Insights into the anorexic mechanism of Khat:an integrated in vivo,ex vivo,and in silico investigations

Background:Chewing Khat(Catha edulis)releases cathine and cathinone,which may reduce appetite via an unknown mechanism.This study investigated the peripheral and central effects of fresh leaves and buds of Catha edulis water extract(CEWE)on appetite biomarkers,gene expression,and body weight,using in vivo,ex vivo,and in silico models.Methods:Rats of both sexes were orally administered CEWE at different doses and durations in three different experiments.Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy(LC-MS)-MS was used to detect cathinone and cathine in the murine blood.The effect of Khat on serotonin receptors was studied in isolated rat fundus samples.Docking of the two Khat ligands was performed on G(The 5-hydroxytryptamine-type 2C receptor(5-HT2C)in an agonist-bound active conformation)and H(5-HT2C in an antagonist-bound inactive conformation)proteins to determine which ligands are most likely to act as agonists or antagonists.Results:Significant differences(P<0.05)in body weight were observed between the CEWE-treated groups and the controls over eight weeks.However,the plasma leptin and ghrelin levels did not change significantly(P>0.05).The expression of the ghrelin and leptin genes was also unaffected,but the expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)gene decreased(P<0.05)with CEWE treatment.CEWE antagonizes 5-HT receptors in isolated rat fundus samples.Docking findings indicated that the khat ligands bound to 5-HT2C receptors.Cathine and cathinone levels in rat plasma were measured.Conclusion:Khat extract may suppress appetite by antagonizing the 5-HT receptors.Further research is required to understand its mechanism and potential applications.

Radiographic Equipment and Accessories as a Potential Source of Nosocomial Infection

Background: Nosocomial infections have become a major challenge in healthcare facilities as they affect the quality of medical care. Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis. However, the equipment and accessories used increase the risk of transmission of nosocomial bacteria. Objective: This study aims to reveal the extent and nature of microbiological contamination in four hospital diagnostic imaging departments to determine their potential role in the spread of nosocomial bacteria and to evaluate the effectiveness of routine daily disinfection practices in controlling microorganisms in diagnostic imaging departments. Methods & Results: In each department, swabs were taken from the surfaces of selected parts of the equipment and accessories three times a day (early morning, noon, and evening) for five consecutive days. Bacteria were isolated from 65 swabs (36.1% of all samples). The bacteria were isolated 3 times (4.6%) in the morning, 16 times (24.6%) at midday, and 46 times (70.7%) in the evening. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (isolated 34 times;52.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (20 times;30.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6 times;9.3%), and Klebsiella species (5 times;7.7%). Discussion & Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that radiology equipment and accessories are not free of bacteria and further improvements in the sterilization and disinfection of radiology equipment and accessories are needed to protect staff and patients from nosocomial infections.

Green synthesis,characterization,acaricidal,larvacidal,and repellent activities of copper nanoparticles of Astragalus sinicus against Hyalomma anatolicum

Objective:To green synthesize and characterize copper nanoparticles(Cu NPs)using Astragalus sinicus,as well as evaluate the acaricidal,larvacidal,and repellent activities of Cu NPs against Hyalomma anatolicum(H.anatolicum),one of the most prevalent ticks infesting cattle in Saudi Arabia.Methods:Cu NPs were green synthesized by adding the Astragalus sinicus extract to a copper sulfate solution.The acaricidal,larvicidal,and repellent activities of Cu NPs against H.anatolicum were assessed via the adult immersion test,the larval packet test,and the vertical movement behavior of tick larvae,respectively.The effects of Cu NPs on acetylcholinesterase as well as oxidative enzyme activities were examined.Results:The green synthesized Cu NPs displayed a spherical form with a size range of 15-75 nm.After exposure of adult H.anatolicum to different concentrations of Cu NPs,the viability rate of adult H.anatolicum and the mean number,weight,and hatchability of eggs were noticeably reduced,in comparison to the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the viability rate of larvae considerably declined(P<0.001)with the LC_(50)and LC_(90)values of 11.30 and 20.34μg/m L,respectively.The maximum repellent activity of Cu NPs was observed at 50,100,and 200μg/m L with complete repellent activity after 60,120,and 180 min of exposure,respectively.Cu NPs,mainly at 1/2 LC_(50)and LC_(50)concentrations,markedly suppressed the acetylcholinesterase activity of the larval stage of H.anatolicum(P<0.001).Moreover,Cu NPs,mainly at LC_(50)dose,significantly elevated malondialdehyde level while declining glutathione-S-transferase level in H.anatolicum larvae(P<0.001).Conclusions:Cu NPs show potent acaricidal,larvicidal,and repellent activities against adults and larvae of H.anatolicum.However,further studies must be performed to clarify the precise mechanisms and the efficacy of Cu NPs in practical use.

