A systematic review of observational studies, demonstrating smoking among school going adolescents

Objective: To characterize the methods of design and analysis currently adopted in survey research of school-based observational studies for smoking, and to identify the common pitfalls made by researchers.Methods: The systematic review was conducted in 2009 and consisted of observational studies in school settings published between January 2005 and January 2009. Smoking status was the main outcome of interest. Following Cochrane style, five steps were followed: setting selection criteria for studies and conducting a literature search; review of abstracts; review of complete articles; data extraction and quality assessment of included studies; and, finally, synthesis of studies.Results: Of the 292 abstracts retrieved, 45 (15.4%) articles were selected for the final review. Inconsistencies were found in the definition of smoking behaviour which impeded generalisability. Individual-level factors had importance, but environmental level factors were also important in studying the aetiology of smoking. Results showed that studies inappropriately reported sample size estimation and important confounding factors. Hierarchical linear modelling, random effects modelling and structural equation modelling were employed in comparatively few studies.Conclusions: There were concerns regarding data analysis of complex surveys. Fifty five percent of reviewed studies ignored environmental effects which may have produced unreliable inferences. Multi-level analysis assisted in understanding school-level effects

A calcium peroxide incorporated oxygen releasing chitosan-PVA patch for Diabetic wound healing

Impaired wound healing is a major healthcare problem in patients with diabetes often resulting in gangrene, microbial infection and amputation of affected limb. The delay or absence in healing process arises from several abnormalities, among them chronic hypoxia is a major concern due to its associated issues such as lack of collagen deposition, epithelization, fibroplasia, angiogenesis, and resistance to infections at the wound site. To address hypoxia, delivery of oxygen at the wound site through oxygen releasing agents have been proven to be effective therapeutics. Several oxygen releasing nanoparticles such as Sodium Percarbonate (SPC), Calcium Peroxide (CPO), Hydrogen Peroxide, Magnesium Peroxide (MPO) have been investigated in wound healing application. However, the uncontrolled/burst release of these nanotherapeutic agents and its accompanied cytotoxicity pose a barrier in expediting the healing process. In this study, a Chitosan-Polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) based hydrogel containing oxygen releasing nanoparticle, calcium peroxide (CPO) was constructed to provide a slow and sustained delivery of oxygen for at least 5 days. In-vitro cell culture studies with this material using fibroblast and endothelial cell line exhibited improved biocompatibility, cell viability and enhanced proliferation in comparison with the control group. Additionally, cell migration study using scratch assay method showed superior cell migration ability of our proposed materials. Furthermore, In vivo study using diabetic rat model showed accelerated wound closure rate compared to untreated control wounds.This article was made possible by the NPRP12S-0310-190276 grant funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (a part of the Qatar Foundation). Funding for Open Access publication fee was provided by the Qatar National Library. We also acknowledge the support provided by the Central Laboratories Unit (CLU), Qatar University, Qatar.Scopu

Gamma-linolenic acid ameliorated glycation-induced memory impairment in rats

Context: γ-Linolenic acid (GLA) is an important constituent of anti-ageing supplements. Objective: The current study investigates the anti-ageing effect of GLA in Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and methods: GLA (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 10, 20 and 24 μM) was initially evaluated for its effect on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in vitro. For in vivo assessment (1, 5 or 15 mg/kg), the rat model of accelerated ageing was developed using d-fructose (1000 mg/kg (i.p.) plus 10% in drinking water for 40 days). Morris water maze was used to evaluate impairment in learning and memory. The blood of treated animals was used to measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The interaction of GLA with active residues of receptor of AGE (RAGE) was analyzed using AutoDock Vina. Results: Our data showed that GLA inhibited the production of AGEs (IC50 = 1.12 ± 0.05 μM). However, this effect was more significant at lower tested doses. A similar pattern was also observed in in vivo experiments, where the effect of fructose was reversed by GLA only at lowest tested dose of 1 mg/kg. The HbA1c levels also revealed significant reduction at lower doses (1 and 5 mg/kg). The in silico data exhibited promising interaction of GLA with active residues (Try72, Arg77 and Gln67) of RAGE. Conclusion: The GLA, at lower doses, possesses therapeutic potential against glycation-induced memory decline

A calcium peroxide incorporated oxygen releasing chitosan-PVA patch for Diabetic wound healing

