Efecto de dosis aguda de alcohol sobre las características bioquímicas del síndrome X en distintas categorías de bebedores nigerianos hombres y mujeres en aparente buen estado de salud

Background: «Syndrome X», known since the 1980’s is a disease condition precipitated by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes glucose and insulin to accumulate in the blood. Syndrome X is characterized by abnormal values of triacylglycerol (TAG), blood pressure (BP), glucose and HDL-cholesterol-all risk factors for heart disease. Insulin resistance may be exacerbated by bad diet, poor lifestyle, absence of physical activity, genetic predisposition and being overweight. However, recent reports have shown that poor lifestyle is likely to be the main cause rather than bad diet or being overweight. Even though heavy consumption of alcohol could be regarded as a poor lifestyle, its relationship to the biochemical features and symptoms of syndrome X in both genders is yet to be properly documented among Nigerian drinkers of alcohol. Methods: To establish a baseline information on the relationship between alcohol consumption and Syndrome X among Nigerians, two hundred and seventy-four consenting individuals in apparent good health and who were either light (53 male, 44 female), moderate (51 male, 42 female) or heavy (46 male, 38 female) drinkers of alcohol were selected. They had no personal or familial history of CHD, stroke, cancer or related diseases. The drinkers were tested using an acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) of alcohol. Results: Results show that the administered acute dose (1 g ethanol/kg body weight) increased serum glucose, (p>0.05), TAG (p<0.05) and BP (p<0.05) (some biochemical risk factors of Syndrome X) in both genders irrespective of the drinking category. However, alcohol-induced changes were highest among the female heavy drinkers. Thus, observations from this study suggest that heavy consumption of alcohol by especially the female folk could alter the pathways that metabolize carbohydrates and lipids and this may increase the risk of Syndrome X. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, it would be reasonable to conclude that heavy consumption of alcohol by Nigerian women especially may be yet another predisposing lifestyle to Syndrome X. The incidence of Syndrome X among drinkers of alcohol should be further investigated in order to provide clues to the underlying molecular mechanisms. This is important in order to strategize therapeutic approaches, since individuals with the disease may not recognize it. Antecedentes: Desde la década de 1980 se conoce el síndrome X, entidad patológica que se precipita por la resistencia a la insulina. A su turno, esta resistencia hace que la glucosa y la insulina se acumulen en la sangre. El síndrome X se caracteriza por valores anormales de triacilglicerol (TAG), presión sanguínea (PS), glucosa y colesterol de alta densidad (HDL), que son todos elementos de riesgo para enfermedades cardíacas. La resistencia a la insulina se puede aumentar por malos hábitos dietéticos, falta de actividad física, predisposición genética y sobrepeso. Sin embargo, varios informes recientes demostraron que un estilo de vida poco saludable puede ser también una causa principal del síndrome, quizá más que los malos hábitos dietéticos o el sobrepeso. Aunque el consumo alto de alcohol se podría considerar como un estilo de vida poco saludable, su relación con los factores bioquímicos y los síntomas del síndrome X, en ambos géneros, aún no se ha documentado de manera precisa entre los nigerianos consumidores de alcohol. Métodos: Establecer una información de base acerca de las relaciones entre consumo de alcohol y síndrome X para 264 nigerianos en aparente buen estado de salud que participaron de modo voluntario en el estudio. Aunque todos consumían alcohol, entre ellos había consumidores ligeros (53 hombres, 44 mujeres); consumidores moderados (51 hombres, 42 mujeres); y consumidores pesados (46 hombres, 38 mujeres). Ninguno tenía historia familiar de enfermedad cardíaca coronaria (ECC), accidentes cerebro-vasculares, cáncer, y otras enfermedades relacionadas. A todos se les examinó con una dosis de prueba (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) de alcohol. Resultados: Se comprobó que la dosis de prueba administrada (1 g de etanol/kg peso corporal) aumentó los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa (p>0.05) y TAG (p<0.05), así como la PS (p<0.05), factores de riesgo para el Síndrome X en ambos géneros, sin tener en cuenta la categoría del consumidor. Sin embargo, los cambios inducidos por el alcohol fueron más altos en las mujeres de consumo pesado. Así, pues, las observaciones de este estudio sugieren que el consumo alto de alcohol, sobre todo en las mujeres, puede alterar las vías del metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos y de esta manera aumentar el riesgo del síndrome X. Conclusiones: Con base en la evidencia disponible, es razonable concluir que el consumo elevado de alcohol especialmente en las mujeres nigerianas puede ser otro estilo de vida poco saludable que predispone al síndrome X. La incidencia del síndrome X entre los consumidores de alcohol se debería investigar más a fin de suministrar sugerencias e indicios acerca de los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes. Esto es importante para diseñar estrategias en los manejos terapéuticos, pues los individuos con la enfermedad no la pueden reconocer

Incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Infertile Urban Population

Chlamydia trachomatis emerges as a most common sexually transmitted organism. It affects the young sexually active persons. It has been proved that genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis markedly enhances the risk of reproductive sequelae in women leading to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In males, it causes urethritis, prostitis, orchitis and epididymitis. The study was considered to rule out the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in various age groups of infertile men and women. A total of 446 infertile men and women were included in the study. Blood samples were collected and the IgM and IgG antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis were studied by ELISA. The results showed Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence rate of 62% in women with a high incidence of infection in the age group of 26-30 years. In the infertile men, the prevalence rate was 37% with a high incidence in the age group of 31-35 years. The overall seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among the 446 infertile men and women tested showed 52% positivity. Thus, there is a need for investigation and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infertile population.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Division of Microbiology, Rajah Muthiah Medical College (RMMC), Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, IndiaCite This Article As: G. Prathiba, D. Joseph Pushpa Innocent. 2010. Incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Infertile Urban Population. J. Ecobiotechnol. 2(3): 07-11

The effect of farming system on dairy cow cleanliness in the UK and implications to udder health

The cleanliness of dairy cows was assessed using a 20 point hygiene score system at different times in the year on 14 organic and 14 conventional farms in the UK. Overall, cows were dirtier during winter housing compared to summer grazing. Farming system had no effect on cow cleanliness when cows were at grass, but when housed in the winter, organic cows were more likely to be cleaner. There was a link between cow hygiene scores and milk hygiene, with herds having lower bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) tending to have cleaner cows. This relationship was strongest for the organic herds. There was no significant link between hygiene score and Bactoscan (BS) count or mastitis incidence

Size at Maturity and Fecundity of Oreochromis niloticus and Mouth Brooding Tilapiines Indigenous to Kafue Flood Plain Fishery, Zambia.

The present investigation was conducted to ascertain whether or not Size at maturity, Fecundity, and Total Length-Fecundity variation could explain the population dominance of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) over three spot breams Oreochromis andersonii (Castelnau 1861) and Green-Headed Bream Oreochromis macrochir (Boulenger 1912) in the Kafue Flood Plain during the spawning season (October 2020 to March 2021). Fish samples caught using a full standard multifilament net with mesh sizes ranging from 25 to 150 mm increments of 12.5 mm were purchased from Local Fishermen at Chanyanya and Kasaka fishing camps. The Total length of each fish was recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm using the fish measuring board. Reproductive stages of the three Tilapiine fish species were determined using standard keys. Whole ovaries from sexually mature females (ripe) were weighed and preserved in 10% formalin solution; logistic regression lines were used to determine size at maturity (L50). Fecundity was determined using gravimetric procedures. The O. andersonii matured at a Total length of 210.98 mm, O. macrochir at 199.48 mm, while O. niloticus matured at 189.82 mm. The O andersonii had mean Fecundity of 1843.92 ± 68.805; O. macrochir had 1640.82 ± 92.164 while O. niloticus had 1422.24 ± 91.103. The relationship between Fecundity and Total length was found to be strongest in O. macrochir (y=12.845x-1175; r=0.8770), followed by O. niloticus (y = 12.912x – 1614.3; r=0.8104) and finally O. andersonii (y=10.715x-591.91; r=0.7606). The studied characteristics among the Tilapiines indicated that O. niloticus was superior in reproductive biology. There should be proper guidelines in the laws and regulations regarding the introduction of O. niloticus into other water bodies. The O. niloticus must be promoted in aquaculture because of its reproductive advantages compared to the local Tilapiines

Breaking the Silence: Understanding the practice of Breast ironing in Cameroon

This study described the prevalence of breast ironing in Cameroon using information collected through interviews of 5661 girls and women aged 10&amp;82 years of age. Descriptive statistics were made and results showed that the practice of breast ironing is widespread across all provinces with high prevalence in the Littoral Province. In addition the study found that mother’s were the main perpetrators of breast ironing. Further research on the health effects (physical and psychological) on the practice of breast ironing is warranted. Keywords: Breast Ironing, Cameroon, Family violenc

In vitro study for antifungal compounds from Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae)

Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae) have been traditionally used in Southern Highlands of Tanzania for treatment of various infectious disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate antifungal activity of the isolated&nbsp; compounds from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea plant species. The ethyl acetate extract of the root barks from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea were fractionated using column chromatography. The structures of compounds were established using both 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques while antifungal activities of the fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated using broth microdilution assay against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus niger species. Two known compounds toddalolactone (1) and 10-hydroxy-13-methoxy-9- methyl-15-oxo-20-norkaur-16-en-18-oic acid -lactone (2) from P. curatellifolia and two compounds Sericic acid (3) and sericoside (4) from T. sericea were isolated and their structures identified and confirmed by spectral data obtained and from the literatures. Strong antifungal activity was shown by Sericic acid (3) with MIC value of0.07 mg/ml against C. albicans and C. neoformans. Isolation of toddalolactone (1) from Parinari curatellifolia as well as the antifungal activity of Sericic acid (3) from Terminalia sericea is being reported for the first time. Bioactivity of these compounds support traditional use of the studied plants. Keywords: Sericic acid, toddalolactone, fungi, antifungal, Parinari curatellifolia, Terminalia sericea

Characterization of fine particulate sources at Ashaiman in Greater Accra, Ghana

AbstractThe sources of airborne fine particles in PM2.5 range influencing air quality at Ashaiman, a semi–urban town north of Tema in Ghana had been investigated. Nuclepore and quartz fiber filters were used for the air particulate loadings and analyzed for elemental and carbonaceous compound (EC and OC) concentrations in the 8 carbon fractions using X–Ray spectrometry system and IMPROVE/Thermal Optical Reflectance method respectively. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was utilized to identify the following eight sources; industrial emissions (11.4%), fresh sea salt (15.5%), diesel emissions (18.4%), biomass burning (9.5%), two stroke engines (5.1%), gasoline emissions (15.8%), aged sea salt (6.2%), and soil dust (17.7%). Source locations were verified by means of Conditional Probability Function (CPF) plots that utilize wind directions. The source contributions revealed the high influence of fossil fuel and biomass combustion on the air quality in Ashaiman. The presence of the harbor and the industries located at Tema were seen to have substantial impacts on respirable air particulate matter (APM) concentrations in Ashaiman

Diversité, impacts et usages des Loranthaceae parasites de Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott. & Endl. au Sud-Bénin

Cola nitida est une espèce fruitière à usages multiples qui, malheureusement, est souvent la cible des plantes parasites de la famille des Loranthaceae. L’objectif de la présente étude est de recenser les espèces de Loranthaceae parasites de C. nitida, d’évaluer leur impact sur ce fruitier et d’inventorier les usages thérapeutiques faits de ces plantes parasites au Sud du Bénin. Pour y parvenir, des inventaires floristique et forestier puis des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réalisés. Au total, 15 plantations et 50 jardins de case abritant C. nitida ont été explorés dans 12 villages à travers lesquels 87 personnes utilisant les Loranthaceae ont été questionnées. Les résultats révèlent que sur les 552 pieds de C. nitida explorés, 6 espèces de Loranthaceae qui sont : Globimetula braunii, G. cupulata, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis, T. belvisii et T. globiferus ont été recensées. Le taux d’infestation est de 53%. Sur le plan ethnobotanique, les Loranthaceae de C. nitida interviennent dans le traitement de 3 affections que sont : la stérilité, les fausses couches (40% chacune) et les troubles menstruels (20%). Cette étude permet de proposer l’utilisation à grande échelle des Loranthaceae comme approche de gestion durable de ces hémiparasites.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Gui africain, biodiversité, densité parasitaire, gestion durable, BéninEnglish Title: Diversity, impacts and uses of Loranthaceae growing on Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott. &amp; Endl. in Southern BeninEnglish AbstractCola nitida is a kind of fruit presenting international multiple uses. However, this fruit is often the target of parasitic plants of Loranthaceae family. The aim of the present work is to know the diversity and  impact of Loranthaceae on C. nitida tree and the different uses made of these parasites. A total of 552 feet of C. nitida have been explored within 15 plantations and 50 home gardens spread in 12 villages through which 87 people using Loranthaceae have been questioned. The results show that C. nitida is parasitized by 6 species of Loranthaceae (Globimetula braunii, G. cupulata, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis, T. belvisii and T. globiferus). Infestation rate of C. nitida is 53%. On ethnobotanical level, Loranthaceae growing on C. nitida contribute to the treatment of three diseases which are barrenness, miscarriage (40% each) and menstrual disorders (20%). Pending the development of effective struggle methods against Loranthaceae growing on C. nitida, the widespread use of these parasites can contribute to maintain them in acceptable damage threshold and also generate incomes for people.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: African mistletoes, biodiversity, parasite density, sustainable management, Beni