Introduction: Viral Hepatitis B (VHB) is a real concern for international organisations in general and the Cameroonian authorities in particular; our work aimed to determine the serological status of VHB as well as the associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in the city of Douala.Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of two months from 01 August to 02 October 2022.For the detection of serological markers, we used immunochromatographic tests [HBV 5-in-1 Hepatitis B Virus markers Rapid Test Panel (batch number; China, 2022)] and enzymelinked immunosorbent assays [Hepatitis B Virus surface Antigen (HBsAg) ELISA Test Kit, batch number: HBSG37310B, China, 2022], both of HIGHTOP brand.The markers investigated by the immuno-chromatographic tests were HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and cHbAb.Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the degree of association with HBsAg carriage at the 5% significance level.Results: A total of 87 participants were included in the present work, with a mean age of 29.66 ± 6.24 years, ranging from 18 to 43 years; furthermore, the serological profiles obtained in these TS were distributed as follows: 1% (1/87) of the participants were infected with the presence of viral activity; 7% (6/87) were infected with the absence of viral activity; 19% (17/87) had received a vaccine; 13% (11/87) had been in contact with the virus; 7% (6/87) had been in contact with the virus in the past and were cured; and 53% (46/87) were not infected; However, univariate regression analyses showed that primary education (OR= 0.042; 95% CI = 0.002-0.973;P=0.048); secondary education (OR= 0.034; 95% CI = 0.003-0.459;P=0.011); barmaid activity (OR= 0.030; 95% CI = 0.002-0.495;P=0.014) and shopkeeper activity (OR= 0.056; 95% CI = 0.003-0.923;P=0.044) were significantly associated with HBsAg carriage Conclusion: The present study shows that a variety of serological profiles of HBV were found among SWs in the city of Douala; however, the implementation of large-scale sensitization campaigns (via the media, social networks, and within schools) and expanded vaccination programmes against HBV throughout the country would help reduce its prevalence.
In the last few decades, natural products have enjoyed an extensive range of acceptability for the prevention, treatment and management of various health conditions. Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a common phytoalexin found in grapes, peanuts, cocoa, and berries of Vaccinium species, together with blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. Research interest in resveratrol has been increasing due to growing evidence of its many health benefits. This review is aimed at highlighting the various benefits of resveratrol in health and diseases. The present study reviewed published advances in the health-promoting benefits of resveratrol in human clinical trials as well as in animal experimental models with a focus on postulated molecular mechanisms of action. We discussed the sources, biochemistry, bioavailability and biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-platelet, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory and cardio-protective, anti-obesity and neuroprotective effects. The study observed that these varieties of biotic influences are initiated by multiple molecular targets and pathways involving cyclooxygenases/lipooxygenases, kinases, sirtuins, transcription factors, cytokines, DNA polymerase, adenylyl cyclase, ribonucleotide reductase and aromatase and thus, enhancing their potential to influence many physiological processes. The study concludes that resveratrol has demonstrated a potent effect against several disease conditions, however, its low bioavailability greatly limits its applications. This review recommends further research direction in the development of health maintenance and therapeutic agents from resveratrol.
Cardiovascular physiology is a foundational basic medical sciences course essential for safe clinical practice. Teaching and learning physiology are done traditionally using didactic lectures and practical sessions. However, the world is becoming tech-savvy and echocardiography is a critical player in the evaluation of cardiac physiology and pathology. This important tool is gradually gaining recognition as a useful tool for learning at the undergraduate level. This review aimed to provide evidence-based summaries that could guide and aid the incorporation of echocardiography into the teaching of cardiovascular structure and function among undergraduate medical students in Nigeria. This is a narrative review. Relevant literature was sought with the aid of academic databases and search engines using keywords. Appropriate information on the use of echocardiography for teaching cardiovascular to undergraduates within and outside Nigeria was synthesized and summarized taking cognizance of their relevance and applications. Evidence showed that in developed countries, integration of echocardiography into cardiovascular physiology education has been done and this was associated with a better learning experience and early formation of lifelong knowledge in the use of point-of-care ultrasound but data is sparse on this aspect of medical education in Nigeria. In conclusion, echocardiography is relevant, accessible, and applicable to teaching cardiovascular physiology at basic medical sciences faculty. Integration of echocardiography into the curriculum of the medical undergraduate in Nigeria is practicable.