A Nonstandard Computational Investigation of SEIR Model with Fuzzy Transmission, Recovery and Death Rates

In this article,a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered(SEIR)epidemic model is considered.The equilibrium analysis and reproduction number are studied.The conventional models have made assumptions of homogeneity in disease transmission that contradict the actual reality.However,it is crucial to consider the heterogeneity of the transmission rate when modeling disease dynamics.Describing the heterogeneity of disease transmission mathematically can be achieved by incorporating fuzzy theory.A numerical scheme nonstandard,finite difference(NSFD)approach is developed for the studied model and the results of numerical simulations are presented.Simulations of the constructed scheme are presented.The positivity,convergence and consistency of the developed technique are investigated using mathematical induction,Jacobean matrix and Taylor series expansions respectively.The suggested scheme preserves all these essential characteristics of the disease dynamical models.The numerical and simulation results reveal that the proposed NSFD method provides an adequate representation of the dynamics of the disease.Moreover,the obtained method generates plausible predictions that can be used by regulators to support the decision-making process to design and develop control strategies.Effects of the natural immunity on the infected class are studied which reveals that an increase in natural immunity can decrease the infection and vice versa.

The Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Kidney and Liver Function: A Comparative Study

The current study aimed to investigate the potential health impacts associated with Energy Drink (ED) consumption and its effects on general health, liver function, and kidney function among students at Jazan University. EDs contain a variety of ingredients such as taurine, arginine, caffeine, acidity regulators, B vitamins, vitamin C, herbal extracts, and sugar. Previous studies have reported that EDs contain more caffeine content more a cup of coffee. Fifty-seven volunteer female students from the same socioeconomic background were eligible for the study based on their ED consumption habits. The students were divided into four groups: the control group (1) which did not consume EDs (19 students), group (2) which consumed 2 - 3 cans per week (19 students), group (3) which consumed 4 - 7 cans per week (14 students), and group (4) which consumed more than 7 cans per week (5 students). Five milliliters of venous blood were drawn from all subjects to determine ALT, AST, and GGT levels for liver function tests and creatinine, urea, uric acid, and BUN levels for kidney function tests. The results of the kidney function analysis showed that uric acid levels significantly increased (P 0.05) in all groups compared to the control group. The liver function analysis illustrated that, compared to the control group, only AST was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in groups 1 and 2. There was no significance in ALT and GGT in all groups. Overall, the study found that long-term ED consumption had a significant relationship to increased uric acid and AST concentrations, while urea and BUN decreased significantly. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of ED consumption.

