D-ribose-L-cysteine exhibits restorative neurobehavioral functions through modulation of neurochemical activities and inhibition oxido-inflammatory perturbations in rats exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is potentially harmful environmental toxicant causing cognitive decline with depressive features. PCB-induced behavioral deficits are associated with neurochemical dysfunctions, immune changes, and oxidative stress. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of D-ribose-L-cysteine (DRLC), a neuroprotective precursor element of glutathione on PCB-induced neurobehavioral impairments. Following the initial 15 days of PCB (2 mg/kg) exposure to rats, DRLC (50 mg/kg) was given orally for an additional 15 days, from days 16 to 30. Animals were assessed for behavioral effect such as changes in locomotion, cognition, and depression. Oxidative/nitrergic stress markers; antioxidant regulatory proteins paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfr2), NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and neuroinflammation (NF-kß, and TNF-α); and neurochemical metabolizing enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase-A and -B (MAO-A, MAO-B)) were carried out. The PCB-induced decline in locomotion, cognitive performance, and depressive-like features were reversed by DRLC. More specifically, PCB-induced oxidative and nitrergic stress, typified by reduced levels GSH, CAT, and SOD, accompanied by elevated MDA and nitrite were attenuated by DRLC. Additionally, DRLC restored the neuroinflammatory milieu indicated by decreased NF-kß and TNF-α levels toward normal. Hyperactivities of AChE, MAO-A, MAO-B, PON-1, and NOX-1 levels as well as Nfr2, NQO1, and PON-1 due to PCB exposure were mitigated by DLRC. Our results suggest DRLC as a prospective neurotherapeutic agent against PCB-induced neurobehavioral impairments such as cognitive deficit and depressive-like feature through antioxidative and anti-nitrergic stress, anti-neuroinflammation, inhibition of brain metabolizing enzymes, and normalization of neurochemical homeostasis.

Varietal and processing influence on nutritional and phytochemical properties of finger millet: A review.

Food and nutrition insecurity is a problem for the majority of developing nations; incidentally, some underutilized crops have the potential to increase food security. A minor cereal grain called finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is widely cultivated in various regions of India and Africa and is consumed for its numerous health advantages. There is a wealth of research on the nutritional and health benefits of this crop, but little is known about how varietal difference and processing affect these qualities. Therefore, this study reviewed the effects of variety and different processing methods on the nutrition, antinutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidative properties of finger millet and its probable uses in ensuring nutrition and food security. Finger millet is a nutritious cereal with relatively high values of protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and energy. The amount of minerals, particularly calcium and potassium, is larger than what is found in the most popular grains, including wheat and rice. The grain of finger millet is non-glutinous and contains only 1.3% fat; in contrast to other types of millet which are noticeably higher in dietary fibre, protein, ash, and fat. The coloured varieties particularly have high levels of minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The nutritional and phytochemical qualities of finger millet are affected by the cultivars, varieties, and geographical locations. This study elucidates the qualities of finger millet varieties and methods of processing which will help in the selection of appropriate cultivars for food applications.

Microemulsification of essential oils for the development of antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functional coatings for textiles.

AIMS: To develop an essential oil (EO)-loaded textile coating using an environmentally friendly microemulsion technique to achieve both antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functionalities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations and fractional inhibitory concentrations of litsea, lemon and rosemary EOs were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichophyton rubrum. A 1 : 2 mixture of litsea and lemon EOs inhibited all the microorganisms tested and was incorporated into a chitosan-sodium alginate assembly by a microemulsification process. The EO-loaded microemulsions were applied to cotton and polyester fabrics using a soak-pad-dry method. The textile challenge tests demonstrated 7-8 log10 reductions of S. epidermidis, S. aureus and E. coli after 24 h and T. rubrum after 48 h. Aedes aegypti mosquito repellency was also assessed which demonstrated 71·43% repellency compared to 52·94% by neat EO-impregnated cotton. CONCLUSIONS: Textiles treated with the litsea and lemon EO microemulsion showed strong antimicrobial activity against the skin associated microorganisms E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and T. rubrum and potential mosquito repellent properties. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: EOs could be useful for the development of natural, environmentally friendly functional textiles to protect textiles and users from microbial contamination in addition to possessing other beneficial properties such as mosquito repellency.

Repeated endosulfan exposure induces changes in neurochemicals, decreases ATPase transmembrane ionic-pumps, and increased oxidative/nitrosative stress in the brains of rats: Reversal by quercetin.

