Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on anaemia and osmotic fragility induced by proteinenergy malnutrition

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of dietary supplementation of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf on anaemia and changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility in protein energymalnourished rats. Protein energy malnutrition has been associated with anaemia and changes in osmotic fragility, deformability and lifespan of erythrocytes. In this study, protein-energy malnutritioninduced in weanling male Wister rats by feeding them low protein diet for 3 weeks was associated with significantly reduced (

Effects of Persea americana leaf extracts on body weight and liver lipids in rats fed hyperlipidaemic diet

The effects of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Persea americana on body weight and liver lipids in rats were studied. Male albino rats were fed a modified diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and0.25% cholic acid to provoke hyperlipidaemia. The hyperlipidaemic rats were given 10 mg/kg body weight of either aqueous or methanolic extract of P. americana leaf daily for 8 weeks. There were nosignificant differences (p>0.05) in the overall body weight gain of the hyperlipidaemic rats compared to normal control. However, the administration of the aqueous and methanolic extracts provoked 14 and25% reduction, respectively, in the body weight gain of the treated rats compared to the hyperlipidaemic control. Mean liver weights were markedly increased (

Exogenous oxytocin impairs caudal epididymal sperm characteristics in sprague-dawley rats

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone that is released from posterior pituitary gland and has been shown to increase cervical contractions, modulates sperm production, transport and ejaculation. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the effect of exogenous oxytocin on caudal epididymal sperm characteristics in Sprague-Dawley rats. Method: Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 180-300 g were randomly distributed into 4 groups A, B, C and D of 10 rats each. Group A served as the control group while groups B to D were the treated groups. Oxytocin was administered intramuscularly to groups B, C and D at the doses of 1 IU/kg/body weight(b.w.), 2 IU/kg/b.w. and 3 IU/kg/b.w. two days of three days interval per week respectively while 0.5ml of 0.9% physiologic saline was administered to group A. The treatment was carried out for a period of 8 weeks. Results: The result showed a significant increase in the mean caudal epididymal sperm volume among the groups that received 2 IU/kg/b.w. and 3 IU/kg/b.w. C and D at 4weeks and 8weeks when compared with control (p<0.05). The caudal epididymal sperm concentration of the treated groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control at 4 and 8weeks (p<0.001). Groups that were administered with 2 IU/kg/b.w. and 3 IU/kg/b.w. oxytocin showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration compared to control and the lowest dose oxytocin treated group (p<0.001) at 8weeks. Conclusion: Chronic intramuscular administration of oxytocin has significant deleterious effect on caudal epididymal sperm concentration

Antioxidant activities of Parquetina nigrescens

The antioxidant activities of different extracts (aqueous, methanol and flavonoid) of Parquetina nigrescens and butylated hydroxyl anisole, as reference compound, were evaluated in terms of scavenging effect, reducing power and inhibition of Fe2+/ascorbate-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Extracts of P. nigrescens scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) generated radicals in the increasing order of flavonoid > methanol > aqueous > BHA at 1000 g/ml. The reducing power followed a similar trend as observed with scavenging activities. Extracts of P. nigrescens, at 50 mg/ml, exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effects on  Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. These results showed that P. nigrescens contains antioxidants that could be useful in attenuating reactions which generate free radicals in the body.Key words: Parquetina nigrescens, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation

American College of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Parameters for Hemodynamic Support of Pediatric and Neonatal Septic Shock

OBJECTIVES: The American College of Critical Care Medicine provided 2002 and 2007 guidelines for hemodynamic support of newborn and pediatric septic shock. Provide the 2014 update of the 2007 American College of Critical Care Medicine “Clinical Guidelines for Hemodynamic Support of Neonates and Children with Septic Shock.” DESIGN: Society of Critical Care Medicine members were identified from general solicitation at Society of Critical Care Medicine Educational and Scientific Symposia (2006–2014). The PubMed/Medline/Embase literature (2006–14) was searched by the Society of Critical Care Medicine librarian using the keywords: sepsis, septicemia, septic shock, endotoxemia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and American College of Critical Care Medicine guidelines in the newborn and pediatric age groups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The 2002 and 2007 guidelines were widely disseminated, translated into Spanish and Portuguese, and incorporated into Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Heart Association/Pediatric Advanced Life Support sanctioned recommendations. The review of new literature highlights two tertiary pediatric centers that implemented quality improvement initiatives to improve early septic shock recognition and first-hour compliance to these guidelines. Improved compliance reduced hospital mortality from 4% to 2%. Analysis of Global Sepsis Initiative data in resource rich developed and developing nations further showed improved hospital mortality with compliance to first-hour and stabilization guideline recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The major new recommendation in the 2014 update is consideration of institution—specific use of 1) a “recognition bundle” containing a trigger tool for rapid identification of patients with septic shock, 2) a “resuscitation and stabilization bundle” to help adherence to best practice principles, and 3) a “performance bundle” to identify and overcome perceived barriers to the pursuit of best practice principles

Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock, 2012

OBJECTIVE: To provide an update to the "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock," last published in 2008. DESIGN: A consensus committee of 68 international experts representing 30 international organizations was convened. Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee members attending the conference). A formal conflict of interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independent of any industry funding. A stand-alone meeting was held for all subgroup heads, co- and vice-chairs, and selected individuals. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served as an integral part of the development. METHODS: The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence from high (A) to very low (D) and to determine the strength of recommendations as strong (1) or weak (2). The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasized. Recommendations were classified into three groups: (1) those directly targeting severe sepsis; (2) those targeting general care of the critically ill patient and considered high priority in severe sepsis; and (3) pediatric considerations. RESULTS: Key recommendations and suggestions, listed by category, include: early quantitative resuscitation of the septic patient during the first 6 h after recognition (1C); blood cultures before antibiotic therapy (1C); imaging studies performed promptly to confirm a potential source of infection (UG); administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials therapy within 1 h of the recognition of septic shock (1B) and severe sepsis without septic shock (1C) as the goal of therapy; reassessment of antimicrobial therapy daily for de-escalation, when appropriate (1B); infection source control with attention to the balance of risks and benefits of the chosen method within 12 h of diagnosis (1C); initial fluid resuscitation with crystalloid (1B) and consideration of the addition of albumin in patients who continue to require substantial amounts of crystalloid to maintain adequate mean arterial pressure (2C) and the avoidance of hetastarch formulations (1B); initial fluid challenge in patients with sepsis-induced tissue hypoperfusion and suspicion of hypovolemia to achieve a minimum of 30 mL/kg of crystalloids (more rapid administration and greater amounts of fluid may be needed in some patients (1C); fluid challenge technique continued as long as hemodynamic improvement is based on either dynamic or static variables (UG); norepinephrine as the first-choice vasopressor to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥65 mmHg (1B); epinephrine when an additional agent is needed to maintain adequate blood pressure (2B); vasopressin (0.03 U/min) can be added to norepinephrine to either raise mean arterial pressure to target or to decrease norepinephrine dose but should not be used as the initial vasopressor (UG); dopamine is not recommended except in highly selected circumstances (2C); dobutamine infusion administered or added to vasopressor in the presence of (a) myocardial dysfunction as suggested by elevated cardiac filling pressures and low cardiac output, or (b) ongoing signs of hypoperfusion despite achieving adequate intravascular volume and adequate mean arterial pressure (1C); avoiding use of intravenous hydrocortisone in adult septic shock patients if adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy are able to restore hemodynamic stability (2C); hemoglobin target of 7-9 g/dL in the absence of tissue hypoperfusion, ischemic coronary artery disease, or acute hemorrhage (1B); low tidal volume (1A) and limitation of inspiratory plateau pressure (1B) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); application of at least a minimal amount of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ARDS (1B); higher rather than lower level of PEEP for patients with sepsis-induced moderate or severe ARDS (2C); recruitment maneuvers in sepsis patients with severe refractory hypoxemia due to ARDS (2C); prone positioning in sepsis-induced ARDS patients with a PaO (2)/FiO (2) ratio of ≤100 mm Hg in facilities that have experience with such practices (2C); head-of-bed elevation in mechanically ventilated patients unless contraindicated (1B); a conservative fluid strategy for patients with established ARDS who do not have evidence of tissue hypoperfusion (1C); protocols for weaning and sedation (1A); minimizing use of either intermittent bolus sedation or continuous infusion sedation targeting specific titration endpoints (1B); avoidance of neuromuscular blockers if possible in the septic patient without ARDS (1C); a short course of neuromuscular blocker (no longer than 48 h) for patients with early ARDS and a PaO (2)/FI O (2) 180 mg/dL, targeting an upper blood glucose ≤180 mg/dL (1A); equivalency of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration or intermittent hemodialysis (2B); prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (1B); use of stress ulcer prophylaxis to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with bleeding risk factors (1B); oral or enteral (if necessary) feedings, as tolerated, rather than either complete fasting or provision of only intravenous glucose within the first 48 h after a diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock (2C); and addressing goals of care, including treatment plans and end-of-life planning (as appropriate) (1B), as early as feasible, but within 72 h of intensive care unit admission (2C). Recommendations specific to pediatric severe sepsis include: therapy with face mask oxygen, high flow nasal cannula oxygen, or nasopharyngeal continuous PEEP in the presence of respiratory distress and hypoxemia (2C), use of physical examination therapeutic endpoints such as capillary refill (2C); for septic shock associated with hypovolemia, the use of crystalloids or albumin to deliver a bolus of 20 mL/kg of crystalloids (or albumin equivalent) over 5-10 min (2C); more common use of inotropes and vasodilators for low cardiac output septic shock associated with elevated systemic vascular resistance (2C); and use of hydrocortisone only in children with suspected or proven "absolute"' adrenal insufficiency (2C). CONCLUSIONS: Strong agreement existed among a large cohort of international experts regarding many level 1 recommendations for the best care of patients with severe sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved outcomes for this important group of critically ill patients