Therapeutic Implications of Monoclonal Antibody

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a distinct public health issue that calls for the quick development of novel treatments and viral detection. Due to their high specificity and reliability, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as useful diagnostic and therapeutic tools for a variety of diseases. As a result, several scientists have jumped right into developing Ab-based assays for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 and Ab drugs for use as COVID-19 therapy agents. Since the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is essential for viral infection and has a known precise structure, it has become a key target for the creation of therapeutic antibodies. The use of Ab cocktails is anticipated to be a key component of an efficient COVID-19 treatment plan since SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus with a high mutation rate, particularly when subjected to the selection pressure of aggressively applied preventive vaccinations and neutralizing Abs. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection could provoke an overzealous immune response, leading to a cytokine storm that accelerates the onset of a severe disease. Abs to counteract cytokine storms are also actively being researched as COVID-19 therapies. Abs are now used in SARS-CoV-2 detection assays, including immunoglobulin and antigen tests, in addition to their use as medicines. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, such Ab-based detection tests are essential surveillance tools. In this article, we’ll go over several important ideas related to mAb-based COVID-19 pandemic detection tests and treatments. Objective: To understand the role of hybridoma technology in therapeutic implications. 1) To study the basic concepts and options in hybridoma technology;2) To study the applications of hybridoma technology;3) To explore how hybridoma technology is applied in diagnostic histopathology. Method: For this method generally there is use of mouse or mammals are transfect with the Ags to find out the formation of antibody afterwards isolate the antibody which has been formed after injecting the antigens for a number of weeks. Following are the steps for mAbs: Step 1: In this step immunization of mouse is done;Step 2: Spleen is used for the isolation of B cells;Step 3: Cultivation of cancerous cells;Step 4: Merging of B cells with Myeloma cells;Step 5: This step cell lines are separated;Step 6: in the next step screening the suitable cell lines;Step 7: observation of multiplication in vitro as well as in vivo;Step 8: Harvesting. Discussion: Now a day there are many diseases which has been cured easily at the mean time it’s very difficult to diagnose and get the treatment. Due to advancement of monoclonal antibodies are used in the diagnosis and treatments such as COVID-19, SARS and SARS COV-2. Therefore important part of the monoclonal antibodies are its used in the diagnosis as well as in the treatment tools.

Design and Development of Low-cost Wearable Electroencephalograms (EEG) Headset

Electroencephalogram(EEG)is a method of capturing the electrophy-siological signal of the brain.An EEG headset is a wearable device that records electrophysiological data from the brain.This paper presents the design and fab-rication of a customized low-cost Electroencephalogram(EEG)headset based on the open-source OpenBCI Ultracortex Mark IV system.The electrode placement locations are modified under a 10–20 standard system.The fabricated headset is then compared to commercially available headsets based on the following para-meters:affordability,accessibility,noise,signal quality,and cost.First,the data is recorded from 20 subjects who used the EEG Headset,and signals were recorded.Secondly,the participants marked the accuracy,set up time,participant comfort,and participant perceived ease of set-up on a scale of 1 to 7(7 being excellent).Thirdly,the self-designed EEG headband is used by 5 participants for slide changing.The raw EEG signal is decomposed into a series of band sig-nals using discrete wavelet transform(DWT).Lastly,thesefindings have been compared to previously reported studies.We concluded that when used for slide-changing control,our self-designed EEG headband had an accuracy of 82.0 percent.We also concluded from the results that our headset performed well on the cost-effectiveness scale,had a reduced setup time of 2±0.5 min(the short-est among all being compared),and demonstrated greater ease of use.

Modellings of Infectious Diseases and Cancers under Wars and Pollution Impacts in Iraq with Reference to a Novel Mathematical Model and Literature Review

Microbial pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and together account for a significant percentage of acute and chronic human diseases. In addition to understanding the mechanisms by which various pathogens cause human disease, research in microbial pathogenesis also addresses mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the development of new antimicrobial agents and vaccines. Answering fundamental questions regarding host-microbe interactions requires an interdisciplinary approach, including microbiology, genomics, informatics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, epidemiology, environment and interaction between host and microbe. Studies investigating the direct effects of pollutants on respiratory tract infections are very vast, but those interested in the role of a pre-existing disease and effects of the exposure on the response to secondary stresses are few. In an experimental study at concentrations of air pollutants found in urban environments, frank toxicological responses are rarely observed, however, exposure to secondary stress like the respiratory challenge with infectious bacteria can exacerbate the response of the experimental host. The models like experimental, mechanical, and mathematical are the most abstract, but they allow analysis and logical proofs in a way that other approaches do not permit. The present review is mostly concerned with these model representations particularly with a novel mathematical model explaining the interaction between pathogen and immunity including the equivalence point.

