Research Background: Sickle cell trait has no treatment or cure and predominantly affects people who are Black, but can affect anyone of any race or ethnicity. While commonly incorrectly considered benign by providers...Research Background: Sickle cell trait has no treatment or cure and predominantly affects people who are Black, but can affect anyone of any race or ethnicity. While commonly incorrectly considered benign by providers and the public, people with a sickle cell trait experience life-threatening outcomes that are exacerbated by extreme conditions. There is a severe lack of awareness and understanding of sickle cell trait and the associated health complications among sickle cell trait carriers and healthcare providers. Purpose/Aim: Interventions that aim to improve awareness of sickle cell trait differ in approaches and are not well documented in the literature. This typology aims to highlight current efforts to inform targeted interventions that raise awareness through consistent messaging, educate people and providers on sickle cell trait and the related health complications, and support the design and implementation of comprehensive sickle cell trait awareness initiatives. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of United States-based sickle cell trait interventions and performed a content analysis to identify the categories and characteristics of these efforts. We then organized the results into a typology according to established protocols. Results: Among 164 interventions, twenty-five (15%) met the typology inclusion criteria described above and were grouped into categories: Seven of twenty-five interventions were Educational Interventions (28%), three of twenty-five interventions (12%) were Combined Screening and Educational-Based Interventions, eight of twenty-five interventions (32%) were Policy and Guideline-Based Intervention, and six of twenty-five interventions (24%) were Sickle Cell Trait Organization-Led Interventions. Conclusions: There is a lack of consistency in messaging across interventions whether delivered by credible healthcare institutions or national organizations, which can result in lack of education and awareness and confusion around sickle cell trait. Categorizing interventions through a typology allows clarity and informs consistency in messaging, which should be at the forefront of future sickle cell trait efforts.展开更多
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent condition, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the presence of specific genes associated with Malaria contributes to its high prevalence. Patients with s...Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent condition, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the presence of specific genes associated with Malaria contributes to its high prevalence. Patients with sickle cell disease frequently experience painful episodes necessitating hospitalization, and their hemoglobin levels are typically lower than those of the general population. There are different treatment options available to manage complications, such as transfusing blood, hydroxyurea, and strong anti-pains. However, with all these treatments, patients still commonly experience pain crises and suffer from organ damage. Hydroxyurea, the sole approved medication for sickle cell anemia in developed and developing countries, is widely used in children despite being primarily indicated for adults. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of hydroxyurea in inducing HbF production in young children with SCD. Elevated HbF levels have been associated with improved clinical outcomes, including a reduction in vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusions. Furthermore, increased HbF levels have been shown to ameliorate disease-related organ damage, such as pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell retinopathy. The response to hydroxyurea treatment in young children with SCD is variable. Some patients achieve substantial increases in HbF levels and experience significant clinical benefits, while others may have a more modest response. Factors influencing the response include baseline HbF levels, genetic modifiers, treatment adherence, and dose optimization. Safety is a crucial consideration when using hydroxyurea in young children. Studies have shown that hydroxyurea is generally well-tolerated, with the most common adverse effects being myelosuppression, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dermatological manifestations. However,long-term effects and potential risks, such as renal dysfunction and reproductive impacts, require further investigation. The effectiveness of hydroxyurea in young children with SCD has been demonstrated in various clinical trials and observational studies. These studies have shown a significant reduction in disease-related complications and improved quality of life. However, optimal dosing, treatment duration, and long-term outcomes are still areas of ongoing research. This review focuses on recent studies investigating the benefits, effectiveness, responses, and safety of hydroxyurea in pediatric individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease.展开更多
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most invasive type of oral malignant tumor, posing a serious threat to human life and health. Its pathogenesis is complex and has a high degree of malignancy. Recurrence an...Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most invasive type of oral malignant tumor, posing a serious threat to human life and health. Its pathogenesis is complex and has a high degree of malignancy. Recurrence and metastasis often lead to poor prognosis. MicroRNAs are a type of single stranded small molecule RNA with only 18 - 25 nucleotides, which can regulate the expression of various genes and participate in the occurrence and development of tumors. Studies have found that microRNA expression profiling can serve as a reliable and stable biological indicator for early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. This article provides a review of the research status of MicroRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.展开更多