Hepatoprotective Properties Of Aqueous Leaf Extract Of Persea Americana, Mill (Lauraceae) ‘Avocado’ Against Ccl4-Induced Damage In Rats

Background: Natural products from plants have received considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties,including antioxidants and hepatoprotective activities. The protective effects of aqueous extract of Persea americana (AEPA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: Liver damage was induced in rats by administering a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil [3 ml/kg, subcutaneously (sc)] after pre-treatment for 7 days with AEPA. Hepatoprotective effects of AEPA was evaluated by estimating the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and levels of total bilirubin (TBL). The effects of AEPA on biomarkers of oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant enzymes namely, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured in liver post mitochondrial fraction.Results: AEPA and Reducdyn® showed significant (p<0.05) hepatoprotective activity by decreasing the activities of ALT, AST, ALP and reducing the levels of TBL. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were also decreased dose-dependently in the AEPA-treated rats. Pre-treatment with AEPA also decreased the serum levels of glutathione significantly.Conclusion: These data revealed that AEPA possesses significant hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced toxicity attributable to its constituent phytochemicals. The mechanism of hepatoprotection seems to be through modulation of antioxidant enzyme system..Key words: Persea americana; carbon tetrachloride; hepatotoxicity; lipid peroxidation; antioxidants enzyme

Comparative Studies of two Fresh Water Snail Distributions and Physico-Chemical Parameters in Selected Human Schistosomiasis Endemic Sites in Nigeria

Combinations of abiotic and biotic factors exert their influences on fecundity, hence population density of snail hosts living in fresh water. However, only few distinct relationships have been established in snail ecology due to lack of precise data and difficulty in defining and evaluating the significance of an individual environmental factor. This investigation was carried out to evaluate combined effects of physico-chemical properties of fresh water on snail hosts population. The methods in Water Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) Analytical methods Manual were used in water analysis. Fresh water bodies namely: Kanye and Rimin Gado Dams (Kano), Lagoon Front (Unilag, Akoka, Lagos) and Oyan Dam (Ogun-Osun River Basin, Abeokuta) were surveyed for three years. Two snail species namely Bulinus globosus (Morelet) and Bulinus rohlfsi (Clessin ) were specifically searched for and collected quarterly in these sites. Snail sampling for species of Bulinus globosus and Bulinus rohlfsi was carried out quarterly using standard technique involving drag scoop supplemented by a manual search. It was done duri ngdry and wet seasons. The contents of the scoop were searched by a visual inspection and by inspection of the underside of boats, bamboo rafts, floating and submerged sticks and vegetation. All snails collected from each station (i.e., scoop and manual searches) were pooled and recorded as number of snails per site per quarter. All snails were identified according to standard methods and mortalities recorded over a 3-year period were noted. The number of snails collected on each visit was correlated with prevailing physico-chemical parameters of sampled water bodies where these snails were collected. Test for infection was also carried out. Physico-chemical analysis of water from the selected sites showed that all the snails thrived better in oxygenated, slightly acidic (pH 5.6), low turbidity and low saline water. This might account for more snail populations recorded in Oyan Dam, Abeokuta and Kanye Dam in Kano. High prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in these areas could therefore be explained.Keywords: Physico-chemical, Snails, B. globosus, B.rohlfsi, FreshwaterNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp.169-17