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Modelling Rohypnol [Flunitrazepam] and Alcohol Abuse and Resultant Effects on Hippocampal Histoarchitecture and Biochemicals in Wistar Rats
Owolabi Joshua Oladele,
Olatunji Sunday Yinka,
Olanrewaju John Afee,
Okeya Ogheneruno
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
112-118
Received:
19 September 2017
Accepted:
27 September 2017
Published:
26 October 2017
Abstract: Rohypnol and alcohol abuse is often reported among young people. Rohypnol is often abused voluntarily to erase memory of indulgence. It is also used in perpetuating crime such as in rape cases when the perpetrator administers certain doses of rohypnol to make the victim lose the memory of such event. Interestingly, young people often abuse alcohol and rohypnol. While the former is often used as a social drug, the latter is combined in certain instances to erase or reduce the memory of such. A number of literatures exist on the effects of alcohol on heath, brain and mind; but not a good number of investigations have considered the effects of rohypnol on hippocampal structure as well as the nature of its effects when combined with alcohol. This particular investigation is aimed at modelling rohypnol and alcohol abuse and resultant effects on hippocampal histoarchitecture and biochemicals in Wistar rats. Forty eight [n=48] adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, A-F. Group A served as the control Group B received the low dose of flunitrazepam; Group C received the high dose of flunitrazepam; Group D received the low dose of alcohol; Group E received the high dose of alcohol; Group F received the low dose of flunitrazepam and alcohol. Experiment lasted 21 days and animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Results showed that the two substances did not produce extensive structural disruption of the hippocampus. However, specific regions of the hippocampus showed morphological aberrations, resulting in mild heterogeneity. Also, the enzyme chemistry of the hippocampus cytochrome C oxidase and G6PDH enzymes was altered.
Abstract: Rohypnol and alcohol abuse is often reported among young people. Rohypnol is often abused voluntarily to erase memory of indulgence. It is also used in perpetuating crime such as in rape cases when the perpetrator administers certain doses of rohypnol to make the victim lose the memory of such event. Interestingly, young people often abuse alcohol ...
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New Principles of Treatments in Malignant Hematological Diseases, as Acute and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Multiple Myeloma
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
119-125
Received:
24 January 2017
Accepted:
23 February 2017
Published:
30 October 2017
Abstract: Aim of this study is to present the latest researches in the field of molecular medicine, in terms of treatments in malignant hemopathies, emerged from the P53 gene deletion in human lymphoma genome. Method: In recent years proved that the best techniques in the investigation of malignant lymphocytes are the Flow Cytometry, Elisa, ICT and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH). This method is used as an alternative to chromosomal banding, a conventional application in molecular medicine. Discussion: Recent, endogenous somatic gene therapy research is a basic of trial clinical and therapeutic trial. The DNA is used to treat a disease arising as a result of mutations in chromosomal regions. In the past few years, this method has been included in the treatment of CLL, acute lymphocytic leukemia, [ALL], or multiple myeloma [MM]. Conclusion: The frequencies of P53 gene mutations and deletion in CLL can be categorized as individual biomarkers in proteomic and genomic profile for this type of leukemia that can be implemented in targeted patient treatment of personalized medicine.
Abstract: Aim of this study is to present the latest researches in the field of molecular medicine, in terms of treatments in malignant hemopathies, emerged from the P53 gene deletion in human lymphoma genome. Method: In recent years proved that the best techniques in the investigation of malignant lymphocytes are the Flow Cytometry, Elisa, ICT and Fluoresce...