In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, ...In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, no study has been done so far to study the influence of friction on the red blood cell indentation response using optical tweezers. In this study, we have developed a new approach to determine the coefficient of friction as well as the frictional forces of the red blood cell. This approach therefore allowed us to simultaneously carry out the indentation and traction test, which allowed us to extract the interfacial properties of the microbead red blood cell couple, among other things, the friction coefficient. This property would be extremely important to investigate the survival and mechanical features of cells, which will be of great physiological and pathological significance. But taking into account the hypothesis of friction as defined by the isotropic Coulomb law. The experiment performed for this purpose is the Brinell Hardness Test (DB).展开更多
Background: In Côte d’Ivoire so far, the circulating haplotypes have been inferred on the phenotypic profiling of SCD patients. The impact of the circulating haplotypes on the use of Hydroxyurea has not been ass...Background: In Côte d’Ivoire so far, the circulating haplotypes have been inferred on the phenotypic profiling of SCD patients. The impact of the circulating haplotypes on the use of Hydroxyurea has not been assessed yet. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify in Abidjan the HbS haplotypes that modulate HU treatment responses. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, children aged 5 to 15 years with SCD, and carrying the hemoglobin phenotypes SSFA2 and SFA2, were recruited into a HU treatment cohort. Various parameters on the haplotypes and the outcomes of the treatment were analyzed. Results: Thirty nine children with SCD were included. The phenotypic profile of the cohort was 86.6% of SSFA2 and 15.4% of SFA2. Three haplotypes were found, the Benin haplotype, the Senegal haplotype, and an atypical one. The participants belonged to three genotypes, Benin/atypical (64.1%), Benin/Senegal (33.3%) and Senegal/Senegal (2.6%). Overall, HU treatment was successful in all haplotypes with 12 out of 39 patients failing treatment after 12 months in the Benin haplotype group. The association between HU treatment success and the Benin haplotype was found in terms of the decrease in the number of white blood cells and the students missing class. Conclusion: The study revealed that inferring haplotype based on the phenotypic profile could be inaccurate. The proportion of atypical haplotype that were not previously described in Côte d’Ivoire was high. All the haplotypes seemed to be associated with HU treatment success but some patients with Benin haplotype did not respond well.展开更多
Collecting umbilical cord stem cells is widely practiced due to its numerous benefits. Over the past decade, umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs) have shown effectiveness in treating various conditions, such as bone path...Collecting umbilical cord stem cells is widely practiced due to its numerous benefits. Over the past decade, umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs) have shown effectiveness in treating various conditions, such as bone pathologies, neuropsychiatry disorders, hereditary diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, factors like immunization affect the quantity and quality of cord harvesting. Studies suggest that antibodies from the mother pass through the umbilical cord to protect the infant against infections. Cleaning the umbilical cord before stem cell extraction is crucial to maintain sterility and cell integrity. Vaccinating a female donor, including for COVID-19, typically does not directly affect the stem cells. Although vaccines aim to trigger an immunological response, they generally do not affect the donor’s stem cells.展开更多
Non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma make up approximately 80% and 20% respectively, of skin cancers with the 6 million people that are treated ann...Non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma make up approximately 80% and 20% respectively, of skin cancers with the 6 million people that are treated annually in the United States. 1 in 5 Americans and 2 in 3 Australians develop skin cancer by the age of 70 years and in Australia it is the most expensive, amassing $1.5 billion, to treat cancers. Non-melanoma skin cancers are often self-detected and are usually removed by various means in doctors’ surgeries. Mohs micrographic surgery is acclaimed to be the gold standard for the treatment of skin cancer. However, a novel microscopic molecular-cellular non-invasive topical therapy described in this article, challenges the status of Mohs procedure for being the acclaimed gold standard.展开更多
Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children wi...Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.展开更多
Seizures of agrochemical formulations have increased in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul is among the Brazilian states with the highest number of seizures of these products obtained illicitly. The use of illicit formulati...Seizures of agrochemical formulations have increased in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul is among the Brazilian states with the highest number of seizures of these products obtained illicitly. The use of illicit formulations can cause significant harm to agricultural production, the environment, and non-target species. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of a seized formulation containing the herbicide imazethapyr (IMZT). Characterization of the herbicide included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermal analyses (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). Hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays in ZF-L hepatic cells showed IC50 values of 12.75 µg/mL, 3.01 µg/mL, 2.67 µg/mL, and 1.61 µg/mL for erythrocytes, [3(4,5-dimethyl)-2 bromide-5 diphenyl tetrazolium] (MTT), neutral red (NR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. The median IC50 of 2.84 µg/mL was used in oxidative stress assays, revealing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced total sulfhydryl content, and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. This study is the first to report in vitro oxidative stress induced by IMZT in the ZF-L cell line, emphasizing the importance of in vitro assays for assessing the toxic effects of seized agrochemicals on human health and the environment.展开更多
