GSC Advanced Research and Reviews

Beta-lactam antibiotics and extended spectrum beta-lactamases

Vitus Silago — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by bacteria, mostly members of the family Enterobacteriaceae commonly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. ESBLs hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of beta-lactam antibiotics making these antibiotics ineffective therefore rendering the bacteria resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics. The global upsurge of ESBLs producing bacteria causing both hospital and community acquired infections mostly urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections, threatens the effectiveness of infectious diseases treatment. ESBL families; TEM, SHV and CTX-M are globally disseminated and frequently detected in clinical isolates as well as colonization and contamination isolates. Various laboratory detection methods of ESBLs producing Gram negative bacteria are available. These methods; phenotypic methods, automated methods and molecular-based methods are varying in sensitivity and specificity, need of technical expertise, and rapidness. Therefore, they should be clearly understood before being employed for routine or research use for detection of ESBLs production among Enterobacteriaceae. In addition, understanding the mode of action and mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, and the epidemiology of ESBLs producing bacteria is of paramount.

Effect of Irradiation process on mango

Tanzila Sultana, Kazi M Maraz, Arwah Ahmed, Shamima Shultana, Ruhul A Khan — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the choicest tropical fruit of the world and rightly designated as "King" of all fruits. It is a nutritionally important fruit being a good source of vitamin A, B and C and minerals. Post-harvest losses in mangoes have been estimated in the range of 25 to 40% from harvesting to consumption stage. Improved practices and preservation have a great impact on retaining mango fruit quality and on the supply chain. Nowadays food irradiation process is an engrained technology for the preservation of foods and food products. Three different kinds of ionizing radiation are applicable for food irradiation processes (Gamma-rays which is emitted from the radio-isotopes Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137, or electron beams and X-rays). Food irradiation can be considered an evolving technique that is capable of increasing the shelf-life, deferring the ripening and senescence of fruits, and thwart of microorganism activity along with insect infestation. Irradiated food is save for human health. This review article is focusing on irradiation effects on mango and the adoption of improved practices by the farmer for export besides that of food safety.

The game theory applied to the Covid-19 pandemic

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The classification of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), substantiated a global crisis in public and economic health, exposing failures of governments and markets in terms of the ability to act in a corrective, preventive and, above all, predictive manner, given the appearance of exogenous factors. One of the visible consequences of the pandemic is the polarization between Economy and Health in the countries, creating a competitive environment that resembles a duopoly where each player ends up acting and making their decisions according to what the other does. This article considers this scenario by quantitatively evaluating economic results that are possible to be achieved when in a negotiation essay between ‘Economics’ and ‘Health’, using the economic theory of games. The discussion developed points out to the existence of an “optimal strategy” for both the ‘Economy’ and ‘Health’ player, capable of maximizing the expected payoff for the population. From the application of the Pareto Equilibrium combined with the Coase Theorem, there is an opportunity to eliminate market and government failures with the achievement of a ‘Social Optimum’ throughout this and eventual future pandemics.

Effect of coconut oil on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae tolerance in malaria vector control in Dogbo district in south-western Benin, West Africa

Nazaire Aïzoun, Arlette Adjatin, Géorcelin Alowanou — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The use of chemical insecticides causes important damages to environment and human health and there is a need to search for alternative solutions. This study aims to investigate on the effect of coconut oil on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato larvae tolerance in malaria vector control in Dogbo district in south-western Benin, West Africa. Larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method in May 2020 during the rainy season in Dogbo district. A batch of 25 larvae of fourth instar were exposed to a mixture of coconut oil with distilled water saturated with oxygen containing in each of five glass jars or test cups of same dimensions contained each 48 ml distilled water saturated with oxygen plus 2 ml of coconut oil and one control jar containing no trace of coconut oil. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 hours, 48 hours and 72hours exposure. The results show that the use of coconut oil causes full-grown Anopheles larvae to die by suffocation. After the application of this mixture, the larvae of four instars cannot breathe. The use of coconut oil is effective method for disturbing the siphonal respiration of mosquito larvae. Coconut oil is effective method for mosquito larvae control.

Evaluation of the relationship between primary spontaneous pneumothorax and exercise and patient return to previous activities in patients after treatment

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The most common cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is sub pleural bleb apical rupture. Little is known about the relationship between PSP and exercise and return to exercise time. In this study, wee tend to investigate the relationship between exercise and PSP and time of return to exercise and previous activities.

