Clinical Evaluation of a Novel, Patented Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCB70®), Enriched in 70% Chlorogenic Acid, in Overweight Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity and overweight are challenging health problems of the millennium that lead to diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and atherosclerosis. Green coffee bean exhibited significant promise in healthy weight management, potentiating glucose-insulin sensitization and supporting liver health. The safety and efficacy of a novel, patented water-soluble green coffee bean extract (GCB70® enriched in 70% total chlorogenic acid and <1% caffeine) was investigated in 105 participants for 12 consecutive weeks. An institutional review board and Drugs Controller General (India) (DCGI) approvals were obtained, and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. METHOD: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma leptin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total blood chemistry were assessed over a period of 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was affirmed. RESULTS: GCB70 (500 mg BID) supplementation significantly reduced body weight (approximately 6%; p = 0.000**) in approximately 97% of the study population. About a 5.65% statistically significant reduction (p = 0.000**) in BMI was observed in 96% of the study volunteers. Waist circumference was significantly reduced by 6.77% and 6.62% in 98% of the male and female participants, respectively. Plasma leptin levels decreased by 13.6% in 99% of the study population as compared to the baseline value. Upon completion of 12 weeks' treatment, fasting glucose levels decreased by 13.05% (p = 0.000**) in 79% of the study population. There was a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c levels in both male and female participants (p = 0.000**), while 86.7% of the study participants showed a statistically significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (p = 0.000**). The mean decrease in TSH levels on completion of the treatment was 14.07% in the study population as compared to baseline levels. Total blood chemistry analysis exhibited broad-spectrum safety. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated that GCB70 is safe and efficacious in healthy weight management.

The Prevalence of Migraine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from a wide range of comorbidities such as migraine. In studies, the prevalence of migraine in cases with IBD was reported differently. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of migraine in IBD cases. Methods: Two researchers independently and systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar. They also searched the gray literature including references of the included studies and conference abstracts which were published up to May 2021. Cross-sectional studies were included. Results: The literature search revealed 840 articles, and after deleting duplicates, 650 remained. For the meta-analysis, 10 studies were included. Totally, 62,554 patients were evaluated. The pooled prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD was 19% (95% CI: 15-22%). The pooled prevalence of migraine in ulcerative colitis (UC) was 10% (95% CI: 4-15%) (I2 = 99.8%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of migraine in the Crohn's disease (CD) group was 24% (95% CI: 17-30%) (I2 = 98.8%, P < 0.001). The pooled odds of developing migraine in IBD cases was 1.51 (95% CI: 1-2.27) (I2 = 90.8%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD was 19% (95% CI: 15-22%).

Potential Ameliorative Effect of Artemisia Absinthium Supplement against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Prostatic Toxicity in Rats.

Prostate dysfunction is the most common condition among aged men, which causes adverse complications and may result in serious diseases. Artemisia has been studied since time immemorial in several studies all showing its ability in preventing and treating different diseases. However, so far there have been no studies focusing on the possible role of Artemisia in the protection of prostate histoarchitecture toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective role of Artemisia in the amelioration of histological and hormonal depression affected by sodium fluoride (NaF). A total of 28 male adult Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups (n=7). Animals in the control group received normal saline. The second group received NaF by oral gavage at a dose of 12 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) three times a week. The third group received concurrent treatment with NaF at a dose of 12 mg/kg B.W. three times a week, as well as extraction of Artemisia absinthium at a dose of 100 mg/kg B.W. The fourth group was treated only with extraction of Artemisia absinthium at a dose of 100 mg/k B.W. After 60 days, B.W. and the absolute weight of the prostate were measured. Blood samples and tissues were collected for measuring testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as luteinizing hormone concentration, conducting paraffin-embedded sections with hematoxylin, and eosin routine staining. The findings revealed that Artemisia supplement significantly increased body and absolute weight of prostate gland in the group treated by NaF. In addition, mitigating the histological changes throughout the restoration of all prostate components appeared nearly as normal structural tissue. Moreover, the height of glandular epithelium decreased, follicular lumen enlarged, dark secretion materials with homogeneity disappeared of invagination intraluminal, and normal stroma appeared in regular shape. All in all, the results of this study pointed out that Artemisia had a protective effect against NaF-influenced prostate toxicity via stabilizing male hormones, re-composing histoarchitecture, and returning abnormal biomorphic parameters to a nearly normal state.

Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive treatment which is considered to be effective for patients who suffer from LUTS symptoms. In previous studies, the endpoints of treatment reported differently. So, we designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate pooled efficacy of PTNS based on different assessment methods. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar. We also searched the gray literature including references of the included studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to May 2021. The search strategy included the MeSH and text words as (((Tibial Nerves) OR Posterior Tibial Nerve) OR (Posterior Tibial Nerves) OR (Medial Plantar Nerves) OR (Medial Plantar Nerve) OR (tibial Nerve Stimulation) OR (Trans-Cutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) OR (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) OR (Cutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) AND ((Multiple Sclerosis OR Sclerosis, Multiple) OR Sclerosis, Disseminated) OR Disseminated Sclerosis) OR MS (Multiple Sclerosis)) OR Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating).Two independent researchers independently evaluated the articles. RESULTS: We found 2430 articles by literature search, after deleting duplicates 2027 remained. Eight articles remained for meta-analysis The pooled SMD of post voiding residual (PVR) (post-treatment - pre-treatment) was -0.75 (95%CI:-0.93, -0.56)(I2=0, p = 0.67). The pooled SMD of voiding volume (post-treatment - pre-treatment) was 1.21 (95% CI:0.94-1.49) (I2:0%, p = 0.4). The pooled SMD of nocturia (post-treatment - pre-treatment) was -1.10 (95% CI:-1.33, -0.87) (I2:86.4%, p<0.001). The pooled SMD of leakage per day (post-treatment - pre-treatment) was -0.69 (95% CI:-0.93, -0.45) (I2:84.3%, p<0.001). The pooled frequency of responders was 66%(95% CI:59%-73%)(I2:0). CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that PTNS in effective in treating LUTS in patients with MS.

COVID-19 susceptibility and outcomes among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), clinical features and outcome among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from December 1, 2019, to July 2, 2021. The gray literature including the references of original studies, review studies, conference abstracts, and WHO COVID-19 database was also searched. We included any type of studies that reported NMOSD patients with COVID-19, prevalence of COVID-19 among NMOSD patients or the infection outcome (hospitalization, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, or mortality). RESULTS: Out of 540 records, a total of 23 studies (19 published articles and 4 conference abstracts) including 112 NMOSD patients with COVID-19 met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies reporting risk of COVID-19 and nine studies on outcome were included in a quantitative synthesis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.001%-0.030%; I2 = 92%, p< 0.001), with hospitalization of 33.7% (95% CI: 23.3-44.8%; I2 = 9.1%, p = 0.360) with 52.9% on rituximab treatment. ICU admission was 15.4% (95% CI: 7.6%-24.7%; I2 = 20.7%, p = 0.272) and mortality was 3.3% (95% CI: 0-9.7%; I2 = 21.3%, p = 0.253). Thirty-eight patients (48.7%) reported at least one comorbidity. The mean age of the included patients was 40.8 (10.63) years, female/male ratio was 3.35:1. The most common COVID-19 symptom was fever (54.5%), followed by fatigue/asthenia (42.9%), headache (41.6%), and cough (40.3%). Four patients developed neurological worsening. The Begg's and Egger's tests showed no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggests that comorbidity and treatment with rituximab may be risk factors for COVID-19 infection in NMOSD patients.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing world-wide. Iran is not exception. As the prevalence reported differently in various provinces, we designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence of MS in Iran. METHODS: Two researchers systematically searched Scientific Information Database (SID), PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar. They also searched references of the included studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to April 2021. The search strategy included the MeSH and text words as ((((Multiple Sclerosis OR Sclerosis, Multiple) OR Sclerosis, Disseminated) OR Dis-seminated Sclerosis) OR MS (Multiple Sclerosis)) OR Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating)) AND (prevalence OR prevalences OR period prevalence OR prevalence, period OR point prevalence OR point prevalences OR prevalence, point) AND (Iran OR Islamic Republic of Iran)))). RESULTS: The literature search revealed 2817 articles, after deleting duplicates 2184 remained. For the systematic review, 34 studies were included. The prevalence is highest in Tehran and lowest in Khuzestan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces. The pooled prevalence was 0.001 (95% CI: 0.000-0.001) (I2=0, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the pooled prevalence of MS in Iran is 100 in 100,000 which is high. The prevalence in provinces increases dramatically.

