AN EXPLORATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN NIGERIA’S EFFORT TO INDUSTRIALIZE

All organizations have a duty of care to ensure that employees and other persons who may be affected by the company’s undertakings remain safe at all times. This paper examines the background of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices in Nigeria, and highlights the importance of mitigating the OHS challenges identified from the moral, legal, financial and other dimensions. In the Nigerian context, the need to reinforce health and safety management (HSM) issues is exemplified from the unsavory recurrent reports of plane crashes in the aviation industry, high rates of motor vehicle accidents, numerous cases of death due to poisoning in the solid mineral sector, frequent accounts of disasters in the petroleum sector arising from oil spills, pipeline vandalism as well as accidents involving petroleum tankers. More effective and efficient management of these issues is a sine qua non to the industrialization efforts of an economy. Against the background of extant HS legislation in Nigeria, some reasons for the frequent violations of OHS standards and norms by the operators were identified as bribery and corruption in the system, the ‘Nigerian Factor’, inadequate funding of monitoring institutions, low level of education of employees as well as problems of persistent unemployment in the country. While recommending ways to mitigate the OHS flaws in Nigerian institutions, the relative duties and responsibilities of stakeholders in the OHS business were identified. The paper concludes by noting the importance of a virile HSM environment to the overall economic development and industrialization of the nation

A new sensitive molecular marker for Aspergillus’ Calmodulin gene detection in biological samples, used as a supplementary diagnosis for invasive Aspergillosis (IA)/ Um novo marcador molecular sensível para a detecção do gene Calmodulin em amostras biológicas do Aspergillus, utilizado como diagnóstico suplementar para a Aspergilose invasiva (IA)

Introduction: Aspergillosis is caused by the fungi of Aspergillus genus. After inhalation, Aspergillus’ conidia can invade the tracheal bronchus and lungs, resulting in airway colonization, inflammatory granuloma and invasive aspergillosis (IA), which is most likely to occur in neutropenic and immunosuppressed patients. Presently, IA has been associated with COVID-19 in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) for longer periods of time. Objective: The objective of this is to design a new molecular marker for detection of Aspergillus spp. in biological samples, in order to develop a new technique for IA diagnosis which is faster, more efficient and safer. Methodology: The primer was designed in silico using conserved sequences of the Calmodulin gene. After confirming the results in silico, in vitro evaluation was performed using the PCR technique. Results: The designed primer showed high specificity for the Aspergillus species. Conclusion: In this study the standardized PCR reaction with the designed marker proved to be safely utilized as a diagnostic method for IA.  The development of a test to aid in the diagnosis of IA is of great importance, since traditional methods are in turn time consuming and generally confused with other diseases. Early diagnosis contributes to faster treatment initiation and increasing the patient's chance of survival. We can conclude that the standardized PCR with the designed primer can be used safely in the development of a diagnostic test for IA, being of low cost, and accessible to patients treated by the public health system. A Patent application for this molecular marker has been submitted, with the number BR1020190281294

Physicochemical characteristics of Brazilian green propolis evaluated during a six-year period.

Background: Propolis has been used as a natural health product mainly due to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic aldehydes, amino acids, vitamins and others bioactive constituents. To this natural substance are attributed different biological and pharmacological properties which are influenced by its chemical composition and organoleptic properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and parameters of green propolis collected during a period of six years (2008-2013) in the state of Minas Gerais, located at the southeastern region of Brazil. Methods: The methodology were in accordance with Brazilian legislation on the identity and quality standards of propolis. The evaluated parameters of hydroalcoholic from green propolis were total flavonoids, antioxidant activity - DPPH method, oxidation index, wax content, humidity and insoluble impurities. Results: Propolis samples collected in different seasons during the years 2008 to 2013 presented mean values of total flavonoids (3.4 ? 0.11 mg/g), antioxidant activity DPPH (4.76 ? 0.16 ?g/mL), oxidation index (3, 4 ? 0.33 seconds) and wax (15.14 ? 0.78% m/m), which are in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Conclusion: Green propolis did not show abrupt seasonal changes during the six years of investigation, and may be considered as an adequate functional ingredient

Leishmanicidal Metabolites from Cochliobolus sp., an Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Piptadenia adiantoides (Fabaceae)

Protozoan parasites belonging to genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma are the etiological agents of severe neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that cause enormous social and economic impact in many countries of tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. In our screening program for new drug leads from natural sources, we found that the crude extract of the endophytic fungus Cochliobolus sp. (UFMGCB-555) could kill 90% of the amastigote-like forms of Leishmania amazonensis and inhibit by 100% Ellman's reagent reduction in the trypanothione reductase (TryR) assay, when tested at 20 µg mL−1. UFMGCB-555 was isolated from the plant Piptadenia adiantoides J.F. Macbr (Fabaceae) and identified based on the sequence of the internally transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of its ribosomal DNA. The chromatographic fractionation of the extract was guided by the TryR assay and resulted in the isolation of cochlioquinone A and isocochlioquinone A. Both compounds were active in the assay with L. amazonensis, disclosing EC50 values (effective concentrations required to kill 50% of the parasite) of 1.7 µM (95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 1.9 µM) and 4.1 µM (95% confidence interval = 3.6 to 4.7 µM), respectively. These compounds were not active against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, TK-10, and UACC-62), indicating some degree of selectivity towards the parasites. These results suggest that cochlioquinones are attractive lead compounds that deserve further investigation aiming at developing new drugs to treat leishmaniasis. The findings also reinforce the role of endophytic fungi as an important source of compounds with potential to enter the pipeline for drug development against NTDs