Previously, it was shown that positively charged water is able to hydrate both salts and biopolymers, while negatively charged water is not able to hydrate them. Reflections on the biological significance of this dependence made it possible to assume that cells are able to accumulate predominantly positively charged water and that it is this accumulation that stimulates both cell proliferation and the growth of tumors, including cancers; accordingly, it was proposed to use negatively charged water to stop both cell division and tumor growth. Over time, it became clear that this hypothesis was proposed without taking into account the peculiarities of the interaction of electrified waters with fats. This understanding initiated additional research, which proved to be very productive. In particular, such studies made it possible to establish that positively charged water is attracted to oils and is able to form stable emulsions with them, in contrast to negatively charged water, which does not interact with oils and does not form stable emulsions with them. Thus, the discovered shortcoming of the proposed hypothesis was eliminated. This, in turn, gave additional grounds for re-proposing negatively charged water as an antitumor agent.
Vaginal hydrocele is one of the common reasons for surgical outpatient consultation. Surgery for vaginal hydrocele i.e. eversion of vaginal sac (EVS) is common elective intermediate operation mostly performed under local anesthesia. The aim of this study is to share vaginal hydrocele surgery in Lumbini Provincial Hospital (LPH), Butwal. This is a retrospective analysis of vaginal hydrocele surgery done over a period of five years (2012 to 2016) in LPH, Butwal was done after the approval from Hospital ethical committee. All required information was retrieved from the medical record section. Total 164 vaginal hydrocele surgery was done for different sizes during the study period. The number of cases increased in 2016 because of free hydrocele surgery programs conducted by government of Nepal was well informed to ordinary people. The age distribution of the operated patients was 15 years to 92 years and common in productive age (21-60 yrs) i.e. 78%. Most of the hydrocele surgeries were done under local anesthesia i.e, 129 (78%). Most common complications found post operatively were 2.5% haematoma, 7.5% surgical site infection (SSI), 10% scrotal oedema and 2% recurrence. In our study chylocele was found in 10 (6/9%) cases of hydrocele. No testicular malignancy and tuberculosis of epididymis found during study period. No fatality cases during our study period. Vaginal hydrocele surgery is one of the common intermediate and mostly day care elective surgery done under local anaesthesia with relatively satisfactory outcome in LPH, Butwal.
Global warming and the increased frequency of heat waves have generated more interest in the effect of heat stress on human physiology. The present study evaluated the effect of 30 days of controlled heat exposure (38.1±1°C) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress markers of male Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats (3 - 4 months old, 200-250g) were used for the study and grouped into five (5) groups of five (5) rats per group. Group 1 served as the control, while groups 2 – 4 were allowed exposed to controlled heat for two (2), four (4) and eight (8) hours respectively while group 5 were allowed an 8-hour heat exposure plus oral administration of vitamin C. The result of the study indicates that heat stress caused a significant increase in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) among the heat-exposed group compared to the control (p<0.05) while the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GPH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) significantly reduced compared to the non-exposed control (P<0.05). The result also indicates that supplementation with vitamin C positively modulated the effects of heat stress on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. The current evidence suggests that heat stress can cause an increase in oxidative stress leading to increased lipid peroxidation and cellular damage with a possible ameliorative role by vitamin C supplementation.