Intelligent colorimetric pH sensoring packaging films based on sugarcane wax/agar integrated with butterfly pea flower extract for optical tracking of shrimp freshness.

A novel pH colorimetric film was prepared from various sugarcane wax (SW) concentrations (1, 1.5 and 2% w/v) on agar matrix (Agr) combined with butterfly pea flower (BF) extract for monitoring the shrimp freshness. A combination of BF anthocyanins with SW as lipid (hydrophobic) showed different changes in color under acidic conditions (pH 2-6) with slight changes under alkalinity (pH 7-12), which matched the visual color changes of two different ammonia vapors (50 and 100 mmol/l). FTIR, XRD spectra, and SEM micrographs revealed that SW was effectively fixed into the Agr-BF network during the film-forming process. The different homogenized SW films enhanced the physical and mechanical properties without significant differences in elongation and water vapor permeability. Remarkably, SW films displayed complete protection against UV-vis light (0%) and valuable reduction in visible light. This study presents SW colorimetric films as promising natural derivatives for smart packaging in tracking food freshness.

Screening for learning disabilities in Oman: confirmatory factor analysis of the Arabic version of the learning disabilities diagnostic inventory.

Students at risk for learning disabilities (LD) are overidentified in elementary schools in Oman due to the absence of adequate instruments which teachers can use in validating their observations. Teachers need valid instruments so that their judgment of students' behaviours can help in making academic and non-academic decision. The Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory (LDDI) is widely used to examine manifestations of LD as an intrinsic processing disorder. This study aimed to verify the six-factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and test its measurement invariance across child gender. Teachers completed the Arabic version of the LDDI for an Omani sample of 1564 children aged 7 to 11. Overall, the six-factor model showed an acceptable fit after performing some post-hoc modifications that were justified on a theoretical ground. Results indicated metric invariance across gender. Zero-order correlations, however, were highly significant, which reflected that the Arabic version of the LDDI showed poor discriminant validity compared to the original LDDI. The Arabic version of the LDDI, however, can be a handy tool to screen for the LD manifestations and help in responding to teachers' academic concerns about students in Key stages 1 and 2 in Oman.

Analysis OF C677T polymorphism in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene as a risk factor for congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV).

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity. Low folate status in mothers has been associated with CTEV. Folate metabolism might be affected by Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism. The present study was aimed to investigate MTHFR C677T polymorphism and its association with CTEV. METHODS: This is a Case-mother-Dyad study with 30 pairs of cases and controls. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the MTHFR gene was done in this hospital-based study by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: In this study, we observed less relative risk of CTEV in presence of C allele as compared to T allele in children, with Relative Risk- 0.6281 and likelihood ratio of 0.5714. While analysing the correlation of genotype variation in cases (CC = 8(26.66%) and CT = 22(73.33%)) with there biological mother (CC = 13(43.33%) and CT = 17(56.66%)), no significant correlation (p = 0.3110) was found between cases and their biological mother genotype. CONCLUSION: Among the enrolled cases, there was a significant association of increased CTEV risk with 677T variant allele of MTHFR gene. Also, maternal MTHFR genotype was not found to influence CTEV risk of offspring.

Building Youth Capacity to Address Environmental Health and Justice Concerns in Dearborn, Michigan.

