Research Article
Dec 09, 2018
Magnitude and Obstetric Complications of Twin Deliveries at Nekemte Referral Hospital, Western Ethi ... opia: Facility-based Case Control Study
Background: Twin pregnancy is a high-risl pregnancy with increased risk of obstetric complications. Objective: This study is to identify magnitude and obstetric Complications of twin deliveries at Nekemte Referral Hospital. Method: Hospital-based unmatched Case-control study design was carried-out on 104 sets of twin deliveries as cases and 208 singleton deliveries as controls conducted in obstetrics ward of Nekemte Referral Hospital from March 1, 2016 to February 29, 2017. The data were collected through pretested structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The association between twin delivery and different variables were assessed by using odds ratio (OR) along with 95%CI. Results: The magnitude of twin deliveries was 28.6 in 1000 deliveries. The odds ratio of twin deliveries were significantly higher for the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, pre-mature rupture of membrane, antepartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, and cord prolapse when compared to singleton deliveries. Conclusion: The magnitude of twin delivery in this study was high and numerous maternal complications were identified when compared to singleton deliveries. Thus, twin deliveries need greater attention during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery.
Research Article
Dec 09, 2018
Magnitude and Obstetric Complications of Twin Deliveries at Nekemte Referral Hospital, Western Ethi ... opia: Facility-based Case Control Study
Background: Twin pregnancy is a high-risl pregnancy with increased risk of obstetric complications. Objective: This study is to identify magnitude and obstetric Complications of twin deliveries at Nekemte Referral Hospital. Method: Hospital-based unmatched Case-control study design was carried-out on 104 sets of twin deliveries as cases and 208 singleton deliveries as controls conducted in obstetrics ward of Nekemte Referral Hospital from March 1, 2016 to February 29, 2017. The data were collected through pretested structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The association between twin delivery and different variables were assessed by using odds ratio (OR) along with 95%CI. Results: The magnitude of twin deliveries was 28.6 in 1000 deliveries. The odds ratio of twin deliveries were significantly higher for the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, pre-mature rupture of membrane, antepartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, and cord prolapse when compared to singleton deliveries. Conclusion: The magnitude of twin delivery in this study was high and numerous maternal complications were identified when compared to singleton deliveries. Thus, twin deliveries need greater attention during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery
Review Article
Dec 03, 2018
The Introduction of Some Mushrooms as an Effective Source of Medicines in Iran Northern
Northern parts of the Iran, including Guilan and Mazandaran, are known as the best Hyrcanian forest place in the world. Most of these lands are rolling or hilly topography. There are several types of edible or medicinal mushrooms that either grows on wood (i.e., logs) or on the forest floor. My extension program in Guilan focuses on the production of shiitake (Lentinula edodes L.) mushrooms because they are becoming the best known of the exotic mushrooms, but there are several others to consider as source of medicines. In this research we overlooked mushrooms as medicinal gadgets and reviewed some varieties like Lentinula edodes L, Grifola frondosa L., Agaricus spp. L., Pleurotus spp., Morchella spp. L., Stropharia rugosa-annulata L,. Hericium spp. L., Ganoderma lucidum L. and etc. Finally we introduced some remarkable overview on some highlighted ones with point of their importance.
Research Article
Sep 21, 2018
Defect in Synaptic Pruning of Motor Cortex Neurons is Associated with Early Perturbed Dopaminergic ... System
Background: Early stress exposure during neurodevelopmental stages has been linked to some adult neuropsychiatric disorders. The dopaminergic system which has been implicated in movement and reward system has been linked to movement and mood disorders when perturbed at early development. This study is designed to check the mechanisms involved in movement disorders such as dyskinesia, associated with early perturbed dopaminergic system in the motor cortex. Methods: Haloperidol was used to block D2R in neonatal albino Wistar rats in utero by administering 20 mg/kg BW (intraperitoneally) to pregnant adult wistar rats (n=8) in the third week of gestation. Behavioural studies such as the rotarod test were carried out on the neonatal animals (n=5) to test their motor function at postnatal day twentyeight (P28). Electrophysiological recordings were carried out on the motor cortex (M1) to determine the significance of D2R inhibition on calcium neural activity. Immunofluorescence was done to demonstrate synaptic vesicle protein (SV) and microtubule associated protein kinases (MAP K) as a measure of synapses count and microtubule phosphorylation respectively. Results: Behavioural studies showed a decline in motor function of animals exposed to haloperidol in utero compared to the control. This motor deficit was accompanied by a significant increase in the Ca2+ neural activity of the motor cortex as shown by electrophysiological recordings. Immunofluorescence staining showed there was significant increase in the number of MAPK+ and SV+ cells in the motor cortex of haloperidol exposed animals compared to the control. Conclusion: These findings showed that early perturbation in dopaminergic system is associated with an increase in synapses and neuronal density, as well as an increase in phosphorylation of microtubules of neurons in the motor cortex.
