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1.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 12(9)2024 May 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727498

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: International students with sufficient health literacy are better equipped to respond to public health emergencies and reduce any unintentional harm that may occur during such events. This study aims to assess the current status of health literacy among international students and investigate the factors that influence health literacy. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tokyo on international university students using a questionnaire consisting of the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy and eHealth Literacy Scales. The study analyzed 205 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were utilized to assess the level of health literacy, and linear regression was used to identify the association of socio-demographic characteristics and disease status with health and e-health literacy. (3) Results: Health literacy and e-health literacy were low in 48.29% and 47.29% of international students, respectively. The mean scores of CCHL items ranged from 3.13 to 3.26, while the mean scores of eHEALS items ranged from 3.33 to 3.49. Both health literacy and e-health literacy were better with unmarried status (p = 0.015), and e-health literacy was worse with higher age (p = 0.007). (4) Conclusions: Overall, international students' health literacy and e-health literacy were at intermediate levels, with considerable room for improvement, and affected by certain student attributes.

2.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 37(1): 95-105, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741405

ABSTRACT

Hydrophilic drugs could be incorporated into the skin surface by manes of Lipogel. This study aimed to prepare miconazole lipogel with natural ingredients to enhance drug permeability using dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). The miconazole lipogels, A1 (without DMSO) and A2 (with DMSO) were formulated and evaluated for organoleptic evaluation, pH, viscosity, stability studies, freeze-thawing, drug release profile and drug permeation enhancement. Results had stated that prepared lipogel's pH falls within the acceptable range required for topical delivery (4 to 6) while both formulations show good results in organoleptic evaluation. The A2 formulation containing DMSO shows better permeation of miconazole (84.76%) on the artificial skin membrane as compared to A1 lipogel formulation (50.64%). In in-vitro drug release studies, A2 for-mulation showed 87.48% drug release while A1 showed just 60.1% drug release from lipogel. Stability studies were performed on model formulations under environmental conditions and both showed good spreadibility, stable pH, free of grittiness and good consistency in formulation. The results concluded that A2 formulation containing DMSO shows better results as compared to DMSO-free drug lipogel.


Subject(s)
Dimethyl Sulfoxide , Drug Liberation , Gels , Miconazole , Permeability , Miconazole/administration & dosage , Miconazole/chemistry , Miconazole/pharmacokinetics , Dimethyl Sulfoxide/chemistry , Viscosity , Drug Stability , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Skin Absorption/drug effects , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Drug Compounding , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/pharmacokinetics , Administration, Cutaneous
3.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 74(3): 494-498, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38591285

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of nutritional intervention on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease parameters, and to determine the reasons for non-compliance with nutritional therapy. METHODS: The interventional study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2022 at the National Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal diseases, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, Karachi, and comprised patients of either gender aged 18-65 years who had been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on abdominal ultrasound. Anthropometrics, physical activity level, and biochemical markers were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after the intervention that involved nutritional assessment, counselling and guidance related to dietary modification and optimisation of physical activity level. The effect of the intervention was evaluated by improvement in liver enzymes, biochemical parameters, anthropometric indices and any change in the level of physical activity. The reasons for noncompliance were also recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Out of 118 subjects enrolled, 61(51.69%) completed the study. Most patients were females 81(68.6%), married 25(21.2%) and housewives 64(54.2%). There were 16(26.2%) subjects who had 3-10kg weight reduction. The reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels was not significant (p>0.05). Also, no significant change was observed in the level of physical activity compared to the baseline (p>0.05). Overall, 27(44.3%) patients showed compliance with treatment. The main reasons for noncompliance were lack of time 21(34.4) and knee joint pain 5(8.2%). Conclusion: Lifestyle modification can be beneficial for weight-loss in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, awareness of its importance and willingness in initiating real-life practical steps with subsequent adherence to dietary therapy was found lacking in the sample studied.


