Willingness to vaccinate children against COVID-19 declined during the pandemic

OBJECTIVES

To document the level of vaccine hesitancy in caregivers' of children younger than 12 years of age over the course of the pandemic in Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED). Study design Ongoing multicenter, cross-sectional survey of caregivers presenting to 19 pediatric EDs in the USA, Canada, Israel, and Switzerland during first months of the pandemic (phase1), when vaccines were approved for adults (phase2) and most recently when vaccines were approved for children (phase3).

RESULTS

Willingness to vaccinate rate declined over the study period (59.7%, 56.1% and 52.1% in the three phases). Caregivers who are fully vaccinated, who have higher education, and those worried their child had COVID-19 upon arrival to the ED, were more likely to plan to vaccinate in all three phases. Mothers were less likely to vaccinate early in the pandemic, but this hesitancy attenuated in later phases. Older caregivers were more willing to vaccinate, and caregivers of older children were less likely to vaccinate their children in phase 3. During the last phase, willingness to vaccinate was lowest in those who had a primary care provider but did not rely on their advice for medical decisions (34%). Those with no primary care provider and those who do and rely on their medical advice, had similar rates of willingness to vaccinate (55.1% and 52.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is widespread and growing over time, and public health measures should further try to leverage identified factors associated with hesitancy in order to enhance vaccination rates among children.

Current authentication methods of herbs and herbal products: a systematic review

The authentication of herbal species is of great concern for the quality control of herbal products. Hence, many authentication methods have been developed for the accurate identification of herbal species. This systematic review aimed to gather information and provide evidence about the current authentication methods for several herbs and herbal products. In this study, the methodological quality was also evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement checklist method. As a result, a total of seventeen articles were found to suit the inclusion criteria of this study, which include molecular-based analysis, chemical fingerprinting, as well as macroscopic and analogical analysis. All of these methods have different approaches to the authentication of herbal-related products, and it also depends on the specific needs. This review also asserts that the combination methods might be a useful alternative for authentication purposes that produce better results. The multivariate analysis combined with analytical methods could be a great combination due to its great performance in authentication and suitability for routine screening.

Neonatal zingerone protects against the development of high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome in adult Sprague-Dawley rats

During the early postnatal period, dietary manipulations can alter the developmental trajectory of the growing offspring, causing beneficial or adverse health outcomes later in adult life. We investigated the potential preventive effects of neonatal zingerone intake on the development of fructose-induced metabolic derangements in rats.Four-day old male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups (n = 79) were randomly grouped and administered: 10 ml/kg body weight (bwt) of distilled water (W), 10 ml/kg bwt 20% fructose solution (FS), 10 ml/kg bwt fructose solution + 40 mg/kg bwt of zingerone in distilled water (ZF) or 40 mg/kg bwt of zingerone in distilled water (ZW) pre-weaning. After weaning, W and ZW continued on unlimited tap water, while FS and ZF continued on unlimited fructose solution for 10 weeks. Body mass and food and fluid intake were evaluated, plasma was collected for metabolic assays and visceral fat was quantified.Food intake was decreased, fructose and overall caloric intake were increased due to fructose feeding in both sexes (P < 0.05). When compared with the controls, the high-fructose diet significantly raised the terminal body masses of females (P < 0.0001), concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-c, TG:HDL-c ratio and visceral fat mass relative to bwt in both sexes (P < 0.05). Zingerone prevented (P < 0.05) the fructose-induced increase in body mass (females) and hypercholesterolemia (both sexes). Levels of HDL-c, glycaemic parameters and adiponectin were not affected by the interventions (P > 0.05). Sex-related differences were observed in food, fluid and caloric intake, terminal mass, cholesterol subtypes and visceral fat percentage (P < 0.05).Zingerone could be used strategically in the neonatal phase as a prophylatic management of high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

