A novel CNN architecture for accurate early detection and classification of Alzheimer's disease using MRI data.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that requires accurate diagnosis for effective management and treatment. In this article, we propose an architecture for a convolutional neural network (CNN) that utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset to categorize AD. The network employs two separate CNN models, each with distinct filter sizes and pooling layers, which are concatenated in a classification layer. The multi-class problem is addressed across three, four, and five categories. The proposed CNN architecture achieves exceptional accuracies of 99.43%, 99.57%, and 99.13%, respectively. These high accuracies demonstrate the efficacy of the network in capturing and discerning relevant features from MRI images, enabling precise classification of AD subtypes and stages. The network architecture leverages the hierarchical nature of convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers to extract both local and global patterns from the data, facilitating accurate discrimination between different AD categories. Accurate classification of AD carries significant clinical implications, including early detection, personalized treatment planning, disease monitoring, and prognostic assessment. The reported accuracy underscores the potential of the proposed CNN architecture to assist medical professionals and researchers in making precise and informed judgments regarding AD patients.

GC-MS, quantum mechanics calculation and the antifungal activity of river red gum essential oil when applied to four natural textiles.

The most important uses of old fabrics include clothing, mummification, and bookbinding. However, because they are predominantly constructed of natural materials, they are particularly susceptible to physical and chemical deterioration brought on by fungi. The treatments that are typically used to preserve old textiles focus on the use of synthetic fungicides, which have the potential to be dangerous for both human health and the environment. Essential oils (EOs), which are safe for the environment and have no negative effects on human health, have been widely advocated as an alternative to conventional antifungals. Four natural fabrics-linen, cotton, wool, and silk-were utilized in the current work. The extracted EO from leaves of river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) were prepared at 125, 250, and 500 µL/L. Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium culmorum and Aspergillus niger were inoculated separately into the treated four fabrics with the EO at concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 µL/L or the main compounds (spathulenol and eucalyptol) at the concentrations of 6, 12, 25, and 50 µL/L and were then compared to the un-treated samples. GC-MS was used to analyze the EO chemical composition, while visual observations and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) were used to study the fungal growth inhibition. Spathulenol (26.56%), eucalyptol (14.91%), and p-cymene (12.40%) were the principal chemical components found in E. camaldulensis EO by GC-MS. Spathulenol molecule displayed the highest electrostatic potential (ESP) compared with the other primary compound, as calculated by quantum mechanics. In the untreated textile samples, SEM analysis revealed substantial proliferation of hyphae from A. flavus, F. culmorum, and A. niger. The fungal growth was completely inhibited at a concentration of 500 µL/L from the EO. Both eucalyptol and spathulenol completely inhibited the formation of the fungal spores at a concentration of 50 µL/L, although eucalyptol was more effective than spathulenol across the board for all four textiles. The results support E. camaldulensis EO functionalized textiles as an effective active antifungal agent.

Ameliorating effect of selenium nanoparticles on cyclophosphamide-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in male rats: light, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CPH) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug that can affect the hippocampal neurocytes with a subsequent effect on memory and cognitive functions. Nanomedicine has the potential to overcome the current chemotherapeutic side effects, because of the unique nanoscale size and distinctive bioeffects of nanomaterials. So, the present study aims to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of the biologically synthesized nano-selenium (nano-Se) on CPH induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four rats were randomly classified into four groups of 6 rats each: control group, nano-Se group (dose of 0.5 mg biological nano-Se/kg daily via oral gavage), CPH group (dose of 20 mg CPH/kg daily intraperitoneally), and CPH plus nano-Se group. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was excised and processed. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemically stained for caspase-3 (apoptosis marker) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytic activity marker) (GFAP). Morphometric analysis and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination were also done. RESULTS: Control and nano-Se groups revealed no structural changes. By light microscopy, CPH group showed degeneration and necrosis of hippocampal neurocytes, significantly reduced thickness of the neurocyte cell layers, increased expression of GFAP and caspase-3 immunostains and significantly elevated apoptotic index. Moreover, neurocytes damage, mitochondrial cristeolysis, mild dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and disrupted neurolemmal sheaths of nerve fibres were also demonstrated by TEM. Nano-Se cotreatment in the fourth group reversed all the aforementioned deleterious changes that induced by CPH in the hippocampal neurocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with CPH caused damage to hippocampal neurocytes that can be reversed by biological nano-Se co-treatment.