Impaired wound healing is a major healthcare problem in patients with diabetes often resulting in gangrene, microbial infection and amputation of affected limb. The delay or absence in healing process arises from several abnormalities, among them chronic hypoxia is a major concern due to its associated issues such as lack of collagen deposition, epithelization, fibroplasia, angiogenesis, and resistance to infections at the wound site. To address hypoxia, delivery of oxygen at the wound site through oxygen releasing agents have been proven to be effective therapeutics. Several oxygen releasing nanoparticles such as Sodium Percarbonate (SPC), Calcium Peroxide (CPO), Hydrogen Peroxide, Magnesium Peroxide (MPO) have been investigated in wound healing application. However, the uncontrolled/burst release of these nanotherapeutic agents and its accompanied cytotoxicity pose a barrier in expediting the healing process. In this study, a Chitosan-Polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) based hydrogel containing oxygen releasing nanoparticle, calcium peroxide (CPO) was constructed to provide a slow and sustained delivery of oxygen for at least 5 days. In-vitro cell culture studies with this material using fibroblast and endothelial cell line exhibited improved biocompatibility, cell viability and enhanced proliferation in comparison with the control group. Additionally, cell migration study using scratch assay method showed superior cell migration ability of our proposed materials. Furthermore, In vivo study using diabetic rat model showed accelerated wound closure rate compared to untreated control wounds

Effectiveness of a school based smokeless tobacco intervention: A cluster randomized trial

To assess the effectiveness of intervention in improving knowledge, attitude and perception regarding smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and its harmful effects and intention to quit SLT among school going adolescents. A school-based cluster randomized control trial was carried out in 18 secondary schools targeting male and female students from grades 6 to 10 in Karachi. Primary outcome was knowledge about hazards of smokeless tobacco (SLT) and secondary outcomes were attitude and Perception about hazards of SLT, and intention to quit SLT. We enrolled 738 participants in intervention group and 589 in the control group. Mean score of knowledge significantly improved in intervention as compared to control group (P value \u3c 0.01). Intention to quit was found to be proportionately higher (33%) in the intervention group as compared to control group. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association of factors with knowledge regarding harmful effects of SLT use. Significant predictors of increase in knowledge score were found in children: who had seen any anti SLT messages on social media in the past 30 days, who were getting information regarding harmful effects of SLT use in school or textbooks and who had friends using SLT. A school-based intervention was effective in increasing knowledge regarding the harmful effects of SLT use and intention to quit SLT use among school adolescents. Introduction of such educational programmes on a regular basis in schools or as part of school curriculum can have an impact on reducing prevalence of SLT use.Trial Registration NCT03418506. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT03418506

Fabrication of hesperidin hybrid lecithin-folic acid silver nanoparticles and its evaluation as anti-arthritis formulation in autoimmune arthritic rat model.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that results in synovitis, cartilage destruction and loss of joint function. The frequent and long-term administration of anti-rheumatic drugs often leads to adverse effects and patient non-compliance. Hesperidin (HP) is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, Hesperidin loaded hybrid lecithin-folic acid silver nanoparticles (L-HP-FA-AgNPs) formulation has been developed to deliver HP to inflamed jointsspecifically.Thein vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effectsof the formulation were validated in the CFA arthritis rat model by giving oral treatment of L-HP-FA-AgNPs (1 and 3mg/kg) which alleviated the joint swelling, cartilage destruction and reduced influx of inflammatory cells. The results showed decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in the peritoneal and spleen cells coupled with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1. Additionally, the treatment caused the decline in M1 macrophage activation with a concomitant increment in M2 macrophage activation. Further, hybrid L-HP-FA-AgNPs suppressed the production of RANKL, OPG and MMP-2/9, which supported its anti-osteoclastic effects. Collectively, our data revealed that L-HP-FA-AgNPs significantly inhibited the progression of arthritis by reducing inflammationand bone damage. The protective effects of hybrid L-HP-FA-AgNPs highlight its potential as an ideal new anti-arthritic agent for human RA.Authors are grateful to the technical team of Dow Institute of Radiology andAdvanceResearch Laboratory, Dow Institute for Advanced Biological and Animal Research, Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan for the technical assistance during X-ray and animal studies.Scopu