Properties and potential of agarwood hydrosol as a drink: a review

Agarwood is resinous valuable heartwood of Aquilaria tree resulting from self–defence mechanism towards injuries or damages exerted on the tree. Agarwood essential oil is usually extracted through a process of hydrodistillation or steam distillation which is beneficial for commercial purposes such as perfumeries and cosmetics. Hydrosol, a byproduct of the process produced in abundance and underutilized particularly in the agarwood industry. Hydrosol of agarwood is an aromatic compound that is believed to have chemical properties similar to essential oils that consist of positive antioxidant activity and positive biological activity for living cells. Several studies on properties of hydrosol of agarwood show that it contained zero nutrient but varied with minerals in the appropriate proportion that safe for human consumption. Thus, this review was aimed to discuss the agarwood hydrosol processing methods, characteristics, antioxidants properties and its comparisons to other plants hydrosol that have been commercially used as human consumption as in flavoured and non-flavoured beverages

Optimizing flavonoid-rich Quranic Mixed Food (QMF) formulation with simplex-centroid mixture design

Quranic food, which defines as the food mentioned in the Holy Quran has gain attention as a functional food to prevent disease in the current era. The food had high potential as an excellent ingredient for the development of nutraceutical products. Flavonoid is one of the phytochemicals in Quranic food that contribute to their therapeutic properties. Unfortunately, there is less study on the health properties of Quranic food mixture that lead to misunderstanding of the mixture of Quranic food. A paramount concern regarding the addition of multiple bioactive ingredients into a product is the possibility of interaction among elements may result in degradation of the ingredient, and the functionality could be reduced or improved. Therefore, this study was aimed to optimize the flavonoid content of Quranic Mixed Food (QMF) containing dates, raisins, pomegranates, figs, and honey. Consequently, the special cubic model of simplex centroid design was employed as it was the most reliable and can be utilized in the optimization process as the p-value was significant, and the lack of fits was not substantial. The simplex centroid method had successfully optimized the QMF formulation. To conclude, the optimized formulation of flavonoid-rich QMF containing 42.88% raisins, 42.88% pomegranates, 13.97% honey, 0.17% dates, and 0.11% figs.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on performance, immune system and gut in Salmonella-challenged broilers

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of Bacillus subtilis and the antibiotic enrofloxacin on growth performance, immune response, intestinal histomorphometry and cecal Salmonella numbers in broilers challenged with S. gallinarum. Salmonella-free chicks (n = 240) were allocated to four groups, comprising six replicates (n = 10) each. Group NN was not infected and received no treatment. Group SN was infected with Salmonella and received no treatment. Group SE was infected with Salmonella and treated with the antibiotic enrofloxacin. Group SP was infected with Salmonella and treated orally with the probiotic B. subtilis. Initially the groups that were infected with Salmonella had reduced growth performance compared with NN. By the fourth week, SE and SP had recovered and weighed as much as or more than NN. The SP group had greater cellular immunity and relative weights of the bursa and thymus than the other groups. SN had the lowest villus height in all the segments of the small intestine and a larger Salmonella population in the ceca. Probiotic supplementation reduced the pathological outcomes more than enrofloxacin. Prophylactic use of B. subtilis-type probiotics had similar effects to the use of antibiotics, alleviated the stress related to infection of S. gallinarum, and improved the growth performance, immune function, and gut mucosal development in broilers. Keywords: growth promoters, immunity, probiotics, poultry villi length

The antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibition activities of polyphyto mixture with honey formulations

Ficus carica, Orthosiphon stamineus, Ficus deltoidea and Trigona honey are known for their high antioxidant amount. In this research, these plants and honey were used to study their interactions in terms of the antioxidant properties and the inhibition of α-amylase enzyme. These plants samples were chosen as they are usually used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to measure the antioxidant activity as well as the α-amylase enzyme inhibition properties of the polyphyto formulations and Trigona honey. Simplex Centroid Mixture Design (SCMD) was used to design the formulations. In this experiment, the highest (p<0.05) antioxidant content for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was a formulation of 100% Trigona honey (90.09%). Meanwhile, a mixture of 50% F. carica – 50% O. stamineus and 50% O. stamineus – 50% Trigona honey yield the highest (p<0.05) total phenolic content (TPC) value (133.77 and 133.17 μg/mL, respectively), which indicated a synergistic interaction effect. However, for the measurement of ferric reduction antioxidant potential (FRAP), the formulation of 100% O. stamineus and 100% F. deltoidea exhibits the highest (p<0.05) value (148.95 and 148.78 μg/mL, respectively). In terms of enzyme inhibition, F. deltoidea showed the highest inhibition activity for α-amylase (8.826%). In conclusion, different percentages of F. carica, O. stamineus, F. deltoidea and Trigona honey have different interaction effects on the antioxidant activity and α-amylase inhibition depending on the amount of each factor.