Preparation and characterization of green carboxymethylchitosan (CMCS) - Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and its potential use as biomaterials.

Green chemistry was used in nanostructures preparation to impart it amazing innovating application in the medical field. Herein we prepared novel, cost effective and ultra-safe antibacterial nanocomposite. This nanocomposite contains carboxymethylchitosan (CMCS) as safe reducing agent for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as nanofiber aiding material formation. The AuNPs has spherical shapes, its diameter ranged from 15 to 25 nm and uniform distributed within CMCS nanofibers. The optimum conditions for electrospinning were 10 wt% total solution contains 2 wt% CMCS and 8 wt% PVA. UV-vis, TEM and XRD were used to characterize AuNPs whereas FTIR and SEM were used to characterize nanofibers. Results showed that ultra-fine fibers were generated after addition of PVA to CMCS solution. Also, CMCS nanofibers containing AuNPs has excellent antibacterial activity towards tested bacteria. Finally, the cytotoxicity of CMCS has been evaluated through Cell viability assay, which confirm that the nanofiber composite is non-toxic and tissue compatible.

Potential use of N-carboxyethylchitosan in biomedical applications: Preparation, characterization, biological properties.

N-carboxyethylchitosan (CECS) was successfully prepared via Michael addition reaction of chitosan (CS) with acrylic acid in water. The structure of CECS was characterized by Fourier transform Infra-Red spectrometry (FT-IR), 1HNMR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Antibacterial activity of CECS was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). The results showed that the prepared CECS soluble in water at wide range of pH values. In addition, it has amorphous character improve its chemical reactivity than CS itself, in addition it has been showed stronger antibacterial activity than chitosan itself due to the presence of both -COOH and -NH2 groups and the CECS shows higher antibacterial activity towards S. aureus than E. coli. Finally, the cytotoxicity of CECS has been evaluated through Cell viability assay, which confirm that CECS is non-toxic and tissue compatible like CS.

Effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on thyroid gland structure in female rats and the possible ameliorating effect of metformin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is known to induce a state of lipotoxicity that affects the different organs of the body. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug commonly used in obesity treatment. It was known to improve thyroid function and its regulating hormones. Structural changes in the thyroid gland associated with obesity have not been well investigated. So, the aim of the present study is to detect structural changes in thyroid gland induced by obesity and to investigate the possible protective role of metformin therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups (10 rats each). Group I (control group), group II (rats fed with a high-fat diet), and group III (rats fed with a high-fat diet and treated with metformin therapy). After 12 weeks, rats from all groups were sacrificed. Blood samples were taken for measurement of lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 and free T4. Thyroid glands were extracted and processed for histological and ultrastructural study. Morphometric measurements for the colloid area of thyroid follicles and height of the follicular cells were done. RESULTS: Group I displayed normal biochemical parameters and architecture of the thyroid gland. Group II revealed disordered lipid profile, high TSH, free T3 and T4. Microscopically, large thyroid follicles with excessive colloid accumulation and decreased follicular cells height were seen. Some follicular cells showed pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and disrupted basement membrane with mast cell infiltration of the thyroid tissue. Ultrastructurally, group II follicular cells showed loss of apical microvilli, dense shrunken nuclei, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen damaged mitochondria with large intracellular vacuoles and colloid droplets. In group III, the biochemical parameters and structure of thyroid follicles were improved, and they had a near-normal appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity induced by high-fat diet in female rats structurally and functionally changed the thyroid gland in a way that may explain hypothyroidism associated with obesity. These changes were improved by metformin therapy.

Oral health status, knowledge and practice among pregnant women attending Omdurman maternity hospital, Sudan.

