CANCER: A MOLECULAR CURSE?

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death, taking over 7 million lives each year globally. The global incidence is remarkably rising. Massive investments in research are also on the rise to unravel the genetic and molecular basis of cancer as a prerequisite to design of more effective treatment strategies. This review explores causes of cancer, its molecular basis and the treatment strategies. Future perspectives regarding research on cancer and envisaged milestones of management and/or treatment interventions are also explored

Improving Women’s Opportunities to Succeed in the Workplace: Addressing Workplace Policies in Support of Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Two Kenyan Factories

Women globally experience challenges managing their periods, especially those living in environments that do not support adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). For working women, these challenges may have critical implications for their health, well-being, and economic outcomes (e.g., earnings). As part of a larger initiative that sought to understand the relationship between MHH and women’s economic empowerment, a policy analysis was conducted in two workplaces in Kenya to identify policy changes that would better support menstruating employees’ MHH needs. Policy analysis findings were synthesized with relevant baseline research findings from the same study to generate policy recommendations for participating companies. Key findings revealed limitations in hiring and induction processes, employee classification, representation and voice, toilet access, sick leave, and supervisor codes of conduct, all of which affected menstruating employees. Recommendations included updating supervisor codes of conduct, increasing women’s representation in union committees, and strengthening employee induction processes. Priority areas for policy changes were shared with companies’ leadership, alongside technical assistance for implementation. Insight from two private-sector workplaces in Kenya offers guidance on how to identify relevant policy gaps and institutionalize policies and practices that promote adequate workplace MHH in pursuit of women’s economic empowerment and improved business outcomes

Effects of DCM Leaf Extract of Gnidia glauca (Fresen) on Locomotor Activity, Anxiety, and Exploration-Like Behaviors in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is the main component of metabolic syndromes involving distinct etiologies that target different underlying behavioral and physiological functions within the brain structures and neuronal circuits. An alteration in the neuronal circuitry stemming from abdominal or central obesity stimulates a cascade of changes in neurochemical signaling that directly or indirectly mediate spontaneously emitted behaviors such as locomotor activity patterns, anxiety, and exploration. Pharmacological agents available for the treatment of neurologic disorders have been associated with limited potency and intolerable adverse effects. These have necessitated the upsurge in the utilization of herbal prescriptions due to their affordability and easy accessibility and are firmly embedded within wider belief systems of many people. Gnidia glauca has been used in the management of many ailments including obesity and associated symptomatic complications. However, its upsurge in use has not been accompanied by empirical determination of these folkloric claims. The present study, therefore, is aimed at determining the modulatory effects of dichloromethane leaf extract of Gnidia glauca on locomotor activity, exploration, and anxiety-like behaviors in high-fat diet-induced obese rats in an open-field arena. Obesity was experimentally induced by feeding the rats with prepared high-fat diet and water ad libitum for 6 weeks. The in vivo antiobesity effects were determined by oral administration of G. glauca at dosage levels of 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg body weight in high-fat diet-induced obese rats from the 6th to 12th week. Phytochemical analysis was done using gas chromatography linked to mass spectroscopy. Results indicated that Gnidia glauca showed anxiolytic effects and significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity and exploration-like behaviors in HFD-induced obese rats. The plant extract also contained phytocompounds that have been associated with amelioration of the main neurodegenerative mediators, viz., inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings provide “qualified leads” for the synthesis of new alternative therapeutic agents for the management of neurologic disorders. However, there is a need to conduct toxicity studies of Gnidia glauca to establish its safety profiles