Metabolomics approach to understand the hepatitis C virus induced hepatocellular carcinoma using LC-ESI-MS/MS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical cancer that has region specified analysis with the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study was conducted to improve the understanding of metabolic alterations associated with HCV induced HCC which can open up new strategies to monitor the high risk of HCC. Samples of the subjects with HCV, HCV induced chronic liver disease (CLD), HCV induced HCC, and healthy controls (HS) were collected after complete blood count (CBC), hepatitis viral load, st-fetoprotein (AFP), liver function tests, and albumin. A total of 147 serum samples including HCC (n = 11), CLD (n = 24), HCV (n = 71), and HS (n = 41) were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The 21 compounds were found to be responsible for group discrimination after the application of chemometric tools. Nfructosyl tyrosine and hydroxyindoleacetic acid showed an increase in level whereas L-aspartylL-phenylalanine and thyroxine showed a consistent decrease in the progression of HCV to HCC in comparison with HS indicating their importance for early detection. The biological pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism showed alteration in some metabolites. The method was internally validated by ROC plot showing AUC value for HS, HCV, CLD, and HCC as 0.99, 1, 1, and 0.89, respectively; while 16 blind samples were also validated with 93% specificity. The untargeted metabolomics investigation of HCV, CLD, and HCC can help to understand the progression of HCV-induced HCC. It reveals significant differences in metabolites to predict prognostic and diagnostic markers. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University

Association of the Unstimulated Whole Salivary Cytokine IL-1β Levels with Initial, Moderate and Severe Periodontitis. A Case Control Study

Periodontitis (P) is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the oral cavity. The objective of the study was to evaluate the stages of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in initial, moderate and severe periodontitis. One hundred and twenty two patients were included in the study. Periodontitis subjects had at least 20 natural teeth and ≥8 sites with pocket depths of >4 mm and clinical attachment loss (CAL). A questionnaire was used with respect to the socio demographic parameters which included age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital, residence and occupation. To categorize the severity of the disease, teeth were assessed for, Plaque index (PI), Bleeding on probing (BOP), CAL, missing tooth, tooth mobility and bone loss. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) cytokine levels were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with microplate reader at 450 nm. Clinical parameters and salivary cytokine concentrations were assessed using one-way analysis of variance, whereas a correlation of cases with gender and severity of periodontitis was evaluated using chi-square test. Fifty-nine patients were healthy controls and 63 were periodontitis patients Thirty two percent (n = 20) had initial periodontitis, 40% (n = 25) suffered from moderate and 29% (n = 18) had severe periodontitis. Periodontitis subgroups were significantly different with regards to age and gender (p < 0.001). The mean PPD and CAL among the periodontitis patients (PPD, 3.52 ± 1.25 mm; CAL, 4.04 ± 1.64 mm) were significantly compromised (p < 0.05) compared to healthy controls (PPD, 1.52 ± 0.73 mm; CAL, 0.08 ± 0.28 mm). Increased levels of IL-1β were associated with high CAL and PPD findings. UWS IL-1β levels were higher in periodontitis patients compared to healthy individuals. In addition, cases of severe periodontitis showed significantly higher UWS IL-1β levels compared to initial and moderate periodontitis patients. Comparative levels of salivary IL-1β can be potentially used as a diagnostic tool for periodontitis identification and disease progression along with clinical parameters

Gum acacia stabilized silver nanoparticles based nano-cargo for enhanced anti-arthritic potentials of hesperidin in adjuvant induced arthritic rats

<p>Nanomedicines anticipate drug delivery to inflamed tissues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with greater efficacy and lesser side effects. This study investigates the anti-arthritic potentials of Hesperidin (HP) loaded in gum acacia (GA) stabilized green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Synthesized GA-AgNPs were characterized through UV–vis spectrophotometer, zetasizer and atomic force microscope (AFM). The HP and its loaded NPs were tested for RA in Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model. GA-AgNPs were found in nano-range size with negative charge, spherical shape and loaded increased HP amount. HP loaded GA-AgNPs showed minimal arthritic score exhibiting mild to moderate tissue swelling, reduced degenerative changes along with mild articular changes. Histopathological analysis revealed comparatively lesser influx of inflammatory cells and diminished granulamatous inflammation in ankle joints tissues in the presence of HP loaded GA-AgNPs. RT-PCR revealed that HP loaded GA-AgNPs significantly reduced the TLRs mRNA expression. Results validate GA stabilized green AgNPs as stable nano-cargos for targeted delivery of HP for restoring the progression of RA.</p