Good oral health is important in pregnancy but little is known about the oral health and knowledge and practices of pregnant Sudanese women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to address this gap. A sample of 420 pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at Omdurman maternity hospital were interviewed and examined for caries and periodontal disease. The mean age of the women was 27.1 (SD 5.8) years, 52.4% had > primary school education and 7.1% were employed. Only 12% had a high level of oral health knowledge and 21.2% a positive attitude towards oral health. Most of the women (65.9%) had poor oral health practices; only 10.2% had visited a dentist during pregnancy. On clinical examination, 58.6% had healthy gums while 12.1% had bleeding gums and 22.9% had calculus. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth value was 1.16 in the age group 16-19 years and 3.49 in age group ≥ 20 years. These findings suggest the need for oral health programmes as part of prenatal care for pregnant Sudanese women.

Oral health status, knowledge and practice among pregnant women attending Omdurman maternity hospital, Sudan

Good oral health is important in pregnancy but little is known about the oral health and knowledge and practices of pregnant Sudanese women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to address this gap. A sample of 420 pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at Omdurman maternity hospital were interviewed and examined for caries and periodontal disease. The mean age of the women was 27.1 [SD 5.8] years, 52.4% had > primary school education and 7.1% were employed. Only 12% had a high level of oral health knowledge and 21.2% a positive attitude towards oral health. Most of the women [65.9%] had poor oral health practices; only 10.2% had visited a dentist during pregnancy. On clinical examination, 58.6% had healthy gums while 12.1% had bleeding gums and 22.9% had calculus. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth value was 1.16 in the age group 16-19 years and 3.49 in age group >/= 20 years. These findings suggest the need for oral health programmes as part of prenatal care for pregnant Sudanese women

Une bonne santé bucco-dentaire est importante en période de grossesse, mais peu d'informations sont disponibles sur l'état de santé bucco-dentaire, les connaissances et les pratiques des femmes enceintes soudanaises en la matière. La présente étude transversale a été conduite afin de combler cette lacune. Un échantillon de 420 femmes enceintes de la clinique prénatale de la maternité de l'hôpital d'Omdourman ont été interrogées et examinées afin de déterminer si elles souffraient de caries et de parodontopathies. L'âge moyen des femmes étaient de 27,1 ans [ET 5,8] ; 52,4% avaient suivi un enseignement primaire, et 7,1% avaient un emploi. Seulement 12% d'entre elles avaient une bonne connaissance de la santé bucco-dentaire, et 21,2% démontraient une attitude positive en la matière. La majorité des femmes [65,9%] avaient de mauvaises pratiques d'hygiène bucco-dentaire, et seulement 20% s'étaient rendues chez un dentiste au cours de leur grossesse. A l'examen clinique, 58,6% avaient des gencives saines, contre 12,1% qui souffraient de saignements gingivaux et 22,9% qui avaient du tartre dentaire. La moyenne de l'indice CAO [dent cariée, absente ou obturée] était de 1,16 pour le groupe d'âge des 16-19 ans, et de 3,49 pour le groupe d'âge des 20 ans et plus. Ces résultats laissent penser qu'il existe un besoin en programmes de santé bucco-dentaire dans le cadre des soins prénatals pour les femmes enceintes soudanaises

The protective role of the opioid antagonist LY255582 in the management of high fat diet-induced obesity in adult male albino rats.

OBJECTIVES: The involvement of the opioid system in energy balance has been known for several decades but many questions remain unanswered. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist (LY255582) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, HFD non-treated, HFD+LY255582 treated during the first 4 weeks and Obese-LY255582- treated groups during the following 4 weeks after the induction of obesity. LY255582 (0.31 mg/kg, s.c.) was administrated daily with HFD feeding. Blood samples were collected for measurement of lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and leptin. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and food intake were also measured. RESULTS: Consumption of HFD resulted in a significant increase in body weight, body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin, leptin levels, and induced a state of dyslipideamia. Opioid antagonist LY255582 administration with HFD decreased food intake, body weight and BMI, in addition to the improvement of HFD related metabolic abnormalities (dyslipidemia and insulin resistance) during the dynamic phase of obesity development than in animals with already developed dietary obesity. CONCLUSION: The use of opioid antagonist may be a promising approach in treatment of HFD-induced obesity.

Determinants of stillbirths in katsina, Nigeria: a hospital-based study.

