Potentials of synthesised Lessertia montana zinc oxide nanoparticles on free radicals-mediated oxidative stress and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes

The study evaluated the eff ects of green absorbed zinc oxide nanostructures on oxidative stress-mediated free radicals and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes. The synthesised Lessertia montana zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterised using diff erent spectroscopic, microscopic, and diff raction techniques. The activity of L. montana ZnONPs against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), metal chelating assay, alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase were determined using standard methods. L. montana ZnONPs were stable nanoparticles (NPs), appeared cubical (predominantly) in shape, and in nanometre range sizes. The synthesised NPs are very active (p < 0.05) against DPPH and alpha-glucosidase (0.120 and 0.037 g/L, respectively) when compared with other samples and controls, quercetin (0.349 g/L) and acarbose (0.065 g/L). However, their interaction with quercetin revealed a good ABTS (0.093 g/L) scavenging and an excellent metal chelating (0.027 g/L) eff ect compared to other samples. The mode of inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes by L. montana ZnONPs was competitive and non-competitive, respectively. The study outcomes revealed that the synthesised ZnONPs possessed the potential to mitigate oxidative stress and diabetes in vitro

Aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala Sond ameliorates isoproterenol–induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

Purpose: To evaluate the protective potentials of the aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial damage in Wistar rats.Methods: Myocardial damage was induced in Wistar rats by isoproterenol (60 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) Various concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) of AQRED and their effects on the rats’ feed and water intake, body weight changes, serum enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), as well as tissue antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and lipid peroxidation, during a 30-day experimental period were examined.Results: ISP-treated rats showed no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect on the feed, water and body weight but increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) AST, ALT, CPK and lipid peroxidation while significantly reducing CAT and GP levels (p &lt; 0.05). Treatment with different doses of AQRED significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reversed the activity of these enzymes and cardiac lipid peroxidation towards control levels. Histopathological examination of ISP-induced myocardial rats treated with D. anomala revealed evidence of oedema and myocardial necrosis at 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. doses, but these alterations were ameliorated or cleared at 500 mg/kg dose, suggesting attainment of maximum efficacy.Conclusion: The findings indicate the ameliorative potential of AQRED in myocardiac disease, and therefore, could be of therapeutic significance in the management or treatment of cardiac-related diseases.Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Dicoma anomala, Lipid peroxidation, Serum enzyme

A five-year review of nephrectomies at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (Lasuth) Ikeja Lagos

Background: Nephrectomies are performed for various reasons ranging from benign to malignant renal diseases. The surgical approach for a nephrectomy also varies with location. In Nigeria and many other developing countries, the major technique of performing a nephrectomy is an open approach.Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the cases of nephrectomies performed over a 5-year period at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and compare the findings with those from other institutions in our region.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. The clinical records of consecutive patients who had nephrectomies done over a 5-year period between January 2009 and December 2014 were reviewed. The data extracted from their record included age, sex, indication for&nbsp; nephrectomy, laterality (whether right or left), surgical approach, duration of surgery, the incidence of blood transfusion, histological findings and treatment outcome.Results: The records of a total of 40 patients were available. There were 16 males (40%) and 24 females (60%) with a M:F ratio of 1:1.5. The mean age was 44.75 ± 17.16 years (range: 3-70 years). The indication in the majority of the patients was renal malignancy (n = 30, 75%) while the remaining 10 (25%) were benign cases ranging from non-functioning hydronephrotic kidneys from pelviureteric junction obstruction to staghorn calculi. A total of 25 cases (62.5%) were on the right, while 15 (37.5%) were on the left. The imaging study done for diagnosis was majorly an abdominopelvic CT scan in 32 patients (80%). Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had a flank approach, while 19 patients (47.5%) had an anterior approach for their surgery. The mean duration of surgery was 140 ± 53.2 minutes (range 60-270 minutes). 27 patients (67.5%) were transfused perioperatively. The majority (n = 14, 46.7%) of the patients with renal malignancy had a histological diagnosis of the papillary variant of renal cell carcinoma. 32 patients (80%) were followed up for at least 3 years, while the rest were lost to follow up. The quantity of blood transfused correlated with the duration of the surgery.There was no perioperative mortality.Conclusion: Renal malignancies are the most common indication for nephrectomy in our centre. Though associated with a high transfusion rate, open nephrectomy (even when performed for a malignant condition) remains a safe procedure with a good outcome. Keywords: Nephrectomy, Renal malignancies, Blood transfusio

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

In vitro studies on the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Cephalaria gigantea

