New Insights into Disease and Pathogen Research Vol. 3

Planning of Health Training for Persons Threatened by the Effects of Movement Deficit

2021-08-07T06:05:32+00:00

Background: Physical activity is the cheapest way the prevention of diseases of civilization, the increase of the utilitarian physical fitness and the improvement of well-being of adults. The participation of people in health training (HT) should be a priority of social policy today, because it contributes to minimizing the cost of the incapacity of the employee to work. In addition, better physical condition of working age group can revive the labor market.

Aim: The objective of this study is to model of design a HT in accordance with modified principles and criteria of sports training design. The presented HT project is aimed at strengthening of the postural muscles and the improvement of mobility of the musculoskeletal system.

Materials: The materials research concerns the literature on the methodology of exercises from different physical activity areas.

Methods: This is a conceptual work. Systems designing were used in line with the concept of Gerard Nadler and adopted by Łasiński to the training planning area.

Results: The result of this work is a comprehensive development of an annual plan HT (macrocycle) for people with passive and active musculoskeletal system dysfunctions.

Conclusions: The health training is a system that requires planning and control.

Incomplete execution of the planned HT may improve the well-being of participants, may reduce absenteeism at work as well as enhance their activity on a labor market and in social life, even if they fail to achieve the training objective.

Mucormycosis – A Perilous Enigma to Dentist

2021-08-07T06:09:44+00:00

Introduction: Oral cavity is a hub for millions of microorganisms which are non pathogenic, but in immunocompromised states, plethora of diseases emerge which may be the most rarest and fatal. Mucormycosis has emerged as one such disease due to rise in the incidence of immunosuppressive conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes. It manifests as rhinocerebral, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and cutaneous forms.

Discussion: Mucormycosis is the third most common opportunistic fungal infection caused by a saprophytic fungus Mucor. This invasive infection can spread rapidly to intracranium causing various morbidities. Facial nerve palsy is also a rare complication reported in case reports. Explicit investigations including imaging, serology, histopathology and culture are crucial for appropriate diagnosis. Treatment includes parenteral and oral antifungals.

Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rare encounter in dental practice especially with intraoral symptom as initial presentation. An apt judicious diagnosis is essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Histo-Epidemiology of Kidney Cancer in Cameroon: About 110 Cases

2021-08-07T06:23:06+00:00

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological and histopathological aspects of kidney cancer in Cameroon.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study on malignant tumors of the kidney examined in the anatomical pathology laboratories of five regions (Center, Littoral, West, South-west and North-west), over a period of 12 years (2004-2015). The studied parameters were: frequency, age, sex, histological type.

Results: A total of 110 cases of kidney cancer were collected, representing 8.55% of malignant urogenital tumors. The mean age of patients was 28.72±24.79 years (extremes: 4 months - 76 years). Females are relatively more affected than males (56 cases, 50.91%), with female-to-male ratio of 1.04:1. A total of 58 (52.73%) cases of renal cell carcinomas (RCC), 46 (41.82%) cases of nephroblastomas (NB) and 3 (2.73%) of soft tissue tumors were identified.

Conclusion: Kidney cancer is the third urogenital cancer in Cameroon characterized by a relative female predominance with renal cell carcinoma as the predominant histological type. Kidney cancer is the third urogenital cancer in Cameroon characterized by a relative female predominance with renal cell cancer as the predominant histological type. The fight against smoking, the prevention of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are among the key elements that can help for the decrease in the prevalence of this pathology. It should be noted that the effective initiation of cancer registries is still essential to master the epidemiological data, foundation for a better coordination and prevention of the anti-cancer fight.

The Glutathione S-Transferase Activities in the Evaluation Acute Viral Hepatitis B and Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease

2021-08-07T06:26:27+00:00

Glutathione S-Transferase is an important hepatic detoxifying enzyme. Half-life of GST alpha in plasma is about 1 hr; its concentration follows the changes in the hepatocellular damage more rapidly than aspartate amino transferase (AST) or alanine amino transferase (ALT).

Aim and Objectives: To validate chronic alcoholic liver disease and acute viral hepatitis B could produce any significant changes in serum glutathione S-transferase activities.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 samples were used in the present research. 20 hepatitis B patient 40 chronic alcoholic hepatitis patients and 60 age and sex matched control subjects. Serum GST activity and standard LFT (Liver Function Test) parameters done.

