58 research outputs found
Cardiocurative effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Ximenia americana (linn.) and Pappea capensis (eckl. and zeyh.) against myocardial infarction in rats
Different plants are traditionally applied in the treatment of different diseases, including chest
pains, hypertension, and inflammation, among others. This study scientifically evaluated the
curative treatment effects of X. americana and P. capensis leaf aqueous extracts in rats induced
with myocardial infarction. The rats were randomly distributed as follows: Normal control
group, consisting of rats treated with oral normal saline; Negative control group, comprising
rats induced with MI and treated with normal saline; Positive control group, consisting of rats
induced with MI and orally treated with propranolol (10 mg/Kg bw); and three experimental
groups consisting of rats induced with MI and treated with plant extracts at dose levels 150,
200 and 250 mg/Kg bw. This study’s findings demonstrated that there was a significant
reduction in the amounts of cTnT, LDH-1, CK-MB, T-cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c, and
malondialdehyde, as well as a significant increase in levels of HDL-c, catalase, SOD, and
glutathione peroxidase among rats treated with propranolol and plant extracts as compared to
the negative control rats. Additionally, LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids,
tannins, and phenolics, which could explain the observed cardiocurative effects. This study
concluded that aqueous leaf extracts of X. americana and P. capensis possess cardiocurative
activities in rats with myocardial infarction. However, further studies on isolated fractions of
the phytochemicals present are recommended. This study provides preliminary data useful in
the development of pure and safe cardioactive compounds
Assessment of neuropathic pain management knowledge, attitudes, and practices among urology trainees and consultants in prostate cancer care : a survey-based study
DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: The raw data for this study is available in an offline registry, and access is password-protected. Researchers and interested parties may request access to the raw data by making a reasonable request to the first author for inspection. The password-protected access ensures that data are available while also maintaining security and privacy standards.BACKGROUND: Effective neuropathic pain management is crucial in improving the quality of life for patients with prostate cancer. There is an abundance of research about cancer pain and guidelines that have been developed by World Health Organization including the analgesia stepladder, yet patients with cancer pain are still sub optimally analgesed. This is due to a variety of both patient and physician factors which include: lack of knowledge on the use of adjuvant medication, fear of addiction and poor characterization of the type of pain. This study intended to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of urology trainees and consultants in the the context of neuropathic pain in prostatecancer care.
METHODS: The study involved 91 urologists, comprising of junior registrars, medical officers and experienced specialists who are members of the South African Urological Association (SAUA). Data was collected through a 25-question web-based survey. The survey covered: demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cancer pain management.
RESULTS: The study revealed that a significant proportion of urologists assessed neuropathic pain reactively, with only 8% of respondents being familiar with screening scales. Approximately, one-third preferred referrals, and 74% expressed confidence in self-treatment. Concerns regarding opioid prescription were observed in 40.4% of respondents. Furthermore, the usage of adjuvant medications was limited, with only 35% proficiently combining analgesia and adjuvants. Notably, 65% continued to escalate analgesic monotherapy.
CONCLUSION: Effective neuropathic pain management in prostate cancer care necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive assessment and expertise in adjuvant medication usage. The discrepancies observed among urologists are likely due to variations in experience levels. The study identifies knowledge gaps and suboptimal practices in neuropathic pain management among urologists. Addressing these issues through education, awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration is imperative to enhance patient outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals with prostate cancer. This study underscores the need for improved education and interdisciplinary collaboration among urologists in managing neuropathic pain among prostate cancer patients. Enhancing these aspects is essential to achieve better patient outcomes and overall quality of life.https://afju.springeropen.comStatisticsUrologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Enzymatic and proteomic exploration into the inhibitory activities of lemongrass and lemon essential oils against Botrytis cinerea (causative pathogen of gray mold)
Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) have been demonstrated as efficacious against
B. cinerea. However, the underpinning enzymatic and proteomic mechanism for
these inhibitory effects is not entirely clear.
Methods: Thus, this study examined the effects of lemon (Le) and lemongrass
(Lg) EOs (individually and in combination) against B. cinerea based on enzymatic
and proteomic analyses. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with
identifier PXD038894.