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Transnational Evaluation of a Continuing Professional Development Activity for Biomedical Scientists Based on the Clinical Laboratory Pre-analytical Phase
Jan Martin,
Dorianne Buttigieg,
Josef Silhavik,
Zlata Flegar-Meštrić,
Alison Adkins,
Visnja Gasljevic,
Tomáš Šálek,
Attila Horvath,
Charles Borg,
Mladen Jakovcic,
Adrienn Adonics,
Zsófia Szlamka,
Ian Brincat,
Noel Ciantar,
Anna Lisa Sciortino,
Tracey Bennett,
Kirstie Rice,
Yvette Taylor
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
126-131
Received:
20 February 2017
Accepted:
17 March 2017
Published:
31 October 2017
Abstract: The ‘Enhancing Hospital Laboratory Standards for Continuing Professional Development: A Quality Improvement Toolkit’ project, which was funded by the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Leonardo Program, has successfully developed several novel continuing professional development (CPD) activities for use by Biomedical Scientists within European hospital laboratories. This paper reports on transnational evaluation of the third European CPD activity which is based on the pre-analytical phase, by hospital laboratories in Croatia, Czech Republic, Malta and the United Kingdom.
Abstract: The ‘Enhancing Hospital Laboratory Standards for Continuing Professional Development: A Quality Improvement Toolkit’ project, which was funded by the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Leonardo Program, has successfully developed several novel continuing professional development (CPD) activities for use by Biomedical Scientists within European hosp...
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Evaluation of Some Haematological Parameters Among Post-menopausal Women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A Case Study of Patients Attending Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa
Benjamin Onyema Eledo,
Dennis Oju Allagoa,
Anthony Ugochukwu Ihedioha,
Kingsley Excel Dunga,
Sylvester Chibueze Izah
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
132-136
Received:
10 September 2017
Accepted:
23 September 2017
Published:
2 November 2017
Abstract: This study evaluated some haematological parameters among post-menopausal women in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Sixty two post-menopausal women within the age of 52 –70 and forty adult females within the age of 18 – 32 participated in this study. About 5ml of blood was collected from each participant and analyzed using Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and automated haematology analyser (System XS-1000i) for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), total white cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT) and differential viz: lymphocytes, neutrophil, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Results showed that the test (post-menopausal women) and control subject had 12.21±1.00 g/dl and 13.22±0.71 g/dl respectively (Hb), 36.60±3.00% and 39.70±2.22% respectively (PCV), 5.24±0.63×109/L and 7.23±1.04×109/L respectively (WBC), 174.63±27.46×109/L and 260.20±45.54×109/L respectively (PLT) and 43.02±6.77 mm/hour and 8.08±2.68 mm/hour respectively (ESR). Statistically, there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in PLT, PCV, Hb and monocytes, and significant increase in ESR and neutrophil among the post-menopausal women when compared to the control. Other blood differential such as lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils were not affected by menopause. This suggests that post-menopausal changes alter some haematological parameters, which may predispose the women to infections.
Abstract: This study evaluated some haematological parameters among post-menopausal women in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Sixty two post-menopausal women within the age of 52 –70 and forty adult females within the age of 18 – 32 participated in this study. About 5ml of blood was collected from each participant and analyzed using Westergren method for ery...
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The Effect of Radiosensitization of Gemcitabine Related to Suppression of a Repair Pathway: Examination of Mammalian Cells with Therapeutic High Energy X-rays
Keiko Morikawa,
Yoshida Yukito,
Yuh Sugii,
Genro Kashino,
Hiromu Mori
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
137-143
Received:
11 September 2017
Accepted:
27 September 2017
Published:
7 November 2017
Abstract: Gemcitabine is used in clinical chemo-radiotherapy; however, the mechanism underlying enhanced radiosensitivity by gemcitabine is not fully elucidated. We evaluated the role of gemcitabine in mammalian cell lines using a therapeutic high energy 10 MeV linac-X-ray irradiation device. Rodent cell lines CHO and xrs5 were used. A total of 5 μM gemcitabine for 24 hours was administered with or without post-X-ray irradiation. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and cell enlargement were observed by using singly gemcitabine. Enhanced cell killing effects by radiotherapy were observed with gemcitabine pre-treatment in both CHO and xrs5 cells. We focused on the dynamics of phosphorylated p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1)-positive foci after irradiation. Significantly higher numbers of 53BP1 foci were observed after irradiation in gemcitabine pre-treated cells than in untreated cells. The radiosensitizing effect of gemcitabine was not suppressed in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) deficient xrs5 cells. We confirmed that in rodent cells the radiosensitizing effect of gemcitabine is related to suppression of a repair pathway other than NHEJ.
