Thymoquinone ameliorates lead-induced suppression of the antioxidant system in rat kidneys

Objective: Alteration of the antioxidant status in the kidneys may be related to lead (Pb) intoxication. The present study aimed to investigate the possible beneficial effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the major active ingredient of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, on Pb-induced renal antioxidant defense system impairment.Methods: A total of thirty two healthy adult maleWistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: a control group, which received no treatment; a Pb group, which was exposed to 2,000 ppm of Pb acetate in drinking water; a Pb-TQ group, which was cotreated with Pb plus TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per os); and a TQ group receiving only TQ. All treatments were applied for five weeks.Results: TQ alone did not induce any significant changes in the antioxidant defense system. By contrast, Pb exposure significantly decreased reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities in the renal tissue. Interestingly, supplementation with TQ significantly improved the affected antioxidant parameters.Conclusion: Our data are the first to provide evidence on the protective effect of TQ against Pb-induced renal antioxidant capacity impairment and suggest that this component might be a clinically promising alternative in Pb nephrotoxicity.Keywords: heavy metals; thymoquinone; antioxidant parameters; nephrotoxicity; ra

Resistance development and insecticide susceptibility in Culex pipiens pipiens, an important vector of human diseases, against selection pressure of temephos and its relationship to cross-resistance towards organophosphates and pyrethroids insecticides

Background: Culex pipiens pipiens is an important vector of human diseases. Objective: To determine the insecticide resistance development in Culex pipiens pipiens against selection pressure of temephos.. Methods: A field population of Culex pipiens pipiens was collected from Northwestern Tunisia with a medium level of temephos resistance (LC50 = 0.0069). It was subjected to six generations of temephos pressure selection to evaluate its relationship to cross-resistance towards organophosphates (OPs) and pyrethroids (PYR) insecticides. Results: The selection was initiated at the dose 0.0266, 0.0748 and 0.0069 which were increased during successive generations up to 0.1488, 3.8747 and 0.0086 after sixth generation for temephos, chlorpyrifos and permethrin insecticides, respectively. It is important to noted that high cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos insecticide (OP) was detected (51.88 7). However, little or no cross-resistance to the pyrethroid permethrin (PYR) was recorded (1.24 7). Contrary to metabolic resistance, it seemed that acetylcholinesterases AChE 1 was fixed under pressure selection. Conclusion: The high cross-resistance to temephos and chlorpyrifos is reasonable because they belong to the same class of insecticide (OP). However, the little cross-resistance to the pyrethroid permethrin could support its use alternately for Culex pipiens pipiens control

Resistance status to deltamethrin pyrethroid of Culex pipiens pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) collected from three districts of Tunisia

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the susceptibility status of Culex pipiens pipiens populations against deltamehtrin insecticide. Methods: Larvae of Culex pipiens pipiens were collected from three breeding places in Northern and Southern Tunisia between 2003 and 2005. Early third and late fourth instars were tested against deltamethrin pyrethroid insecticide. Cross-resistance with DDT resistance was evaluated in studied samples to estimate the role of target site insensitivity and two synergists including piperonyl butoxide (Pb) and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) were used to estimate the role of detoxification enzymes. Results: Our results revealed that the level of deltamehtrin resistance ranged from 0.67 to 31.4. We also showed the non-involvement of kdr resistance in pyrethroid resistance and no cross-resistance with DDT resistance was detected in all studied populations including the most resistant one. Synergists study on the resistant population (sample # 1) showed the involvement of CYP450 in the recorded resistance to the deltamethrin insecticide. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study should be considered in the current control programs to combat mosquitoes in Tunisia

Evaluation of resistance to temephos insecticide in Culex pipiens pipiens larvae collected from three districts of Tunisia