Neurochemical and ATPase deregulations play important role in toxicant-induced neurodegeneration. Previous studies have shown that loss of ATPase ionic-pumps alters neurochemical balance via increased ammonia, oxidative and nitrosative stress. Thus, this study investigated the ameliorative potentials of quercetin on neurochemical, ATPase changes, hyperammonemia and oxidative/nitrosative status in the brains of Wistar rats exposed to endosulfan, a known toxic environmental pesticide that is casually used in many developing countries. Adult rats were divided into five treatment groups (n = 5). Groups 1-2 received normal saline and corn oil (vehicle) (10 mL/kg/day), group 3 received quercetin (20 mg/kg/day) orally for 28 days consecutively. However, animals in groups 4-5 were given endosulfan (5 mg/kg/day, p.o) for 28 days. But, from the 14th to 28th day, group 4 additionally received vehicle (10 mL/kg/day, p.o.), while group 5 was treated with quercetin (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Thereafter, brain levels of neurochemicals, ATPase activities, ammonia and oxidative/nitrosative stress were investigated by employing standardized biochemical assay protocols. Quercetin increased endosulfan-induced decreased levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, and decreased elevated concentrations of glutamate and serotonin. Quercetin normalized the increased levels of acetylcholinesterase and ammonia. Furthermore, quercetin significantly reversed the decrease in Na+/K+, Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase activities induced by endosulfan. Also, quercetin increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced nitrite and peroxynitrite levels in brains of rats. These findings further provide evidence of the ameliorative potential of quercetin against endosulfan-induced neurotoxicity via attenuation of neurochemical, ATPase changes, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, ammonia release and oxidative/nitrosative stress in rat brains.

Comorbidities and the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in Africa.

The debate around the COVID-19 response in Africa has mostly focused on effects and implications of public health measures, in light of the socio-economic peculiarities of the continent. However, there has been limited exploration of the impact of differences in epidemiology of key comorbidities, and related healthcare factors, on the course and parameters of the pandemic. We summarise what is known about (a) the pathophysiological processes underlying the interaction of coinfections and comorbidities in shaping prognosis of COVID-19 patients, (b) the epidemiology of key coinfections and comorbidities, and the state of related healthcare infrastructure that might shape the course of the pandemic, and (c) implications of (a) and (b) for pandemic management and post-pandemic priorities. There is a critical need to generate empirical data on clinical profiles and the predictors of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Improved protocols for acute febrile illness and access to diagnostic facilities, not just for SARS-CoV-2 but also other viral infections, are of urgent importance. The role of malaria, HIV/TB and chronic malnutrition on pandemic dynamics should be further investigated. Although chronic non-communicable diseases account for a relatively lighter burden, they have a significant effect on COVID-19 prognosis, and the fragility of care delivery systems implies that adjustments to clinical procedures and re-organisation of care delivery that have been useful in other regions are unlikely to be feasible. Africa is a large region with local variations in factors that can shape pandemic dynamics. A one-size-fits-all response is not optimal, but there are broad lessons relating to differences in epidemiology and healthcare delivery factors, that should be considered as part of a regional COVID-19 response framework.

Maternal exposure to carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter during pregnancy in an urban Tanzanian cohort.

Low birthweight contributes to as many as 60% of all neonatal deaths; exposure during pregnancy to household air pollution has been implicated as a risk factor. Between 2011 and 2013, we measured personal exposures to carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) in 239 pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. CO and PM2.5 exposures during pregnancy were moderately high (geometric means 2.0 ppm and 40.5 µg/m3 ); 87% of PM2.5 measurements exceeded WHO air quality guidelines. Median and high (75th centile) CO exposures were increased for those cooking with charcoal and kerosene versus kerosene alone in quantile regression. High PM2.5 exposures were increased with charcoal use. Outdoor cooking reduced median PM2.5 exposures. For PM2.5 , we observed a 0.15 kg reduction in birthweight per interquartile increase in exposure (23.0 µg/m3 ) in multivariable linear regression; this finding was of borderline statistical significance (95% confidence interval 0.30, 0.00 kg; P = 0.05). PM2.5 was not significantly associated with birth length or head circumference nor were CO exposures associated with newborn anthropometrics. Our findings contribute to the evidence that exposure to household air pollution, and specifically fine particulate matter, may adversely affect birthweight.

Are there differences in disease progression and mortality among male and female HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy? A meta-analysis of observational cohorts.