Cells are surrounded by a double-layered phospholipid cell membrane responsible for the isolation of intracellular contents, active regulation of uptake from the extracellular environment, and intercellular connection...Cells are surrounded by a double-layered phospholipid cell membrane responsible for the isolation of intracellular contents, active regulation of uptake from the extracellular environment, and intercellular connection and communication. These cell membranes must be intact and functionally active for cell survival and biological functioning. Compromised damage repair mechanisms usually result in impaired cellular homeostasis, leading to early or late problems. Chronic myopathies, certain myocardial diseases, aging, and acute or chronic neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson and Alzheimer) are directly related to cell membrane damage. This study examined the effect of a cholesterol-loaded nanoparticle (methyl-beta cyclodextrin) or the silk protein sericin on cell membrane and DNA integrity and cell viability in an in vitro cell damage model (frozen-thawed rabbit sperm cells). The cells were stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), thawed in small batches, and treated with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin or sericin before incubation at 35°C for 4 hours. Cell membrane integrity, DNA damage, and viability rates were assessed immediately after thawing and after the incubation period. The administration of sericin and cholesterol in a cell damage model increased cell survival and reduced DNA damage over a 4-hour post-thaw incubation period, suggesting their potential use as a “first aid” intervention at the cellular level.展开更多
Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A national referral center for the management of infants and pregnant women with sickle cell disease (CPMI-NFED) was created three de...Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A national referral center for the management of infants and pregnant women with sickle cell disease (CPMI-NFED) was created three decades ago in Cotonou, in the south of Benin with two regional branches including that of Parakou in the North for better access of patients to specialized care. This work is a review of five years of activities in order to describe the epidemiological, clinical, hematological and evolutionary profiles of the children followed up in the said branch. Method: This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study on the medical records of children with sickle cell disease, followed up at the regional branch of CPMI-NFED in Borgou/Alibori from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical, biological and evolutionary. Results: A total of 101 children with sickle cell disease were included in the study, including 78 homozygous SS (77.2%) and 23 heterozygous SC (22.8%). Their mean age at inclusion was 51.2 ± 37.6 months [6 - 204]. The sex ratio was 1.4. Vaso-occlusive crises were the main diagnostic circumstances in 42.3% of homozygotes. More than half of the children (51.5%) had a regular follow-up. The average baseline level of hemoglobin (Hb) in homozygous children was 8.8 ± 1.4 g/dl [5.8 - 11.5];and the rate of Hb S varied between 61.9 and 94.7%. In heterozygous SC children, the mean baseline level of Hb was 10.7 ± 0.6 g/dl [9.7 - 11.5]. Acute complications observed during follow-up were dominated by pneumonia and vaso-occlusive crises in both phenotypes. The overall mortality was 3% and only affected homozygous patients. Conclusion: On average, three out of four children were homozygous in our cohort. The main acute complications were infectious and vaso-occlusive. The mortality only affected homozygous carriers. Specialized follow-up has contributed to improving the quality of life of children with sickle cell disease. This could be implemented on a large scale for better survival of children with sickle cell disease.展开更多
Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behav...Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behaviours among people with sickle cell disease in Cameroon. This is what justifies our study on the prevalence and factors related to suicidal behaviors in our study population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study of 171 sickle cell patients aged from 12 years upwards who came to the sickle cell disease care service of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, over a period of 6 months, that is, from 1 January to 31 June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with questions on suicidal behaviours based on the “MINI” (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The data were processed using the SPSS 26.0 software. The related factors were studied in both a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Female sickle cell patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The mean age was 23.36 ± 8.42 years. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 56% of cases and 13% attempted suicide. The factors most associated with suicidal ideation were: primary level of education (OR = 0.08 (0.09 - 0.79);p = 0.03), feeling unworthy of life (OR = 0.40 (0.08 - 1.96);p = 0.02), not often being considered by those around them (OR = 2.97 (1.26 - 6.99);p = 0.01), lack of family support (OR = 0.34 (0.15 - 0.77);p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the factors associated with suicide attempts were: the fact of being rarely exposed to suicide-related media (OR = 4.17 (1.40 - 71.80);p = 0.03), and a constant feeling of sadness when returning home (OR = 18.02 (1.59 - 20.55);p = 0.01). Conclusion: More than half of sickle cell patients had had suicidal thoughts and 1/6 had made at least one suicide attempt, women and young adults being the most concerned. It is therefore necessary to ensure optimum psychological care for patients with sickle cell disease.展开更多