The interaction effect and optimal formulation of selected polyherbal extracts towards antioxidant activity

Past study showed that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), curry leaves (Murrya koenigii), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) contain phytochemicals associated with antioxidant properties. However, all the herbs are tested individually and rarely mix together. This study was conducted to examine the antioxidant properties and interaction effect when combined. The plants studied were decocted with distilled water. Eighteen formulations of aqueous extracts were established using simplex lattice mixture design that was generated by Design Expert software. The antioxidant properties were analyzed by 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The result showed that the mixture of lemongrass and curry leaves extracts gave the highest reading in DPPH assay (91.14%), FRAP assay (215.66 mM) and TFC (22.62 µg Rutin/mL). In the DPPH assay, the ratio of one to one (1:1) mixture of lemongrass with other plants extracts showed antagonistic interaction. There were five (5) formulations that showed synergistic interaction in all assays. However, there were two (2) formulations that showed antagonistic interactions on both DPPH and FRAP assays. No additive effect was observed in all formulations. The suggested optimum formulation contains 53.7% lemongrass, 43.4% curry leaves, 2.9% ginger and 0.0% turmeric. Most of the mixtures presented synergistic interactions. This indicated the potential of plant extract mixtures to be developed into nutraceutical products in the future by conducting in-vivo study.

The Pursuit of Covid-19 Animal Models

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease instigated by a recently discovered coronavirus, the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It has infected over 14 million people worldwide from all age groups. This virus is conveyed through big droplets produced during coughing and sneezing by the infected individuals. COVID-19 precipitates acute respiratory distress syndrome which leads to morbidity and mortality in severe cases. To date, there is neither an established specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, nor vaccine available. Preventive measure of social distancing is deemed to be the most effective way to avoid the spread of the virus. Scientists are currently in search of appropriate COVID-19 animal models for use in research works related to pathogenesis, potential drug treatments and vaccine development. This review delivers a pithy overview of the currently available COVID-19 animal models published in the literatures.

In vitro anti-diabetic activity of stingless bee honey from different botanical origins

The number of patients with diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate and this situation has triggered the interest of searching natural product as an alternative treatment. Stingless bee honey containing a diverse array of bioactive compounds is commonly utilized as a functional food and also found to possess various therapeutic effects including anti-diabetic through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. However, the composition level of bioactive compounds varying of geographical origins and botanical sources of honey leads to different enzyme inhibition abilities. Therefore, this study explored the total phenolic, total flavonoid, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of stingless bee honey from various botanical origins. In this study, stingless bee honey was collected from 6 different botanical origins namely, acacia, coconut, mangrove, starfruit, multifruit and multiflower plant. Honey from tualang tree was used as a positive control. Phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of honey were studied spectrophotometrically. Stingless bee honey from mangrove was found to have the highest phenolic content (141.74±0.03 mg GAE/100 g). The honey collected from coconut origin showed the highest flavonoid content with the value of 51.33±0.02 mg RE/100 g and also achieved the highest percentage inhibition against α-glucosidase (68.33% at 100 µg/mL). Furthermore, tualang honey and honey samples from mangrove, coconut and Acacia tree were found to have strong α-amylase inhibition abilities as their inhibition percentages were more than 70.00% at 100 µg/mL. This study showed that the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in honey from different botanical origins yielded different degree of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition and also recommended the uses of stingless bee honey in diabetes treatment.