Results: GST activity showed a significantly increase (p value< 0.001) in chronic alcoholic liver disease patients (22.293±4.159 IU/L vs 20.127±4.789 IU/L) and in acute viral hepatitis (23.685±6.751 IU/L vs 20.127±4.789 IU/L). In multiple logistic regression analysis when GST measurement was added to a LFT, the diagnostic significance increased from R²=0.792 to 0.884 in acute viral hepatitis B and from R²= 0.843 to 0.849 in chronic alcoholic cirrhosis. Standard LFT parameters are significantly different in both groups. Area under ROC (Receiver Operative Characteristic Curve) is 0.952 for model having albumin+ ALT which is increased to 0.992 after addition of GST in previous model in acute viral Hepatitis B. While in alcoholic Hepatitis Area under ROC is 0.966 for model having albumin+ ALT which is increased to 0.974 after addition of GST in previous model.

Conclusion: GST activity may provide additional LFT measurement to the current battery of tests to differentiate acute hepatitis B and alcoholic liver disease from normal population and may improve the evaluation of Hepatitis B virus and alcoholic cirrhosis when added to routine LFT parameters.

The Significance of Abnormal Urine Stream in the Male Infant: A Survey of Mothers’ Knowledge in a South-east Nigerian City and Implications for Preventive Nephrology

2021-08-07T06:30:45+00:00

Introduction/Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is now a global health problem, and obstructive uropathy plays a major causative role. Reports however indicate limited knowledge and awareness about CKD among caregivers which may be a draw-back in ‘preventive nephrology’.

The study aims to determine the knowledge of mothers regarding the significance of abnormal urine stream in the male newborn infant.

Study Site and Duration: Paediatric Nephrology Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, south-east Nigeria. Period of six months (June to December, 2013).

Study Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of 204 mothers who met the study criteria was conducted using interviewer-administered, structured questionnaires. Their knowledge on whether abnormal stream suggests disease was measured on a rating scale of 1=never, 2=sometimes to 3=always. Data were analyzed with appropriate descriptive statistics on SPSS (version 13.0). P value <0.05 was chosen as level of statistical significance.

Results: Eighty eight (43.1%) of the mothers had a knowledge scale of 3, while 70 (34.3%) had a scale of 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the social classes of the two groups of mothers (P=.25).

Conclusion: The over-all knowledge of mothers is adjudged as modest and is not influenced by socio-economic status. Preventive intervention strategies should include health education to promote early self-referral and diagnosis.

A Review of the Use of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs at the Eye Foundation Centre for the Prevention of Blindness, Nigeria

2021-08-07T06:48:20+00:00

Aims: To describe the sociodemographic details and indications for the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections at the Eye Foundation Centres in Nigeria.

Study Design: Retrospective, observational analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Eye Foundation Hospitals in Lagos, Ijebu-Imushin and Abuja, Nigeria between January 2011 and December 2014.

Methods: Records of all anti-VEGF injections given were assessed. All consecutive cases were taken in proportion seen in the 4 centres. Age, sex, occupation, diagnoses and types of injection were recorded in the data sheet prepared for the study.

Results: This study included 1072 eyes of 540 patients. Mean age was 60.37(12.74) standard deviation years. The age range is from 10 – 92 years. 326(60.4%) males and females 214(39.6%) were seen. Patients that presented were mostly currently employed 40.8%, previously in paid job 25.8% and businessmen and women 24.5%. Total injections were 2443, given during the study period. Anti-VEGF agents used were Bevacizumab (2278; 93.2%) and Ranibizumab (165; 6.8%).

Indications for injection were: proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) 27.4%, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) 17.6% and vitreous haemorrhage (VH) due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and sickle cell retinopathy 10.6%. There was an association between sex and disease (p < 0.001) and age and disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The use of anti-VEGF injections are on the increase especially bevacizumab. The most common indications are proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and VH. The treatment was done more for males, middle class and the rich.

Periodontal Treatment Needs and Oral Ulceration in Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease

2021-08-07T06:51:28+00:00

Aim: To determine periodontal treatment needs and the incidence of oral ulceration among children and adolescents with celiac disease and to compare their findings with a healthy age and gender-matched control group.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted at King Hussein Medical Center on a total of 86 patients: 43 patients with celiac disease as the study group (comma removed) and43 healthy age and gender-matched participants as the control group. Both groups were questioned for a history of recurrent mouth ulcers (comma removed) and the frequency of tooth brushing. The dental examination for each patient in both groups included the following: Plaque index, gingival index (comma removed) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The oral mucosa was examined clinically for any lesion consistent with aphthous ulceration

Results: There were 26 females and 17 males in each group, with a mean age of 13.2 and 13.3 years respectively. Plaque scores were significantly higher among the study group (p<0.05) while the difference in the gingival scores was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAS) was positive among 13 (30.23%) celiac patients compared to 9 (20.9%) among the control group. However, the result was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CPITN revealed no significant difference between the two groups although the mean index was higher among the celiac group. No one in either group scored 0, while the highest percentage in both groups scored 2. Shallow and deep pockets (scores of 3 and 4) were greater in celiac patients. Overall, the variation between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Oral hygiene status seems worse in celiac patients, which indicates that oral health education programs may be beneficial for these children. Although the need for periodontal treatment and the frequency of RAS are higher in celiac patients, the statistical difference was not significant (p NS).