Abstract: Gemcitabine is used in clinical chemo-radiotherapy; however, the mechanism underlying enhanced radiosensitivity by gemcitabine is not fully elucidated. We evaluated the role of gemcitabine in mammalian cell lines using a therapeutic high energy 10 MeV linac-X-ray irradiation device. Rodent cell lines CHO and xrs5 were used. A total of 5 μM gemcitab...
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Exposure Factors Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in Loima Sub-County of Turkana County, Kenya
Joseph Akutaa Lotukoi,
Hellen Lydia Kutima,
Christopher Anjili,
Peter Wanzala
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
144-155
Received:
30 November 2016
Accepted:
24 December 2016
Published:
8 November 2017
Abstract: Background: Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a serious disease caused by species of the parasitic protists Leishmania. It can affect humans living in parts of the tropics and sub-tropics and is transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. It is classified as a neglected disease yet it is a public health problem, a debilitating disease causing an estimated 500,000 new cases each year, and a tenth of these patients will die in the predisposed areas. Objective: To assess the exposure factors associated with kala-azar in Loima sub-county of Turkana County, Kenya. Methods: Descriptive cross- sectional research design was employed and the study was conducted between October, 2015 and June, 2016. Cluster random sampling technique was used to identify study subjects in the purposively selected Loima Sub-county. A sample size of 341 respondents who were household heads or adult members and health facility workers were randomly sampled. Data collection was done using pretested structured questionaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations; entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 for analysis. Presentation of data was done using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results: The key exposure factors to the disease in the community include: Age, gender, educational level, socio-economic status, housing, presence of large amount of termite mounds all over the area 60.1%(n=205),inaccessibility to health services, varying health-seeking behaviour and lack of proper knowledge on transmission of disease. Also, human activities such as deforestation and hunting 52%(n=32), resting or sitting near termite mounds 70%(n=191) and dancing at night (Edong’a -64.8%(n=167), when the sand flies are active. There was a significant association between age ((OR=0.7; 95%CI= (0.4-1.1), p=0.135) and exposure to kala-azar, gender (OR=0.6; 95%CI= (0.4-0.9), p=0.012),education level (OR=1.2; 95%CI= (0.1-1.4), p=0.0501)), housing (OR=1.8; 95%CI= (1.0-3.1), p=0.029 ),presence of large amount of termite mounds (OR=0.6; 95%CI= (0.2-2.0), p=0.0045) and resting or sitting near termite-mounds (OR=0.6; 95%CI= (0.1-2.1), p=0.0043)).Conclusion: The study concludes that kala-azar is prevalent in the area and though the community is aware of its existence, the residents have different beliefs about transmission. The study recommends the need for enhanced general health education and awareness on the transmission cycle of kala-azar. Community empowerment and participation should be emphasized as well as structural development plans that include sand fly management strategies and control methods that would ensure the removal of breeding and resting sites of the vectors within human habitation. In addition, integrated disease surveillance and response to be implemented to avert the disease situation.
Abstract: Background: Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a serious disease caused by species of the parasitic protists Leishmania. It can affect humans living in parts of the tropics and sub-tropics and is transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. It is classified as a neglected disease yet it is a public health problem, a debilitating disease causing an esti...