文摘Research Background: Sickle cell trait has no treatment or cure and predominantly affects people who are Black, but can affect anyone of any race or ethnicity. While commonly incorrectly considered benign by providers and the public, people with a sickle cell trait experience life-threatening outcomes that are exacerbated by extreme conditions. There is a severe lack of awareness and understanding of sickle cell trait and the associated health complications among sickle cell trait carriers and healthcare providers. Purpose/Aim: Interventions that aim to improve awareness of sickle cell trait differ in approaches and are not well documented in the literature. This typology aims to highlight current efforts to inform targeted interventions that raise awareness through consistent messaging, educate people and providers on sickle cell trait and the related health complications, and support the design and implementation of comprehensive sickle cell trait awareness initiatives. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of United States-based sickle cell trait interventions and performed a content analysis to identify the categories and characteristics of these efforts. We then organized the results into a typology according to established protocols. Results: Among 164 interventions, twenty-five (15%) met the typology inclusion criteria described above and were grouped into categories: Seven of twenty-five interventions were Educational Interventions (28%), three of twenty-five interventions (12%) were Combined Screening and Educational-Based Interventions, eight of twenty-five interventions (32%) were Policy and Guideline-Based Intervention, and six of twenty-five interventions (24%) were Sickle Cell Trait Organization-Led Interventions. Conclusions: There is a lack of consistency in messaging across interventions whether delivered by credible healthcare institutions or national organizations, which can result in lack of education and awareness and confusion around sickle cell trait. Categorizing interventions through a typology allows clarity and informs consistency in messaging, which should be at the forefront of future sickle cell trait efforts.
文摘Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent condition, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the presence of specific genes associated with Malaria contributes to its high prevalence. Patients with sickle cell disease frequently experience painful episodes necessitating hospitalization, and their hemoglobin levels are typically lower than those of the general population. There are different treatment options available to manage complications, such as transfusing blood, hydroxyurea, and strong anti-pains. However, with all these treatments, patients still commonly experience pain crises and suffer from organ damage. Hydroxyurea, the sole approved medication for sickle cell anemia in developed and developing countries, is widely used in children despite being primarily indicated for adults. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of hydroxyurea in inducing HbF production in young children with SCD. Elevated HbF levels have been associated with improved clinical outcomes, including a reduction in vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusions. Furthermore, increased HbF levels have been shown to ameliorate disease-related organ damage, such as pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell retinopathy. The response to hydroxyurea treatment in young children with SCD is variable. Some patients achieve substantial increases in HbF levels and experience significant clinical benefits, while others may have a more modest response. Factors influencing the response include baseline HbF levels, genetic modifiers, treatment adherence, and dose optimization. Safety is a crucial consideration when using hydroxyurea in young children. Studies have shown that hydroxyurea is generally well-tolerated, with the most common adverse effects being myelosuppression, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dermatological manifestations. However,long-term effects and potential risks, such as renal dysfunction and reproductive impacts, require further investigation. The effectiveness of hydroxyurea in young children with SCD has been demonstrated in various clinical trials and observational studies. These studies have shown a significant reduction in disease-related complications and improved quality of life. However, optimal dosing, treatment duration, and long-term outcomes are still areas of ongoing research. This review focuses on recent studies investigating the benefits, effectiveness, responses, and safety of hydroxyurea in pediatric individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
文摘Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most invasive type of oral malignant tumor, posing a serious threat to human life and health. Its pathogenesis is complex and has a high degree of malignancy. Recurrence and metastasis often lead to poor prognosis. MicroRNAs are a type of single stranded small molecule RNA with only 18 - 25 nucleotides, which can regulate the expression of various genes and participate in the occurrence and development of tumors. Studies have found that microRNA expression profiling can serve as a reliable and stable biological indicator for early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. This article provides a review of the research status of MicroRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
文摘In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, no study has been done so far to study the influence of friction on the red blood cell indentation response using optical tweezers. In this study, we have developed a new approach to determine the coefficient of friction as well as the frictional forces of the red blood cell. This approach therefore allowed us to simultaneously carry out the indentation and traction test, which allowed us to extract the interfacial properties of the microbead red blood cell couple, among other things, the friction coefficient. This property would be extremely important to investigate the survival and mechanical features of cells, which will be of great physiological and pathological significance. But taking into account the hypothesis of friction as defined by the isotropic Coulomb law. The experiment performed for this purpose is the Brinell Hardness Test (DB).
