Placental Dysfunction and Acute Toxoplasmosis: The Role of Melatonin in Relation to Inflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-12.

Objective: The objective of this study was to elucidate the potential role of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 and pro-inflammatory (IL-12) cytokines as well as melatonin (MEL) in the development of placental dysfunction in the pregnant women with acquired toxoplasmosis (TOX). Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out at the Department of Clinical Parasitology in teamwork with the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from September 2018 to February 2019. The recruited patients and healthy controls were allocated into two groups - Group A: pregnant women with acute TOX (n = 45) and Group B: healthy pregnant women (n = 25). Anti-Toxoplasma (Toxo) immunoglobulin M (IgM), serum and placental as well as serum-placental (SP) ratio of MEL, IL-10, and IL-12 were measured. SPSS version 20.00 was used for data analysis. Results: Anti-Toxo IgM serum level and IL-12 serum levels were higher compared with controls (P = 0.001). Both MEL and IL-10 serum levels were lower in the pregnant women with acute TOX compared with controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.002), respectively. Besides, Both MEL and IL-10 placental levels were lower in the pregnant women with acute TOX compared with controls (P = 0.001). As well, placental IL-12 level was higher in the pregnant women with acute TOX compared with controls (P = 0.001). SP ratio of MEL was higher in the pregnant women with acute TOX compared with controls (P = 0.001). Conclusion: MEL and anti-inflammatory IL-10 are reduced in the pregnant women with acute TOX, while IL-12 is increased. SP ratio of MEL but not of IL-10 or IL-12 is elevated in the pregnant women with acute TOX reflecting the risk of PD.

Intestinal parasitic infections among type-2 diabetics seeking healthcare in Sana'a city, Yemen.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are common in developing countries, particularly in countries witnessing conflicts and humanitarian crises like Yemen. Type-2 diabetics are among the population categories most vulnerable to a variety of infections, including IPIs. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with IPIs among Yemeni type-2 diabetics in Sana'a city. This hospital-based, cross-sectional study recruited 389 type-2 diabetics seeking healthcare in Sana'a from December 2019 to February 2020. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected from interviewed participants using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for parasites using standard techniques. The association of sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors with IPIs was tested using univariate analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify the independent predictors of IPIs at a significance level of <0.05. The overall prevalence of IPIs among diabetics was 38.6%. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (30.3%) was the most frequent parasite, followed by Cryptosporidium species (8.2%). The significant independent predictors of IPIs were duration of diabetes mellitus > 10 years (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.10-2.47, P = 0.029), eating unwashed vegetables/fruits (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.44-6.92, P = 0.004) and not practicing handwashing before meals (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.10-5.48, P = 0.035). Over one-third of type-2 diabetics seeking healthcare in Sana'a city are infected with one or more IPIs, predominantly with E. histolytica/dispar, followed by Cryptosporidium species. Such infections cannot be predicted from the sociodemographic characteristics of diabetics. Nevertheless, prolonged duration of diabetes mellitus, eating unwashed vegetables/fruits and not practicing handwashing before meals are independent predictors of IPIs among type-2 diabetics. Large-scale studies are recommended for IPIs among type-2 diabetics with and without gastrointestinal complaints, preferably in comparison to non-diabetics.

Endothelial dysfunction in acute acquired toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND: Acute toxoplasmosis (AT) which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) leads to induction of pro-inflammatory and/or oxidative stress changes through activation of host immune response. Therefore, the endeavor of the present study was to assess endothelial dysfunction(ED) and oxidative stress in patients with acute toxoplasmosis. METHODS: This study involved 21 patients with AT compared with 20 healthy controls. Serum immunoglobulin levels [IgG], IgM, IgA), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and human malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were evaluated. RESULTS: IgM, IgG, and IgA levels were high patients with AT as compared with the control (P < 0.01). IL-6, MDA, and ET-1 serum levels were high in patients with AT compared with control (P < 0.01). In patients with AT, IgM serum level was significantly correlated with other immunoglobulin, and with the biomarker of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and ED (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: AT is linked with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory changes which together provoke ED.