LATS1 Promotes B-ALL Tumorigenesis by Regulating YAP1 Phosphorylation and Subcellular Localization

Objective YAP1 plays a dual role as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in several tumors;differentiating between these roles may depend on the YAP1 phosphorylation pattern.The specific function of YAP1 in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL),however,is currently unclear.Thus,in the present study,the role of YAP1 in B-ALL was investigated using relevant cell lines and patient datasets.Methods The effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown on YAP1 and LATS1 levels in the NALM6 and MOLT-4 cell lines were examined using Western blotting,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,flow cytometry,immunostaining,and nude mouse subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiments.Gene expression levels of Hippo pathway-related molecules before and after verteporfin(VP)treatment were compared using RNA-Seq to identify significant Hippo pathway-related genes in NALM6 cells.Results Patients with ALL showing high YAP1 expression and low YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels had worse prognoses than those with low YAP1 protein expression and high YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels.YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels were lower in NALM6 cells than in MOLT-4 and control cells;YAP1 was distributed in the nuclei in NALM6 cells.Knockdown of YAP1 inhibited MOLT-4 and NALM6 cell proliferation and arrested the NALM6 cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase.Before and after VP treatment,the expression of the upstream gene LATS1 was upregulated;its overexpression promoted YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation.Further,YAP1 was distributed in the plasma.Conclusion LATS1 may downregulate YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation and maintain B-ALL cell function;thus,VP,which targets this axis,may serve as a new therapeutic method for improving the outcomes for B-ALL patients.

Community Knowledge and Attitude about Burns First Aid (BFA) in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Introduction and Significance: Burn injury (BI) is a considerable health issue which is responsible for around 300,000 deaths and affecting about 11 million people every year worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of BIs array from 112 to 518 per 100,000 per year. The appropriate awareness of performing first aid could facilitate to improve the outcomes of burns. Purpose and Objectives: To appraise the community that acknowledges burns, first aid, and associated factors among the community population in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia. The paper aims to identify limitations to encourage additional research and persuade legislators to develop improved burn-injury care recommendations and training programs. Materials and Methods: An observational-based sample survey was conducted among the people who live in Jazan City aging 13 years or more, during April 5 to May 5, 2023. Data collection was done by a validated online self-administrated questionnaire sent randomly to community members in different parts of Jazan City via social media platforms. Collected data were coded and cleaned by an excel program, and finally exported on SPSS 26.0 software. The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages. Also, the Chi-square test was used to investigate the relation between different variables, with a significance value of P Results: This study included 243 participants (about 62%) among them were mostly male participants (151) having a university degree. The majority of participants 75% did not take any form of BFA training in the past. This study shows that 69.9% of the participants have inadequate awareness, despite 72% having a constructive attitude towards burn first aid. Previous burn-related first aid training was significantly associated with participants’ knowledge of BFA at a p-value less than 0.05. Conclusion: This study indicates a high frequency of Jazan population having inadequate knowledge of burn first aid despite the high prevalence of a favorable attitude. There is a need to develop an effective nationwide burn prevention program and early burn first aid treatment in Saudi Arabia and promote a consistent guideline for burn first aid.

