region II. The amplicons were cloned into a plasmid vector and sequenced. MEGA X and DnaSP ver.6.12.03 programmes were used to analyse the DNA sequences. A genealogical relationship of PcDBP2 region II were determined using haplotype network tree on NETWORK ver.10.2. Result showed high genetic diversity (ð = 0.017 ± 0.002; Hd = 1.000 ± 0.001) of the PcDBP2 region II. The Z-test indicates a purifying selection, with population expansion as shown in Tajima’s D analysis. A total of 146 haplotypes of PcDBP2 region II were observed. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that these haplotypes were grouped into three allelic types (136 for Strain B type, 9 for Berok type, and 1 recombinant type). In the haplotype network, PcDBP2 region II revealed no geographical groupings but was divided into two distinct clusters.

Prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection in individuals with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Malaysia: The first systematic review and meta-analysis

@#Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first herpesvirus associated to human malignancies. Despite the well-known association between EBV and malignancies, the prevalence of EBV infection in Malaysians with malignancies is unknown. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was used to conduct a systematic review and metaanalysis of published data in this study. Studies reporting the occurrence of EBV infection in Malaysian malignancy patients were searched in electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar without year or language constraints. The study protocol was filed in PROSPERO (CRD42021273769). A total of 21 studies were included, with 1,036 EBV infection cases among 2,078 malignancy patients. The random-effects model was used to produce summary estimates. The pooled prevalence of EBV infection in Malaysians with malignancy was 36.3% (95% CI, 20.3 – 56.2). When the prevalence estimates were stratified by malignancy type, nasopharyngeal carcinoma has the highest prevalence (90.5%), followed by lymphoma (23.4%), and gastric carcinoma (10.0%). Male patients had a higher cases prevalence and most patients were above the age of 40. In Malaysia, many malignancies are increasingly linked to EBV infection. Screening for EBV infection in malignancy patients is therefore important to determine disease recurrence and metastases.