Gamma-ray shielding characteristics of flexible silicone tungsten composites.

Silicone being a hybrid elastomer is well known for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties, chemical resistance, compatibility with organic and inorganic fillers, nontoxicity, and flexibility. As the reported literature on silicone tungsten composite is rare, thus, a complete possible spectrum of silicone tungsten composites series with tungsten loading of 0-88.1 %wt has been fabricated by RTV method and studied as a flexible gamma shielding material. Flexible silicone/tungsten composite formulations containing different weight percentages of tungsten powder (0, 30.1, 47.8, 59.8, 68.1, and 88.1 wt %) were developed by the room-temperature vulcanization route. Two lead collimators with diameters of 0.6 cm were used to make a narrow beam geometry for gamma rays emitted from a137Cs (gamma-ray energy of 662 keV) point source. Uncollided flux was measured with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector enclosed in lead shielding to reduce the background radiation level. The measured mass attenuation coefficient for our composites with 88.1 wt % tungsten was 0.1035 cm2/g, which is nearly 3.5% higher than that of commercially available silicone/tungsten composites named T-Flex (nearly 0.095 cm2/g) containing the same tungsten loading. Similarly, superior half value layers (HVL) of our composites with 88.1 % wt loading of tungsten i.e 1.01 cm versus 1.27 cm for the reported T-Flex counterpart with additional advantage of insitu fabrication on complex geometries. It was also found that the effectiveness of gamma-ray shielding increases with increase in density of the composites, which is due to the increase in the weight percent of tungsten powder. Our material will have applications as shielding material for both mobile and stationary radiation sources and it can also be used as fabrication material for gloves, safety shoes, coats, etc. to protect workers in a radiation environment.

A qualitative exploration of Bahrain and Kuwait herbal medicine registration systems: policy implementation and readiness to change.

BACKGROUND: The Kuwaiti drug regulatory authority (DRA) lack a structured classification system for the assessment of imported herbal medicines (HMs), which leads to ambiguity in the registration process. This study aimed to examine the policy development and implementation process in an established HM registration system (Bahrain) and harness lessons to inform recommendations for a suitable HM classification system and explore implementation readiness in Kuwait. METHODS: A sequential study design was chosen, with data collected in Bahrain (case 1), recommendations formed and readiness for implementation explored subsequently in Kuwait (case 2). With ethics and DRA approval in place, data sources were documentary review of regulatory policies, direct observations of HMs registration processes, and semi-structured interviews with twenty three key officials involved in the HMs registration processes. Data from all three sources were analysed thematically and findings triangulated. RESULTS: The classification policy in Bahrain was found to be based on evidence and extensive stakeholder engagement, resulting in a clear and organised HM registration process. The availability of HMs classification policies in other DRAs, officials' dedication and teamwork, and support by higher authority, were identified as the main facilitators in policy development and successful implementation. Barriers were the diversity of HM classifications worldwide, a lack of staff and resultant workload, and lack of training. Proposed recommendations for Kuwait were to adopt a clear definition of what constituted HMs, and to introduce a Traditional Herbal Registration based on this definition and the product's characteristics. Interviews in Kuwait showed that almost all participants were in favour of the proposed recommendations and were in support of timely implementation. Interviewees anticipated that consistency in the HM registration process would be the main benefit, increasing reviewer's confidence in making regulatory decisions. Interviewees also identified potential challenges which may impede successful implementation, including staff shortages, resistance to change by internal and external stakeholders, and the impact of cultural and traditional ways of working. CONCLUSIONS: Insights into the HM policy development and implementation process in Bahrain, and exploration of Kuwait's readiness to implement resultant recommendations informed an effective implementation process for a well-designed HMs policy for Kuwait and other Arab countries.

