Clinical and diagnostic importance of proteinuria: A review

A continual function of the kidney is essential to good health playing active roles in urine formation. Under normal physiological state urine is expected to be protein free. The production of protein freeurine is exclusively carried out by the kidney nephrons. Nephrons are structured to perform an important role of filtration and reabsorption. Therefore, a defective or diseased kidney is associatedwith defective reabsorption mechanisms and an indication of injured nephrons. The appearance of proteins in urine (proteinuria) is a strong indicator of kidney disease. The assessment of proteinuria isclinically and diagnostically an important index in renal function generally and particularly that of nephrons. However, pathological proteinuria may be due to various factors or diseases. It is has beenshown that diabetis mellitus, cardiovascular disease and hypertension could provoke secondary kidney problems. Proteinuria is also significant in some non-pathological cases such as pregnancyand static proteinuria found among military men. Various methods are used for the screening and detection of pathological and non-pathological proteinuria; the methods have their individual merit and demerits. Researchers had made significant contributions in improving the traditional techniques used in detecting and estimating urine protein. Current research in proteomics and genomics science with the development of new techniques in chromatography. (2D-gel chromatography) had produced interesting and promising results in discovery of other classes of urine proteins that could be used asbiomarkers of renal disease. This review examines the clinical and diagnostic importance of proteinuria and available techniques. It is hoped that this paper would throw more light into this important but taken-for-granted diagnostic tool in laboratory medicine

Optimal culture conditions and characterization of cellulolytic bacteria from cassava dumpsites in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study is designed to investigate cellulolytic bacteria capable of removing cellulolytic wastes that are produced from cassava during processing. Cellulolytic bacteria isolates from cassava dumpsite soil in Ibadan, Nigeria were characterized and their optimal culture conditions determined. The total viable bacterial count of the sample of cassava dumpsite soil was 24.4 x 108cfu/g. A total of twenty four bacteria were isolated from the samples out of which nine of the bacterial isolates were positive for cellulose degrading abilities. The 16S rDNA analysis of two bacterial isolates which gave the highest zones of hydrolysis on carboxy-methyl cellulose agar plates showed maximum similarity ratio towards strains of Kurthia gibsonii (90%) and Myroides odoratimimus (98%) using BLAST and hence the isolates were referred to as Kurthia gibsonii CAC1 andMyroides odoratimimus CAC2 respectively. Kurthia gibsonii CAC1 which was motile, aerobic, rod-shaped, nonpigmented and possessing a Gram positive reaction grew best at incubation temperature of 30oC, pH 5.5 andon lactose and ammonium chloride supplemented medium. Also, at incubation temperature of 30°C there was enhanced growth of a light yellowish, non-motile, aerobic, and rod-shaped Gram negative M.  odoratimimus CAC2 at pH 6.0. Lactose and urea were best carbon and  nitrogen sources respectively in the growth medium boosting the bacterial proliferation. It can be concluded that these microorganisms if properly cultivated can be used to reduce cassava waste littering in the environment.Key Words: Cassava, cellulolytic, carboxy-methyl cellulose, Kurthia gibsonii, Myroides odoratimimus

The economic burden of HIV/AIDS on individuals and households in Nepal: a quantitative study.

BACKGROUND: There have been only limited studies assessing the economic burden of HIV/AIDS in terms of direct costs, and there has been no published study related to productivity costs in Nepal. Therefore, this study explores in detail the economic burden of HIV/AIDS, including direct costs and productivity costs. This paper focuses on the direct costs of seeking treatment, productivity costs, and related factors affecting direct costs, and productivity costs. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional, quantitative study. The primary data were collected through a structured face-to-face survey from 415 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). The study was conducted in six representative treatment centres of six districts of Nepal. The data analysis regarding the economic burden (direct costs and productivity costs) was performed from the household's perspective. Descriptive statistics have been used, and regression analyses were applied to examine the extent, nature and determinants of the burden of the disease, and its correlations. RESULTS: Average total costs due to HIV/AIDS (the sum of average total direct and average productivity costs before adjustment for coping strategies) were Nepalese Rupees (NRs) 2233 per month (US$30.2/month), which was 28.5$ 20.4), and average productivity costs (before adjustment for coping strategies) were NRs 721 (US$ 9.7). The average monthly productivity losses (before adjustment for coping strategies) were 5.05 days per person. The major determinants for the direct costs were household income, occupation, health status of respondents, respondents accompanied or not, and study district. Health status of respondents, ethnicity, sexual orientation and study district were important determinants for productivity costs. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that HIV/AIDS has caused a significant economic burden for PLHIV and their families in Nepal. The study has a number of policy implications for different stakeholders. Provision of social support and income generating programmes to HIV-affected individuals and their families, and decentralising treatment services in each district seem to be viable solutions to reduce the economic burden of HIV-affected individuals and households

Bone turnover markers for early detection of fracture healing disturbances: A review of the scientific literature