Every year, about 3 million stillbirths occur globally, almost a third occurring during the intra-partum period. Almost all stillbirths (98%) occur in low and middle income countries, with Nigeria having the third largest burden. The aim of this study was to determine the stillbirth rate and its determinants in the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, located in north western Nigeria. This study was a retrospective review of all deliveries conducted between 1(st) March 2010 and 31(st) December 2012 in Federal Medical Centre Katsina. Data were extracted from labor room and theatre records, and patient folders. Cases were matched with controls by booking status. The privacy and confidentiality of information retrieved from cases and controls was also ensured by anonymizing the data retrieved. No conflict of interest was identified. The data was analyzed with SPSS 20. During the period under review, there were 6628 deliveries, out of which 331 of the products were stillborn. The stillbirth rate was 46.9±3.6 per 1000 deliveries. Determinants of stillbirths were antepartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, uterine rupture, low birth weight and congenital fetal malformations. The study highlighted the poor perinatal health in the study population.

Ghrelin gene expression in rats with ethanol-induced gastric ulcers: a role of melatonin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work was to reveal the mechanisms of melatonin treatment on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats, including its role in the induction of ghrelin biosynthesis. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (20 in each group): a) control group, b) ulcer group (100% ethanol was given intragastrically (i.g.) in a dose of 1 ml/100 g of body weight), and 3) melatonin-treated group, which received a single dose (25 mg/kg) of melatonin (Biovea) i.g. 30 min before ulcer induction with ethanol. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in tissues and ghrelin levels determined in the serum. RNA isolation and RT-PCR expression of ghrelin were performed. Both macroscopic and microscopic examinations of gastric mucosa were done in all groups. RESULTS: Significant decrease in ghrelin levels and mRNA expression and reduced levels of GSH were observed in ulcer group of rats in comparison with controls. All parameters studied were significantly increased after treatment with melatonin in comparison with ulcer bearing group of rats. On the other hand, the tissue levels of MDA were significantly increased in ulcer group of rats in comparison with controls and significantly decreased after melatonin treatment in comparison with the ulcer group of rats. Histological examinations revealed severe mucosal lesions induced by ethanol which were significantly improved by melatonin administration. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that melatonin may have a potential impact in the treatment of peptic ulcer not only via its known antioxidant effect but also via induction of the ghrelin biosynthesis, as it was documented by significant increase in ghrelin mRNA expression.

Efficacy of tamoxifen and l-carnitine on sperm ultrastructure and seminal oxidative stress in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Idiopathic oligoathenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) is a common finding in the evaluation of male infertility. Oxidative stress (OS) may underlie its pathology. Tamoxifen and l-carnitine are used to treat idiopathic male infertility. The aim of this work was to detect the efficacy of tamoxifen and l-carnitine on sperm parameters, sperm ultrastructure and seminal OS in iOAT patients. Sixty patients were recruited for this study and divided into three groups; the 1st was treated with tamoxifen, 2nd with l-carnitine and 3rd with both drugs. Semen analysis, malondialdehye (MDA) level and transmission electron microscopy were performed before and after three months treatment. The first group showed significant improvement in MDA levels, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, ultrastructural head, acrosomal and mitochondrial anomalies (P < 0.01). Other parameters were not significantly improved. In the 2nd group, significant improvements in MDA, sperm motility, sperm morphology, ultrastructural mitochondrial and tail anomalies were detected (P < 0.01). No significant improvement in the other parameters. Third group showed improvement in MDA, all semen parameters and all ultrastructural anomalies (P < 0.01). In conclusion, tamoxifen and l-carnitine are effective in improving seminal OS, semen parameters and sperm ultrastructure. Combination of both drugs is superior to monotherapy.