International Comparison of Five Herbal Medicine Registration Systems to Inform Regulation Development: United Kingdom, Germany, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Bahrain.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine (HM) regulation is less developed than that of allopathic medicines, with some countries lacking specific regulations. OBJECTIVE: For the purpose of informing a registration system for HMs in Kuwait, which does not manufacture but imports all HMs, this study compared the similarities and differences between the current HM registration systems of five countries. METHODS: The five countries were selected as major source countries of HM in Kuwait (United Kingdom (UK), Germany and United States of America (USA)) or because of geographical proximity or size and approach (United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Bahrain). Documentary analysis of HM classification systems was performed by reviewing the regulatory and law documentation of these countries' drug regulatory authority websites. Data on HM definition, classification and the main requirements for registration were extracted and analysed for similarities and differences. RESULTS: There was diversity in the classification of HMs across all five countries including terms used, definitions, type of law, requirements, restrictions and preparation type. The regulatory authorities of the UK, Germany, UAE  and Kingdom of Bahrain offer simplified registration for HMs, where plausible efficacy as a result of established traditional use is sufficient. In USA, the concept of traditional use does not exist, instead, the product can be categorised as a dietary supplement where no assessment or evaluation is required prior to marketing. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the inconsistencies in how drug regulatory authorities define HMs, it will be important to design a clear definition of what constitutes a HM in Kuwait, which is a country that does not produce and register its own products but assesses products registered elsewhere.

Revisiting Pedestrian Casualties In Malaysia And The Escalating New Threats

@#Pedestrians’ fatality trend in road crashes has been improving in recent years though it remains third in rank behind motorcyclists and car occupants. Based on the statistics, young pedestrians were the most affected group and the commonest injury regions were head and legs. Pedestrian crashes occurred primarily in rural areas and straight roads and at low light environment, and often involve cars and motorcycles. In addition to existing issues of careless and illegal crossing practices, there are potential new hazards face by pedestrian, which are mobile electronic device use and electric vehicle, especially when crossing roads. Road safety programs and interventions shall consider these new issues.

Drivers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Child Restraint System (Crs) Usage

@#Child restraint system (CRS) can protect children in the event of crash and reduce the severity of injuries. As such, it is crucial to understand the prevalence of CRS usage and knowledge attributes on CRS usage among drivers. This study aims to assessdrivers’ knowledge on CRS usage.A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and pilot tested to verify its validity and reliability. The questionnaireaddressesdrivers’ knowledge about CRS currently available in the Malaysian market, the types of restraints used and views on fitting restraints to passenger vehicles. Seventy four percentfrom 500 respondents cited that they are usingor theyhave used CRS,64% knowabout CRS and its function, and 43% areawareof ISOFIX. In short, majority of the respondents are aware of CRS use and functions. Awareness and education program should berigorously introduced to public towards the implementation of the CRS law.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Creatinine Amides and Creatinine Schiff Bases.

BACKGROUND: In spite of substantial progress in scientific cognizance and medical technology, still infectious diseases are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Creatinine and Schiff bases are well known for their diverse range of biological activities and thought to be emerging and useful therapeutic target for the treatment of several diseases. METHODS: The present work was aimed to illustrate the influence of substitution of amides and Schiff bases on creatinine and their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-urease effectiveness was determined. Creatinine substituted amides (1-2) and creatinine Schiff bases (3-7) were synthesized and characterized by NMR and IR spectral data in combination with elemental analysis. All the compounds (1-7) were investigated on Jack bean urease for their urease inhibitory potential. Investigation of antimicrobial activity of the compounds was made by the agar dilution method. Moreover, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to determine their antioxidant potential. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to elucidate their relationship with the binding pockets of the enzyme. RESULTS: The compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of urease. The synthesized derivatives exhibited significant inhibition against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, as compared to standard, ciprofloxacin. Creatinine based derivatives exhibited potential antifungal activity when tested on infectious and pathogenic fungal strains. Similarly, most of the compounds exhibited good antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: These derivatives may serve as a source of potential antioxidants and also help to retard microbial growth in food industry. Similarly, the studies provide a basis for further research to develop more potent urease inhibitory compounds of medicinal /agricultural interest.