The main cause of anemia in the preschool population is dietary iron deficiency; however, there are other conditions that can lead to anemia such as diseases that produce chronic inflammation and obesity. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in children aged 6 to 59 months and the association with inflammation, global overweight and maternal educational level. A national sample of cross-sectional study design was carried out. Hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors, leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein were assessed. Nutritional status was evaluated and level of mother education was collected by survey. A total of 1417 children were studied. Anemia prevalence was 22.5% and constitutes a moderate public health problem. Iron deficiency prevalence was 35.6% and erythropoietic dysfunction 13.3%; with elevated inflammation indicators 37.6% and leukocytosis 36.1%. Malnutrition occurred in 1.0% of the children, with a prevalence of overweight in 4.7% and obesity in 2.8%. Anemia was associated with iron storage deficiency OR=2.07 (1.45-2.97) and inflammation OR=2.01 (1.45-2.78). No associations were found between anemia OR=0.68 (95% CI= 0.35-1.32) and iron deficiency OR=0.96 (95% CI= 0.68-1.35) with global overweight. Global overweight does not explain the inflammation found OR=1.13 (95% CI= 0.54-2.37), neither by CRP OR=0.57 (0.24-1.37) or AGP OR=1.14 (0.54-2.42). Low education level of the mother was associated with anemia in the children (χ2 trend= 4.327 p=0.037), but not with iron deficiency (χ2 trend= 0.212 p=0.646). Anemia and iron deficiency in Cuban preschool children was a moderate public health problem associated with inflammation.
Introduction: Mother-to-child transmission is a major route of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, particularly in highly endemic areas. The aim of our work was to determine the extent of HBV serological markers in pregnant women in the Mifi district (West Cameroon). Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of two months from 01 August to 02 October 2022. For the search for serological markers, we used immuno-chromatographic tests [HBV 5-in-1 Hepatitis B Virus markers Rapid Test Panel (serum/plasma), China, 2022] and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays [Hepatitis B Virus surface Antigen (HBsAg) ELISA Test Kit, lot: HBSG37310B, China, 2022], both of which are from HIGHTOP. The markers investigated by the immuno-chromatographic tests were HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the degree of association with HBsAg carriage at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 109 pregnant women were enrolled in the present study, the mean age was 26.89 ± 6 years with a range of 16 to 42 years. The following serological profiles were obtained in 27 (24.77%) participants and distributed as follows 19% (5/27) of the pregnant women were surface antigen positive (AgHbs +; AcHbc +); 37% (10/27) had been in contact with the virus in the past and were cured (AcHbs +; AcHbc +), 7% (2/27) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (AgHBs -; Ac Hbs +; Ac anti Hbc -) and 37% (10/27) were in contact with the virus (AcHbc +). Logistic regression analyses revealed no association between socio-demographic variables and HBsAg carriage. Conclusion: In sum, the present work resulted in a prevalence of HBsAg of 4.59% (5/50); with an estimated marker positivity of 11% (12/50); 22.94% (25/50); 7.34% (8/50) and 0% for HBsAg, cAbAg, HBeAg and HBeAg respectively. Furthermore, no socio-demographic variables showed an association with HBsAg carriage.
Objective To compare the pregnancy outcomes of thyroid antibody (ATA) positive women treated by different fertilization methods during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Methods A total of 204 female patients with normal thyroid function and positive ATA in the reproductive Medicine Center of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected. According to different fertilization methods, they were divided into IVF group and ICSI group, including 115 IVF cycles and 89 ICSI cycles. The general data, clinical indicators after ovulation induction, fertilization, embryo status, and pregnancy outcome of the two groups were compared. Results There were no significant differences in age, BMI, bE2, FSH, FT3, FT4, AFC, Gn dosage, Gn stimulation time, E2 on HCG day, P on HCG day, intrauterine thickness on HCG day, number of retrieved oocytes and average number of embryos transferred between the two groups (P>0.05). The fertilization rate of the ICSI group was higher than that of IVF group within the group, while the high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower than that of the IVF group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were significant differences in sperm motility and sperm density between the two groups (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between sperm volume and normal morphology rate (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in embryo implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate and live birth rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the method of assisted pregnancy and semen quality were not independent factors affecting high-quality embryo (P>0.05). In IVF group, TGAb was negatively correlated with fertilization rate (r=-0.202, P<0.05); and in ICSI group, TPOAb was negatively correlated with high quality embryo rate (r=-0.349, P<0.05). Conclusion Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the semen quality should be considered as the priority criteria for ATA. ICSI should not be recommended as routine fertilization.