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Effects of Fast Foods in Relation to Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Yomna Ali Moustafa Elkhateeb,
Mona Rahil Alshammary
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
156-162
Received:
22 May 2017
Accepted:
15 June 2017
Published:
10 November 2017
Abstract: Fast foods is a part of the new life. One third of adults the United Saudi Kingdom (U.S) eat fast foods. About 7% of American report eating fast food every day, certain groups are more likely to be more frequent users. Youth are the biggest consumers; adolescents and young adults get 20% and 31.5% of their total daily calories from fast food, respectively. When fast foods frequently replace nutritious foods in diet, it can lead to poor nutrition and poor health in digestive and cardiovascular systems, respiratory system, and central nervous system. The effects of fast food on the body are related to the formation of excess free radicals. These free radicals are a kind of cellular "exhaust" a by-product of metabolism. Free radicals are produced as cells use oxygen to convert the food into energy. The body is designed to deal with these free radicals. It has highly efficient ways of grabbing and neutralizing these renegade particles before they can do harm. The free radicals that occur naturally within the body didn’t cause damage, but the excess of the free radicals is the cause of life-shortening damage. This extra load results from two key factors: an overabundance of toxins and a shortage of antioxidants. Antioxidants is the key to prevent the damage of free radicals by neutralizing their effect to prevent them from harming the body. The purpose of this review is to highlight the three main areas of research, which are interlinked. Study involving fast foods, free radicals and antioxidants. So, the objective of this study was to study the harmful effects of fast foods which related to the formation of excess amount of free radicals and provide a better insight into the mechanisms of antioxidants in prevention the damage of free radicals on the body.
Abstract: Fast foods is a part of the new life. One third of adults the United Saudi Kingdom (U.S) eat fast foods. About 7% of American report eating fast food every day, certain groups are more likely to be more frequent users. Youth are the biggest consumers; adolescents and young adults get 20% and 31.5% of their total daily calories from fast food, respe...
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In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Stem Bark Extract of Azadirachta indica A. (JUSS) Against Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi
Bobai Mathew,
Yabaya Amos,
Orukotan Ayodeji Abimbola,
Joshua Istifanus Anekoson,
Amos Alvan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
163-171
Received:
28 March 2017
Accepted:
17 April 2017
Published:
28 November 2017
Abstract: Typhoid fever treatment failure due to emergence of antibiotics resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi has become a matter of concern to public health sector. This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro antimicrobial activity of stem bark extracts of Azadirachta indica A. (JUSS) against antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates from stool samples of patients manifesting clinical features of typhoid fever. Fortyseven (47) isolates were identified as Salmonella sp. using conventional biochemical test, MicrobactTM 12A/12E Gram-negative kits, and confirmed molecularly using ompC primers. Twelve (12) isolates out of the 47 were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi identified serologically and confirmed molecularly using STY4220 primers. Antibiotics resistance profile of the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates showed that 12 (100%) were resistance to amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 9 (75%) resistance to tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and cefotaxime, 6 (50%) resistance to ceftriaxone, 3 (25%) resistance to nitrofurantoin, 2 (17%) resistance to chloramphenicol, 1 (8%) resistance to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin; while 12 (100%) were sensitive to nalidixic acid and imipenem. Qualitative phytochemical and spectroscopic analysis of Azadirachta indica stem bark extracts revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phenolic and other organic compounds. At concentrations of 25-400 mg/ml, potency test of acetone and ethanolic bark extracts of the plant against the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates produced diameter zones of growth inhibition ranges from 18-35 mm and 15-31 mm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations values of the extracts against the isolates also ranged from 50-100 mg/ml. It may be concluded from this results that the bark extracts of Azadirachta indica A. (JUSS) have good growth inhibitory effects against the antibiotics resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and can be developed further for chemotherapeutic application.
Abstract: Typhoid fever treatment failure due to emergence of antibiotics resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi has become a matter of concern to public health sector. This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro antimicrobial activity of stem bark extracts of Azadirachta indica A. (JUSS) against antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica serovar T...