BACKGROUND: Environmental Health Research-to-Action (EHRA) is a community-academic partnership focused on building skills and intergenerational knowledge in environmental health, community science, and policy advocacy to address cumulative exposures in Dearborn, Michigan and nearby communities, primarily through a youth academy. OBJECTIVES: This article outlines our EHRA Youth Academy curriculum with sample recruitment materials, and we describe its beginnings, steering committee (SC), learning objectives, design, implementation, and recommendations from ongoing program evaluation and reflections of the SC. METHODS: In 2018 and 2019, we piloted the EHRA Academy with a total of forty-five fellows (16-18 years old), primarily Arab youth living in or near frontline communities. Fellows participated in a 2-week academy of interactive sessions, including a tour of local industry, participatory mapping, practice using handheld monitors to measure air pollution, and a policy advocacy 101 training. Applying lessons in accessing secondary data and environmental health literacy, fellows then created scientifically-informed materials including infographics and oral presentations for varied audiences. They completed a pre-survey, brief daily surveys, and a post-survey, and reported increased likelihood of advocacy behaviors and knowledge related to all content areas. CONCLUSIONS: In Southeast Dearborn, Michigan, threats to environmental health are constant, and intergenerational community mobilization remains necessary to reduce their adverse effects. Grounded in the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and using high-impact active learning strategies, the EHRA Academy may provide one effective model for centering youth to build community capacity towards environmental justice (EJ).

Nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation products, and antioxidants in primary fibromyalgia and correlation with disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by altered pain perception with chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. The relationship between nitric oxide, oxidative stress and the severity of FMS has not been studied. This study evaluated NO levels in plasma, LPO products and antioxidants in Red Cell lysate in patients of FMS and correlated it with disease severity. METHODS: 105 FMS patients who fulfilled 1990 ACR Criteria and 105 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited over two years from 2013 to 2015. Antioxidative enzyme activity was assessed by the estimation of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Nitric oxide in plasma, MDA marker of lipid per - oxidation (LPO) in the lysate was donen for estimating oxidative stress. FIQR was used to assess the severity of fibromyalgia. RESULTS: The catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly low in patients than controls (p<0.001). Plasma NO levels and LPO were also significantly high (p<0.05). NO and LPO levels showed a significant positive correlation with FIQR (r: 0.57, 0.8 and p: <0.001) whereas a negative correlation was observed between antioxidants (Cat, GR and GPx, but not SOD) and FIQR. CONCLUSIONS: Low antioxidants and raised LPO in RBC lysate in patients with FM together with high plasma NO correlated with the severity of FMS.

Level of hyperlipidemia in blood donors: A correlative study in North Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia can be caused by abnormal elevation of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood. This increased can lead to heart disease. Risks which can be controlled include alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking, high blood pressure and genetic factors. Markers of increased cardiovascular risk appear to be lower in regular blood donor compared with single time donors as reflected by significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL levels. And it has been thought that there will be a direct relationship between lower risks of Heart diseases with repeated blood donation. AIM: The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of blood donation on single time and repeat donors by assessing their lipid levels and their family history of heart diseases. MATERIAL & METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on (n = 80) random blood donors from the department of Transfusion Medicine KGMU. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found amongst hyperlipidemic level in single time donor & repeat donors and in donors with family history of heart diseases (p < 0.05). A positive association was found between hyperlipidemia with donor's weight (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Screening random donor platelets for hyperlipidemia and correlating the condition with other donor criteria like family history of heart diseases, types of donors, donors weight age and gender will help in making the patients safe as well as the donor deferral criteria more stringent to improve the quality of blood supply and will enable blood bankers to supply safe blood and improve the guidelines for blood safety.

Relationship between VITAMIN D and chronic periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial disease primarily caused by plaque microorganisms, modified from the immune inflammatory response to chronic infection, which leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues in a susceptible host. It is very well known that vitamin D plays a vital role in bone homeostasis and immunity. There can be a biologic rationale to suspect that Vitamin D deficiency could negatively affect the periodontium. Present study was conducted to investigate any relationship between periodontitis and vitamin D. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The clinico-biochemical relationship study was carried out in 168 subjects with Chronic Periodontitis. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) are correlated with serum level of Vitamin D. RESULTS: Statistically significant relationship between serum 25(OH) D level and periodontal parameters namely GI, PPD and CAL were observed.No relationship between 25(OH) D levels and PI was observed.This study also revealed overall low levels of serum Vitamin D in patients with chronic periodontitis but the levels of Vitamin D did not decrease with the increase in the severity of periodontitis. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship between serum 25(OH) D level and periodontal parameters namely GI, PPD and CAL were observed. No relationship between 25(OH) D levels and PI was observed.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic self-report version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire.