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominantly affects the pulmonary tract, causing mainly respiratory symptoms with some involvement of other organ systems. Liver injury has frequently been reported in COVID-19 patients. The clinical relevance of liver injury related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unclear, with a need for studies on the impact of liver function tests (LFTs) abnormalities at baseline. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to detect an association of LFTs with COVID-19 among Sudanese patients in Khartoum State, the Republic of Sudan's national capital city, from August to December 2021. A total of 90 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were enrolled; their ages ranged from 20 to 80. 5 ml of venous blood samples were collected from each participant by standard venipuncture and placed into a heparin container for chemical analysis. The Mindray device was used to analyze the plasma, and the results were shown on a sizable color liquid crystal display (LCD). Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference (p. value ≤ 0.05) between levels of liver function tests according to the different categories of COVID-19 cases (mild, moderate, and severe). Also, the results indicated that there was an insignificant difference (p. value ˃ 0.05) between levels of liver function tests according to gender. Moreover, the results found that there was no correlation between liver function parameters and age. Conclusions: The present study concluded that the levels of liver function tests were affected by the severity of COVID-19 infection.
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. During HBV replication, splicing of viral RNA frequently occurs, and the spliced RNA or DNA has been reported to be related to the development of liver disease. HBV transcription is mainly regulated by core promoter ranging from nucleotide 1613 to 1849 and the A1762T/G1764A mutation, which can increase the viral transcription, is frequently detected in this region. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the effect of the A1762T/G1764A mutation in the core promoter of HBV on viral RNA splicing. Methods: The wild type (WT) and the A1762T/G1764A mutant HBV genome were cloned into the pCDNA3.1 vector, which was then transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The intracellular HBV DNA and core protein were determined by the Southern blot and the Western blot, respectively. The relative level of HBSD was examined by quantitative PCR using TB green reagent. Results: the A1762T/G1764A mutation could enhance the ability of viral replication, however, had a minor effect on HBSD expression. Conclusion: The double mutation in CP could regulate the viral transcription, but was not involved in the viral RNA splicing.
Objective: To explore the potential molecular mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of pancreatic cancer using network pharmacology.Methods: The active components and their corresponding core targets in Salvia miltiorrhiza were screened by TCMSP database, and the corresponding gene Symbol of core targets was obtained by using Uniprot database.The gene targets for pancreatic cancer were searched from Gene Cards, OMIM, TTD and DrugBank databases.The potential targets of Salvia miltiorrhiza were matched with pancreatic cancer gene targets using Venn diagram, and the active components-targets network of Salvia miltiorrhiza and the active components-targets network of Salvia miltiorrhiza were mapped using Cytoscape software.The DAVID database was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to predict the potential mechanisms of targets.Results: A total of 65 active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza were screened, corresponding to 118 targets.A total of 2167 pancreatic cancer disease targets were screened, and 75 Salvia miltiorrhiza-pancreatic cancer crossover targets were obtained.Six core targets were obtained by PPI network analysis.Luteolin, tanshinone, quercetin and dihydrodanshinolide were the main active components, and ESR1, JUN, CDKN1A, MAPK14, MYC and TP53 were the main core targets.The results of GO analysis showed that the cellular components where the 75 targets of