Studies examining the sex differences in morbidity and mortality among HIV/AIDS patients have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis of sex differences in disease progression and mortality among HIV/AIDS patients. Medical literature databases from inception to August 2014 were searched for published observational studies assessing sex differences in immunologic and virologic response, disease progression and mortality among HIV-infected patients. Random effects meta-analyses of 115 eligible studies were conducted to obtain pooled estimates of outcomes and heterogeneity was explored in sub-group analyses. Pooled estimates showed an increased risk of progression to AIDS (relative risk [RR]=1.11,95% CI=1.02-1.21) and all-cause mortality (RR=1.23, 95% CI=1.17-1.29) among males compared to females. All-cause mortality differed by sex only in low and middle income countries. The risk of AIDS-related mortality (RR=1.03, 95% CI=0.82-1.30), immunologic failure (RR=1.19,95% CI: 0.97-1.47), virologic suppression (RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.84-1.14), virologic failure (RR=1.26, 95% CI=0.99-1.61) and the change in CD4 cell count (Weighted mean difference [WMD] = -5.15, 95% CI= -13.57 to 3.28) did not differ by sex. These findings were modified by disease severity, adherence and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy. We conclude that HIV-related disease progression and survival outcomes are poorer in males.

The physicochemical and antibacterial properties of ciprofloxacin-Mg2+ complex.

PURPOSE: Co-administration of quinolone antibiotics with cation-containing medicaments such as, antacids has been reported to influence the overall bioavailability leading to subtherapeutic plasma concentrations of these antibiotics in humans. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The present work was designed to evaluate the binding constant, binding molar ratio, influence of temperature on the binding constant of ciprofloxacin-Mg2+ and to determine the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin-Mg2+. METHODS: Job's method of continuous variation and Bonesi-Hildebrand equation were adopted to determine the molar ratio and stability constant respectively. The antibacterial activity was determined by the Agar diffusion method. RESULTS: A complexation molar ratio of 1:1 was obtained for ciprofloxacin-Mg2+ complex. The stability constants were 3.59 and 3.50 at 25 degrees C and 60 degrees C respectively. There was a significant difference between the zones of inhibition of ciprofloxacin-Mg2+ complex and that of ciprofloxacin alone against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus (p < 0.05). This difference showed that the complex formed was not as active as ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: The present studies have shown that ciprofloxacin readily complex with Mg2+ and that the stability constant was temperature dependent. The antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin was markedly reduced in the presence of Mg2+. Concomitant administration of ciprofloxacin with Mg2. containing medicaments should be avoided to prevent resistance.

Haematological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum in male albino rats.

The haematological effect of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum was evaluated in male albino rats during a 21 day administration at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w, orally. Parameters evaluated include the serum lipids, red and white cell indices. The results showed that the extract administered decreased most of the parameters relating to red cell and increased most of those parameters relating to white cells. It also decreased the total cholesterol (TCH), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) with no significant effect on the triglyceride levels.

Pattern of histocompatibility (HLA) antigen distribution among Nigerian (West African black) diabetics.

The pattern of HLA distribution was studied in 70 Nigerian diabetics. There was no association at all between HLA-B8 and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). There was an increased frequency of HLA-B15 in all categories of patients: those with onset before 40 yr, those with onset after 40 yr (P less than 0.05), those with IDDM (P less than 0.05), and those with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). HLA-B7 was slightly increased in frequency contrary to the findings in Caucasian IDDM. HLA-A10 and HLA-Aw32 were increased in all the groups of patients, while HLA-B17 was higher in those with onset after 40 yr (P less than 0.02) and NIDDM (P less than 0.02). HLA-Bw35 was decreased in all categories of patients. However, all the observed deviations fell short of statistical significance when correction was made for the number of antigens tested for. Comparison of the data with those in other black populations revealed that the over-all pattern of HLA distribution in black diabetics is rather disparate and still relatively ill defined. It is concluded that the pattern of HLA and diabetes association in Nigerian diabetics would appear to be different from that in most other racial groups including North American and South African blacks. There is, however, a need to further study larger numbers of Nigerian diabetics and other black population groups so that a clearer picture may emerge.

Neoplastic change in chronic leg ulcer.

Seventeen cases of chronic leg ulcers were examined, 12 males and five females, with a mean age of 45 years. The average duration of ulcers was 21 years. Eleven of the cancers arose from ulcers that recurrently healed and broke down. Three arose from ulcers that never healed and three from stable scars. Treatment was by various levels of amputation in nine patients and by excision and skin grafting in one. Histological findings showed 16 cases to be squamous cell carcinoma while one case was sarcomatous in appearance. Most of the cases were poorly differentiated and findings of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia were significant. This was thought to represent earlier stages of fetoplasia which in itself may continue for many years and may be a prelude to frank neoplasia. It was therefore suggested by the authors that the laboratory study of fetal antigens or other fetal markers in these types of lesions may be useful. It was also suggested that careful examination of deeper tissues in lesions where pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia has been found is necessary to ascertain that there is no undetected malignancy.