Haematological Indices and Absolute CD4 Counts of Apparently Healthy Population in Ondo State, Nigeria

2021-08-07T06:56:43+00:00

Aims: This study was designed and conducted to establish the normal values of various haematological indices and CD4 absolute count for apparently healthy adult in Ondo State, and to compare these values with those obtained for other populations in both tropical and western countries.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Haematology and the global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria (GHAIN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo. Nigeria between July 2013 and June 2014.

Methodology: Haematological indices and absolute CD4 count were determined in four hundred and eighty one (481) apparently healthy individuals whose ages ranged between 20–50 years, were randomly recruited into this study from the Haematology department, Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

Results: The mean blood levels of HCT, RBC, HB and MONO were significantly lower in female subjects compared with male subjects. Also, the mean blood levels of HCT, RBC and HGB were significantly lower while the mean blood level of Retics and ESR were significantly higher with decrease in age group. The comparative values for males and females in this study were also compared with previous established baseline values in Nigeria, Kenya and US.

Conclusion: This study was able to establish normal reference values for hematological indices and CD4 counts in apparently normal adults in Ondo State, Nigeria. This range could be useful as a basis for making some clinical decisions and also in enrolling HIV patients into the ART program when absolute CD4 counts are considered.

In vivo Antioxidant Activity of Sida cordifolia Linn. in K2Cr2o7 Induced Oxidative Stress by Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species Levels in Rats

2021-08-07T07:02:16+00:00

Ayurvedic textbooks ascribe many therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant actions to Sida cordifolia Linn. which contains many polyphenols in its roots and seeds. Evaluation of in vivo antioxidant action in rats of the aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia Linn. roots has been done by introducing potassium dichromate for creating acute and chronic oxidative stress. The Folin- Ciocalteu reagent was utilized for assessing the phenol content which was determined as 27.375 mg Gallic acid/gm. During the acute toxicity tests using mice, no significant adverse signs or symptoms of toxicity were noticed up to the dose of 1500 mg/kg and no mortality was reported until this dosage. The Phosphomolybdate Assay using 3, 6 and 9 mg/ml of research drug concentrations resulted in determination of the Total Antioxidant Capacity that was found to be 15.40 ±9.13, 19.00 ±7.56 and 21.02 ±8.42 gm equivalents of Ascorbic acid. The results of the d-ROMs test which assessed the hydroperoxide levels clearly suggested that introduction of research drug could significantly counter the negative effects of both acute and chronic oxidative stress. Broadly similar findings were obtained by using ELISA kit for assessing ROS values where concurrent administration of the research drug resulted in very significant amelioration in respect of oxidative stress conditions.

Exercises versus Yoga: Impact on Quality of Life amongst HIV Positive Individuals

2021-08-07T07:07:17+00:00

Background: Although the antiretroviral therapy reduces the mortality rates, HIV positive individuals struggle with many complicated health problems compromising their quality of life. This improved life expectancy comes at the cost of various psychological difficulties hampering the quality of life immensely. Research has established the beneficial effects of exercise and yoga on the physical and psychological health across diverse populations. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess their effects on HIV positive individuals in an attempt to improve their quality of life.

Methodology: 60 HIV patients were divided into 3 groups randomly; Group 1 (only medical treatment), Group 2 (medical treatment and aerobic training) and Group 3 (medical treatment and yoga training) each undergoing an intervention for 6 weeks after an informed consent and institutional ethical approval. Outcome measures - BMI, Six-minute walk test, Hamilton Anxiety scale, and SF-36 were used. The data was recorded and analyzed for statistical significance with ANOVA.

Results: After 6 weeks of treatment, Group 2 and 3 showed significant improvements in the physical functioning (p value 0.02) and mental health scores of SF 36 (p value < 0.01). There was significant reduction in anxiety (p value 0.04) and bodily pain (p value < 0.01) in both groups.