Salvia miltiorrhiza for pancreatic cancer therapy function are mainly the nucleus, membrane rafts, spindle, and membrane microdomains.The biological processes are mainly in response to radiation, response to xennobiotic stimulus, gland development, and so on.Molecular functions include DNA binding transcription factors, specific RNA polymerase II binding transcription factors, and regulation of kinase activity.75 targets of Salvia miltiorrhiza for pancreatic cancer treatment are mainly through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, cancer signaling pathway, pancreatic cancer signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and other pathways to regulate tumor immune response, induce apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, and tumor metastasis, promote cell cycle arrest and tumor metastasis.Conclusions: This study reveals that Salvia miltiorrhiza may regulate multiple signaling pathways through multiple targets, thus acting as a therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer, which also provides theoretical support for the clinical discovery of alternative drugs for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious viral disease that affects animals with cloven feet.It is prevalent in Pakistan, resulting in significant economic losses.The study's goal was to determine the sero-prevalence of FMD in small ruminants (sheep and goats) maintained near large ruminants that had recently had an FMD epidemic.The research was carried out in ten districts of Pakistan that were carefully chosen.Between 2019 and 2021, 1760 sera were collected from small ruminants.Using the CHEKIT FMD-3ABC bo-ov kit, serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against FMD viral nonstructural protein (3ABC) (IDEXX laboratories, USA). 2 test and multiple logistic regression techniques were used to examine the data.In small ruminants, the sero-prevalence of FMD was 27.22% (479/1760).The sero-prevalence of FMD in goats (288/1006; 28.63%) was considerably higher (P<0.001)than in sheep (191/754; 25.33%).After controlling for other variables, the risk of FMD in sheep was higher than in goats (CI: 0.4-0.78,p=0.001).Overall Male animals had a higher sero-positivity rate of 28.66% (70/244) and 34.53% (86/249) than female animals 23.72% (121/510) and 26.68% (202/757) in sheep and goats respectively.Female animals were more likely than male animals to test positive for FMD infection (P<0.003).District Chakwal (22.51%) had a substantially lower and District Rawalpindi had maximum (34.53%) sero-prevalence than the other districts (p<0.001).The data suggest that FMD is prevalent in small ruminants housed in close quarters with large ruminants, and that these animals might operate as FMD viral reservoirs and infection sources in vulnerable cattle.
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, it is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience linked or similar to that linked to an actual or potential tissue injury. A practical instrument for assessing pain is the Abbreviated Pain Inventory, which is a questionnaire developed to assess the severity and effect of pain on the individual's daily functioning. It is because of the aforementioned that the purpose of this analysis is based on Identifying the impact and severity of pain in the daily activities of Post-COVID-19 patients, according to the BPI questionnaire. The type of study selected for this research work is descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental and retrospective, the approach is quantitative. A digital survey was used through Google Forms, based on the abbreviated Pain Inventory (BPI), in addition to containing items on the sociodemographic characteristics of the study sample and the symptoms in Post-COVID-19 patients. Results, the symptoms referenced by Post-COVID-19 patients are numerous, among which stand out, muscle fatigue with 26 individuals in the sample, generalized weakness with 23 individuals in the sample, and memory alterations with 18 individuals in the sample. shows. In general terms, it is observed that the pain perceived by the study participants has not greatly disturbed their general activities, only 13 respondents report a moderate to severe degree of disturbance.
