Antifungal and toxicological activities of compounds from traveller’s tree (Ravenala madagascariensis sonnerat)

This study was done to investigate the antifungal and toxicological activities of extracts from the leaves of traveller’s tree (Ravenala madagascariensis). Different concentrations (i.e. 25 - 200 mg/ml) of the extracts prepared using ethanol; n-Hexane, hot water and cold water were tested against some selected human pathogenic fungi using agar well diffusion method. The in vivo effects of the extracts on vital organs such as liver, kidney and some haematological parameters (Pack cell volume, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Red blood cell count, White blood cell count, Hemoglobin, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Monocytes, Eosinophils and Basophils) were determined using experimental rats. The haematological analyses revealed that there were no significant differences (p≤0.05) between the values of haematological parameters obtained from the treated animals and the control groups before treatment and at the end of the treatment. The extracts appeared haematologically not toxic to the experimental rats, but deleterious effects were observed on the vital organs such as liver and kidney of the experimental rats. This may be due to the presence of higher percentage of Cyanogenic glycoside (47%), thus suggesting that the extracts could be potentially deleterious to human health when consumed orally.Keywords: Antifungal activity, Toxicological effect, in vivo, Haematological parameter

Novel use of ear sockets as points of traction in partial foetotomy in Bunaji cows

Dystocia was managed in 4½-, 3- and 3½-year-old Bunaji and Bunaji-Friesian cross cows at the University farm, a Fulani camp and an Institutional farm, respectively. Clinical examination showed normal vital parameters, straining, well relaxed perineum, oedematous vulva, fully engorged mammary glands and extended foetal fore-limbs. Vaginal exploration revealed fully relaxed cervices, dead foetuses in anterior longitudinal presentation and dorso-sacral positions. The necks and heads were flexed laterally and dorsally. Dystocia of foetal causes due to postural abnormalities (lateral and dorsal flexion of the neck) were diagnosed. Amputations of fore-limbs of the foetuses at the point of the shoulders using ThygesenM® foetotome and obstetrical wire were done. A crutch-repeller placed between the neck and the stump of shoulder of the amputated fore-limb was then used to repel the foetuses into the uteri to achieve extension of the neck. Extension of the flexed necks and heads was achieved by the use of three-point traction on the heads and repulsion concurrently. Traction was used to deliver the dead foetuses while guarding the points of amputation in the birth canals. It was concluded that the ear socket can be used as a new point of traction along with or in place of the eye socket in partial foetotomy for relieving dystocia with non-viable foetus in Bunaji cows.Keywords: Bunaji cow, Dystocia, Ear, Foetotomy, Obstetrical-wire, Tractio

Effect of Seasonal Changes of the Electric Field Pattern in Ibadan Nigeria on Some Meteorological Parameters

The objective of this work is to investigate the variation of the electric field in the atmosphere to specific meteorological parameters such as (temperature, heat and relative humidity) in Ibadan using data collected from the Nigeria Meteorological (NiMet) Office in Lagos. The data obtained were used to analyze the patterns of electric field in every season in this location for a period of one year ranged from September to October

Assessment of Global Kidney Health Care Status.

Kidney disease is a substantial worldwide clinical and public health problem, but information about available care is limited.To collect information on the current state of readiness, capacity, and competence for the delivery of kidney care across countries and regions of the world.Questionnaire survey administered from May to September 2016 by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) to 130 ISN-affiliated countries with sampling of key stakeholders (national nephrology society leadership, policy makers, and patient organization representatives) identified by the country and regional nephrology leadership through the ISN.Core areas of country capacity and response for kidney care.Responses were received from 125 of 130 countries (96%), including 289 of 337 individuals (85.8%, with a median of 2 respondents [interquartile range, 1-3]), representing an estimated 93% (6.8 billion) of the world's population of 7.3 billion. There was wide variation in country readiness, capacity, and response in terms of service delivery, financing, workforce, information systems, and leadership and governance. Overall, 119 (95%), 95 (76%), and 94 (75%) countries had facilities for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation, respectively. In contrast, 33 (94%), 16 (45%), and 12 (34%) countries in Africa had facilities for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation, respectively. For chronic kidney disease (CKD) monitoring in primary care, serum creatinine with estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria measurements were reported as always available in only 21 (18%) and 9 (8%) countries, respectively. Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation services were funded publicly and free at the point of care delivery in 50 (42%), 48 (51%), and 46 (49%) countries, respectively. The number of nephrologists was variable and was low (<10 per million population) in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania and South East Asia (OSEA) regions. Health information system (renal registry) availability was limited, particularly for acute kidney injury (8 countries [7%]) and nondialysis CKD (9 countries [8%]). International acute kidney injury and CKD guidelines were reportedly accessible in 52 (45%) and 62 (52%) countries, respectively. There was relatively low capacity for clinical studies in developing nations.This survey demonstrated significant interregional and intraregional variability in the current capacity for kidney care across the world, including important gaps in services and workforce. Assuming the responses accurately reflect the status of kidney care in the respondent countries, the findings may be useful to inform efforts to improve the quality of kidney care worldwide