A survey among guardians on child restraint system (crs) usage in central peninsular Malaysia

Children are much more likely than adults to get serious injuries in car crashes due to their softer bones, weaker neck muscle and fragile bodies. Child restraint system (CRS) can help in reduce injury and prevent fatality in the event of a crash. Thus the aim of this paper is to gauge the prevalence of CRS usage among guardians of children age below 11 years old. A survey to addressed guardians knowledge on CRS usage, practice and their views on fitting child restraints system to their vehicles were carried out among parents and carers who are caring children aged 11 years old and below. Seventy-four percent (74%) out of 500 respondents cited they have used CRS, however only 40% of them is currently using CRS with their children. Respondent in Kuala Lumpur and younger guardians reported twice likely to use CRS. In addition, graduate respondents are 1.5 times more likely to use CRS for their children. In conclusion, high incorrect usage rate and understanding of the CRS could promote additional injury towards the children in a car crash. Many initiatives could be introduced before the implementation of the CRS law in Malaysia such as awareness, community-based programs and CRS clinics that aim to guide guardians on the correct and effective way of installing the CRS device in their car

EGS5 simulations to design a Ce:GAGG scintillator based Compton camera.

Ce(+3): Gd3Al2Ga3O12 (Ce:GAGG) is expected to be promising scintillator for PET, SPECT, and gamma camera applications because of its attractive properties. We designed a Compton camera based on Ce:GAGG, both as scatterer and absorber, for imaging and radioactivity measurement of point sources. The two important parameters sensitivity and spatial resolution are determined for 4 × 4 pixels, each pixel of size 1 × 1 cm(2), for both scatterer and absorber. Our main focus in this paper is to image a distant source for which sensitivity is of prime importance. High sensitivity and light weight are two important advantages of Compton camera for distant source imaging and the availability of Ce:GAGG 3 × 3 mm(2) pixel size is expected to give a spatial resolution of ~ 5 mm for medical applications as well.

Measurement of radioactivity concentration in blood by using newly developed ToT LuAG-APD based small animal PET tomograph.

In order to obtain plasma time activity curve (PTAC), input function for almost all quantitative PET studies, patient blood is sampled manually from the artery or vein which has various drawbacks. Recently a novel compact Time over Threshold (ToT) based Pr:LuAG-APD animal PET tomograph is developed in our laboratory which has 10% energy resolution, 4.2 ns time resolution and 1.76 mm spatial resolution. The measured value of spatial resolution shows much promise for imaging the blood vascular, i.e; artery of diameter 2.3-2.4mm, and hence, to measure PTAC for quantitative PET studies. To find the measurement time required to obtain reasonable counts for image reconstruction, the most important parameter is the sensitivity of the system. Usually small animal PET systems are characterized by using a point source in air. We used Electron Gamma Shower 5 (EGS5) code to simulate a point source at different positions inside the sensitive volume of tomograph and the axial and radial variations in the sensitivity are studied in air and phantom equivalent water cylinder. An average sensitivity difference of 34% in axial direction and 24.6% in radial direction is observed when point source is displaced inside water cylinder instead of air.

Primary echinococcal infection of the ovary.

An Iranian Moslem patient with primary echinococcal infection of the ovary is described. Echinococcal infection is extremely rare in practising Moslems.

[A report about the problem of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome (author's transl)]. / Zum Problem der künstlichen Scheide beim Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-Syndrom

Twenty cases of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome from Iran are reported with the results of corrective surgery. One pecularity of this syndrome never recorded previously is the unilaterality of the condition and endometrium in the secretory phase. We suggest that this abnormality may have some racial or sectorial incidence.