Background: Disorders of electrolytes balance, especially that of potassium, have frequently been documented among patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, most of these reports have been documented among the western populations. Hence, this current study was aimed to evaluate the pattern of derangement in potassium balance and its correlation to other clinical and laboratory variables among Nigerians. Methods: Archived data of all eligible adult patients, who were managed at the Eleme treatment center in Port Harcourt, Nigeria following a positive real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, were enrolled for this study. All relevant data of enrolled subjects were retrieved from the archived case notes, medical review charts, nurses’ charts, and laboratory-related records at initial presentation before any form of medical treatment by trained research assistants using well-structured data extraction forms. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: Hypokalemia was recorded in 323 (62.8%) subjects out of a total of 515 eligible subjects. Mild, moderate, and severe hypokalemia was recorded among 32 (9.9%), 219 (67.9%), and 72 (22.2%) subjects, respectively. The subjects with severe hypokalemic status were mostly males and also of older age and had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, CRP, D-dimer, neutrophil count, and higher proportions of those with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection but lower albumin levels, lymphocyte and platelet counts compared to those with mild and moderate hypokalemic status (p<0.05). Inverse relationships were established between plasma potassium status and systolic blood pressure, sodium, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and neutrophil count. While a significant positive relationship was observed between plasma potassium status and plasma albumin, lymphocyte counts, platelet counts, and oxygen saturation among the hypokalemic subjects (p<0.05). Compare to mild and moderate hypokalemic status, severe hypokalemic status was associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 5.671; (95%CI: 4.467-7.365); p<0.001) and unfavorable clinical outcomes (OR: 7.863; (95%CI: 6.502-9.342); p<0.001) among the hypokalemic subjects. Conclusion: The present study findings suggest a high frequency of hypokalemia among subjects with the SARS-CoV-2 infection who are mostly males and of older age. The observed hypokalemia, especially the severe variant, was found in association with the severe infection and unfavorable clinical outcome. These findings should be considered during the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, further studies are recommended to verify the conclusions of the present study.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with an inflammatory component. It is associated with progressive histological alterations and disabling symptoms. Today, drugs such as glucocorticoids (GCs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly employed for the treatment of osteoarthritis but have serious and life-threatening side effects. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of alcoholic essences of Laurus nobilis L. (AELN) on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, isoform), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO), as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on inflammatory cells, similar osteoarthritis in synoviocytes, and monocytes/ macrophages, and to compare it with dexamethasone (DEX) and ibuprofen (IBP). After collecting the leaves of the Laurus nobilis L. (LN) and after drying, the essences were collected by the Center for Genetic and Biological Resources of Iran. Synovial cells were isolated from the synovial membrane of the radiocarpal joint cartilage of an 8-month-old Holstein cow. THP-1 cells were prepared from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Cells were cultivated and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation without, or in the presence of, DEX, IBP, or alcoholic essences of Laurus nobilis L. (AELN) The gene expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, COX-2, and iNOS were evaluated by real-time PCR. Concentrations of NO and PGE2 were measured by ELISA methods. Treatment of the studied cell with alcoholic essences of Laurus nobilis L, before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes such as cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and It also reduces the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by almost 50%. This reduction is significant compared to the 90% reduction due to treatment with dexamethasone and ibuprofen. Significant reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by alcoholic essences of Laurus nobilis L can be considered as a new drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis and requires further studies in laboratory animals and clinical studies.
Background: Several studies have reported profound altered serum albumin level status among patients with COVID-19 disease. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the plasma albumin status levels and to establish the relationship between serum albumin level status and markers of hepato-biliary dysfunction and systemic inflammation among COVID-19 patients of African origin. Methods: This was a retrospective study of pre-treatment data obtained from patients with confirmed real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 disease in Eleme COVID-19 treatment center, Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria. Data were obtained from each patients’ case notes, medical review charts, nurses’ vital signs/medication charts, laboratory records, and archived data from the electronic medical records using trained research assistants at the treatment center. The data extraction was done using validated data collection templates. Data analysis was done using standard protocols. Results: Among the 473 studied cases, 112 (23.7%) had normal plasma albumin status while 361 (76.3%) had low plasma albumin status. Among the low plasma albumin status subgroups, 57.6% and 42.4% had clinically insignificant and clinically significant low plasma albumin status levels, respectively. No difference was observed in the mean plasma levels/activities of all the markers of hepato-biliary dysfunctions between the subjects with normal and low albumin status levels and also between the clinically insignificant and clinically significant low plasma albumin status subgroups (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean plasma levels of all the systemic inflammatory markers between the subjects with normal and low albumin status levels as well as between the clinically insignificant and clinically significant low plasma albumin status subgroups (p<0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship existed between the plasma albumin status levels and all the markers of hepato-biliary dysfunctions (p>0.05). However, significant inverse relationships existed between plasma albumin status levels and all the systemic inflammatory markers/indices (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study indicates that low plasma albumin level status is common among COVID-19 patients and correlates significantly with systemic inflammation. Since COVID-19 is invariably associated with systemic inflammation, albumin may have therapeutic value in COVID-19 management. However, further studies are highly recommended.