Research Article
Aug 24, 2018
Evaluation of Absorbability of Macromolecular Substances in the Oral Mucosa and Skin using a Three- ... Dimensional Tissue Culture Model
Introduction: Collagen exists in various connective tissues and helps to provide them mechanical strength and elasticity. The main component of the tendon is properly arranged collagen fibers withstanding very strong forces. The compactly packed collagen fine fibers inside the bone and cartilage increase their elasticity. Collagen also helps skin elasticity and strength. Hyaluronic acid widely exists in extracellular matrix, such as joints and skin. It plays an important role in maintaining cartilage function by making ultra-macromolecular complexes with aggrecan or protein. These collagen and hyaluronic acid decrease with age. Therefore oral supplementation or cosmetics containing them are developed day by day and catch interests of people trackleing anti-aging. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the absorbability of macromolecular substances in the oral mucosa and in the skin. Methods: As animal experiments cannot be performed for the evaluation of cosmetics, we used a threedimensional oral mucosa culture model and a three-dimensional epidermis culture model. The absorbability of macromolecular substances with molecular weights from 4,000 to 2,000,000 Da was compared between the oral mucosa model and the skin model. Results: In the skin model, the amount permeated were quite low on all molecular weight. In the oral mucosa model, it absorbed much more compared with that of skin model, though the amount decreased according to the molecular weight. Conclusion: This result was considered due to the absence of the stratum corneum in the oral mucosa. High absorbability through oral mucosa shows the possibility of a new absorption pathway of macromolecular substances.
Review Article
Aug 21, 2018
Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps against Infection and During Inflammation: Boon or a Ba ... ne?
Neutrophils are the first line of innate immune defence against pathogens. They have three different processes for directly attacking microorganisms, including phagocytosis, degranulation, and forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The methods of degranulation and phagocytosis are well established. However, several recent studies have been conducted to understand the potential role of NETs in diseases. The involvement of NETs was shown in several conditions including infections and inflammation. This review will discuss the morphology and mechanisms of NET formation, as well as NET formation against infection and during inflammation.
Research Article
Aug 21, 2018
Correlation of CT Findings and Clinical Characteristics of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Patients with ... Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most common opportunistic infection, and it is difficult to diagnose as PCP. The aim of this study was to assess whether CT findings or clinical characteristics contribute to early diagnosis of PCP. Method: Twenty-six patients with AIDS and PCP received medical treatment at the Kurume University Hospital between 1999 and 2018. None of the patients with AIDS had been diagnosed as HIV positive until the episode of PCP. In this study, the correlation between computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical characteristics were analyzed in patients with AIDS and PCP. The number of patients with PCP is not that high in Japan; therefore, it is difficult to diagnose patients with PCP in the clinic. Results: This study included 24 men and 2 women, and the mean age was 47.8 years. The mean CD4 cell count was 65.7 cells/μl, HIV-viral load was 680 × 104 copy, β-D-glucan (βDG) level was 234 pg/ml, and mean time till diagnosis was 41.3 days; 14 patients had hypoxemia. Twelve patients had PCP, 10 had cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, 2 had Cryptococcus infection, 1 had Entamoeba histolytica infection, 1 had non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection, and 1 had Toxoplasma infection. CT images of the patients showed 10 cases with ground-glass opacity (GGO), 13 with consolidation, 1 with small nodules, 2 with a cavity, and 1 with cyst formation. Nine cases revealed peripheral distribution with peripheral sparing, 1 had pleural fluid, and 6 had lymph node enlargement. The mean time till diagnosis and cough were significantly correlated with lymphadenopathy. Patients with consolidation were more likely to be infected with CMV. Conclusion: GGO, combined with peripheral distribution and peripheral sparing, was the most common CT finding. When consolidation was present in PCP patients as shown in CT images, the patients were more likely to be infected with CMV.