Results and discussion: Both EOs (individually and in combination) displayed
abilities to induce scavenging as observed with the reduction of H2O2. Measured
malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased in
all EOs treated B. cinerea mycelia compared to the control. Ascorbate peroxidase
(APX) activity was highest in Lg treated B. cinerea (206% increase), followed by
combined (Le + Lg) treatment with 73% compared to the untreated control. Based
on GC-MS analysis, the number of volatile compounds identified in lemon and
lemongrass EOs were 7 and 10, respectively. Major chemical constituent of lemon
EO was d-limonene (71%), while lemongrass EO was a-citral (50.1%). Based on the
interrogated LC-MS data, 42 distinct proteins were identified, and 13 of these proteins
were unique with 1, 8, and 4 found in Le-, Lg-, and (Le + Lg) EOs treated B. cinerea,
respectively, and none in control. Overall, 72% of identified proteins were localized
within cellular anatomical entity, and 28% in protein-complexes. Proteins involved in
translation initiation, antioxidant activity, protein macromolecule adaptor activity and
microtubule motor activity were only identified in the Lg and (Le + Lg) EOs treated
B. cinerea mycelia, which was consistent with their APX activities
Role of precision oncology in type II endometrial and prostate cancers in the African population : global cancer genomics disparities
Precision oncology can be defined as molecular profiling of tumors to identify targetable
alterations. Emerging research reports the high mortality rates associated with type II endometrial
cancer in black women and with prostate cancer in men of African ancestry. The lack of adequate
genetic reference information from the African genome is one of the major obstacles in exploring the
benefits of precision oncology in the African context. Whilst external factors such as the geography,
environment, health-care access and socio-economic status may contribute greatly towards the
disparities observed in type II endometrial and prostate cancers in black populations compared to
Caucasians, the contribution of African ancestry to the contribution of genetics to the etiology of these
cancers cannot be ignored. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) continue to emerge as important regulators
of gene expression and the key molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Particular attention
is focused on activated/repressed genes and associated pathways, while the redundant pathways
(pathways that have the same outcome or activate the same downstream effectors) are often ignored.
However, comprehensive evidence to understand the relationship between type II endometrial
cancer, prostate cancer and African ancestry remains poorly understood. The sub-Saharan African
(SSA) region has both the highest incidence and mortality of both type II endometrial and prostate
cancers. Understanding how the entire transcriptomic landscape of these two reproductive cancers
is regulated by ncRNAs in an African cohort may help elucidate the relationship between race and
pathological disparities of these two diseases. This review focuses on global disparities in medicine,
PCa and ECa. The role of precision oncology in PCa and ECa in the African population will also
be discussed.This research was funded by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Grant No. 23108 and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant No. 138139.The South African Medical Research Council and the National Research Foundation.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerphMedical OncologyUrolog
Enzymatic and proteomic exploration into the inhibitory activities of lemongrass and lemon essential oils against Botrytis cinerea (causative pathogen of gray mold)
IntroductionEssential oils (EOs) have been demonstrated as efficacious against B. cinerea. However, the underpinning enzymatic and proteomic mechanism for these inhibitory effects is not entirely clear.MethodsThus, this study examined the effects of lemon (Le) and lemongrass (Lg) EOs (individually and in combination) against B. cinerea based on enzymatic and proteomic analyses. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD038894.Results and discussionBoth EOs (individually and in combination) displayed abilities to induce scavenging as observed with the reduction of H2O2. Measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased in all EOs treated B. cinerea mycelia compared to the control. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was highest in Lg treated B. cinerea (206% increase), followed by combined (Le + Lg) treatment with 73% compared to the untreated control. Based on GC-MS analysis, the number of volatile compounds identified in lemon and lemongrass EOs were 7 and 10, respectively. Major chemical constituent of lemon EO was d-limonene (71%), while lemongrass EO was a-citral (50.1%). Based on the interrogated LC-MS data, 42 distinct proteins were identified, and 13 of these proteins were unique with 1, 8, and 4 found in Le-, Lg-, and (Le + Lg) EOs treated B. cinerea, respectively, and none in control. Overall, 72% of identified proteins were localized within cellular anatomical entity, and 28% in protein-complexes. Proteins involved in translation initiation, antioxidant activity, protein macromolecule adaptor activity and microtubule motor activity were only identified in the Lg and (Le + Lg) EOs treated B. cinerea mycelia, which was consistent with their APX activities
Response of Cyclopia subternata to drought stress � assessment of leaf composition, proteomics and product quality
Honeybush tea is made from the fynbos plant Cyclopia subternata, which is unique to South Africa. Cultivation takes place in its natural environment, which has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet
winters. During the summer, the plant is vulnerable to drought, an abiotic stress factor that is likely to affect