Primary malignant tumors of bone: incidence in Ibadan, Nigeria.

An account of primary malignant bone tumors in Africans is presented in this series. The study analyzes 170 Nigerians with bone neoplasms diagnosed over the 17-year period 1960-1976. It accounted for 1.28 percent of tumors registered in the Cancer Registry of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. There were 119 male and 51 female patients, with ages ranging from 4 to 75 years. The most common symptom was painful swelling. Trauma was associated with this condition. The pattern of behavior of these tumors conforms with other reports in the literature, but it showed some geographical variations. The most common tumor in the series was osteosarcoma, although there was no association of Paget's disease, which is very rare in Nigerians. Attention is also called to the presence of osteolytic conditions in the metaphysical region of a long bone, which may be due to osteomyelitis caused by Histoplasma duboisii and which has been confused with a malignant bone tumor in this environment.

Small bowel neoplasms in a tropical African population.

At the University of College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, in a 17-year period, 54 cases of small bowel neoplasms were seen. The most common was lymphosarcoma (29.62%) followed by malignant lymphoma (12.96%). Burkitt's tumour was not seen in anyone above the age of 16 years. Three cases in this series were histopathologically benign. The presentation is usually silent until a complication sets in.

Adenocarcinoma of the large bowel in Nigerians: a clinicopathologic study.

This paper analyzes 320 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria over a period of 18 years. The sex ratio was 1.5:1 in favor of males; the average age when first seen was 44 years. The symptom complex was weight loss, bloody mucoid stool, altered bowel habit, and abdominal mass. Eighty per cent of rectal cases were in the lower third of the rectum. Most cases were very advanced at the time they were first seen. The association of infective granuloma, notably schistosomiasis and amebiasis, occurred in 11 cases. This probably had diagnostic significance but the etiologic significance is still conjectural. Eighty per cent of the tumors were well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, while 20 per cent were of other histologic variants. In spite of advanced disease, resection was possible in 66 per cent of colonic and 45 per cent of rectal cases. Although the number of cases of colorectal cancers treated yearly in the hospital has increased significantly in the last few years, it is suggested that the hitherto low treatment rate may be attributable to social unacceptability of a permanent colostomy.

Pancreatic carcinoma.

Carcinoma of pancreas is not uncommon in Africa where the prognosis seems to be worse than in cases seen in Europe and North America. The reason for this poor prognosis is because patients with this disease are seen in medical institutions at late stages.There seems to be a rise also in the incidence of this disease in our environment. This increased incidence may be real or apparent, and may be related to the rise in hospital consciousness in the population.As seen in Ibadan, the pattern of the disease is not much different from that reported from other parts of Africa.

Maxillary malignant ameloblastoma with intraorbital extension: report of case.

The case of an aggressive and malignant ameloblastoma of the maxilla in a 22-year-old Nigerian man has been presented. The features that may lead to the development and diagnosis of malignancy in this type of tumor are briefly described and discussed. The relatively young age of this patient, especially in an environment in which medical advice is sought very late, is noteworthy.

Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in Nigerians.

It is important to emphasize that basal cell carcinoma occurs in black Africans, a fact denied in some reports. The present study shows that the disease appears to behave more aggressively in the African, particularly in albinos, than in Caucasians. In albinos preventive measures should be employed regularly.

Needle biopsy of the pleura in Nigeria.

The results of needle biopsy of the pleura carried out on 200 patients are presented. Biopsy was diagnostic in 60% of tuberculous pleural effusions and in 74% of cases of malignant effusions. The histological appearance of chronic fibrosis was seen in 34%, of which half were subsequently found to have tuberculosis.

Infective pericarditis in Nigerian children.

53 children with infective pericarditis were seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between 1967 and 1976. Their ages ranged from 10 days to 15 years but 53% of them were aged 5 years and below. Cough, fever, and breathlessness were the most common symptoms; cardiac decompensation was evident in over 30% of them, 23% had muffled heart sounds, but a pericardial friction rub was audible in only one. The main pathogens identified were Mycobacterium tuberculosis (11 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (11 cases), Escherichia coli (4 cases), Pneumococcus and Pseudomonas (3 cases each). Most of the patients had some other associated infection--such as, bronchopneumonia (12 cases), empyema thoracis (10 cases), lung abscess (10 cases), septicaemis (6 cases), and osteomyelitis (3 cases). Errors in diagnosis were common, the diagnosis having been missed in 72% of the cases identified at necropsy. Even if the correct diagnosis had been made during life and appropriate treatment given, the mortality rate (36%) was high. It is suggested that the onset of cardiac failure in any child with bronchopneumonia, empyema, or lung abscess should always arouse a suspicion of infective pericarditis.