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Maternal Serum Triple Screening Test and Pregnancy Outcome in Elderly Sudanese Pregnant Ladies in Khartoum State-Sudan
Rimaz A. Gurashi,
Imad Fadl-Elmula
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
172-178
Received:
29 January 2017
Accepted:
10 March 2017
Published:
28 November 2017
Abstract: The possibility to deliver infants with congenital defects or diseases is thought to be associated with increased in maternal age. This fact is well established and documented in previous studies done in the United States of America. Infants with birth defects is not the only disastrous outcome, pregnancy and delivery complications, abortion, stillbirth are also known consequences. The aim of this study, to detect a possible association between increased maternal age, and Triple Screening Test results. And compare the findings of the Triple Screening Test results with abnormal pregnancy outcome among Sudanese pregnant ladies. Study performed in ninety-one pregnant ladies accepted to participate. Participants were assigned to two groups; study group including 69 (75.8%) women equal to and above 35 years and control group including 22 (24.2%) women less than 30 years. Structured questionnaire, clinical examinations including ultra-sound for the determination of gestational age were also performed. Blood samples were collected from all participants during the 14th to 20th week of gestational age. Sera were separated and used for the determination of human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha fetoprotein, and free estriol concentrations using standardized quantitative methods (ELISA) collectively known as the Triple Screening Test. In the study group, participants delivered 57 (82.6%) normal healthy infants. Twelve ladies (17.4%) delivered infants with adverse dimorphic features. The defects varied; four (5.8%) had stillbirth, four (5.8%) had abortion at the second trimester, three (4.3%) had premature delivery, and one (1.4%) had intrauterine death. And matching control group, none of the participants (0%) give birth to an infant with congenital defect. Highly significant positive correlation was detected between increase in maternal age and abnormal pregnancy outcome. The Triple Screening Test against the pregnancy outcome in study group, showed statistically significant differences between levels of β-HCG, AFP, and Free estriol and pregnancy outcomes with P-values of 0.000, 0.5240, and 0.000 were obtained using Pearson Chi-squire test of significance, respectively. Study conclude that abnormal pregnancy outcome is strongly associated with increase in maternal age. Also there were strongly association between the Triple Screening Test and abnormal pregnancy outcome.
Abstract: The possibility to deliver infants with congenital defects or diseases is thought to be associated with increased in maternal age. This fact is well established and documented in previous studies done in the United States of America. Infants with birth defects is not the only disastrous outcome, pregnancy and delivery complications, abortion, still...
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Determination of Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae in Patients with Community Acquired Urinary Tract Infections
Abd Elrahman Mustafa Abd Elrahman Osman,
Shingray Osman Hashim,
Mohammed Abdall Musa,
Omer Mohammed Tahir
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
179-182
Received:
2 November 2017
Accepted:
14 November 2017
Published:
4 January 2018
Abstract: This study was conducted in Port Sudan city, Red Sea state during the period from January to June 2017 to investigate antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from patients suffering from community acquired urinary tract infections. One hundred and fifty urine specimens were collected from patients attended Port Sudan Teaching Hospital. The specimens were cultured on blood agar and Mac Conkey's agar and Cystine Lysine Electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar for primary isolation of pathogens. Identification of the isolates was done by colonial morphology, Gram stain and Routine biochemical tests. Modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was adopted to determine the resistance rate of Enterobacteriaceae to Imipenem, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Amikacin, Piperacillin, Tetracycline, Ceftazidime and Ticarcillin. Out one hundred and fifty urine specimens examined Enterobacteriaceae was detected in only 49(32.6%) specimens. The results revealed that the antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae was as follows: Imipenem (6.1%), Ciprofloxacin (32.6%), Chloramphenicol (48.9%), Amikacin (61.2%), Piperacillin (79.5%), Tetracycline (83.6%), Ceftazidime (89.7%) and Ticarcillin (91.8%). Females were more affected than males (60%) and young adults were more affected than other age groups. Imipenem represented the least sensitive antimicrobial agent (6.1%), while Ticarcillin showed the highest resistance rate.
Abstract: This study was conducted in Port Sudan city, Red Sea state during the period from January to June 2017 to investigate antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from patients suffering from community acquired urinary tract infections. One hundred and fifty urine specimens were collected from patients attended Port Sudan Teaching Hospit...
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