Toxic tau: structural origins of tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the extracellular accumulation of the amyloidβin the form of amyloid plaques and the intracellular deposition of the microtubule-associated protein tau in the form of neurofibrillary tangles.Most of the Alzheimer’s drugs targeting amyloidβhave been failed in clinical trials.Particularly,tau pathology connects greatly in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.Tau protein enhances the stabilization of microtubules that leads to the appropriate function of the neuron.Changes in the quantity or the conformation of tau protein could affect its function as a microtubules stabilizer and some of the processes wherein it is involved.The molecular mechanisms leading to the accumulation of tau are principally signified by numerous posttranslational modifications that change its conformation and structural state.Therefore,aberrant phosphorylation,as well as truncation of tau protein,has come into focus as significant mechanisms that make tau protein in a pathological entity.Furthermore,the shape-shifting nature of tau advocates to comprehend the progression of Alzheimer’s disease precisely.In this review,we emphasize the recent studies about the toxic and shape-shifting nature of tau in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

MicroRNA and mRNA profiling of cerebral cortex in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by RNA sequencing

In a previous study,we found that long non-coding genes in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)are a result of endogenous gene disorders caused by the recruitment of microRNA(miRNA)and mRNA,and that miR-200a-3p and other representative miRNAs can mediate cognitive impairment and thus serve as new biomarkers for AD.In this study,we investigated the abnormal expression of miRNA and mRNA and the pathogenesis of AD at the epigenetic level.To this aim,we performed RNA sequencing and an integrative analysis of the cerebral cortex of the widely used amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 double transgenic mouse model of AD.Overall,129 mRNAs and 68 miRNAs were aberrantly expressed.Among these,eight down-regulated miRNAs and seven up-regulated miRNAs appeared as promising noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.The main enriched signaling pathways involved mitogen-activated kinase protein,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B,mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase,forkhead box O,and autophagy.An miRNA-mRNA network between dysregulated miRNAs and corresponding target genes connected with AD progression was also constructed.These miRNAs and mRNAs are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for new treatment strategies,early diagnosis,and prevention of AD.The present results provide a novel perspective on the role of miRNAs and mRNAs in AD.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Care and Use Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology of Beijing,China(approval No.IMB-201909-D6)on September 6,2019.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection in Messalata Central Hospital, Libya

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of urinary tract infection among patients at Messalata Central Hospital, Libya, to identify the causative bacteria, and to explore their resistance pattern to antimicrobials. Methods: A total number of 1 153 urine samples were collected from patients, who attended daily to Messalata Central Hospital, Libya, in a study extended for one year. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and isolates typing were done using Phoenix BD(BD diagnostic). Resistance was confirmed manually using agar disk diffusion method. Results: Of the 1 153 urine samples tested, 160(13.9%) samples were positive, from which 17 different, solely Gram negative, uropathogens were identified. Escherichia coli were the most prevalent(55.6%) bacteria, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies pneumoniae(16.3%), Proteus mirabilis(6.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(5.6%), Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella oxytoca(2.5%, each), Citrobacter koseri and Providencia rettgeri(1.9%, each), Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus vulgaris(1.3%, each), and Aeromonas caviae, Citrobacter freundii, Cronobacter sakazakii, Enterobacter amnigenus biogroup 2, Pseudomonas putida and Serratia marcescens(0.6%, each). The isolated uropathogens showed increased levels of resistance ranged from 10.5% to 64.5%, with an overall resistance of 28.9%. Amikacin was the most effective antimicrobial followed by Imipenem and Meropenem(0%, 0.6% and 2.5% resistance, respectively); while, Cephalothin and Ampicillin were the least(80.6% and 90.0% resistance, respectively) effective. Conclusions: The obtained results emphasized the emergence of highly resistant bacteria to most of tested antimicrobials and raise the alarm for physicians to change their treatment pattern depending on antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Mechanism of antagonistic effects of Andrographis paniculata methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: To investigate the effects of Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees(A. paniculata) on expressions and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and alkylhydroperoxide reductase C in Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) with respect to its survival in vitro. Methods: Antioxidative property of methanolic leaves extract of A. paniculata(0.06 mg/m L). Minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) was determined by its ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) toxicity against S. aureus ATCC 25923(3.8×10~8 cfu/m L). Effects of the extract on expressions of kat A(encoding catalase), sod A and sod M [encoding superoxide dismutases(SODs)], and ahp C [encoding alkylhydroperoxide reductase C(AhpC)] in S. aureuswere determined by RT-q PCR and corresponding enzyme activity assays were performed. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction(NBT) assay was performed to determine effects of the extract on intracellular and extracellular levels of O_2-in S. aureus. Results: Cells challenged with 7.5 mmol/L H_2O_2 showed 0% survival in 30 min whereas 25% survived after treatment with the extract and H_2O_2. Cells that were treated with the extract alone had 43% survival in the same exposure period. Expressions of sod A and sod M genes in extract-treated cells were lowered 0.8-fold and 0.7-fold, respectively with decrease in total SOD activity of 26.8 U compared to untreated cells, 32.4 U(P<0.05). In contrast, extract-treated S. aureus cells showed 3.3-fold increase in kat A expression with corresponding increase in catalase activity of 1.828 U compared to untreated cells which was 1.248 U,(P<0.05). More profoundly, ahp C expression was increased 61-fold in extract-treated cells,(P<0.05) with corresponding increase in Ahp C activity of 0.018 U compared to untreated cells, 0.012U,(P<0.05). Extract-treated cells had significantly lower intra-and extracellular O_2-levels with absorbance readings(A_(575nm)) of 0.340 and 0.524 compared to untreated cells which were 0.516 and 0.928(P<0.05), respectively. Conclusions: Taken together these results suggest that the low MIC of A. paniculatamethanolic leaves extract(0.06 mg/m L) reduce H_2O_2 toxicity and more importantly, was in itself effectively inhibitory against S. aureus. Further, our observations suggest that a probable mode of its inhibitory mechanism against S. aureus is by reducing total SOD activity through downregulation of sod A and sod M expressions.