Subject(s)
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Female , Humans , Male , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Diet , Exercise , Weight Loss
4.
Surg Neurol Int ; 15: 44, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38468658

ABSTRACT

Background: 3-Dimensional (3D) printing has proven its role in various fields. Recently, 3D printing has also been introduced in the otolaryngology domain. The nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base have a complex anatomy. Critical structures must be delicately protected and preserved during a surgical procedure. It is, therefore, very important for the surgeon to have an excellent spatial understanding of the complex surgical field that is being traversed. Case Description: Our case is of a 19-year-old male with a 2-month history of recurrent epistaxis, nasal blockage, and headache. Based on the computed tomography scan and the clinical presentation, the patient was diagnosed with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The patient underwent angioembolization of the tumor followed by endoscopic surgical resection. The patient remained stable postoperatively and demonstrated a good recovery in the follow-up visit with no signs of cranial deficits. This case report highlights the use of a patient-specific 3D-printed biomodel to visualize this rare tumor of the nasopharynx. The benefits of using the model in surgical planning, patient education, and resident training are reported. We found that the ability to visualize the tumor on a tangible model, viewing its actual size in relation to the adjacent anatomy and all the structures associated with it, greatly enhances the surgeon's capacity to tackle such a difficult tumor endoscopically. Conclusion: Incorporating 3D-printed biomodels in surgical practice should result in improved outcomes for the patients.

5.
World Neurosurg X ; 23: 100356, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38549761

ABSTRACT

Purpose: We hypothesize that lower grade gliomas (LGG) can be identified and classified into two distinct subtypes: radiologically circumscribed Lower-Grade Gliomas (cLGG) and infiltrating Lower-Grade Gliomas (iLGG) based on radiological parameters and that these two different subtypes behave differently in terms of clinical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on surgical patients diagnosed with lower grade glioma over five years. Patient records and MRIs were reviewed, and neurosurgeons classified tumors into cLGG and iLGG groups. Results: From the 165 patients in our cohort, 30 (18.2%) patients were classified as cLGG and 135 (81.8%) patients were classified as iLGG Mean age in cLGG was 31.4 years while mean age in iLGG was 37.9 years (p = 0.004). There was significant difference in mean blood loss between cLGG and iLGG groups (270 and 411 ml respectively, p = 0.020). cLGG had a significantly higher proportion of grade II tumors (p < 0.001). The overall mean survival time for the iLGG group was 14.96 ± 1.23 months, and 18.77 ± 2.72 months for the cLGG group. In univariate cox regression, the survival difference between LGG groups was not significant (HR = 0.888, p = 0.581), however on multivariate regression cLGG showed a significant (aHZ = 0.443, p = 0.015) positive correlation with survival. Intense contrast enhancement (HZ = 41.468, p = 0.018), blood loss (HZ = 1.002, p = 0.049), and moderately high Ki-67 (HZ = 4.589, p = 0.032) were also significant on univariate analyses.Conclusion: cLGG and iLGG are radiologically distinct groups with separate prognoses, surgical experience, and associations.

6.
Neurosurg Rev ; 47(1): 12, 2023 Dec 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38091115

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition characterized by intense facial pain akin to electric shocks, often associated with the trigeminal nerve. It can be either idiopathic or secondary, with multiple sclerosis (Ms) being a significant contributing factor. Non-responsive patients may opt for minimally invasive procedures, such as gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS), which offers precise, non-invasive treatment and is frequently chosen as a primary approach. This meta-analysis evaluates the long-term efficacy of GKRS in TN management in Ms patients. METHODS: We conducted a focused search across various databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies with ≥ 30 patients using GKRS for TN in Ms, reporting pertinent clinical outcomes. Primary outcomes assessed GKRS efficacy through Barrow Neurological Institute Pain scores. Secondary outcomes encompassed bothersome numbness, facial numbness, and recurrence. Data analysis employed OpenMeta, random effect models, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 752 cases of GKRS for TN were included. Regarding the outcomes, 83% of patients experienced a positive initial pain response, while the overall treatment success rate was 51%. Additionally, 19.6% of patients reported facial numbness, 4.1% experienced bothersome numbness, and 40% faced recurrence. The odds ratio for positive initial pain response was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76-0.89), while for treatment success, it was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.379-0.639). Facial numbness had an odds ratio of 0.196 (95% CI, 0.130-0.262), bothersome numbness had an odds ratio of 0.041 (95% CI, 0.013-0.069), and recurrence had an odds ratio of 0.403 (95% CI, 0.254-0.551). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, treating trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis patients remains challenging. GKRS shows promise, but customized treatment approaches tailored to individual patient characteristics are urgently needed to address the unique challenges of this condition.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis , Radiosurgery , Trigeminal Neuralgia , Humans , Trigeminal Neuralgia/surgery , Radiosurgery/methods , Multiple Sclerosis/complications , Multiple Sclerosis/surgery , Hypesthesia/complications , Hypesthesia/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Pain/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Follow-Up Studies
7.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 73(12): 2495-2498, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38083943