Conclusion: Aerobic training showed superior developments in the improvement of physical and psychological health status, well-being and quality of life. These should be used as an adjunct to medical line of treatment. HIV positive individuals should be encouraged to perform aerobic exercises regularly. Group therapy is an amended way to provide social support and tackle stigma enhancing their quality of life and empowering these individuals.

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: Current State in People with HIV-AIDS in Peru

2021-08-07T07:11:04+00:00

Purpose: To describe the incidence and progression of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in public hospital patients from Peru.

Study Design: Prospective study conducted in HIV-AIDS diagnosed patients.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Tropical Medicine, Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, from 2004 to 2013.

Methodology: Descriptive statistics were obtained for age, gender, associated disease, CMVR location and ganciclovir treatment. Data were analyzed by the Pearson Chi. Square test, Mann-Whitney test, and the two-tailed exact Fischer's Exact test. SPSS version 20.0 for Windows software program was used

Results: 2627 patients were evaluated, 75 had CMVR diagnosis. Active CMVR was found in 68 eyes (90.7%). Median age at diagnosis of CMVR was 37 years (IQR 30-41 years). Median CD4 level of 25 cells/μL (IQR 12.2-57.7 cells/μL), viral load > 1000,000 in 39 (52%) patients. Median mortality rate was 7.1 deaths per 1000 PY and mean survival time from HIV diagnosis to death was 29,5 months (95% 8,7-43,0 months) and from CMVR diagnosis, 6,2 months (95% IC 2,0-8,0 months). Duration since HIV diagnosis to CMVR onset was 12 months (IQR 3-48 months). Tuberculosis (TB) was present in 23 (30.7%) patients. Incidence rate of HIV patients with CMVR was 28.2 cases per 1000 PY. 51 patients received ganciclovir: endovenous 34 (91.17%), intravitreal 6 (26.5%) and orally 4 (11.8%).

Conclusion: CMVR has a high prevalence in young people with an elevated value of HIV-TB co-infection (30.7%). CMVR diagnosis was a predictor for early mortality, including highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Alterations in Oral Cancer Gene Expression in Response to Melatonin

2021-08-07T07:18:08+00:00

Aims: Melatonin (MLT) exerts oncostatic effects on numerous tumour types presumably by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The primary aim of this study was to investigate melatonin-induced changes in gene expression patterns in two different oral squamous carcinoma cell lines (OSCC).

Methodology: This was a prospective non-randomized experimental study design that was conducted at Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas – School of Dental Medicine between May 2016 and March 2017. The SCC25 and CAL27 cell lines were cultured with and without MLT (10 ug/mL) for 72 hours, and total cellular RNA was isolated and converted to cDNA. The expression of 92 genes associated with the molecular mechanisms of cancer and four endogenous control genes were examined by qRT-PCR. The fold change with respect to control levels were calculated using the comparative method or delta-delta ddCt algorithm.

Results: Gene expression was compared between the untreated and treated cells, SCC25 and CAL27. Although 40% of the genes (n=37/92) in SCC25 cells demonstrated different expression levels, only six were outside the relative-fold change values observed with all other genes (PTEN, MAPK3K5, BCL2, TAGA2B, MAX, and NFKB-IA). In CAL27 cell over 70% (n=65/92) genes exhibited different expression levels, with only two outside the relative fold-change values observed with all other genes (MAPK3K5, FZD1).

Conclusion: MLT administration to oral cancer cells may induce substantial changes in the expression levels of genes associated with the molecular mechanisms of cancer. However, relatively few of these changes were outside the range of observed values. Therefore, continued analysis and verification of these results in other oral cancers may reveal common MLT-induced changed and provide insights into the potential mechanisms of MLT-induced oncostatic effects in oral cancers.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Occupational and Non-occupational Exposures to HIV: A 14-year Cohort Study in Lagos, Nigeria

2021-08-07T07:23:26+00:00

Background: Preventing new HIV infections among individuals is a major strategy to fight the HIV/AIDS scourge worldwide. In addition to the availability and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy to treat infections, short term treatment options to curtail the spread of potential infection of the virus in exposed individuals has been instituted. The various modes of exposure to the HIV virus and the risk of infection have been categorized with corresponding treatment options.

Aim: To evaluate the nature of exposure, time of presentation for treatment, adherence to follow up visits, treatment outcome and identify gaps of treatment procedures in a HIV treatment centre.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study.

Place and duration of study: The HIV treatment centre domiciled at the Clinical Sciences Department of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria from January 2006 to September 2019.