Research Article
Jul 17, 2018
Effectiveness of Pleurotus eryngii (King Oyster Mushroom) Extract for Killing Larvae and Attracting ... Adult Mosquito Vectors in Samut Songkhram Province of Thailand
In this study, we assessed the efficiency of Pleurotus eryngii mushroom extract for killing larvae and attracting adult mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Culex sitiens) in the Samut Songkhram province of Thailand. Five extract concentrations (120, 12, 1.2, 0.12 and 0.012 mg/L) were used for larvicidal tests, while 3 concentrations (100, 10, and 1 mg/L) were examined for adult mosquito attraction. The larvicidal results showed that P. eryngii extract did not kill Ae. aegypti larvae, while the extract had minimal effect on Cx. sitiens larvae except at 1.2 mg/L. P. eryngii extract most attracted adult Ae. aegypti and Cx. sitiens mosquitoes at 10 mg/L, followed by 1 and 100 mg/L, respectively. Further, statistical analysis revealed a significantly different number of mosquitoes that responded to P. eryngii extract and octenol. This research demonstrated that this mushroom extract could be developed to attract mosquitoes, although only one concentration (10 mg/L) attracted more than half of all Ae. aegypti adults.
Research Article
Jul 13, 2018
Cytotoxic Effect of Selected Wild Medicinal Plant Species from Jordan on Two Different Breast Cance ... r Cell Lines, MCF7 and T47D
Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females in Jordan, it accounts for about 35.3% of all female cancers. Searching for alternative medicine from plants for breast cancer is a paramount importance. No studies have investigated the cytotoxic effect of the plants of Ajuga chia, Micromeria nervosa and Origanum dayi that are belonging to the family Lamiaceae and are growing wild in Jordan. Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic effect of the A. chia, M. nervosa and O. dayi plant species against two different breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and T47D. Materials and methods: The aerial parts of the aforementioned plant species were extracted with water and ethanol. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, after incubation with various concentrations of plant extracts. Results: A pronounced cytotoxic effect of the ethanolic extract of O. dayi against MCF7 and T47D cell lines, with IC50=99.4 ± 2.9 and 250 ± 4 µg/mL respectively. The ethanolic extract of A. chia has shown cytotoxic effect against T47D cell line with IC50=200 ± 5.2. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. nervosa did not show any toxicity against the aforementioned cell lines. The three plant species showed selectivity when they were tested on fibroblasts (normal cells). Conclusion: Origanum dayi exhibited good cytotoxicity against aforementioned cell lines among the detected plant species, so O. dayi is considered a candidate for the development of a novel agent against breast cancer.
Research Article
May 01, 2018
Epidemiological Assessment of Testosterone Levels in Women Population: A Factorial Analysis of Cell ... Proliferation
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Women may produce much or little of testosterone. Excess Testosterones and deficiencies are among the common hormonal disorders in women. Testosterone in women plays a role in the hormonal cascade that kick-starts puberty and stimulates hair growth. In adult women, testosterone is necessary for estrogen synthesis and have played a key role in the prevention of bone loss, sexual desire, and satisfaction. Testosterone can affect the breast and it is well implicated in testosterone therapy for women. The need to bring about shreds of evidence linking specific human health effect due to testosterone imbalance in women for the assessment of reproduction insufficiency was the purpose of this investigation. Results from clinical observations and epidemiological studies implicate testosterone imbalance as a significant treatment of public health. A total of 186 women of Eket Community in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, were purposively and disproportionately selected, using simplified sample size formula. Blood serums were prepared using the blood obtained from donors. The in vitro assay of the testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin was achieved using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The ratio of sex hormone binding globulin to testosterone was calculated and free testosterone was obtained. The in vitro hormonal quantification showed that 38 (20%) of women had testosterone level above the reference range - 4.42-32.02 ng/ml/mmol/L, while 148 (80%) had low testosterone level. This showed that a fraction of women in Eket community with high levels of a form of testosterone called "free" testosterone may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular or absent of menstrual periods, infertility, blood sugar disorders (pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes), and, in some cases, symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth may set in.