ABSTRACT

Skull base chrodomas are slow growing neoplasms usually located along the midline. They display a locally invasive nature with possibilities of extracranial metastasis. Presentation is usually late and depends upon the location and extent of the tumour. Management aims at gross total resection via open microsurgical or endoscopic approach followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Prognosis may be good for the classical and chondroid subtypes but remains poor for de-differentiated type.


Subject(s)
Chordoma , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Skull Base Neoplasms , Humans , Chordoma/surgery , Prognosis , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant , Skull Base Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Skull Base Neoplasms/surgery , Skull Base , Treatment Outcome
8.
Cureus ; 15(10): e46543, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37927680

ABSTRACT

Introduction The most efficient method of combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic would be to use effective, safe, and proven vaccines; however, their widespread use has been hampered partly by concerns over possible adverse effects. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine side effects among participants. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted using a non-probability sampling technique. The duration of the study was nine months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022. The study included 900 participants who provided informed consent and had received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Demographic characteristics of participants, such as gender, age, comorbidities, AstraZeneca vaccine with both doses along with booster dose, previous exposure to COVID-19 infection, and the prevalence of any local and systemic side effects following the first and second doses of vaccine, were documented. Results The study findings showed that of the 900 participants, 414 (46.0%) were males and 486 (54.0%) were females; their mean age was 40.72 ± 13.47 years. Among them, 198 (22.0%) had hypertension and 144 (16.0%) had diabetes mellitus. Following the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect in 594 (66.0%) participants. Moreover, swelling at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect in 522 (58.0%) participants after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The level of satisfaction showed that the majority of the 648 participants (72.0%) were satisfied with their vaccination. Conclusion This study concluded that pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect, followed by swelling and fever after the first dose of the vaccine. Following the second dose of the vaccine, adverse effects included headache, swelling, and burning at the injection site.

9.
Cureus ; 15(10): e46682, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37942377

ABSTRACT

Introduction The most significant element in halting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic was the availability of reliable and efficient vaccines. Vaccine acceptability is influenced by many factors, including perceptions of the vaccine's safety and side effects. Adverse reactions to vaccines can vary with regard to the type, although they are frequently mild, localized, temporary, and self-limiting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of side effects experienced by postmenopausal women after receiving the Sinovac vaccine. Methods This multicenter, prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at multiple centers in Karachi, Pakistan. In this study, the non-probability sampling method was used. The study continued from August 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, for six months. The study comprised 600 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 years who received two doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccination. Demographic parameters such as gender, the existence of comorbidities, and local and systemic side effects in postmenopausal women were documented as frequencies and percentages. Age, weight, and duration of comorbidities are expressed as means and standard deviations. Results The study findings showed that the mean age of study participants was 63.93 ± 8.24 years. There were related comorbidities with hypertension and diabetes mellitus in 181 (30.2%) and 40 (6.7%) women, respectively. Fever was the most often reported side effect, with 349 (58.2%) participants reporting it and 198 (56.7%) participants reporting it as mild. After the second dose, 234 (39.5%) participants reported fever as their most frequent adverse effect, and 158 (67.5%) of them reported it was mild. Conclusion This study concluded that the most commonly reported side effects among postmenopausal women were fever, pain, and swelling at the injection site after getting either dose of Sinovac vaccine. These overall side effects were generally mild to moderate in intensity, not life-threatening, and did not require hospitalization, although fever was reported in severe intensity in some cases, particularly after the first dose.