Impact of cytokine storm and systemic inflammation on liver impairment patients infected by SARS-CoV-2:Prospective therapeutic challenges

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a devastating worldwide pandemic infection caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome namely coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)that is associated with a high spreading and mortality rate.On the date this review was written,SARS-CoV-2 infected about 96 million people and killed about 2 million people.Several arguments disclosed the high mortality of COVID-19 due to acute respiratory distress syndrome or change in the amount of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptor expression or cytokine storm strength production.In a similar pattern,hepatic impairment patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited overexpression of ACE2 receptors and cytokine storm overwhelming,which worsens the hepatic impairment and increases the mortality rate.In this review,the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on hepatic impairment conditions we overviewed.Besides,we focused on the recent studies that indicated cytokine storm as well as ACE2 as the main factors for high COVID-19 spreading and mortality while hinting at the potential therapeutic strategies.

Quantification of total phenol,flavonoid content and pharmacognostical evaluation including HPTLC fingerprinting for the standardization of Piper nigrum Linn fruits

Objective:To carry out the physicochemical and phytochemical standardization with high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting of Piper nigrum L.(P.nigrum)fruits in order to ascertain the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this king of spices.Methods:Many standardization parameters like extractive values,total ash value,water soluble ash value and acid insoluble ash,moisture content,loss on drying and pH values of P.nigrum L.fruits were analyzed.The method of Harborne was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening.Analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid contents,pesticides residues,aflatoxin and heavy metals were also performed.CAMAG-high performance thin layer chromatography system was used for fingerprinting of methanolic extract of P.nigrum L.fruits.Results:The results of phytochemicals testing indicated the presence of carbohydrates,phenolic compounds,flavonoids,alkaloids,proteins,saponins,lipids,sterols and tannins in various solvent extracts.Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanolic extract were found to be 1.728 1 mg/g and 1.087 ug/g,respectively.Heavy metals concentrations were found to be within standard limits.Aflatoxins and pesticides residues were absent.Conclusions:The outcome of this study might prove beneficial in herbal industries for identification,purification and standardization of P.nigrum L.fruits.

Attenuation of oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death by Hydnophytum formicar-um Jack.