Introduction: MCQs in one of popular test item of educational institution in a short time, large part of curriculum. It is an effective tool for student assessment as well as providing guidelines to teachers. Objectives: Our study objectives were to analyze the quality of MCQs and identify the low scorers and student learning difficulties. Standardization of MCQs is required only after test item analysis. Material and Methods: The study design was cross sectional analytical study. Simple random sampling technique was applied. The total participants were 100 students of 1st year MBBS of Ghazi Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan. Fifty best MCQs were given in send up of Medical Physiology 2021. On basis of students total score in test, they were divides into two groups, high scorers (n=25) and low scorers (n=25). The difficulty index (P) and discrimination index, distracter efficiency (DE%) were calculated. Results: Our study 80% of test items have acceptable range of difficulty index and very high distracter efficiency. Only 20% of test item showed very poor difficulty index, which needs to be rephrased or deleted. The 20% test item had acceptable difficulty index (P=38), high D. I (0.36) and highest distracter efficiency (DE=100%). Conclusion: Test items with average difficulty index (P), excellent DI and all functional distracters should be given in subsequent tests.
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19 disease, initially reported in Wuhan, Hubei China as an outbreak of viral pneumonia. The presentation ranged from asymptomatic to a severe viral pneumonia which can be fatal in high-risk groups. Some patients also presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies on its symptomatology had been widely discussed in various literatures but its effect on aminotransferases and gastrointestinal system in general were still underway. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver manifestations and corresponding laboratory abnormalities among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary referral hospital, and to determine its associations with disease severity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Cross-sectional study design was used. A 340-sample population was computed with a 95% confidence interval. The population consisted of randomly selected COVID-19 confirmed patients aged >19 years-old admitted at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center from May 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. Data were encoded in a spreadsheet; and were analyzed through frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Kruskal-Wallis H Test, One-way ANOVA and Chi-square were used to test for association with <0.01 alpha level of significance. 18.23% COVID-19 patients had GI and liver manifestations. The presence of GI symptoms also showed an increased risk for developing abnormal laboratory parameters (aminotransferases, INR, inflammatory markers, and Procalcitonin). Symptoms and laboratory parameters were also associated with severe COVID-19 infection and abnormal laboratories were also associated with worse outcomes (recovery status, need for ICU admission, mortality and length of hospitalizations), except for GGT. Mild acute liver injury was common in COVID-19 patients and signified better recovery outcomes. In conclusion, these symptoms and laboratory tests provided significant associations which can be used by clinicians in tailoring specific diagnostics and therapeutics; and can simultaneously be used in prognostication of COVID-19 patients.
Beta thalassemia is the most common genetic blood disease, affecting millions of people in both developing and developed countries including Iraq. Patients with thalassemia require frequent blood transfusions, which can cause a variety of complications. Several researches have looked into the link between ABO blood groups and diseases. The associations of ABO blood group with thalassemia have not been extensively studied. In order to know the prevalence of thalassemia according to age, gender and blood group frequency, a study was conducted on 200 individuals, 100 of them were a control sample, which was considered a standard sample, while the rest 100 individuals were infected with beta thalassemia. The study aims to find out any relationship between the frequency of blood group phenotypes and susceptibility to thalassemia compared to the control sample. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of thalassemia was higher in female patients than in male patients. Found in the lowest age group 15-19 years. There was a significant difference (P 0.05) in the frequency of ABO blood groups that was O>B>A>AB. A significant difference of Rh factor (P<0.01) was found in the patients compared with the control group. The current study indicated the importance of the studied blood groups, as they are sources for detecting the risks of inheriting beta thalassemia or the variability in the likelihood of its appearance, and they can be used with other laboratory tests in genetic counseling.