The effect of ghrelin antagonist (D-Lys3) GHRP-6 on ovariectomy-induced obesity in adult female albino rats.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of ghrelin antagonist (D-Lys3) GHRP-6 on the treatment of ovariectomy-induced obesity as compared to hormone replacement therapy with estradiol. METHODS: Twenty eight rats were divided into four groups: control sham operated (C), ovariectomized non-treated (OVX), ovariectomized+estradiol-treated (OVX+E) groups, and ovariectomized+ghrelin antagonist-treated group (OVX+GA). Rats were allowed free water and commercial standard diet ad libitum for 5 weeks after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) was determined at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Rats were sacrificed by decapitation and blood samples were collected for measurements of serum lipid profile, insulin, and glucose levels. Gastrocolic omental fat (GCOF) was removed and weighed. RESULTS: Ovariectomy was accompanied with a significantly higher body weight, food intake, BMI, GCOF, serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), with a significant decrease in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) in comparison with C group. Estradiol reversed the ovariectomy-induced changes except that of TGs. Administration of ghrelin antagonist was effective in treating the ovariectomy-induced obesity as evidenced by normalization of body weight, food intake, BMI, and GCOF weight, serum levels of insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and HDL-C. The serum levels of TC, LDL-C and TGs were improved but did not reach the control values. CONCLUSION: Although estradiol succeeded in the prevention of almost all ovariectomy-induced disturbances, it had a potential cardiovascular risk due to a marked increase in serum TGs. Ghrelin antagonist was effective in ameliorating ovariectomy-induced obesity, so it may be used as a promising treatment for postmenopausal obesity, irrespective of hormonal replacement.

Multifunctional finishing of cellulosic/polyester blended fabrics.

Innovative/efficient finishing systems for imparting multi-functional properties to cotton/polyester and viscose/polyester blends were developed. Factors affecting the extent of functionalization including type and concentration of the nano-hybrid, i.e. silver nanoparticles/polyvinyl pyrolidone hybrid (Ag-NP's/PVP) or zinc oxide nanoparticles/hyperbranched polyamide-amine hybrid (ZnO-NP's/HBPAA), concentration of Basic Blue 9, or chitosan and sequence of treatment using citric acid as cross-linker were reported. Loading of ß-CD, with its hydrophobic cavities, onto the cross-linked substrates and subsequent treatment with Neem-oil, Lavender-oil or 4-hydroxybenzophenone was also studied. The obtained products exhibit a remarkable easy care, antibacterial and/or UV-blocking functional properties. The improvement in the imparted properties and durability to wash is governed by type and amount of loaded active ingredients. Mode of interactions was suggested, and surface modifications together with composition of selected samples were also confirmed by SEM images and EDX spectra.

Prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in Maiduguri.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and clinical features associated with abnormal vaginal discharge and C. albicans infection in pregnant women. METHODS: High vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological characteristics were collected from 400 pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge at booking clinic of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software. RESULTS: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was 31.5%. The frequency of abnormal vaginal discharge was 183 (45.8%) among those aged 20-24 years, 291 (72.8%) in multipara, 223 (55.8%) in those with Primary education and 293 (73.2%) in unemployed. Vulval pruritus 300 (75.0%) was significantly related to abnormal vaginal discharge (P < 0.001). The prevalence of C. albicans was 41%. The frequencies of Vulval itching, Dyspareunia and vulval excoriation among those with candidiasis were 151 (50.3%), 14 (56.0%) and 75 (75.0%) respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was high in this study and C. albicans was the commonest cause. It is recommended that a pregnant woman complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge be assessed and Laboratory diagnosis done in order to give appropriate treatment.

Pattern of gynaecological malignancies at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Gynaecological malignancies contribute to the global burden of diseases and are of public health interest. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of distribution of gynaecological malignancies seen between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006, at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. It was a retrospective descriptive study. A total of 166 cases of gynaecological malignancies were encountered, cervical cancer was the most common (59.6%). This was followed by ovarian cancer (21.1%), trophoblastic tumour (7.8%) and corpus uteri cancer (6.0%). Others included cancer of the vulva (3.6%) and cancer of the vagina (1.8%). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 96.0% of cervical cancers. Epithelial tumours represented 60.0% of ovarian cancers, and serous cyst adenocarcinoma was the most common histological variety. All the vulval and vaginal cancers were of squamous cell type. In conclusion, genital malignancies are common and cervical cancer remains the leading gynaecological malignancy in this centre.