Background: Mosquitoes are considered as the main groups of arthropods that cause nuisance and public health problems. Objectives: Evaluation of resistance to temephos insecticide in Culex pipiens pipiens larvae collected from three districts of Tunisia. Methods: Late third and early fourth instars larvae of Culex pipiens pipiens were collected in three localities of Northern and Southern Tunisia. Field collected populations were tested against temephos insecticide and compared to bioassays of a susceptible reference strain. The cross-resistance between temephos and propoxur, and the polymorphism of over-produced esterases and AChE 1 were investigated. Results: Studied populations exhibited tolerance to temephos with low and high levels of resistance. The resistance ratio (RR50) values of temephos ranged from 1.34 to 114. Synergists and starch electrophoresis showed that the metabolic resistances were involved in the recorded resistance. Likewise, the resistant target site (acetyl cholinesterase: AChE 1) was responsible for the recorded resistance to temephos compound in Culex pipiens pipiens. Conclusion: The low and high resistance recorded to temephos insecticides is particularly interesting, because it leaves a range of tools useable by vector control services. However, further studies are needed to determine its spread and anticipate vector control failure where these insecticides are used. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i1.8 Cite as: Tabbabi A, Daaboub J, Laamari A, Cheikh RB, Feriani M, Boubaker C, Jha IB, Cheikh HB. Evaluation of resistance to temephos insecticide in Culex pipiens pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae collected from three districts of Tunisia. Afri Health Sci. 2019;19(1): 1361-1367. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i1.

Study of lipid profile and parieto-temporal lipid peroxidation in AlCl3 mediated neurotoxicity. modulatory effect of fenugreek seeds

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Peroxidation of lipid (LPO) membrane and cholesterol metabolism have been involved in the physiopathology of many diseases of aging brain. Therefore, this prospective animal study was carried firstly to find out the correlation between LPO in posterior brain and plasmatic cholesterol along with lipoprotein levels after chronic intoxication by aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). Chronic aluminum-induced neurotoxicity has been in fact related to enhanced brain lipid peroxidation together with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, despite its controversial etiological role in neurodegenerative diseases. Secondly an evaluation of the effectiveness of fenugreek seeds in alleviating the engendered toxicity through these biochemical parameters was made.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Oral administration of AlCl₃to rats during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via the drinking water) enhanced the levels of LPO in posterior brain, liver and plasma together with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and LDL-C (Low Density Lipoproteins) levels. All these parameters were decreased following fenugreek seeds supplementation either as fenugreek seed powder (FSP) or fenugreek seed extract (FSE). A notable significant correlation was observed between LPO_brainand LDL-C on one hand and LDH_liveron the other hand. This latter was found to correlate positively with TC, TG and LDL-C. Furthermore, high significant correlations were observed between LDH_brainand TC, TG, LDL-C, LPO_brainas well as LDH_liver.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Aluminium-induced LPO in brain could arise from alteration of lipid metabolism particularly altered lipoprotein metabolism rather than a direct effect of cholesterol oxidation. Fenugreek seeds could play an anti-peroxidative role in brain which may be attributed in part to its modulatory effect on plasmatic lipid metabolism.</p

Chemical and antioxidant parameters of dried forms of ginger rhizomes

There are various products that can be obtained from ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizomes, such as dried products, being difficult to choose the best option for antioxidant purposes. In this study, three different dried forms of ginger rhizomes (freshly dried, dried and powder dried) were characterized in terms of chemical composition including individual profiles in sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, and antioxidants (phenolics and flavonoids). The in vitro antioxidant properties (free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition) of their methanolic extracts were also evaluated. The results of this study indicate that the ginger form has significant influence in chemical and antioxidant parameters of the plant; dried ginger (DG) proved to be the best choice. Overall, this study could help the consumer in the selection of the most suitable option regarding antioxidant purposes.The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014), A. Fernandes grant (SFRH/BD/76019/2011) and L. Barros researcher contract under “Programa Compromisso com Ciência-2008”. A. Jelled thanks M. Khaled Ben Abdessalem for his uncountable support

Interplay of Socio-economic Factors, Consanguinity, Fertility, and Offspring Mortality in Monastir, Tunisia