Students in middle school tend to display emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBDs) compared to other forms of psychopathology. Early identification of EBDs is therefore a priority in order to prevent the chronic co-morbidity with other forms of psychopathology which may affect students' academic achievement. Assessment of EBDs has been traditionally undertaken via proxy reporting; but psychometrically rigorous instruments are needed so that children and adolescents can report on their own emotions and behaviours. Such need increases in the Omani context given the lack of EBDs adequate assessment instruments. In the current study the factor structure of the Arabic self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (A-SDQ) was examined in a sample of 815 middle school students (mean age=14 years). The study tested the SDQ original five-factor model which received considerable empirical support. Responses on the A-SDQ were compared to responses obtained via proxy reports from teachers and parents through confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs). Results showed a reasonable fit for the three informant forms. Nevertheless, there were differences in item loadings across the three informant forms. Additionally, participants' self-report responses were tested for invariance across gender. CFAs provided support to the invariance hypothesis for item loadings, indicating that the items were similarly valid indices of the five factors for males and females. Factor correlations, factor variances and item residuals were not invariant across gender. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: This paper, to our knowledge, is the first research paper that provides empirical evidence on the Arabic self report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (A-SDQ) within a school-based sample. Though the focus was on the self-report version we collected data from the proxy versions for parents and teachers to provide additional evidence on the construct validity of the (A-SDQ) through cross informant data.

Cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity among university students in Somaliland.

Physical inactivity is a well-known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and counts as fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The study aimed to elucidate to what extent cardiovascular risk factors exist in university students in Somaliland. In a cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires were used to elucidate existence of cardiovascular risk factors in 173 university students (117 male, 56 female) in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Information elucidated included socio-economic and demographic data in addition to questions on coffee intake, on physical activity behavior, type of sport/activity and intensity and duration. Height and weight were taken, as was blood pressure (BP). Median age was 23 years in male and 20 years in female students. Mean BMI was 19.7 in male and 21.8 in female students. The prevalence rates of elevated BP and overweight (BMI ≥ 25) in female and male students were, 0 versus 9 and 14 versus 7 %, respectively. Coffee consumption was reported by 39 % of students. None of the female students reported smoking cigarettes, while 5.1 % of the male students did. Physical inactivity was reported by 52 % of the female students and 27 % of the male students (p = 0.01). Overall, male students reported a higher degree and intensity of physical activity. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is low in female and male university students in Somaliland. However, the results demonstrate a high degree of physical inactivity and overweight might become a problem in the future. This issue should be addressed by increasing the motivation and opportunities for physical activity in students.

Association of TNF-α (-238 and -308) promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility of oral squamous cell carcinoma in North Indian population.

BACKGROUND: The pro-inflammatory cytokines play an essential role in immune response and are involved in a variety of inflammatory and infectious disease. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene polymorphism has been a potential determinant of susceptibility to various types of cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of TNF-α gene promoter (-238) G/A and (-308) G/A polymorphisms with the susceptibility of OSCC patients in North Indian population. METHODS: A total 272 patients with OSCC and 185 healthy volunteers were genotypes for the TNF-α (-238) G/A and (-308) G/A gene polymorphism. Genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Genotype frequencies were evaluated by Chi-square test and Odds ratio (OR) relative risk. RESULTS: TNF-α (-238) G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with OSCC patients as compared to healthy volunteers (GG vs. GA: OR=0.3500, 95% CI=0.1289-09502; p=0.036; G vs. A: OR=0.3589 1.477, 95% CI=0.1335-0.9652; p=0.0386). No significant association was found in TNF-α (-308) G/A gene polymorphism with OSCC patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the TNF-α (-238) G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with OSCC however TNF-α (-308) G/A polymorphism was not associated in OSCC patients.

Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS/HIV in a semi-nomadic population in Somaliland.

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge concerning HIV transmission and the attitudes towards AIDS among a rural semi-nomadic community in Somaliland. Cross-sectional survey. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted via a household survey in Sharmake, a village in the Hargeisa district, Somaliland. 141 adults living within 7 km of the village center were asked to complete the survey. Questions about HIV transmission as well as attitudes towards those afflicted were included. The majority of respondents (91 %) had heard of AIDS. Most respondents demonstrated a low to moderate understanding of HIV transmission. Less than half of the respondents (n = 61; 43.6 %) were able to identify 4 means of transmission correctly out of 6 possibilities. Degree of knowledge was unrelated to age or gender. There was a significant positive correlation between an accepting attitude of HIV and knowledge concerning HIV transmission. Stigma against HIV was found among the participants. More than half (58 %) of respondents expressed a desire to be tested, most of whom were deemed to have a high level of knowledge. Knowledge is a significant factor in the prevention of HIV infection. Therefore, information about AIDS and its prevention needs to be disseminated among the rural population immediately. Radio campaigns should focus on increasing public knowledge concerning HIV transmission and reducing stigma against HIV. It is also vital that HIV tests be made available to the remote population.

Selective cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells by a polyphenol-rich extract of Solanum nigrum.

Progression of prostate cancer is associated with escape of tumor cells from cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Agents capable of selectively eliminating cancer cells by cell cycle arrest and/or induction of apoptosis offer a highly desirable approach. Here we demonstrate that a polyphenolic extract derived from ripe berries of Solanum nigrum (SN) differentially causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various human prostate cancer cells without affecting normal prostate epithelial cells. Virally transformed normal human prostate epithelial PZ-HPV-7 cells and their cancer counterpart CA-HPV-10 cells, were used to evaluate the growth-inhibitory effects of the SN extract. SN treatment (5-20 µg/ml) of PZ-HPV-7 cells resulted in growth inhibitory responses of low magnitude. In sharp contrast, SN treatment of CA-HPV-10 cells increased cytotoxicity, decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Similar results were noted in the human prostate cancer LNCaP, 22Rv1, DU145 and PC-3 cell lines, where significant reductions in cell viability and induction of apoptosis was observed in all these cells, an effect independent of disease stage and androgen association. Cell cycle analysis revealed that SN treatment (5-20 µg/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent G2/M phase arrest and subG1 accumulation in the CA-HPV-10 but not in the PZ-HPV-7 cell line. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that the SN extract is capable of selectively inhibiting cellular proliferation and accelerating apoptotic events in prostate cancer cells. SN may be developed as a promising therapeutic and/or preventive agent against prostate cancer.

Depression symptoms among Omani children: age and sex differences.

The present study explored the existence of depressive symptoms among Omani children according to sex and age. The Arabic translated version of the Multidimensional Child and Adolescent Depression Scale was administered to 1,749 children (828 boys, 921 girls) ranging in age from 10 to 18 years old (M= 13.9, SD = 2.3) from 10 schools representing different areas of Muscat, Oman. The results showed no differences in the total mean scores on depression between boys and girls, although differences were observed on 4 of the 8 subscales. Boys had significantly higher scores on Weak concentration and Loneliness, while girls scored higher for Sleep problems and Anhedonia. Significant differences across ages also were exhibited for the total score as well as four subscales (Pessimism, Weak concentration, Anhedonia, and Fatigue), suggesting higher rates of depression among 15- to 18-year-olds.

Indian herbal medicines: possible potent therapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and is mainly characterized by the progressive erosion of cartilage leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease has yet not been elucidated, however, studies suggest that cellular proliferation of synoviocytes result in pannus formation which damages the cartilage and bone. Recent reports also support the role of free radicals in its pathogenesis. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Alternative medicine provides another approach for treatment of RA and currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a novel drug. There is a dire need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential and adverse effects, if any, of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. In this review we have tried to explore various Indian ancient Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibbi, as also some Chinese and Korean, herbals for their potential to treat RA.