文摘Background: In Côte d’Ivoire so far, the circulating haplotypes have been inferred on the phenotypic profiling of SCD patients. The impact of the circulating haplotypes on the use of Hydroxyurea has not been assessed yet. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify in Abidjan the HbS haplotypes that modulate HU treatment responses. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, children aged 5 to 15 years with SCD, and carrying the hemoglobin phenotypes SSFA2 and SFA2, were recruited into a HU treatment cohort. Various parameters on the haplotypes and the outcomes of the treatment were analyzed. Results: Thirty nine children with SCD were included. The phenotypic profile of the cohort was 86.6% of SSFA2 and 15.4% of SFA2. Three haplotypes were found, the Benin haplotype, the Senegal haplotype, and an atypical one. The participants belonged to three genotypes, Benin/atypical (64.1%), Benin/Senegal (33.3%) and Senegal/Senegal (2.6%). Overall, HU treatment was successful in all haplotypes with 12 out of 39 patients failing treatment after 12 months in the Benin haplotype group. The association between HU treatment success and the Benin haplotype was found in terms of the decrease in the number of white blood cells and the students missing class. Conclusion: The study revealed that inferring haplotype based on the phenotypic profile could be inaccurate. The proportion of atypical haplotype that were not previously described in Côte d’Ivoire was high. All the haplotypes seemed to be associated with HU treatment success but some patients with Benin haplotype did not respond well.
文摘Collecting umbilical cord stem cells is widely practiced due to its numerous benefits. Over the past decade, umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs) have shown effectiveness in treating various conditions, such as bone pathologies, neuropsychiatry disorders, hereditary diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, factors like immunization affect the quantity and quality of cord harvesting. Studies suggest that antibodies from the mother pass through the umbilical cord to protect the infant against infections. Cleaning the umbilical cord before stem cell extraction is crucial to maintain sterility and cell integrity. Vaccinating a female donor, including for COVID-19, typically does not directly affect the stem cells. Although vaccines aim to trigger an immunological response, they generally do not affect the donor’s stem cells.
文摘Non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma make up approximately 80% and 20% respectively, of skin cancers with the 6 million people that are treated annually in the United States. 1 in 5 Americans and 2 in 3 Australians develop skin cancer by the age of 70 years and in Australia it is the most expensive, amassing $1.5 billion, to treat cancers. Non-melanoma skin cancers are often self-detected and are usually removed by various means in doctors’ surgeries. Mohs micrographic surgery is acclaimed to be the gold standard for the treatment of skin cancer. However, a novel microscopic molecular-cellular non-invasive topical therapy described in this article, challenges the status of Mohs procedure for being the acclaimed gold standard.
文摘Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.
文摘Seizures of agrochemical formulations have increased in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul is among the Brazilian states with the highest number of seizures of these products obtained illicitly. The use of illicit formulations can cause significant harm to agricultural production, the environment, and non-target species. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of a seized formulation containing the herbicide imazethapyr (IMZT). Characterization of the herbicide included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermal analyses (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). Hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays in ZF-L hepatic cells showed IC50 values of 12.75 µg/mL, 3.01 µg/mL, 2.67 µg/mL, and 1.61 µg/mL for erythrocytes, [3(4,5-dimethyl)-2 bromide-5 diphenyl tetrazolium] (MTT), neutral red (NR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. The median IC50 of 2.84 µg/mL was used in oxidative stress assays, revealing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced total sulfhydryl content, and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. This study is the first to report in vitro oxidative stress induced by IMZT in the ZF-L cell line, emphasizing the importance of in vitro assays for assessing the toxic effects of seized agrochemicals on human health and the environment.