Research Article
Apr 18, 2018
The Effect of Telmisartan on Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP-7) Expression in the Kidney of 8% So ... dium Chloride-Treated Rats
Excessive salt consumption is one of the hypertension factor leads to kidney disease, while telmisartan is one of antihypertensive drugs used in the therapy. Telmisartan not only blocks angiotensin receptor leads to the decrease of blood pressure, but it also activates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), inhibits transforming growth expression factor of beta-1 (TGFβ-1) and increases bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7). Whether telmisartan increases BMP-7 expression of excessive NaCl–induced Wistar rats are studied in this experiment. Twenty five male Wistars 2.5-3 months of age and 100-150 g BW rats were used in this research. They were grouped into 5, each consists of 5 rats. Group I (G I) as first negative control did not receive NaCl and telmisartan. G II as second negative control received NaCl but not telmisartan. G III, IV and V received NaCl and telmisartan 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg BW. The treatments were given every day within 8 weeks. At the day of 56 all rats were sacrificed by mean of neck dislocation and operated to take the kidney. The expression of BMP-7 was measured by immunohistochemistry technic. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. They were analyzed by parametric (ANOVA) or nonparametric (Kruskal-Wallis) test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed that intraglomerular and extraglomerular BMP-7 protein expression were higher in telmisartan-treated Wistar rats group than negative control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, intraglomerular and extraglomerular BMP-7 protein expression were higher in 8% sodium chloride-induced and telmisartan-treated male Wistar rats than the items of negative control group.
Research Article
Apr 18, 2018
Investigation of Noninvasive Urine Specimens with Molecular Fluctuations for a Presence of High-Ris ... k Human Papilloma Viruses as an Inflammatory Cofactor in the Prostate Cancer
Background: The aim of the study is to investigate noninvasive urine specimens in suspected prostate cancer (PCa) patients by a panel of PCA3, TMPRSS2-ERG fusions and GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, we tested urine specimens for the presence of high-risk Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) as an inflammatory cofactor in the complicated origin of prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: A total of 50 patients with elevated PSA and/or PCa physiological symptoms were analyzed. RNA and DNA isolation; Reverse transcription; Real-time PCR; DNA sequencing; Bisulfite conversion of DNA; Methylationspecific PCR; Cytological preparations and staining were applied. Results: Molecular fluctuations were registered in most of the patients: neoplastic GSTP1 allele, PCA3 strongly elevated expression or hyperexpression. Only in 4 cases a positive TMPRSS2-ERG status was detected. High-risk HPV types were detected in ~ 35% of our urine specimens, obtained from patients at high risk of PCa based on their molecular profiles. Approximately 96% of detected high-risk HPVs are: 16, 33, 35, 31, distributed in the subgroup with highest oncogenic potential. The estimated frequency of high-risk HPV types in control male samples with urothelial infection is significantly lower (11%). The pathological examination on cytological slides from high-risk HPV positive urine specimens showed inflammation; variable adaptations of cellular growth and differentiation and partially viral cytopathic effect. In a proportion of patients with molecular PCa disturbed profile precancerous conditions (increased primitive cells with disturbed maturation; enlarged hyperchromatic nucleus and condensed chromatin) were found. Conclusion: Our molecular PCa findings, were confirmed on the cellular level with cytological findings of high grade alterations: coarse distributed chromatin texture with nuclear membrane irregularity and thickening; high N:C Ratio; prominence of nucleoli and irregularity in shape thereof; identical monotonous nucleoli present in all cells in a group (i.e., "Clonal" pattern); Tumor diathesis. The present study concerns novel data for Bulgarian PCa patients.