10.
J Craniovertebr Junction Spine ; 14(3): 299-305, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37860022

ABSTRACT

Placement of pedicle screw in the subaxial cervical spine is a challenging and complex technique but provides significant biomechanical advantages. Despite its potential complications, the role and use of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) are growing. A literature review of the significant articles on applying pedicle screws in the subaxial cervical spine was done (articles between 1994 and 2020). Furthermore, our center´s experience of 15 years related to CPS is also discussed in this study. Transpedicular instrumentation in the subaxial cervical spine requires profound anatomical knowledge and meticulous surgical technique. This technique provides superior biomechanical stability compared to the other cervical fixation techniques. Pull-out strength of CPS is twice as compared to the lateral mass screws. There have been numerous variations in the technique of CPS, varying from open techniques to minimally invasive and the use of biomodels and templates during this procedure. Clinically, CPS can be used in different cervical trauma situations, such as fracture-dislocations, floating lateral mass, and fractures associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Despite the possibility of neurovascular injury due to the proximity of the vertebral artery, spinal cord, and spinal nerves to the cervical pedicles, scientific literature, and our center × s experience show low risk, and this technique can be performed safely. CPS placement is a safe procedure, and it has great potential in the management of cervical spine trauma.

11.
Cureus ; 15(9): e46178, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37905298

ABSTRACT

Introduction It has been discovered that low levels of thiamine reserves in the body are related to diabetes mellitus (DM) because thiamine directly influences carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess several metabolic variables and blood thiamine levels in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM and compare them with those in a control group of healthy individuals. Methods This case-control study was conducted at multiple diabetic outpatient centers in Karachi. A total of 90 participants, who were divided into three groups, each containing 30 individuals, were chosen using a convenient non-probability sampling technique. Group A served as the control group and consisted of healthy, non-diabetic individuals. Groups B and C contained subjects with type 1 and type 2 DM, respectively. Descriptive analysis was reported as mean standard deviation, whereas gender and comorbidities were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to determine the associations of the variables with type 1 DM, type 2 DM, and controls. Results The study results revealed statistically significant differences between controls, type 1 and type 2 DM, in the means of blood glucose levels and all lipid profiles, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), random blood sugar (RBS), serum thiamine, triglycerides (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.014), and total cholesterol (p = 0.013). Furthermore, it was shown that among the control group, type 1 and type 2 DM, HbA1c, and FBS were insignificantly correlated with thiamine levels, whereas the HbA1c and FBS of the combined diabetic groups were significantly correlated with the thiamine level (r = 0.465, p < 0.001) and (r = 0.360, p = 0.005), respectively, where 'r' is the Pearson correlation coefficient. Additionally, HbA1c and FBS in the combined three groups were significantly correlated with the thiamine level (r = -0.626, p < 0.001) and (r = -0.561, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion This study concluded that patients with type 1 and type 2 DM had significantly higher levels of FBS, RBS, HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol than controls. Furthermore, both type 1 and type 2 DM patients' serum thiamine and HDL levels were observed to be considerably lower than those of controls. Additionally, among both types of DM and controls, there was a strong correlation between FBS and HbA1c. Therefore, we recommend that serum thiamine levels be routinely monitored in diabetic patients, and thiamine supplementation should be considered to avoid complications, especially vascular complications of DM.