Solvent used in extraction process of agarwood: a systematic review

The method of extraction of Agarwood is usually dependent on the purpose of the extract. This systematic review aims to look at the number of studies that use different types of solvents in the process of extraction. There are 3 types of solvents commonly used in the extraction of agarwood essential oils namely methanol, ethanol and water. Each solvent produces different extracts in terms of quantity and quality of the final product. However, there is controversy over the use of solvents as it may cause a cytotoxic effect on the user. Another common type of solvent is water. Although water is a cheap solvent and relatively safe, aqueous extracts have more impurities that make isolating the desired compound difficult. After the extraction process, the crude extract was fractionated into the desired compounds and this technique is widely applied, especially in the whole process of extraction of the agarwood. In conclusion, extraction solvents have certain advantages and disadvantages, and this is one of the reasons why this extraction method depends on the purpose of using the final product such as agarwood essential oil.

ntra-species profiling of Cleome viscosa growing in Swat district (Pakistan)

Intra-specific genetic variation was studied in 28 genotypes of Cleome viscosa L. growing in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was found that genotypes showed the utmost allelic variation for leaf upper and lower surface with emerald green (75%), and yellow green (75%) respectively, other leaves lower and upper surfaces were (25%) green and yellow green (26%) respectively. The majority of C. viscosa genotypes were (50%) yellow flowers while others were with (29%) white yellow colour and (21%) dull yellow. Most of the seeds were with black (46%). The protein profiling was carried out on 12% gel electrophoresis; seven reproducible bands with molecular weight ranges from 180 to 10 KDa were detected in C. viscosa, the locus contribution toward genetic disagreement (LCTGD) of C. viscosa was 57%. Notably, L-3, L-4 L-5, was monomorphic in C. viscosa and was treated as species specific. L-1, L-2, L-7 were polymorphic. These bands showed 79%, 4%, 14% and 79% variation respectively. In the current investigation the intra-specific variation was observed limited and alone SDS-PAGE did not determine the high level of intra-specific variation; however, diverse germplasm were suggested to be acquired from various sources.

Making a difference with Vision 2020: The Right to Sight? Lessons from two states of North Western Nigeria

Settings and Aim: The World Health Organization launched in 1999 an initiative to eliminate the global avoidable blindness and prevent the projected doubling of avoidable visual impairment between 1990 and 2020 (Vision 2020: The Right to Sight). The World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted resolutions WHA 59.25, WHA 56.26 urging member states to adopt the Vision 2020 principles. More than 90 nongovernmental development organizations, agencies, and institutions, together with a number of major corporations, are now working together in this global partnership. Two neighboring states in North Western Nigeria provide eye care services using different approaches; one state uses the principles of Vision 2020, the other uses a different strategy. The aim of the study was to assess awareness and utilization of eye care services in two Nigerian states.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional interview of households was conducted in two neighboring states using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 and a P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

FINDINGS

Participation rate was 97% in the two states. The population in the Vision 2020-compliant state were significantly more aware about general eye care services (80% vs. 44%, P < 0.0005); had less proportion of households unaware of any eye care service (55% vs. 69%, P < 0.0005); and have a significantly higher felt the need to utilize eye care services (47% vs. 5.9%, P < 0.0005). The service utilization rate was however low in the two states.

CONCLUSION

The principles of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight is adaptable to different cultures/societies and has demonstrated a potential to increase awareness and a felt need for eye care in poor resource settings.

Genetics of human isolated hereditary nail disorders

Human hereditary nail disorders constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of ectodermal dysplasias. They occur as isolated and/or syndromic ectodermal conditions where other ectodermal appendages are also involved, and can occur associated with skeletal dysplasia. 'Nail disorder, nonsyndromic congenital' (OMIM; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) is subclassified into 10 different types. The underlying genes identified thus far are expressed in the nail bed and play important roles in nail development and morphogenesis. Here, we review the current literature on nail disorders and present a coherent review on the genetics of nail disorders. This review will pave the way to identifying putative genes and pathways involved in nail development and morphogenesis.