Research Article
Mar 28, 2018
Preclinical Lipid Pro le Studies of a Classical Ayurvedic Preparation, Siddha Makardhwaja (SMD), ... after Chronic Administration to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Siddha Makardhwaja (SMD) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation markedly used as a traditional medicine in the rural population for various purposes, such as a stimulant, tonic, and rejuvenator. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of conventionally prepared SMD on different lipid-profi le parameters in experimental animals, for providing scientifi c database for its logical use in clinical practice. Acute toxicity tests were conducted to determine the LD50 of the drug. To fi nd out the effect of chronic administration of SMD on serum lipid profi le, it was administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 40 mg/kg for 28 days. During the lipid profi le study, we found out the following: There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.042) decrease in the triglyceride content of the serum of the male rat [21.71% decrease]. There is a [21.65%] increase in the LDL level of the serum of the male rat; the increase, though not signifi - cant, was prominent (p 5 0.122). There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.042) decrease in the VLDL level of the serum of the male rat [21.71% decrease]. There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.016) decrease in the HDL level of the serum of the male rat [20.36% decrease]. There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.041) increase in the Cardiac Risk Ratio [(CRR) 5 Total cholesterol/HDL ratio] of the male rat [23.45% increase]. There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.026) increase in the Castelli’s Risk Index II [(CRI II 5 LDL/HDL ratio] of the male rat [51.50% increase]. There is a statistically signifi cant (p 5 0.041) increase in the Atherogenic Coeffi cient (AC) of the male rat [40.39% increase].
Research Article
Mar 19, 2018
Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors of Khat Chewing Among Debre Berhan University Students, ... Ethiopia, 2014
Background: Substance usage among youths is becoming a great problem worldwide, particularly in college and university students. Khat is one of the most frequently used substances among these groups of population. Khat chewing has serious health, social and economic consequences. However, in our setting the magnitude, pattern and factors contributing to the use of Khat is not well addressed. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence, pattern and associated factors of Khat chewing among Debre Berhan University students in Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was design to quantify the mastication of khat and identify socio demographic, behavioral and social factors among undergraduate students. Data was collected through structured, self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 406 students. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted via SPSS statistical software package to identify associated factors of khat chewing. Results: The life time and current prevalence of khat chewing were estimated to be 20.1% and 12.2%, respectively. Out of ever chewers, 68 (84%) were in the age group of 18-24 years and 62 (76.5%) were male. The most common reasons to chew khat were for examination preparation (41.9%) followed by socialization (38.3%). Significant association was observed between khat chewing and family members chewing khat (AOR = 6.26; 95% CI: 2.67, 14.72), friends chewing khat (AOR = 6.89; 95% CI: 3.71, 14.80) and use of alcohol (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.36, 4.60). Conclusion: The prevalence of khat chewing in this study was significantly higher when compared to some previous studies done in Addis Ababa University. The pattern of khat chewing among university students was not restricted by social regulation mechanisms, and even, it seems a social norm. Therefore, teachers in high schools, colleges and instructors in university should follow their students’ substance use behavior including khat and need to counsel those students who are at risk of substance use. Moreover, families ought to be a role model for their children by avoiding risk behaviors.
Research Article
Mar 14, 2018
Effects of Polyherbal Formulation of Allium sativum and Persea americana Seeds’ Extracts on Postpra ... randial Hyperglycemia and Sucrose Digestion in Acute Treatment of Normoglycemic Rats
This study was carried out on Allium sativum and Persea americana seeds’ extracts, to compare their alkaloid content and to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potentials solely and in combination, as well as the effect of the combination on sucrose digestion in normal Wistar rats. Aqueous extract (AE) and hydroethanolic extract (HEE) of both plants were prepared. Alkaloid content was determined. Antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test and sucrose digestion for 120 min. Normoglycemic albino Wistar male rats of 150-220 g were used. Rats were distributed in fi ve groups of six each: positive control group (water), four test groups (400 mg/kg b.w. HEE and AE of A.s and P.a), and reference group (4 mg/kg b.w., glibenclamide). All the groups received 2 g/kg b.w. of glucose solution. Similar design was followed to test formulation (1:1, AE of A.s 200 and HEE of P.a 200 extracts) and for sucrose (2 g/kg bw) digestion, using acarbose as reference drug. Glycemia was followed up for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after administration of substrates. HEE Pa revealed eight folds of alkaloid content higher than A.s extracts. Both the individual extracts (AE A.s: 1563; HEE P.a: 5270) and the formulation had lower area under the curve (AUC) values (combination: 2825 mg min/dL) compared to positive control (4015 mg min/dL; p 0.05). However, AE As400 effi cacy was comparable to glibenclamide (1163 mg min/dL; p 0.05). The HEE Pa, AE As400, and the formulation (AEAs200 1 HEEAs200) on sucrose digestion revealed higher AUC values compared to positive control. We concluded that AE As200 combined with HEE Pa200 ameliorates the glucose lowering potential of the HEE of P. americana but increases the sucrose digestion rate.