12.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 30(33): 80758-80767, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37306876

ABSTRACT

Financial inclusion enhances economic growth by facilitating businesses and individuals to access financial resources. Financial inclusion also contributes to environmental sustainability; however, very few studies have explored the link between financial inclusion and the environment. Also, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental performance remains unexplored. From this perspective, this study probes the objective of whether financial inclusion and environmental performance co-move in COVID-19 in highly polluted economies. This objective is tested with the help of 2SLS and GMM approaches. The study also gets assistance from a panel quantile regression approach for empirical tasks. The results show that financial inclusion and the COVID-19 pandemic have a negative impact on CO2 emissions. Based on these findings, the study suggests that highly polluted economies should promote financial inclusion and assimilate environmental policies with financial inclusion policies to attain environment-related goals.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Environment , Humans , Pandemics , Carbon Dioxide , Environmental Policy , Economic Development
13.
Front Cell Dev Biol ; 11: 1096329, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36936696

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The neurological impairment of survivors after ischemic stroke poses a serious risk to their quality of life and health. Effective therapeutic options are still lacking. Neural stem cells (NSCs) promote neurogenesis via secreted extracellular vesicles (NSC-EVs), which would be a potential therapeutic option, but the insufficient quantity of NSC-EVs in vivo restrains clinical application. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction, is promising to alleviate neurological impairment after ischemic stroke. It was speculated that BHD might promote neurological recovery through the NSC-EVs. Methods: The medicated plasma of BHD (MP-BHD) was prepared to precondition NSCs and isolate EVs (BHD-NSC-EVs). Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models and primary NSCs were administered to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Next-generation sequencing was performed to explore the mechanism. Results: The BHD-NSC-EVs more significantly accelerated neurological recovery after MCAO and promoted NSCs proliferation and differentiation than BHD and NSC-EVs alone. MP-BHD enhanced the largescale generation of BHD-NSC-EVs, which encapsulated functional miRNA and may play critical roles in neurogenesis. Discussion: In replacing BHD or NSCs, the preconditioned NSC-EVs present a more efficient therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Based on the clinical efficacy of TCM, the preconditioning of NSC-derived EVs via the MP of TCM herbs would presents a newly promising therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases.

14.
Soc Netw Anal Min ; 13(1): 28, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36748055

ABSTRACT

Contemporary research of employee social network analysis has grown far beyond the conventional wisdom of network and turnover theory; however, what is missing is a comprehensive review highlighting new perspectives and network constructs from a retention viewpoint. Since turnover is a concurrent component of retention, the analysis of the factors of quit propensity can result in a pre-emptive strategy for retention. This paper aims to capture the current state of the field and proposes a conceptual model for retention by exploring network position, centrality measures, network type, and the snowball effect. We identified 30 papers exploring voluntary turnover in social network constructs. Findings show that central network position is not always associated with negative turnover. Eigenvector, structural holes, and K-shell also prove to be a strong predictor of turnover. The snowball turnover of employees in similar network positions is pronounced in scenarios where employee sentiment is negative with poor group efficacy, entrepreneurship, and group values. This paper focuses on several themes to coalesce different determinants of an organizational network to demonstrate how social network theory has evolved to predict employee turnover. The resulting conceptual model suggests how to identify star performers and propose retention strategies.

15.
RSC Adv ; 13(4): 2574-2586, 2023 Jan 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36741173

ABSTRACT

Ibuprofen is potentially toxic and carcinogenic for freshwater ecosystems and poses a serious threat to human health by affecting kidney function. The present study focused on the sunlight-controlled degradation of ibuprofen from water using a novel magnetically separable cerium oxide-embedded bismuth ferrite heterostructure. Catalysts were synthesized by solvothermal and co-precipitation methods and characterized by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis optical absorption spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. This study investigated the effect of photocatalysis, sonolysis, sonophotolysis, and sonophotocatalysis on the degradation of ibuprofen in water. Pseudo-first-order and second-order kinetics were applied to evaluate the rate of reaction for ibuprofen degradation. The addition of 5% CeO2 to the BiFeO3 significantly increased the surface area and pore volume of bismuth ferrite, which enhanced their photocatalytic degradation efficiency by 2.28 times in terms of ibuprofen mineralization. Sonolysis treatment alone and in combination with photolysis led to the degradation of ibuprofen, but with the formation of intermediate products. Positive synergy was observed when sonolysis was combined with photocatalysis in terms of the mineralization of ibuprofen and the degradation of intermediates along with their parent compound. It was proposed that, compared to photocatalytic mineralization, the ultrasound-assisted advanced oxidation process resulted in the conversion of ibuprofen to its mineralization products.

