Improving the “Visit Harford” Website Experience

Final project for INST710: User Research Methods (Fall 2018). University of Maryland, College Park.Harford Count

Comorbidity of alcohol use disorders and non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries

Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to understand the relationship between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and three non-communicable diseases [NCD] (cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched the following databases using a systematic search strategy: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and AJOL (African Journal Online). Results: We identified 1431 references through the database search and through a systematic screening process identified 13 studies that met our eligibility criteria. Amongst those with any kind of AUD, depending on the type of NCD, the prevalence ranged from 14% (diabetes) to 58% (hypertension). Amongst those with the selected NCDs, depending on the type of AUD, the prevalence ranged from 1.8% (diabetes) to 27.4% (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction). A range of AUDs were associated with hypertension in men, cardiovascular diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diabetes mellitus. In some studies, inverse associations were observed between AUD and two NCDs–hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion: The burden of comorbid AUDs and NCDs in LMICs is high, and this should be countered through appropriate public health response such as policy interventions to control availability of alcohol, and through screening and brief interventions in primary care

Modulation of atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations and cyclin-dependent kinases by aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves in Allium cepa

Abstract Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon an indigenous medicinal plant of Lamiaceae family used for the treatment of several diseases. In the present study, its aqueous (leaves) extract was tested for genoprotective action against atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells of Allium cepa. Atrazine is a herbicide of triazine class commonly used to inhibit the growth of broad leaf and grassy weeds. In order to find the concentration of atrazine that exhibits maximum toxicity, its different concentrations (1, 5 and 10 µg/mL) were tested. It was observed that 10 µg/mL concentration was more toxic as it reduced the mitotic index and also increased the chromosomal aberrations. Among all the tested concentrations of aqueous (leaves) extracts (0.25. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 µg/mL), the3.0 µg/mL concentration in both modes of experiments i.e. pre and post showed a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations induced by atrazine. To understand the mechanism of protection by plant extract on atrazine-induced chromosomal abnormalities the RT-qPCR studies were conducted to observe the expression of marker genes Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) (CDKA:1, CDKB2:1 and CDKD1:1. For this, the RNA was extracted from root tips treated with extract along with atrazine by TRIzol®. It was observed that aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves upregulated the CDKs gene expression in both the modes i.e. pre and post treatments. A critical analysis of results indicated that aqueous extract ameliorated the chromosomal aberrations caused by atrazine which may be be due to the increased expression level of CDKs genes