Long-term kinetics of AA amyloidosis and effects of inflammatory restimulation after disappearance of amyloid depositions in mice

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is characterized by extracellular pathogenic deposition of insoluble fibril protein in various body organs. Deposited amyloid generally remains in a variety of organs for long periods, but its disappearance has been reported after the precursor protein is diminished. The kinetics of AA deposition are not completely understood and, in particular, the roles of cells and cytokines in the deposition and clearance of amyloid remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the disappearance of amyloid depositions in mice over a 1-year period. AA amyloidosis was induced experimentally in mice by injecting amyloid-enhancing factor (AEF) and silver nitrate. Mice were killed at different time-points to examine the occurrence and disappearance of amyloid depositions. Maximum levels of amyloid depositions were observed at 20 days after inoculation. Clearance of amyloid depositions was observed from the 40th day onwards, with only minute traces of amyloid present by 240 days. A second inflammatory stimulus consisting of AEF and silver nitrate was given at 330 or 430 days, after amyloid depositions had disappeared almost completely. After that, serum amyloid A was overproduced and redeposition of amyloid was observed, indicating that all mice were primed for aggressive amyloid depositions. After administration of the inflammatory stimuli, the proinflammatory environment was found to have increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, while anti-inflammatory conditions were established by IL-10 as regression of amyloid deposition occurred. These results suggest that the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory status have key roles in both amyloid deposition and clearance.

Mapping trachoma in 25 local government areas of Sokoto and Kebbi states, northwestern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

The WHO global initiative on elimination of trachoma by 2020 (GET 2020) recommends mapping of trachoma at district (Local Government Area (LGA)) levels to enable planning and control activities in affected communities worldwide. The aim of the present study was to provide baseline data on trachoma for the LGAs of Sokoto and Kebbi states, Nigeria.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 25 LGAs between November 2011 and May 2012. The WHO guidelines for trachoma control and risk factor assessment were used in the planning and conduct of the survey.

RESULTS

The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular in children aged 1-9 years ranged from 0.3% in Sokoto South to 15.6% in Kalgo LGA. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in adults (>14 years) ranged from 0.03% in three LGAs to 0.6% in Gudu LGA. Logistic regression analysis for the trachoma risk factors after χ(2) analysis showed only distance from water source as a significant risk factor (OR>1, p<0.5). Clean face, access to latrines and knowledge of trachoma prevention were significantly protective (OR<1, p<0.5) against active disease. The average number of persons in need of TT lid surgery ranged from 0 in 3 LGAs to 397 in Danko-Wasagu LGA. Mass antibiotic distribution is needed in 4 LGAs. The estimated number of households in need of latrines and improved water sources are high, with 1 LGA requiring 34 500 latrines and 20 000 improved water sources.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a burden of active trachoma of different endemicity levels in all the surveyed LGAs. The burden of trachoma risk factors remains a challenge despite the global effort to decrease the risk factors through the Millennium Development Goals.

An overview of Brucellosis

Brucellosis is the most important zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species comprising Gram negative, facultative, intracellular pathogens. The true incidence of human brucellosis is unknown for most countries of the world including Bangladesh. But brucellosis is not uncommon in our country. Due to its increasing incidence in many countries of the world it is an important issue now days. Domestic animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camel, buffalo and dogs serve as a reservoir hosts. Transmission of brucellosis to humans occurs through the consumption of infected, unpasteurized animal milk and milk products, through direct contact with infected animal parts, through ruptures of skin and mucous membranes and through the inhalation of infected aerosolized particles. Due to variability of clinical features and limited availability of laboratory facilities, the disease remains largely under-reported. Early and specific diagnosis is important to ensure a favourable outcome regarding this zoonotic disease.