The anti-oxidant properties of isothiocyanates : a review.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and watercress, have been studied extensively aiming to evaluate their chemopreventive properties. Some of them have already been established using animal models. The ITCs induce Phase II enzymes related to detoxification processes of chemical carcinogens to prevent the start of carcinogenesis. They also exhibit antitumor activity at post-initiation phase, suggesting their additional role(s) in cancer prevention. Sulforaphane is the most extensively studied isothiocyanate, focused in its anti-tumoral activity and it is mainly found in great amounts in broccoli and other cruciferous. In a dose dependent manner, ITCs inhibit the cell viability of human cervical cancer cells, human pancreatic cancer cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, human ovarian cancer cells, and have antiinflammatory properties in the treatment of human T-cell leukemia cells. This protective effect may be due to improved antioxidant status. Although the health effects of diet in humans are generally considered promising, there are definite challenges and limitations of the current data in better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for this effect, together with the possible interactions between different dietary constituents. The survey of relevant patents on the use of isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane for cancer and cardiovascular diseases treatments is also included in this review

Disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis prediagnosticated as neoplasm: An important challenge in diagnosis using rt-PCR

This paper presents a case of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 62-year-old male patient, who lives in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized with icteric syndrome of cholestatic pattern and weight loss, with loss 30 kg in 5 months. The imaging of the abdomen showed lesion of infiltrative pattern, affecting gallbladder and intrahepatic bile ducts, suggesting neoplasia of malignant behavior, besides to presenting the yellow nail syndrome. Dermatological examination presented erythematous-infiltrated plaques in the occipital region. Also, the patient presented tegumentary lesions on the scalp and lumbar region from which the histopathological examination was carried out, which evidenced yeasts cells. The drug of choice for therapy was Liposomal Amphotericin-B. At the end of the antifungal treatment, liver enzyme dosages were normalized and there was improvement of the general condition of the patient, as well as the skin lesions. Here, we demonstrate the importance of molecular biology to confirm the diagnosis. Especially in cases of difficult diagnosis

Oficinas de culinária: método educativo para adesão em patologias crônicas e promoção da alimentação saudável

Dentre as ações que podem ser adotadas, no intuito de diminuir a ocorrência das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis está a utilização da educação nutricional, sabendo que através de uma alimentação inadequada tem-se maior probabilidade em desenvolver diversas doenças. Essa prevenção está voltada para mudanças do estilo de vida, incluindo alterações no consumo alimentar. Oficinas de culinária representadas por um conjunto de aromas e sabores característicos de certa cultura podem tornar alimentos mais atraentes e apetitosos, além de envolver participantes, leva-os à reflexão e às trocas de experiências. Metodologia baseou-se no levantamento bibliográfico dos seguintes materiais: teses, artigos e revistas especializadas sobre a temática oficina de culinária na promoção da saúde sendo priorizados os artigos dos anos de 2000 a 2012. Entretendo, houve grande dificuldade na busca de artigos, devido ao número reduzido na literatura. De acordo com material encontrado, esse método de educação nutricional demonstrou ser eficaz na promoção da alimentação saudável, proporcionando ao educando maiores conhecimentos sobre as relações entre alimentação, cultura e saúde, motivando à mudança e manutenção de hábitos alimentares, resultando na melhoria da qualidade de vida dos envolvidos

Cerebral macroabscess caused by Candida albicans in an immunocompetent patient : a diagnostic challenge.

We describe the history of a 24-year-old immunocompetent man with an expansive lesion in the brain stem that, after many misdiagnoses, was found to be caused by a Candida albicans abscess. One year after surgery and 3 months of fluconazole treatment, the patient was asymptomatic and all image and laboratory tests were normal

Canine visceral leishmaniasis : detection of Leishmania spp. genome in peripheral blood of seropositive dogs by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR).

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Among the species, L. infantum and/or L. infantum (chagasi) are the most important species affecting the Americas. Domestic dogs are the main reservoir of the parasite and participate effectively in the parasite' transmission cycle. The Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis Control Program (PCLV) adopted in Brazil present as strategies the vector control, health education and serological diagnosis of CVL in dogs followed by culling of the seropositive ones. The resolution to eliminate seropositive dogs by euthanasia, when necessary, are the most controversial and least accepted by society. The diagnostic methods for canine visceral leishmaniasis, currently indicated and approved in Brazil by the Ministry of Health from Brazil are the Dual Path Platform (DPP)? as a screening test and the Enzyme immunoassay test (ELISA?). This study aimed to verify the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in peripheral blood samples of dogs presenting positive serological results byDPP? and ELISA? tests,throughreal-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), using the pair of primers 150?152 already described. For this purpose, were collected blood samples from 185 seropositive dogs among them, 41 (22%) exhibited some clinical signal of disease, whereas 144 (78%) was asymptomatic. The animals were also analyzed according to gender, race and hair size. According to the results of rt-PCR, it was observed that among the185 seropositive dogs analyzed, only 132 (71%) presented positive results for CVL and 53 (29%) presented negative results. From this, 41/41 symptomatic dogs were positive (100%), while among the asymptomatic dogs, 91/144 were positive (63, 2%) and 53/144 were negative (36, 8%). Concerning the hair size of seropositive dogs, we found that 41 (22%) had long hair, while 144 (78%) had short hair. No statistical significance occurred between the results of rt-PCR, ELISA and DPP tests and the profile of the animals (gender, size of the dogs and hair size), probably due to the small number of samples and the sampling differences of each profile. But statistical significance occurred between the results of rt-PCR and the clinical evaluation, since the rt-PCR was positive in all symptomatic dogs. Thus, through these results, we reached at the following question, which may contribute to an important current debate: the dogs presenting CVL seropositive diagnosis confirmed by tests distributed by the Ministry of Health were in reality ill or were they seropositive by living in an endemic area of the disease? Would these asymptomatic seropositive dogs spread the disease to the inhabitants even presenting a low parasite charge circulating in the blood