Microarray analysis revealed different gene expression patterns in HepG2 cells treated with low and high concentrations of the extracts of Anacardium occidentale shoots

In this study, the effects of low and high concentrations of the Anacardium occidentale shoot extracts on gene expression in liver HepG2 cells were investigated. From MTT assays, the concentration of the shoot extracts that maintained 50% cell viability (IC50) was 1.7 mg/ml. Cell viability was kept above 90% at both 0.4 mg/ml and 0.6 mg/ml of the extracts. The three concentrations were subsequently used for the gene expression analysis using Affymetrix Human Genome 1.0 S.T arrays. The microarray data were validated using real-time qRT–PCR. A total of 246, 696 and 4503 genes were significantly regulated (P < 0.01) by at least 1.5-fold in response to 0.4, 0.6 and 1.7 mg/ml of the extracts, respectively. Mutually regulated genes in response to the three concentrations included CDKN3, LOC100289612, DHFR, VRK1, CDC6, AURKB and GABRE. Genes like CYP24A1, BRCA1, AURKA, CDC2, CDK2, CDK4 and INSR were significantly regulated at 0.6 mg/ml and 1.7 mg but not at 0.4 mg/ml. However, the expression of genes including LGR5, IGFBP3, RB1, IDE, LDLR, MTTP, APOB, MTIX, SOD2 and SOD3 were exclusively regulated at the IC50 concentration. In conclusion, low concentrations of the extracts were able to significantly regulate a sizable number of genes. The type of genes that were expressed was highly dependent on the concentration of the extracts used

Error estimation in the numerical solution of rational functions

In this paper, two methods are described for obtaining estimates of the error of rational functions the Pade\'s and Meahly\'s methods of approximation were used and it was discovered that Maehly\'s proved more accurate than the Pade\'s method. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 9(1) 2005: 87-9

Sexual dysfunction in Nigerian stroke survivors

Background: Over three-quarters of stroke survivors experience disruption of sexual functioning. Studies reporting poststroke sexual function of Nigerian patients are few. Objectives: This survey reports sexual dysfunction in Nigerian stroke survivors, and determines the influence of sociodemographic,clinical and psychological factors on the dysfunction. Methods: Participants were 77 stroke survivors (60 males; 17 females) recruited consecutively from a teaching hospital. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale and post-stroke sexual function questionnaire. Participants’ motor ability was rated on the Modified Motor Assessment Scale. Data were analysed using Chi square test and Mann-Whitney U test (alpha level set at 0.05). Results: Participants were aged 55.2±10.8 (28-79) years. Most (94.8%) participants reported a dysfunction in sexual function. Decline in libido and coital frequency were reported by >70% and in erection, ejaculation and orgasm by >60% of participants.Participants’ with erectile dysfunction were significantly older than those without (U=267.0; p=0.02). Depression, quality of life, willingness to have sex, general attitude to sex and ability to express sexual feelings had significant influence on sexual dysfunction reported by participants (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that sexual dysfunction is common among Nigerian stroke survivors and it is mostly associated with psychological factors

Sexual dysfunction in Nigerian stroke survivors

BACKGROUND: Over three-quarters of stroke survivors experience disruption of sexual functioning. Studies reporting poststroke sexual function of Nigerian patients are few. OBJECTIVES: This survey reports sexual dysfunction in Nigerian stroke survivors, and determines the influence of sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors on the dysfunction. METHODS: Participants were 77 stroke survivors (60 males; 17 females) recruited consecutively from a teaching hospital. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale and post-stroke sexual function questionnaire. Participants' motor ability was rated on the Modified Motor Assessment Scale. Data were analysed using Chi square test and Mann-Whitney U test (alpha level set at 0.05). RESULTS: Participants were aged 55.2±10.8 (28–79) years. Most (94.8%) participants reported a dysfunction in sexual function. Decline in libido and coital frequency were reported by >70% and in erection, ejaculation and orgasm by >60% of participants. Participants' with erectile dysfunction were significantly older than those without (U=267.0; p=0.02). Depression, quality of life, willingness to have sex, general attitude to sex and ability to express sexual feelings had significant influence on sexual dysfunction reported by participants (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that sexual dysfunction is common among Nigerian stroke survivors and it is mostly associated with psychological factors

Necrotizing Fascitis in a Nomad with Undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a severe acute poly bacteria infection of the fascia plane of the head and neck region. It is usually associated with rapid and extensive fascia necrosis, necrosis of the overlying skin and the vasculature and severe systemic toxicity. We present the case of a 60-year old female nomad with undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis with CNF arising from a possible insect bite. Intravenous antibiotics, anti Koch's and high protein, high calorie diet, in addition to aggressive and repeated surgical debridement were used to manage this patient with good result. The challenge of managing this patient is discussed in line with the existing literature. Key words: Necrotizing Fasciitis, Nomad, and Bovine Tuberculosis. Nigerian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Vol.2(1) 2005: 37-4

Aetiology of vertigo in a Nigerian tertiary health facility, a multidisciplinary approach

Background: Vertigo is one of the most challenging problems faced by the otolaryngologist in every day practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the aetiology, and the clinical course of vertigo in our setting. Materials and methods: Forty-six consecutive patients attending the ENT Clinic of a Nigerian tertiary health institution with the chief complaints of vertigo were prospectively studied. The patients' history, clinical examination, the results of the laboratory investigations as well as the diagnostic imaging findings and the treatment modalities were reviewed. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months.Results: There were 27(58.7%) males and 19(41.3%) females. The incidence of Vertigo was found to increase with age with a peak incidence in the 6th decade of life. The aetiologies of vertigo were found to be: Infectious diseases of the ear in 9(19.6%), Neoplasm 8(17.4%), Menieres 8(17.4.3%), Metabolic diseases 5(10.9%), while vascular disorders were found in 4(8.7%). Trauma occurred in 4(8.7%), Ocular pathology in 3(6.5%), while Vestibulotoxicity was found in 2(4.3%). Others include, Psychogenic causes in 2(4.3%) and vestibular neuronitis was the least found in 1(2.2%) of the patients. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable in all of the cases. Fasting blood sugar was found to be elevated in one of the patients with Diabetes and VDRL tests was found to be positive in the only patients with Otosyphilis. Electrocardiography (ECG), Vanyl Mandelic Acid (VMA), and thyroid function tests were normal in those patients where these investigations were indicated. Radiological investigations were helpful in detecting Temporal bone and cerebello-pontine angle tumours. Treatment consisted of labyrinthine sedative, the treatments of the primary cause and physiotherapy. Mortality was found in 2.2% of the patients. Conclusion: Infective ear diseases, Menieres' and neoplasms were found to be common. Vertigo in our centre represents an extremely broad spectrum of diagnosis. A thorough and a multidisciplinary evaluation of a vertiginous patient in a tertiary centre is hereby advocated.Keywords: vertigo, tertiary health institution, Nigeria Nigerian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 2(2) 2005: 54-5