Digenic inheritance of an autosomal recessive hypotrichosis in two consanguineous pedigrees

Hypotrichosis is a human hereditary hair loss disorder in which affected individuals show sparse to complete absence of hair on scalp and/or on different body parts. To date, at least eight isolated autosomal recessive and dominant forms of hypotrichosis loci have been mapped on different human chromosomes, and the corresponding genes have been identified. Detailed clinical and molecular studies were undertaken of the hereditary hypotrichosis observed in the two consanguineous families (A and B) presented here. Human genome scan, using >500 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, identified equal evidence of linkage of the hypotrichosis phenotype on chromosomes 12q21.2-q22 and 16q21-q23.1 in both the families. The novel hypotrichosis locus on chromosome 12q21.2-q22 spans 16.3 cM (17.62 Mb), flanked by markers D12S326 and D12S101. At this locus, maximum multipoint logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD) scores of 3.68 and 3.31 were obtained in families A and B, respectively. The second hypotrichosis locus on chromosome 16q21-q23.1, identified in the two families, spans 5.58 cM (8.28 Mb) and is flanked by markers D16S3031 and D16S512. Maximum multipoint LOD scores of 3.17 and 3.31 were obtained with markers mapped at this locus in families A and B, respectively. DNA sequence analysis of six candidate genes (PLEKHG7, SLC6A15, VEZT, DUSP6, KERA and KITLG), located in the linkage interval on chromosome 12q21.2-q22, failed to detect potential sequence variants in the affected individuals of the two families. However, DNA sequence analysis of CDH3 gene, located on chromosome 16q21-q23.1, detected a single base pair homozygous insertion (c.1024_1025insG and p.342insGfsX345) in exon 9 in family A and deletion of four base pair (c.1859_1862delCTCT and p.620delSfsX629) in exon 13 in family B. We described for the first time digenic inheritance of an autosomal recessive hypotrichosis phenotype in two unlinked loci on chromosomes 12q21.2-q22 and 16q21-q23.1 in two unrelated consanguineous Pakistani families.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis among the population at risk in rural area

This study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of brucellosis among the risk group of population. A cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Medicine under the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, between the period from July 2007 to June 2008. A total of 210 samples were included in this study from risk group of population. A variety of serological tests have been applied for detection of antibodies against Brucella spp. Among the 210 subjects from risk group of population, 9(4.28%), 7(3.33%) and 7(3.33%) were positive for brucellosis by slide agglutination test, rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPA) and standard tube agglutination test (STAT) respectively. Out of total specimen 10 positive and 29 negative serum as detected by slide agglutination, rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and STAT were also examined by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of IgG. Among them, 10 were positive by ELISA IgG. Seroprevalence among occupational groups were 11.11% in veterinary personnel, 6.45% in dairy workers and 4.67% in animal farmers. This study indicated that brucellosis is not uncommon at rural area of Mymensingh region in Bangladesh. It was suggested to conduct community survey and to plan properly the measures of control and prevention.

Pattern of aerobic bacteria with antimicrobial susceptibility causing community acquired urinary tract infection

Since antibiotic resistance among uropathogens have gradually been rising, so it is important to have knowledge about the pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility to choose the correct treatment regimen. A cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College between July 2007 to June 2008 to determine the prevalence, relationship between pyuria and urine culture and antibiotic resistance pattern among the bacterial isolates of community acquired UTI (CUTI). A total of 100 urine samples were subjected to microscopy and culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was done by disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) 2007. Of the total samples, 45(45%) were culture positive and among them female were more (71.1%) than the male (28.9%). The predominant age group was 15-29. Having pus cell >5/HPF, 93.3% culture positive patients showed significant pyuria. The isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (73%) followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (11.1%), Klebsiella spp (6.7%), Enterobacter spp (4.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.2%) and Proteus spp (2.2%). All the bacterial isolates were sensitive to imipenem, while they showed variation in sensitivity to other commonly used antibiotics. Imipenem, nitrofurantoin and gentamicin were found to be effective for Gram-negative isolates and imipenem, azithromycin, vancomycin, ceftazidime for Gram-positive isolates. Our study emphasized over the changing etiology and emergence of drug resistance of the UTI within our country.

Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus epidermidis

The present study was done to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from different clinical specimens and healthy controls in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College from July, 2007 to June, 2008. A total of 62 Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from 230 specimens. Among them 32(23%) S. epidermidis were isolated from 200 cases and 30(100%) were isolated from 30 healthy controls. Antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolates was carried out by disk diffusion method as per recommendation of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute, 2007. Isolates of S. epidermidis from cases showed multidrug resistance as follows-penicillin 94%, oxacillin 56%, gentamycin 44%, erythromycin 41%, doxycycline 37%, cephradine 34%, ciprofloxacin 28%, ceftriaxone 28%, fusidic acid 22% and cefuroxime 19%. On the other hand, isolates of S. epidermidis from controls were susceptible to all antibiotics except penicillin, which was only 10% resistant. A remarkable difference was observed in the resistance pattern of S. epidermidis isolated from cases and healthy controls. However in our study no isolates of S. epidermidis was resistant to rifampicin and vancomycin, which can be used as last line of drugs to treat nosocomial S. epidermidis infection.

A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral fluconazole in the treatment of tinea versicolor

In our study of 6 month of pityriasis versicolor patient in skin department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital outdoor, most of the patient was of age 16-25 years (63.33%), 20% was of age 26-35 years and 16.67% was of 36-45 years. Age distribution among male patient maximum (66.67%) was of 16-25 years and among females the maximum 50% was also of 16-25 years. Mostly was male (80%) and 20% was female only 20% of the patient has got the positive family history whereas 80% with no family history of the disease, which indicates that there is no hereditary predilection. Of the patient 66.67% was unmarried and 33.33% was married. Late adolescence & early adult age groups are predominantly affected. Small children & elderly adults are infected only in unusual circumstances, such as prolonged occlusion or immunosuppresion. Prevalence reported to be as high as 50% in the humid, hot environment of Western Samoa & on low as 11.1% in the colder temperature of Sweden. About sex distribution of patients 20% were female. The study shows that majority of patients were male (20%).

Challenges of glaucoma service delivery in Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Nigeria

To find out the challenges of management of glaucoma, an assessment of glaucoma services at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare was carried out through oral interviews of ophthalmic staff, enquiring about available personnel and diagnostic equipment from relevant sectors of the Hospital and local authorities. A retrospective analysis of records of glaucoma patients (aged > 20 years) who presented at the centre between February 2002 and July 2007 was carried out. The ophthalmology unit has 6 ophthalmic nurses, 1 ophthalmologist and 1 optometrist. Instruments available were: A Schiotz tonometer, a slit lamp biomicroscope, a Volk +90 Diopter lens, a Goldman applanation tonometer, a l-mirror gonioscopy lens, a non contact applantation tonometer and a visual field analyzer. All the patients treated conservatively had guttae timolol 0.5% either solely (64 eyes, 50.8%) or in combination with other intraocular pressure lowering eye drops. Only one patient was treated with guttae latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan). The only type of surgery carried out was Trabeculectomy in 22 eyes (14.0%). No intra or post operative antifibrotic agent was used. There is a dire need of human and infrastructural facilities for adequate management of glaucoma in the centre.

Prevalence and magnitude of trachoma in a local government area of Sokoto State, north western Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

In order to have baseline data for monitoring and evaluation of trachoma control activities in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state Nigeria, a population based trachoma survey was conducted. The survey was designed to determine the prevalence of active trachoma and trichiasis as well as assess the prevalence of major risk factors for trachoma in the study area.

METHOD

The survey was a population based cross sectional survey of persons of all ages in the study area. A minimum sample size of 2760 was determined and the study population was selected by two stage cluster random sampling technique. In the first selection stage 34 communities were randomly selected by probability proportional to size, while for the second sampling stage 90 persons of all ages were randomly chosen in each selected cluster. All chosen persons were assessed for trachoma using WHO trachoma simplified grading system and their households were assessed for trachoma environmental risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of blindness in the study population was 2.0% (95% CI 1.4%-2.6%) with trachoma responsible for l3.8%. The prevalence of active trachoma amongst children (1-9 years) was 37% (CI 34.3%-39.8%), while trichiasis amongst adults was 2.3% (95% CI 1.9%-2.7%). Over sixty percent of households had no functional latrine, while 81% of households had refuse and animal dung littered within their compounds. Sixty percent of children had 'unclean faces' and over 85% of households had access to water within their villages.