Imaging techniques are the standard method for assessment of fracture healing processes. However, these methods are perhaps not entirely reliable for early detection of complications, the most frequent of these being delayed union and non-union. A prompt diagnosis of such disorders could prevent prolonged patient distress and disability. Efforts should be directed towards the development of new technologies for improving accuracy in diagnosing complications following bone fractures. The variation in the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been assessed with regard to there ability to predict impaired fracture healing at an early stage, nevertheless the conclusions of some studies are not consensual. In this article the authors have revised the potential of BTMs as early predictors of prognosis in adult patients presenting traumatic bone fractures but who did not suffer from osteopenia or postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available information from the different studies performed in this field was systematized in order to highlight the most promising BTMs for the assessment of fracture healing outcome.As técnicas imagiológicas são o método convencional para a avaliação dos processos de cicatrização das fraturas. No entanto, estes métodos não são talvez totalmente confiáveis para a deteção precoce de complicações, as mais frequentes destas sendo o atraso da união e a não-união. Um diagnóstico eficaz destas desordens poderia prevenir a dor e a incapacidade prolongada do paciente. Esforços devem ser dirigidos no sentido do desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias para melhorar a exatidão no diagnóstico de complicações após fraturas ósseas. A variação nos níveis dos marcadores do turnover ósseo (BTMs) têm sido avaliados com vista à sua capacidade para prever o comprometimento da cicatrização das fraturas numa fase inicial, no entanto, as conclusões de alguns estudos não são consensuais. Neste artigo os autores fizeram uma revisão do potencial dos BTMs como fatores de previsibilidade precoce do prognóstico em doentes adultos que apresentavam fraturas ósseas traumáticas mas que não sofriam de osteopenia ou osteoporose pós-menopausa. A informação disponível nos diferentes estudos realizados neste campo foi sistematizada com vista a evidenciar-se os BTMs mais promissores para a avaliação da evolução da cicatrização das fraturas.SFRH/BD/45018/200

Glutamatergic deficits and parvalbumin-containing inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We have previously reported that the expression of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for the NR2A subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) class of glutamate receptor was decreased in a subset of inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia. In this study, we sought to determine whether a deficit in the expression of NR2A mRNA was present in the subset of interneurons that contain the calcium buffer parvalbumin (PV) and whether this deficit was associated with a reduction in glutamatergic inputs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in schizophrenia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the expression of NR2A mRNA, labeled with a ³⁵S-tagged riboprobe, in neurons that expressed PV mRNA, visualized with a digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe via an immunoperoxidase reaction, in twenty schizophrenia and twenty matched normal control subjects. We also immunohistochemically labeled the glutamatergic axon terminals with an antibody against vGluT1.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The density of the PV neurons that expressed NR2A mRNA was significantly decreased by 48-50% in layers 3 and 4 in the subjects with schizophrenia, but the cellular expression of NR2A mRNA in the PV neurons that exhibited a detectable level of this transcript was unchanged. In addition, the density of vGluT1-immunoreactive boutons was significantly decreased by 79% in layer 3, but was unchanged in layer 5 of the PFC in schizophrenia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission via NR2A-containing NMDA receptors on PV neurons in the PFC may be deficient in schizophrenia. This may disinhibit the postsynaptic excitatory circuits, contributing to neuronal injury, aberrant information flow and PFC functional deficits in schizophrenia.</p

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children &lt;18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p&lt;0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p&lt;0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p&lt;0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

Heat balance, haematology and serum chemistry of layers under varying stocking density reared in locally fabricated metal-type cage system

One hundred and thirty five 18weeks old Bovans Nera Black strain pullets were used in a 10week study to determine their heat balance and blood profile under varying stocking density in locally fabricated metal-type cage system. The cages were stocked 2, 3 and 4birds/cell. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity of the cage and rectal temperature of the birds were taken and heat balance calculated. Record of Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood count (WBC) and differential of the birds were taken at beginning and end of the study for the haematological indices while blood glucose, total protein, Albumin and blood urea were taken for the bio-chemical measurements. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, and heat balance showed no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference with cage stocking density. Cage stocking density had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on rectal temperature of layers. Bird stocked 3/cell recorded the least (41.14oC) rectal temperature while those stocked 4/cell recorded the highest (41.27oC). All the haematological parameters of the birds were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by stocking density of the cage type. Bio-chemical measurements were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different among layers under varying stocking density of the cage except total protein (P&lt;0.05). Layers stocked 4/cell recorded highest (5.22g/dl) total protein while those stocked 3/cell had the least value (4.37g/dl). However, the values were within the normal range recommended for healthy chicken. The study concluded that locally fabricated metal-type battery cage could be used to rear layers and stocking density of 3birds/cell is ideal without compromising the welfare of the birds.Keywords: heat balance, haematology, serum chemistry, stocking density, metal-type battery cage, layer

Serological and pathological assessment of lymphoid organs in chicks fed with graded levels of fermented and unfermented cassava diets

Despite the myriad of investigations in literature on cassava utilization in domestic chickens, its effects on the avian specific humoral immune system still remains elusive. This study investigated the effects of graded levels of fermented (F) and unfermented (UF) cassava diets on the lymphoid organs and its subsequent humoral immunological response in domestic chicks. One hundred day-old Yaffa White cockerels were randomly divided into five groups (A to E) of twenty birds each. The replacement of maize with 0%, 20%, 30%, fermented or unfermented cassava root meal was on a quantitative basis in each group fed for 5 weeks. All other ingredients remained constant. The mean body weight in different cassava treated groups (CTGs) showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) compared with the control. The bursa and thymic weights showed both decrease and increase significant difference (P&lt;0.05). There was significant decrease in the IBD antibody titers of CTGs compared with the control at week 5. Macroscopically, mild to moderate enlargement and atrophy of bursa of Fabricius, with petechiation of cortical surfaces of the thymus were observed. Microscopically, lesions such as interfollicular edema, interfollicular fibrosis, follicular atrophy, lymphofollicular hypoplasia, dystrophic epithelium, thickened splenic capsule, splenic lymphoid hypoplasia, thymic lymphoid hypoplasia, diffuse medullary thymic haemorrhages and Myoid cells proliferation were the consistent histopathological changes in all the CTGs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that cassava inclusion feeds could cause subtle sublethal effects to the lymphoid organs of domestic chickens, and consequently lead to vaccine failure when it is administered for a long period of time.Keywords: Lymphoid organs, fermented and unfermented cassava, serology, patholog