Maternal deaths: initial report of an on-going monitoring of maternal deaths at the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Northwest Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from data collected as maternal deaths occurred over a 4-year period. METHODS: A Departmental database established in 2008 was used to keep data on deliveries and maternal deaths as they occurred. The causes of death were decided after a meeting reviewed the case. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software and results presented in means and frequencies. RESULTS: Eight thousand two hundred and twenty live deliveries that occurred were complicated by 68 maternal deaths. The MMR was 827/100 000 live births. The MMR for unbooked women was four times higher than for booked women. Obstetric haemorrhage was the main (21.6%) direct cause of death followed by preeclampsia/eclampsia (18.9%). While anaemia was the leading (8.1%) indirect cause of death, tetanus in the puerperium reared its head as an emerging (5.4%) indirect cause of maternal death. None of the women ever used contraceptives. Most deaths occurred in teenage mothers (23.5%), unbooked women (86%) and in the postpartum period (69%). CONCLUSION: The MMR was high and tetanus in puerperium emerged as an indirect cause of maternal deaths. There is a need to curb the emergence of tetanus in the puerperium as a cause of maternal death.

The efficacy of 10gram intramuscular loading dose of MgSO(4) in severe preeclampsia/ eclampsia at a tertiary referral centre in Northwest Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of 10g intramuscular loading dose of magnesium sulphate in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was assessed at a tertiary health centre for potential use at primary health level. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Intramuscular 10g loading dose and 14g loading dose of Pritchard were compared in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Primary outcome measures were the occurrence of fits in women with severe preeclampsia, further fits in those with eclampsia and maternal death. Other outcome measures were mode of delivery and severe birth asphyxia at 5 minutes of life. RESULTS: One hundred and three women were enrolled; 54 and 49 women had 10g and 14g loading dose respectively. No significant convulsions (p= 0.1424) occurred in women with severe preeclampsia who had 10g intramuscular loading dose and repeat convulsion was averted in 93% of women with eclampsia. 10g loading dose did not increase the likelihood of caesarean section in women with preeclampsia (p=0.2832) or eclampsia (p=0.9112). The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes of life of neonates whose mothers had 10g and 14g loading dose for preeclampsia was 8 and 8.46 respectively, and 8.9 and 8.8 respectively for eclampsia. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal death between the two groups for severe preeclampsia (p= 0.2020) and eclampsia (p=0.3496). CONCLUSION: This study suggests a potential use of intramuscular 10 gram loading dose of MgSO at the primary health care level in Nigeria.

The efficacy of intramuscular loading dose of MgSO4 in severe pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia at a tertiary referral centre in Northwest Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of 10g intramuscular loading dose of magnesium sulphate in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was assessed at a tertiary health centre for potential use at primary health level. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Intramuscular 10g loading dose and 14g loading dose of Pritchard were compared in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Primary outcome measures were the occurrence of fits in women with severe preeclampsia, further fits in those with eclampsia and maternal death. Other outcome measures were mode of delivery and severe birth asphyxia at 5 minutes of life. RESULTS: One hundred and three women were enrolled; 54 and 49 women had 10g and 14g loading dose respectively. No significant convulsions (p= 0.1424) occurred in women with severe preeclampsia who had 10g intramuscular loading dose and repeat convulsion was averted in 93% of women with eclampsia. 10g loading dose did not increase the likelihood of caesarean section in women with preeclampsia (p=0.2832) or eclampsia (p=0.9112). The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes of life of neonates whose mothers had 10g and 14g loading dose for preeclampsia was 8 and 8.46 respectively, and 8.9 and 8.8 respectively for eclampsia. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal death between the two groups for severe preeclampsia (p= 0.2020) and eclampsia (p=0.3496). CONCLUSION: This study suggests a potential use of intramuscular 10 gram loading dose of MgSO4 at the primary health care level in Nigeria.

Treating impaired cognition in schizophrenia.

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia that substantially accounts for poor functional outcomes associated with this disease in areas such as work, independent living and social relationships. Until recently, drug development in schizophrenia has focused on developing compounds that mainly target the positive psychotic symptoms of the illness. Although current antipsychotic drugs treat psychosis in schizophrenia rather well, their impact on cognitive dysfunction is minimal. In recent years there has been growing interest in developing novel treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. In this review we discuss pharmacologic strategies considered most likely to improve cognition. These putative molecular targets include receptors for acetylcholine, dopamine, glutamate, g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and histamine. In addition, we propose that not only pharmacological, but also psychological treatments should be considered to enhance cognition in schizophrenia.