Cilj Procijeniti međusobne utjecaje društvenoga položaja, prevalencije brakova među srodnicima i učinaka srođivanja na reprodukciju i smrtnost dojenčadi u Tunisu. Postupci Obrađeni su podatci o 1741 živorođene djece donešene između studenoga 1989. i listopada 1990. u rodilištu Sveučilišne bolnice Fattouma Bourguiba u Monastiru u Tunisu. Žene su nakon porođaja ispunile upitnik o dobi roditelja novorođenčeta u vrijeme sklapanja braka, broju trudnoća i pobačaja, broju novorođenačkih i kasnijih smrti djece i smrti djece do dobi od 5 godina. Mogla su se razaznati tri tipa braka: između prvih rođaka, između rođaka drugih stupnjeva srodnosti i nesrodni brakovi. Rezultati Brakova među srodnicima bilo je 432 (24.81%). Većina brakova među srodnicima odnosila se na prve rođake (n=303; 70.13%). Srodni su bračni parovi bili mlađi u doba sklapanja braka i imali su veći indeks fertilnosti nego li nesrodni parovi. Postotci spontanih pobačaja i mrtvorođene djece nisu bili povezani sa srodnošću roditelja. No, u brakovima između srodnika bilo je više neonatalnih i kasnijih smrti djece, kao i smrti djece do dobi od 5 godina. Zaključak Indeks fertilnosti i dojenački mortalitet, navlastito u prvoj gorini života, bili su češći u brakovima sklopljenim među srodnicima. Taj značajan društveno-ekonomski čimbenik treba imati na umu pri procjeni zdravlja populacija s društvenim i kulturalnim posebnostima.Aim To assess the association among social status, prevalence of consanguineous marriages, and the effects of consanguinity on reproductive behavior and mortality in Tunisia. Methods The study included data on a total of 1741 live-births born from November 1989 to October 1990 in the maternity ward of the University- Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba of Monastir, Tunisia. After delivery, women filled out a questionnaire on the age of the parents at marriage, the number of pregnancies and abortions, the number of neonatal and post-neonatal deaths, and deaths of children under 5 years. Three categories of marriages were distinguished as follows: marriages between first cousins, marriages between cousins of other degree, and non consanguineous marriages. Results Consanguineous marriages represented 432 (24.81%) of the unions. Most consanguineous marriages were contracted between first cousins (n = 303; 70.13%). Consanguineous couples had a lower age at marriage and a higher fertility index than non-consanguineous couples. The rates of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths were not correlated with consanguinity. However, higher rates of neonatal and post-neonatal deaths, and deaths of children younger than 5 years were observed in consanguineous couples. Conclusion Fertility index and mortality, especially in the first year of life, were significantly higher in consanguineous marriages. This important socio-economical factor needs to be considered in assessing equity on health in specific social and cultural contexts

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017) includes a comprehensive assessment of incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) for 354 causes in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. Previous GBD studies have shown how the decline of mortality rates from 1990 to 2016 has led to an increase in life expectancy, an ageing global population, and an expansion of the non-fatal burden of disease and injury. These studies have also shown how a substantial portion of the world's population experiences non-fatal health loss with considerable heterogeneity among different causes, locations, ages, and sexes. Ongoing objectives of the GBD study include increasing the level of estimation detail, improving analytical strategies, and increasing the amount of high-quality data. Methods: We estimated incidence and prevalence for 354 diseases and injuries and 3484 sequelae. We used an updated and extensive body of literature studies, survey data, surveillance data, inpatient admission records, outpatient visit records, and health insurance claims, and additionally used results from cause of death models to inform estimates using a total of 68 781 data sources. Newly available clinical data from India, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Nepal, China, Brazil, Norway, and Italy were incorporated, as well as updated claims data from the USA and new claims data from Taiwan (province of China) and Singapore. We used DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, as the main method of estimation, ensuring consistency between rates of incidence, prevalence, remission, and cause of death for each condition. YLDs were estimated as the product of a prevalence estimate and a disability weight for health states of each mutually exclusive sequela, adjusted for comorbidity. We updated the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a summary development indicator of income per capita, years of schooling, and total fertility rate. Additionally, we calculated differences between male and female YLDs to identify divergent trends across sexes. GBD 2017 complies with the Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting. Findings: Globally, for females, the causes with the greatest age-standardised prevalence were oral disorders, headache disorders, and haemoglobinopathies and haemolytic anaemias in both 1990 and 2017. For males, the causes with the greatest age-standardised prevalence were oral disorders, headache disorders, and tuberculosis including latent tuberculosis infection in both 1990 and 2017. In terms of YLDs, low back pain, headache disorders, and dietary iron deficiency were the leading Level 3 causes of YLD counts in 1990, whereas low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the leading causes in 2017 for both sexes combined. All-cause age-standardised YLD rates decreased by 3·9% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3·1-4·6) from 1990 to 2017; however, the all-age YLD rate increased by 7·2% (6·0-8·4) while the total sum of global YLDs increased from 562 million (421-723) to 853 million (642-1100). The increases for males and females were similar, with increases in all-age YLD rates of 7·9% (6·6-9·2) for males and 6·5% (5·4-7·7) for females. We found significant differences between males and females in terms of age-standardised prevalence estimates for multiple causes. The causes with the greatest relative differences between sexes in 2017 included substance use disorders (3018 cases [95% UI 2782-3252] per 100 000 in males vs 1400 [1279-1524] per 100 000 in females), transport injuries (3322 [3082-3583] vs 2336 [2154-2535]), and self-harm and interpersonal violence (3265 [2943-3630] vs 5643 [5057-6302]). Interpretation: Global all-cause age-standardised YLD rates have improved only slightly over a period spanning nearly three decades. However, the magnitude of the non-fatal disease burden has expanded globally, with increasing numbers of people who have a wide spectrum of conditions. A subset of conditions has remained globally pervasive since 1990, whereas other conditions have displayed more dynamic trends, with different ages, sexes, and geographies across the globe experiencing varying burdens and trends of health loss. This study emphasises how global improvements in premature mortality for select conditions have led to older populations with complex and potentially expensive diseases, yet also highlights global achievements in certain domains of disease and injury

Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality and life expectancy, 1950-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: Assessments of age-specific mortality and life expectancy have been done by the UN Population Division, Department of Economics and Social Affairs (UNPOP), the United States Census Bureau, WHO, and as part of previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). Previous iterations of the GBD used population estimates from UNPOP, which were not derived in a way that was internally consistent with the estimates of the numbers of deaths in the GBD. The present iteration of the GBD, GBD 2017, improves on previous assessments and provides timely estimates of the mortality experience of populations globally. Methods: The GBD uses all available data to produce estimates of mortality rates between 1950 and 2017 for 23 age groups, both sexes, and 918 locations, including 195 countries and territories and subnational locations for 16 countries. Data used include vital registration systems, sample registration systems, household surveys (complete birth histories, summary birth histories, sibling histories), censuses (summary birth histories, household deaths), and Demographic Surveillance Sites. In total, this analysis used 8259 data sources. Estimates of the probability of death between birth and the age of 5 years and between ages 15 and 60 years are generated and then input into a model life table system to produce complete life tables for all locations and years. Fatal discontinuities and mortality due to HIV/AIDS are analysed separately and then incorporated into the estimation. We analyse the relationship between age-specific mortality and development status using the Socio-demographic Index, a composite measure based on fertility under the age of 25 years, education, and income. There are four main methodological improvements in GBD 2017 compared with GBD 2016: 622 additional data sources have been incorporated; new estimates of population, generated by the GBD study, are used; statistical methods used in different components of the analysis have been further standardised and improved; and the analysis has been extended backwards in time by two decades to start in 1950. Findings: Globally, 18·7% (95% uncertainty interval 18·4–19·0) of deaths were registered in 1950 and that proportion has been steadily increasing since, with 58·8% (58·2–59·3) of all deaths being registered in 2015. At the global level, between 1950 and 2017, life expectancy increased from 48·1 years (46·5–49·6) to 70·5 years (70·1–70·8) for men and from 52·9 years (51·7–54·0) to 75·6 years (75·3–75·9) for women. Despite this overall progress, there remains substantial variation in life expectancy at birth in 2017, which ranges from 49·1 years (46·5–51·7) for men in the Central African Republic to 87·6 years (86·9–88·1) among women in Singapore. The greatest progress across age groups was for children younger than 5 years; under-5 mortality dropped from 216·0 deaths (196·3–238·1) per 1000 livebirths in 1950 to 38·9 deaths (35·6–42·83) per 1000 livebirths in 2017, with huge reductions across countries. Nevertheless, there were still 5·4 million (5·2–5·6) deaths among children younger than 5 years in the world in 2017. Progress has been less pronounced and more variable for adults, especially for adult males, who had stagnant or increasing mortality rates in several countries. The gap between male and female life expectancy between 1950 and 2017, while relatively stable at the global level, shows distinctive patterns across super-regions and has consistently been the largest in central Europe, eastern Europe, and central Asia, and smallest in south Asia. Performance was also variable across countries and time in observed mortality rates compared with those expected on the basis of development. Interpretation: This analysis of age-sex-specific mortality shows that there are remarkably complex patterns in population mortality across countries. The findings of this study highlight global successes, such as the large decline in under-5 mortality, which reflects significant local, national, and global commitment and investment over several decades. However, they also bring attention to mortality patterns that are a cause for concern, particularly among adult men and, to a lesser extent, women, whose mortality rates have stagnated in many countries over the time period of this study, and in some cases are increasing

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

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