Transmissible Dermatological Diseases Affecting Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

The Syrian war led many to seek shelter in Lebanon, creating a major refugee crisis. Displaced populations in crowded unequipped settlements are vulnerable to infectious diseases. The burden and incidence of various transmissible skin conditions affecting Syrian refugees in Lebanon and their impact on the Lebanese public health system were evaluated. Literature regarding these conditions among Syrian refugees in host countries, and epidemiological data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Surveillance Unit and primary health-care network were reviewed. Lebanon has witnessed skin disorder outbreaks associated with the Refugee crisis, mainly leishmaniasis, scabies and lice infestations with little data about bacterial and fungal infections and a minor surge in reports of Leprosy. Additional surveillance is needed to monitor disease prevalence, and the emergence of potential outbreaks. Preventive measures, early detection and treatment, improved living conditions, and coordination between the Lebanese health authorities and non-governmental organizations are essential for early intervention and management

of Green Tea Extracts on Gene Expression in HepG2 and Cal-27 Cells

Abstract: Green tea extract is known to contain compounds that are able to produce antioxidant effects in many types of living cells. Treatment of cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells with green tea extract resulted in dramatically increased expression of at least 15 genes that are present on a commercial human drug metabolism gene array. RT-PCR was used to confirm the microarray results, and analysis of the 5'-flanking region of each of these genes revealed potential electrophile/antioxidant response elements. Members of the acetyl transferase, epoxide hydrolase, sulfotransferase and glutathione transferase gene families were strongly induced. In addition, the human tongue carcinoma cell line Cal-27 did not respond to green tea extract in the same way, as none of the induced genes in the HepG2 cells were induced in the Cal-27 cells. The lack of induction of detoxification enzymes in the Cal-27 cell line may help to explain the previously observed increased cytotoxicity of green tea catechins on this cell line

Acoustic performance of additively manufactured titanium perforated panels

This is an accepted manuscript of an paper delivered at 2019 International Conference on Materials Science & Smart Materials (MSSM2019). July 24-26, 2019 Aston University, Birmingham, UK.Additively manufactured (AM) titanium products are increasingly being used in the aerospace industry where the acoustic-mechanical performance is of importance. However, the acoustic performance of AM Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) has received limited attention in literature. Accordingly, this study investigates the sound absorption coefficient (⍺) and Sound Transmission Loss (STL) of both Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V ELI samples manufactured using Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Furthermore, the potential of developing Ti6Al4V alternatively shaped micro-perforated panels (MPP) within a frequency range of 400 to 1600 Hz is also explore

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Minority Geriatric Trauma Patients in the United States: An Analysis of Data From a National Sample Using the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Database

For this dissertation, I completed three manuscripts with the common overall aim of assessing health disparities among geriatric trauma patients in the U.S. The first manuscript reports on a structured narrative review of the literature comprised of three approaches that ensure comprehensive and targeted research: a scoping review, an exploratory search, and a citation review. The second manuscript is a descriptive analysis of one-year (2016) of data from the American College of Surgeon’s Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) with a focus on older adults aged 65 and older who have had an injury. The population was stratified into four groups: Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), African Americans, Hispanics, and Other races. For each group, I conducted a simple univariate tabulation for key demographic characteristics and injury-related variables. I also assessed comorbidities, insurance type, and regional differences. Finally, in manuscript three, I performed a one-year analysis of the ACS-TQIP dataset and included all adult trauma patients aged 65 and older who were admitted in 2016. My primary aim was to understand health disparities regarding in-hospital health measures, such as in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital complications. I conducted multivariable regression analysis controlling for age, gender, injury severity, comorbidities, insurance status, calendar year, and type of trauma center. I argue that racial/ethnic disparity exists for GTPs in terms of in-hospital mortality, in-hospital complications, and LOS. Type of injury, severity of injury, and age group are critical predictors of different health outcomes among minority GTPs. Minimizing disparities in GTPs care is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality. More focused primary research is needed to expand our knowledge of racial/ethnic disparities among GTPs. It is critical that future research stratify each minority group by differences in injury type, injury severity, and age group.Release after 07/16/202

Factors influencing performance by contracted non-state providers implementing a basic package of health services in Afghanistan

Abstract Background In 2002 Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and its development partners initiated a new paradigm for the health sector by electing to Contract-Out (CO) the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) to non-state providers (NSPs). This model is generally regarded as successful, but literature is scarce that examines the motivations underlying implementation and factors influencing program success. This paper uses relevant theories and qualitative data to describe how and why contracting out delivery of primary health care services to NSPs has been effective. The main aim of this study was to assess the contextual, institutional, and contractual factors that influenced the performance of NSPs delivering the BPHS in Afghanistan. Methods The qualitative study design involved individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted in six provinces of Afghanistan, as well as a desk review. The framework for assessing key factors of the contracting mechanism proposed by Liu et al. was utilized in the design, data collection and data analysis. Results While some contextual factors facilitated the CO (e.g. MoPH leadership, NSP innovation and community participation), harsh geography, political interference and insecurity in some provinces had negative effects. Contractual factors, such as effective input and output management, guided health service delivery. Institutional factors were important; management capacity of contracted NSPs affects their ability to deliver outcomes. Effective human resources and pharmaceutical management were notable elements that contributed to the successful delivery of the BPHS. The contextual, contractual and institutional factors interacted with each other. Conclusion Three sets of factors influenced the implementation of the BPHS: contextual, contractual and institutional. The MoPH should consider all of these factors when contracting out the BPHS and other functions to NSPs. Other fragile states and countries emerging from a period of conflict could learn from Afghanistan’s example in contracting out primary health care services, keeping in mind that generic or universal contracting policies might not work in all geographical areas within a country or between countries

Novel drug delivery systems for loading of natural plant extracts and their biomedical applications

Many types of research have distinctly addressed the efficacy of natural plant metabolites used for human consumption both in cell culture and preclinical animal model systems. However, these in vitro and in vivo effects have not been able to be translated for clinical use because of several factors such as inefficient systemic delivery and bioavailability of promising agents that significantly contribute to this disconnection. Over the past decades, extraordinary advances have been made successfully on the development of novel drug delivery systems for encapsulation of plant active metabolites including organic, inorganic and hybrid nanoparticles. The advanced formulas are confirmed to have extraordinary benefits over conventional and previously used systems in the manner of solubility, bioavailability, toxicity, pharmacological activity, stability, distribution, sustained delivery, and both physical and chemical degradation. The current review highlights the development of novel nanocarrier for plant active compounds, their method of preparation, type of active ingredients, and their biomedical applications

The Effectiveness of Super Ovulation and Multiple Pregnancies in Sprague Dawley Rat using Morus alba Linn. Fruit

The white mulberry, Morus alba L. has been used by several Asian societies for the treatment of infertility. However, there is no evidence that products of the plant can influence ovarian health. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Morus alba fruit extract on the ovarian function of nonpregnant and pregnant rats. The study showed that in rats Morus alba fruit extract stimulates follicular stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH), estrogen, and progesterone productions that peaked at 8 days of treatment. The effect was dose-dependent with hormone production increasing with increase in dose of the extract. The Graafian follicles were fully matured, and the number increased with increase in dose of the extract. The uterus of pregnant rats contained several embryos that gave birth to the full-term offspring without abortion or embryonic abnormalities. In conclusion, the Morus alba fruit extract can be used to induce superovulation to cause multiple pregnancies. Thus, the Morus alba fruit extract has potential to be developed into a compound for the treatment of female infertility