文摘Cells are surrounded by a double-layered phospholipid cell membrane responsible for the isolation of intracellular contents, active regulation of uptake from the extracellular environment, and intercellular connection and communication. These cell membranes must be intact and functionally active for cell survival and biological functioning. Compromised damage repair mechanisms usually result in impaired cellular homeostasis, leading to early or late problems. Chronic myopathies, certain myocardial diseases, aging, and acute or chronic neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson and Alzheimer) are directly related to cell membrane damage. This study examined the effect of a cholesterol-loaded nanoparticle (methyl-beta cyclodextrin) or the silk protein sericin on cell membrane and DNA integrity and cell viability in an in vitro cell damage model (frozen-thawed rabbit sperm cells). The cells were stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), thawed in small batches, and treated with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin or sericin before incubation at 35°C for 4 hours. Cell membrane integrity, DNA damage, and viability rates were assessed immediately after thawing and after the incubation period. The administration of sericin and cholesterol in a cell damage model increased cell survival and reduced DNA damage over a 4-hour post-thaw incubation period, suggesting their potential use as a “first aid” intervention at the cellular level.
文摘Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A national referral center for the management of infants and pregnant women with sickle cell disease (CPMI-NFED) was created three decades ago in Cotonou, in the south of Benin with two regional branches including that of Parakou in the North for better access of patients to specialized care. This work is a review of five years of activities in order to describe the epidemiological, clinical, hematological and evolutionary profiles of the children followed up in the said branch. Method: This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study on the medical records of children with sickle cell disease, followed up at the regional branch of CPMI-NFED in Borgou/Alibori from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical, biological and evolutionary. Results: A total of 101 children with sickle cell disease were included in the study, including 78 homozygous SS (77.2%) and 23 heterozygous SC (22.8%). Their mean age at inclusion was 51.2 ± 37.6 months [6 - 204]. The sex ratio was 1.4. Vaso-occlusive crises were the main diagnostic circumstances in 42.3% of homozygotes. More than half of the children (51.5%) had a regular follow-up. The average baseline level of hemoglobin (Hb) in homozygous children was 8.8 ± 1.4 g/dl [5.8 - 11.5];and the rate of Hb S varied between 61.9 and 94.7%. In heterozygous SC children, the mean baseline level of Hb was 10.7 ± 0.6 g/dl [9.7 - 11.5]. Acute complications observed during follow-up were dominated by pneumonia and vaso-occlusive crises in both phenotypes. The overall mortality was 3% and only affected homozygous patients. Conclusion: On average, three out of four children were homozygous in our cohort. The main acute complications were infectious and vaso-occlusive. The mortality only affected homozygous carriers. Specialized follow-up has contributed to improving the quality of life of children with sickle cell disease. This could be implemented on a large scale for better survival of children with sickle cell disease.
文摘Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behaviours among people with sickle cell disease in Cameroon. This is what justifies our study on the prevalence and factors related to suicidal behaviors in our study population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study of 171 sickle cell patients aged from 12 years upwards who came to the sickle cell disease care service of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, over a period of 6 months, that is, from 1 January to 31 June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with questions on suicidal behaviours based on the “MINI” (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The data were processed using the SPSS 26.0 software. The related factors were studied in both a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Female sickle cell patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The mean age was 23.36 ± 8.42 years. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 56% of cases and 13% attempted suicide. The factors most associated with suicidal ideation were: primary level of education (OR = 0.08 (0.09 - 0.79);p = 0.03), feeling unworthy of life (OR = 0.40 (0.08 - 1.96);p = 0.02), not often being considered by those around them (OR = 2.97 (1.26 - 6.99);p = 0.01), lack of family support (OR = 0.34 (0.15 - 0.77);p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the factors associated with suicide attempts were: the fact of being rarely exposed to suicide-related media (OR = 4.17 (1.40 - 71.80);p = 0.03), and a constant feeling of sadness when returning home (OR = 18.02 (1.59 - 20.55);p = 0.01). Conclusion: More than half of sickle cell patients had had suicidal thoughts and 1/6 had made at least one suicide attempt, women and young adults being the most concerned. It is therefore necessary to ensure optimum psychological care for patients with sickle cell disease.