Observation of Electron-Hole Puddles in Graphene Using a Scanning Single Electron Transistor

The electronic density of states of graphene is equivalent to that of relativistic electrons. In the absence of disorder or external doping the Fermi energy lies at the Dirac point where the density of states vanishes. Although transport measurements at high carrier densities indicate rather high mobilities, many questions pertaining to disorder remain unanswered. In particular, it has been argued theoretically, that when the average carrier density is zero, the inescapable presence of disorder will lead to electron and hole puddles with equal probability. In this work, we use a scanning single electron transistor to image the carrier density landscape of graphene in the vicinity of the neutrality point. Our results clearly show the electron-hole puddles expected theoretically. In addition, our measurement technique enables to determine locally the density of states in graphene. In contrast to previously studied massive two dimensional electron systems, the kinetic contribution to the density of states accounts quantitatively for the measured signal. Our results suggests that exchange and correlation effects are either weak or have canceling contributions.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figure

Sex differences in chronic kidney disease prevalence in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Previous reports on the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Asia have suggested important sex disparities but have been inconsistent in nature. We sought to synthesize available sex-disaggregated CKD prevalence data in Asia to quantify sex disparities in the region. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase for observational studies involving ≥500 adults who reported sex-disaggregated CKD prevalence data in any of the 26 countries in East, Southeast and South Asia. For each study we calculated the female:male prevalence ratio (PR), with a ratio >1 indicating a higher female prevalence. For each country, log-transformed PRs were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. These were then combined using a fixed effects model, weighting by population size, to estimate a pooled PR for each of East, Southeast and South Asia and Asia overall. Results Sex-disaggregated data were available from 171 cohorts, spanning 15 countries and comprising 2 550 169 females and 2 595 299 males. Most studies (75.4%) came from East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea). Across Asia, CKD prevalence was higher in females {pooled prevalence 13.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.3–14.9]} compared with males [pooled prevalence 12.1% (95% CI 10.3–14.1)], with a pooled PR of 1.07 (95% CI 0.99–1.17). Substantial heterogeneity was observed between countries. The pooled PRs for East, Southeast and South Asia were 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.21), 1.09 (0.88–1.36) and 1.03 (0.87–1.22), respectively. Conclusions Current evidence suggests considerable between-country and -region heterogeneity in the female:male PR of CKD. However, there remains a large part of the region where data on sex-specific CKD prevalence are absent or limited. Country-level assessment of the differential burden of CKD in females and males is needed to define locally relevant policies that address the needs of both sexes

Progression and mortality in patients with CKD attending outpatient nephrology clinics across Europe: A novel analytic approach