Objective: To investigate protective effects of Hydnophytum formicarum Jack.(H. formicarum) extracts via regulation of SIRT1-FOXO3a-ADAM10 signaling and antioxidant activity against H_2O_2-induced neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods: Cell viability and apoptosis of neuronal cells pretreated with H. formicarum Jack. extracts under oxidative stress were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) was performed using Carboxy-DCFDA assay. Additionally, a profile of protein expressions related to neuroprotection was detected by western blot analysis. Results: The plant extracts(methanol and ethyl acetate) elicited protective effects on the neuronal cell death as performed by the MTT assay and by apoptosis analysis via the activation of BCL-2. Both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exerted inhibitory effects against H_2O_2-induced ROS generation in the SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of neuroprotection of H. formicarum Jack. was observed through its antioxidant properties by maintaining the levels of catalase and SOD2 proteins as well as activating SIRT1-FOXO3a pathway. Importantly, pretreatment of neuronal cells with H. formicarum Jack. significantly recovered the levels of ADAM10 protein compared with the H_2O_2 treatment alone. Conclusions: The recent findings suggest the protective effects of H. formicarum Jack. plant extracts on attenuating H_2O_2-induced neurotoxicity in human SH-SY5Y cells.

Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Blood Donors: A Retrospective Study in the Kintampo Municipal Hospital, Ghana

Background: Hepatitis B virus is one of the transfusion transmission infectious agents of public health relevance. Its prevalence varies across the globe. Establishing the sero-prevalence of the disease is critical to informing the direction of preventive and control strategies. Objective: The aim of this study therefore was to establish the hepatitis B surface antigen sero-prevalence among blood donors in the Kintampo municipality of Ghana. Methodology: This three-year hospital based retrospective study was conducted at the laboratory unit of the Kintampo Municipal Hospital. The laboratory uses one step immunochromatographic test kits to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the sera of blood donors. Records on blood donors were reviewed for hepatitis B sero-positivity. Results: A total of 3402 blood donors were studied, out of which 3238 (95.2%) were males and 164 (4.8%) were females. The overall sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen was 9.6% (327/3402). Majority of the sero-positive donors were less than 40 years, with higher prevalence of 16.4% (35/214) in donors less than 20 years. The sero-prevalence in males and females was 9.7% (313/3238) and 8.5% (14/164) respectively. Conclusion: The Kintampo municipality has a relatively high prevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors. The probability of hepatitis B viral infection was age inclined as the youth seem to be at greater risk of contracting the disease.

Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a low-risk women attended in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

Objective: To investigate the presence of trichomoniasis among women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre.Methods: A total of 139 high vaginal swabs were taken from the subjects and sent to the laboratory in Amies gel transport media. The specimens were examined for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis using wet mount, Giemsa staining and cultured in Diamond's medium. Sociodemographic characteristics and gynaecological complaints were obtained in private using structured questionnaire applied by one investigator.Results: The median age was 32 years, with an interquartile interval of 9.96. Most of the subjects were Malays(76.9%) and the remaining were Chinese(15.1%), Indians(2.2%)and other ethnic groups(5.8%). One hundred and thirty eight(99.3%) of the women were married and 98.6% had less than 6 children. More than half(75.5%) of the women's last child birth was less than 6 years ago. Forty seven percent of them were involved in supporting administrative work and 64.7% of the women gave a history of previous or current vaginal discharge.Conclusions: The present study reported zero incidence rate of trichomoniasis. The low incidence rate was postulated due to all women who participated in this study were categorized into a low-risk group.

Synthesis of evidence for the treatment of intersection syndrome

Intersection syndrome is a rare sports overuse injury occurring through friction at the intersection of the first and second compartment of the forearm. Differential diagnosis must be carefully made, especially from De Quervain tendonsynovitis. Clinical examination provides with the necessary information for diagnosis, still magnetic resonance imaging scans and ultrasonography may assist in diagnosis. Treatment consists mainly of rest, use of a thumb spica splint, analgetic and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and after 2-3 wk progressive stretching and muscle strengthening. Should symptoms persist beyond this time, corticosteroid injections adjacent to the site of injury may be useful. In refractory cases, surgical intervention is warranted.