CONCLUSIONS

Trachoma of public health concern still exists in some districts of northern Nigeria with significant environmental risk factors.

Impact of odor from industrial hog operations on daily living activities

Intensive industrial animal production systems worldwide require confinement of large numbers of animals in small spaces and concentration of enormous quantities of waste. Industrial hog operations, in particular, have raised public concerns about their adverse impact on public health and sustainable development. Using a community-based participatory research approach and qualitative interviews, we explored people's perception of the impact of odor from these industries on daily living activities as they relate to the beneficial use of property and enjoyment of life. Our research indicates that hog odor limits several leisure time activities and social interactions which could have adverse public health consequences. The results of this study can assist the communities and other stakeholders in public policy development that addresses these concerns.

Periodontal status and IOTN interventions among young hemophiliacs

Fifty-two young individuals suffering from severe haemophilia A and B volunteered to be compared with school- and college-going students for oral health status description and subsequent management. A total of 244 students (84.42% boys and 15.58% girls) with the age group of 13-23 years were divided into two groups, A and B (controls). The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about evidence-based dental practices by oral examinations followed by comparisons of periodontal health and prevalence of malocclusions among medically compromised students and healthy controls. Results described the oral health in severe haemophilic population to be compromised with combined simplified health index score of 0.50 and Decayed/Modified/Filled Teeth (DMFT) index score of 2.07 when compared with 0.42 and 0.95, respectively, among group B. Although prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among group A were higher, yet it was not confirmed as a reason for degraded dental and periodontal status. However, spontaneous and/or toothbrush (trauma)-induced gingival bleeding episodes among group A could be explained as factors discouraging oral hygiene maintenance, particularly self-administered measures. Four haemophiliacs presented with symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMPDS). Evidence-based oral medicine and clinical practices need to be encouraged and applied to enhance the quality of life among haemophiliacs, particularly in developing world. Dental treatment needs of haemophilic population appear to be greater and maybe incorporated in routine dental practices, at institutional and individual levels.

Comparison of the fine-scale genetic structure of three dipterocarp species

We investigated the fine-scale genetic structure of three tropical-rainforest trees, Hopea dryobalanoides, Shorea parvifolia and S. acuminata (Dipterocarpaceae), in Peninsular Malaysia, all of which cooccurred within a 6-ha plot in Pasoh Forest Reserve. A significant genetic structure was found in H. dryobalanoides, weaker (but still significant) genetic structure in S. parvifolia and nonsignificant structure in S. acuminata. Seeds of all three species are wind dispersed, and their flowers are thought to be insect pollinated. The most obvious difference among these species is their height: S. parvifolia and S. acuminata are canopy species, whereas H. dryobalanoides is a subcanopy species. Clear differences were also found among these species in their range of seed dispersal, which depends on the height of the release point; so taller trees disperse their seed more extensively. The estimates of seed dispersal area were consistent with the degree of genetic structure found in the three species. Therefore, tree height probably had a strong influence on the fine-scale genetic structure of the three species.

Toxicity of heavy metals for microorganisms isolated from slow sand filter schmutzdecke

This paper describes the susceptibility of three species of environmental bacteria isolated from the schmutzdecke of biologically active slow sand filters to cadmium, chromium and lead. The microorganisms, all identified as members of the genus Pseudomonas, were grown in tryptic soy broth with various concentrations of the selected heavy metals. The mean generation times (MGT) of the bacteria were compared to evaluate the toxic effects of the heavy metals. All three species tolerated high doses of heavy metals and the MGTs increased exponentially as the heavy metal concentrations increased; 12 mg l(-1) was the highest dose tested and the bacteria continued to grow albeit at very slow rates. In dilute media, the toxic effects of heavy metals were enhanced, illustrating the protection effect of organic matter and heavy metal complex formation. Growth studies of the isolated microorganisms on half-strength tryptic soy agar containing 6 mg l(-1) heavy metals also proved useful in determining toxicity.