17.
Int J Surg Case Rep ; 103: 107875, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36682283

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome (ACS) also known as Idiopathic. Sclerosing Peritonitis, is a rare cause of Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 59-year-old man with severe intestinal blockage symptoms for three days. Rectum had a noticeable amount of abdominal fat. To rule out the more common causes of mechanical blockage, a CT scan revealed the presence of a rare condition called Cocoon Syndrome, which necessitated exploratory laparotomy and adhesiolysis surgery. After the surgery, the patient was declared stable and was released from the hospital. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of a tuberculous abdominal cocoon before surgery is a real challenge. CONCLUSION: Recognizing and understanding this entity, as well as the usual radiological findings, may help in its appropriate treatment.

18.
Biol Trace Elem Res ; 201(3): 1065-1079, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35460466

ABSTRACT

The infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) disrupts the metabolism and absorption of essential trace elements. Stomach disorders are related to changes in essential trace element metabolism caused by increased toxic metal exposure and H. pylori infection. The aim of the work is to link the development of stomach-related illnesses to an imbalance of essential trace and toxic metals. We have investigated the variations in essential trace elements such zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper and toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in biological (scalp hair, blood) samples of glass and cement workers. The study participants are further divided into smokers and nonsmokers, as well as diseased (gastric ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic ulcer) and exposed referents (non-diseased industrial workers). Biological samples of age-matched (40-60 years) male subjects living in non-industrial areas were gathered for comparative purposes. After a pre-concentration method, the drinking water of industrial and domestic areas was analysed for both toxic metals. Microwave-aided acid digestion was used to oxidise the matrices of biological samples before atomic absorption spectrometer analysis of selected metals. Toxic metal levels in both industries' drinking water were much higher than those found in domestically treated water (p < 0.01). Industrial workers suffering different types of stomach disorders have two to three times higher Pb and Cd concentrations than age-matched referents. Toxic metals are found in higher concentrations in smoker referents and diseased patients' biological samples than in nonsmoker subjects. The findings of this study suggested that Pb and Cd toxicity's immunological effects may be associated to an increased vulnerability to chronic infections.


Subject(s)
Drinking Water , Trace Elements , Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Trace Elements/analysis , Cadmium/analysis , Drinking Water/analysis , Lead/analysis , Smoking , Stomach/chemistry , Spectrophotometry, Atomic/methods
20.
Exp Anim ; 72(2): 209-217, 2023 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36418078

ABSTRACT

The middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) is one of the most common stroke models in neuroscience research. The establishment of the mouse MCAO model in terms of animal survival depends on anesthesia, which is an important part of the entire surgical process. The 7-day survival rate of the MCAO model under isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia (35%) was lower than ketamine/xylazine (KX) anesthesia (70%), which demonstrated that the success rate of the MCAO model under KX anesthesia would be significantly higher than that under ISO anesthesia. As confirmed by TTC staining and MRI, the cerebral infarction area of mice successfully modeled under ISO anesthesia was significantly smaller than that of KX anesthesia. The diameter of cerebral blood vessels under ISO anesthesia was significantly larger than that under KX, and the blood perfusion volume was also significantly increased in the same area. ISO has proven to delay the coagulation time and affect the activation of coagulation factors. ISO anesthesia may cause bleeding, vasodilation, respiratory depression, and other phenomena that affect the success rate and death of diseased animal models. In conclusion, compared with ISO anesthesia, KX anesthesia is a safer and more suitable method for the establishment of a mouse MCAO model. The data will inform safer and more detailed anesthesia recommendations forthe establishment of animal models of vascular-related major injury diseases.


Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Isoflurane , Ketamine , Mice , Animals , Ketamine/pharmacology , Isoflurane/adverse effects , Xylazine/pharmacology , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery , Disease Models, Animal
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