This study evaluates the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of leaf and root extracts of Cephalaria gigantea. The results showed that the extracts inhibited both bacteria and fungi tested at MIC values which ranged from 3.1 to 12.5 mg/mL. The root water and leaf hydro-ethanol extracts had the highest content of phenolics exhibiting IC50 values of 310.9 mg/g and 275.2 mg/g respectively. The leaf water extract possessed the highest amount of flavonoids with IC50 value of 145.4 mg/g followed by root hydro-ethanol extract with IC50 value of 53.4 mg/g. The leaf and root water extracts had the best DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.6 µg/mL and 2.8 µg/mL compared to gallic acid at 14.0 µg/mL. The leaf hydro-ethanol and root water extracts scavenged ABTS radical best. Also the leaf and root hydro-ethanol extract exhibited the best reducing power activity when compared to gallic acid. The root water and leaf ethanol extracts displayed the most potent inhibition of ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase respectively. It can be concluded that C. gigantea extracts possessed antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials but has poor antimicrobial activities

Trace Element Analysis of Cancerous and Non-cancerous Breast Tissues of African Women in Southwest Nigeria Using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission Technique

In this study, we applied particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy to investigate the levels of trace elements in breast tissues and whole blood (cancerous and non-cancerous) of selected African women in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria. Freeze-dried and homogenized specimens obtained through mastectomy from clinically diagnosed patients were made into 11-mm-diameter pellets. The pellets were irradiated with 2.5 MeV proton beam energy from a 1.7 MV 5SDH Tandem accelerator. The PIXE analytical system was calibrated with certified reference matrices of Bovine Liver and Animal Blood: NIST 1577a and IAEA-A-13, respectively. A total of 23 elements: Na, K, Ca, Cl, S, Al, P, Si, Zn, Pb, Br, Rb, Zr, Se, Sr, Mn, V, Ti, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cr, and Mg were detected. The results indicated that the levels were within 0.9-5288 and 0.6-2320 ppm in breast tissues and 0.3-17228 and 2.0-2475 ppm in the whole blood of cancerous and non-cancerous subjects, respectively. At the .05 level of significance, significant differences exist between these levels in the cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues ( t  = 0.008) as well as the whole blood ( t  = 0.041). The results gave the baseline concentration of the observed trace elements in the normal and malignant subjects and indicated PIXE as a powerful tool for such investigation

Activities of Amodiaquine, Artesunate, and Artesunate-Amodiaquine against Asexual- and Sexual-Stage Parasites in Falciparum Malaria in Children

The activities of amodiaquine, artesunate, and artesunate-amodiaquine against asexual- and sexual-stage parasites were evaluated in 360 Nigerian children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria randomized to the standard dose regimens of the three drugs/combination. Clinical recovery from illness occurred in all children. There were no significant differences in fever clearance times. Patients treated with artesunate or artesunate-amodiaquine had significantly shorter parasite clearance times (1.4 ± 0.5 days or 1.4 ± 0.6 days versus 3.2 ± 2.3 days, P = 0.0001) and lower gametocyte carriage rates (3.3 or 1.7% versus 11.7%, P = 0.001) than those treated with amodiaquine alone. Gametocytemia was detected in 62 patients (11.7% before treatment and 5.6% after treatment). The pretreatment gametocyte sex ratio, which was female biased, increased significantly during the course of treatment with amodiaquine but not with artesunate and artesunate-amodiaquine. These results suggest that artesunate and artesunate-amodiaquine reduce gametocyte carriage and may reduce transmissibility in P. falciparum malaria by accelerating asexual clearance and influencing gametocyte sex ratio

Numerical investigation and sensitivity analysis of turbulent heat transfer and pressure drop of Al2O3/H2O nanofluid in straight pipe using response surface methodology

In this paper, investigation of the effect of Reynolds number, nanoparticle volume ratio, nanoparticle diameter and entrance temperature on the convective heat transfer and pressure drop of Al2O3/H2O nanofluid in turbulent flow through a straight pipe was carried out. The study employed a computational fluid dynamic approach using single-phase model and response surface methodology for the design of experiment. The Reynolds average Navier-Stokes equations and energy equation were solved using k-ε turbulent model. The central composite design method was used for the response-surface-methodology. Based on the number of variables and levels, the condition of 30 runs was defined and 30 simulations were performed. New models to evaluate the mean Nusselt number and pressure drop were obtained. Also, the result showed that all the four input variables are statistically significant to the pressure drop while three out of them are significant to the Nusslet number. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis carried out showed that the Reynolds number and volume fraction have a positive sensitivity to both the mean Nusselt number, and pressure drop, while the entrance temperature has negative sensitivities to both