its development and yield. This study investigated the effect of drought stress for a short duration on the
leaf, as well as the quality of the herbal tea. Protein expression in the leaf was measured to gain insight into
possible mechanisms used by the plant to cope with drought stress conditions. Fifteen-month-old C. subternata plants were subjected to three water treatments (control, moderately-stressed (MS), and severelystressed (SS)) for ten days. Leaves were sampled at regular intervals throughout the treatment period to
determine their relative water content (RWC). Leaves were also sampled on the 11th day for untargeted and
targeted chemical composition and protein expression analyses. The remaining leaves and stems were processed to obtain the herbal tea. Descriptive sensory analysis of the herbal tea was performed to determine
whether drought stress affected product quality. RWC was substantially higher (p < 0.05) in the control
plants (100%) than in the MS and SS treated plants (83�90% and 47%, respectively). Untargeted analysis
revealed that drought stress considerably altered leaf chemical composition. According to targeted analysis,
the proline content of SS treated plants increased more than 40-fold when compared to the control, however,
the treatments had no effect on the total carbohydrate and major phenolic compound content of the leaves,
nor on the sensory quality of the herbal tea. Differences in the expression of 27 proteins, 24 of which were
identified using proteomic analysis, were observed. During drought stress, 17 of these proteins increased,
whereas seven decreased. Thirteen of the 24 identified proteins produced statistically significant results
based on their Byonic scores. The findings laid the foundation for future research into the functions of
drought response genes in Cyclopia species, as well as helping with the identification of stress-tolerant honeybush genotypes
mCRPC patients receiving 225Ac-PSMA-617 therapy in the post-androgen deprivation therapy setting : response to treatment and survival analysis
Please read abstract in the article.http://jnm.snmjournals.orghj2023Nuclear Medicin
AI and precision oncology in clinical cancer genomics : from prevention to targeted cancer therapies-an outcomes based patient care
Precision medicine is the personalization of medicine to suit a specific group of people or even an individual patient, based on genetic or molecular profiling. This can be done using genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic or proteomic information. Personalized medicine holds great promise, especially in cancer therapy and control, where precision oncology would allow medical practitioners to use this information to optimize the treatment of a patient. Personalized oncology for groups of individuals would also allow for the use of population group specific diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Additionally, this information can be used to track the progress of the disease or monitor the response of the patient to treatment. This can be used to establish the molecular basis for drug resistance and allow the targeting of the genes or pathways responsible for drug resistance. Personalized medicine requires the use of large data sets, which must be processed and analysed in order to identify the particular molecular patterns that can inform the decisions required for personalized care. However, the analysis of these large data sets is difficult and time consuming. This is further compounded by the increasing size of these datasets due to technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS). These difficulties can be met through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These computational tools use specific neural networks, learning methods, decision making tools and algorithms to construct and improve on models for the analysis of different types of large data sets. These tools can also be used to answer specific questions. Artificial intelligence can also be used to predict the effects of genetic changes on protein structure and therefore function. This review will discuss the current state of the application of AI to omics data, specifically genomic data, and how this is applied to the development of personalized or precision medicine on the treatment of cancer.The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).https://www.elsevier.com/locate/imuhj2023Anatomical PathologyMaxillo-Facial and Oral SurgeryMedical OncologyOtorhinolaryngologyRadiologySurgeryUrolog
The South African guidelines on enuresis-2017
Introduction: Enuresis (or Nocturnal Enuresis) is defined as discreet episodes of urinary incontinence during sleep in children over 5 years of age in the absence of congenital or acquired neurological disorders.
Recommendations: Suggestions and recommendations are made on the various therapeutic options available within a South African context. These therapeutic options include; behavioural modification, pharmaceutical therapy [Desmospressin (DDAVP), Anticholinergic (ACh) Agents, Mirabegron (beta 3-adrenoreceptor agonists), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)], alternative treatments, complementary therapies, urotherapy, alarm therapy, psychological therapy and biofeedback. The role of the Bladder Diary, additional investigations and Mobile Phone Applications (Apps) in enuresis is also explored. Standardised definitions are also outlined within this document.
Conclusion: An independent, unbiased, national evaluation and treatment guideline based on the pathophysiological subcategory is proposed using an updated, evidence based approach. This Guideline has received endorsement from the South African Urological Association, Enuresis Academy of South Africa and further input from international experts within the field
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