Methodology: A database retrospective review was conducted for adult patients who were treated for post exposure prophylaxis during the study period. A total of 422 patients whose records met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.5 ± (10.1) years and higher proportions of the age group were <30 years (52.1%). Majority were females (71.6%), single (63%), had tertiary level of education (68.5%), were employed (70.6%) and had high risk exposures (76.3%). The most commonly prescribed regimen was LPV/r +AZT/3TC (56.2%).More than half (65.9%) had non-occupational exposures and overall, 97.2% presented for treatment within 72hours of exposure but only1.6% completed the follow up visits.

Conclusion: Treatment outcome appears good because no sero-conversion was reported or recorded. The younger age group had higher incidence of rape which was mainly among students which calls for urgent attention. There was a high incidence of needle stick injury among health care workers. There is a need to devise strategies to encourage completion of follow up visits.

The Seroprevalence and Eradication Success of Helicobacter pylori in Indigenous People of Seletar in Southern Malaysia

2021-08-07T07:29:55+00:00

Background: Helicobacter pylori prevalence rate varies widely from one geographical area to another and marked differences have been noted among different ethnic groups. While several studies have been carried out to review the prevalence of H. pylori among the major races in Malaysia, only one is available to study the indigenous Penan community in East Malaysia.

Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori in the indigenous Seletar community in Southern Malaysia and the effectiveness of the eradication program.

Methods: A seroepidemiological study was done to determine H. pylori infection by serological assay of H. pylori antibodies and the demographic pattern. Serological assay was carried out using the Visual H. pylori Quickpac Test. All serological positive patients were then subjected to an endoscopic study and the Campylobacter-Like Organism-test (CLO-test). Positive patients were then offered for eradication using triple therapy of Omeprazole 20mg, Amoxycillin 1gm and Metronidazole 400mg twice daily for one week. Subjects will be required to perform a Urea Breath Test (UBT) four weeks after therapy to determine the success of eradication. When attending for UBT, the medication diary will be assessed. UBT was conducted using a 13C IRIS (Infra Red Isotope Analyzer) breath test kit.

Results: We studied a total of 298 subjects with a mean age of 34.9 years. The seroprevalence was 37.9% and CLO-test positivity on Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) was 98.9%. Histopathological examination showed evidence of gastritis in 97% of the positive patients. Majority of subjects (96%) showed evidence of acute on chronic inflammation. The follow-up of patients that came back for the UBT after completing the eradication process was 73.5%. Out of these, 63.9% showed negative UBT. However, only 48.6% complied with medication based on medication diary. Since only two subjects out of 35 who complied remains positive, the eradication success rate was 94.3%.

Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori in a Malaysian cohort ranges from 26.4% to 55% with the highest in Indians of about 35.6% out of the three major races, followed by Chinese (28.6%) and Malays (28.5%). The indigenous people of Penan in East Malaysia showed 37.7% positivity, which is almost similar to our study that showed 37.9%. The prevalence is supported by the CLO-test that proved that the sensitivity of the serological assay was 98.9%. However, our study also proved that the eradication process was very efficient if subjects were compliant on medication. This study shows that despite the very low socio-economic status of the indigenous community, this is not the sole factor in determining H. pylori infection. This may also be due to genetic factors and probably a recent arrival of H. pylori in this isolated and remote community.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Skin Diseases Ear Acupuncture Therapy for Psoriasis

2021-08-07T07:37:48+00:00

Psoriasis is an inflammatory chronic disease affecting both genders, approximately 2-3% of the world population. Although there are different clinical forms of psoriasis, the most common type is Psoriasis vulgaris. It presents skin patches typically red, itchy and scaly with different levels of severity and extension, established clinically by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Because of these facts, there are many types of interventions focused on your treatment, looking for effectiveness and safety. The immunomodulatory effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTC) technics has been proven experimentally in the control of inflammation and analgesia, however there are few studies that evaluate the auriculotherapy as treatment in autoimmune diseases and its pathological processes. Six patients with different degrees of PASI were treated with auriculotherapy using the points: Shemen, Kidney, Sympathetic Nervous System, Occipital, Adrenal, Allergy, Anxiety, Local Point, Hives and Tension for fourteen weeks or until symptoms disappeared. These cases showed that ear acupuncture therapy can be effective in the treatment of psoriasis at different stages. While the patients in the early stage of symptoms, even if was relapse, respond quickly to treatment, it was observed the clinical response of a patient with severe erythematous psoriasis (PASI 25.8), resistant to other treatments, significantly regressed after 14 weeks (2.4 PASI). The results indicate the importance of the development of a case-control design, to confirm the indication of this kind of therapy to Psoriasis vulgaris.