The incidence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) varies across countries. Yet, little is known about the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes. Our aim was to describe progression and mortality risk in CKD patients not on RRT attending outpatient nephrology clinics across Europe. We used individual data from nine CKD cohorts participating in the European CKD Burden Consortium. A joint model was used to estimate mean eGFR change and mortality risk simultaneously, thereby accounting for mortality risk when estimating eGFR decline and vice versa, while also correcting for the measurement error in eGFR. Results were adjusted for important risk factors (baseline eGFR, age, sex, albuminuria, primary renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking). 27,771 patients from five countries were included. The adjusted mean annual eGFR decline varied from 0.77 (95%CI 0.45,1.08) ml/min/1.73m2 in the Belgium cohort to 2.43 (95%CI 2.11,2.75) ml/min/1.73m2 in the Spanish cohort. As compared to the Italian PIRP cohort, the adjusted mortality hazard ratio varied from 0.22 (95%CI 0.11,0.43) in the London LACKABO cohort to 1.30 (95%CI 1.13,1.49) in the English CRISIS cohort. Outcomes in CKD patients attending outpatient nephrology clinics varied markedly across European regions. Although eGFR decline showed minor variation, the most variation was observed in CKD mortality. Our results suggest that different healthcare organization systems are potentially associated with differences in outcome of CKD patients within Europe. These results can be used by policy makers to plan resources on a regional, national and European level

BF Integrase Genes of HIV-1 Circulating in São Paulo, Brazil, with a Recurrent Recombination Region

Although some studies have shown diversity in HIV integrase (IN) genes, none has focused particularly on the gene evolving in epidemics in the context of recombination. The IN gene in 157 HIV-1 integrase inhibitor-naïve patients from the São Paulo State, Brazil, were sequenced tallying 128 of subtype B (23 of which were found in non-B genomes), 17 of subtype F (8 of which were found in recombinant genomes), 11 integrases were BF recombinants, and 1 from subtype C. Crucially, we found that 4 BF recombinant viruses shared a recurrent recombination breakpoint region between positions 4900 and 4924 (relative to the HXB2) that includes 2 gRNA loops, where the RT may stutter. Since these recombinants had independent phylogenetic origin, we argue that these results suggest a possible recombination hotspot not observed so far in BF CRF in particular, or in any other HIV-1 CRF in general. Additionally, 40% of the drug-naïve and 45% of the drug-treated patients had at least 1 raltegravir (RAL) or elvitegravir (EVG) resistance-associated amino acid change, but no major resistance mutations were found, in line with other studies. Importantly, V151I was the most common minor resistance mutation among B, F, and BF IN genes. Most codon sites of the IN genes had higher rates of synonymous substitutions (dS) indicative of a strong negative selection. Nevertheless, several codon sites mainly in the subtype B were found under positive selection. Consequently, we observed a higher genetic diversity in the B portions of the mosaics, possibly due to the more recent introduction of subtype F on top of an ongoing subtype B epidemics and a fast spread of subtype F alleles among the B population

The Malawi National Tuberculosis Programme: an equity analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Until 2005, the Malawi National Tuberculosis Control Programme had been implemented as a vertical programme. Working within the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) provides a new environment and new opportunities for monitoring the equity performance of the programme. This paper synthesizes what is known on equity and TB in Malawi and highlights areas for further action and advocacy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A synthesis of a wide range of published and unpublished reports and studies using a variety of methodological approaches was undertaken and complemented by additional analysis of routine data on access to TB services. The analysis and recommendations were developed, through consultation with key stakeholders in Malawi and a review of the international literature.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The lack of a prevalence survey severely limits the epidemiological knowledge base on TB and vulnerability. TB cases have increased rapidly from 5,334 in 1985 to 28,000 in 2006. This increase has been attributed to HIV/AIDS; 77% of TB patients are HIV positive. The age/gender breakdown of TB notification cases mirrors the HIV epidemic with higher rates amongst younger women and older men. The WHO estimates that only 48% of TB cases are detected in Malawi. The complexity of TB diagnosis requires repeated visits, long queues, and delays in sending results. This reduces poor women and men's ability to access and adhere to services. The costs of seeking TB care are high for poor women and men – up to 240% of monthly income as compared to 126% of monthly income for the non-poor. The TB Control Programme has attempted to increase access to TB services for vulnerable groups through community outreach activities, decentralising DOT and linking with HIV services.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The Programme of Work which is being delivered through the SWAp is a good opportunity to enhance equity and pro-poor health services. The major challenge is to increase case detection, especially amongst the poor, where we assume most 'missing cases' are to be found. In addition, the Programme needs a prevalence survey which will enable thorough equity monitoring and the development of responsive interventions to promote service access amongst 'missing' women, men, boys and girls.</p