Method: This study was designed as a case series and the sample size included all patients diagnosed with PSP in Razi and Poursina and Aria hospitals of Rasht during 2015-2019 based on inclusion criteria. Variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Chi square, Mann Whitney U and t-test (p<0.05).

Results: The most common type of treatment in patients was transaxillary thoracotomy with pleurodesis with iodine (TTP) in 58.2% and tube thoracostomy and pleurodesis in 41.7%, which was not statistically significant between athletes and non-athletes (p=0.806). Athletes who underwent TTP after 4 weeks and those treated with tube thoracostomy and pleurodesis after 8-12 weeks were advised to return to their previous activity. Of athletes, 9.5% had recurrence; of non-athletes, 9.8% had recurrence. Of athletes, 4.8% did not tolerate a return to their previous activity; of non-athletes, 7.3% did not tolerate returning to their previous activity regardless of treatment, and this difference was not significant.

Conclusion: Our study showed no significant difference between clinical manifestations and image findings as well as frequency of treatment and complications in both athlete and non-athlete patients. There is no increase in recurrence and intolerance at the time recommended for return to previous activity.

Application of pollution assessment models in soil contaminated by heavy metals in two steel rods markets, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Edori ES, Iyama WA , Edori OS — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm within two steel markets and a control site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria to assess the level of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As) in the environment. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the samples for heavy metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in the steel rods markets exceeded that of the control. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in the sites were in the order; Mile III > Kala > RSU. The average levels of contamination of heavy metals recorded followed the order Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cd in Mile III, Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in Kala and Fe > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in RSU (control). Mean concentrations obtained for heavy metals within the months of investigation were; 1420.931±9.155, 7.753±0.184, 8.730±0.050, 2.843±0.124, 9.428±0.122, 7.433±0.047 and 3.732±0.047 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively at the mile III station, while the mean concentrations of heavy metals observed at the Kala station were; 1161.173±1.823, 9.425±0.054, 7.596±0.027, 1.425±0.020, 6.507±0.006, 5.455±0.033 and 1.901±0.010 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. The mean values of heavy metals concentrations observed at the RSU station within the period were; 892.064±1.025,5.603±0.007, 5.841±0.051, 0.173±0.005, 3.389±0.009, 2.309±0.010 and 0.706±0.006 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. Pollution assessment models used for assessing the anthropogenic input on the quality of the soil in the area using the control site as the basis of judgment were: contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (mCD), potential ecological risk coefficient (Eir), potential ecological risk index (RI), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenicity. These indices revealed that the steel markets were contaminated and polluted and poses ecological risks by heavy metals, even though the values obtained were still below the WHO acceptable limits. The steel rods markets need to be adequately monitored and regulated to avoid further soil contamination by heavy metals to a degree that will be dangerous to human health.

Surgical hyperthyroidism: Epidemiological aspect and management difficulties in the visceral surgery department of the Donka National Hospital

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological aspect and the difficulties associated with the surgical management of hyperthyroidism in our context. Hyperthyroidism is an over function of the thyroid gland resulting in thyrotoxicosis. Thyroidectomy is one of the Main treatments. It also uses synthetic antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine.

Methodology: We carried out a descriptive 6-year retrospective from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017 inclusively. Our study variables were qualitative and quantitative,

Results: During our study, 26 cases were collected between January 2011 and August 2017 with a predominance of 73% female and an average age of 52, 78 years. The clinic was dominated by the signs of thyrotoxicosis which were found in all patients. The exploration identified 14 cases of toxic multi-hetero nodular goiter, ie 53.84%; 9 cases of basal disease 34, 66% and 3 cases of toxic adenoma 11, 54%. Medical preparation was required in all our patients

Total thyroidectomy was performed in one patient, i.e. 4%, and Lobo isthmectomy in 24 patients, ie 96%. Postoperatively, complications were collected: 1 case of intraoperative hemorrhage 20%; 1 case of postoperative hematoma 20%; 1 case of dysphonia 20%.

Conclusion: Surgery for toxic goiter known to be hemorrhagic and adherent should be performed after obtaining euthyroidism and double vigilance to minimize the morbidity represented mainly by laryngeal paralysis and hyperparathyroidism

Status and perspectives of mangrove management in Côte d'Ivoire

Egnankou Wadja Mathieu, Gnagbo Anthelme — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mangroves are ecosystems characteristic of intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia germinans and Conocarpus erectus are characteristic mangrove species found in Côte d'Ivoire. These mangroves could disappear without being fully studied due to the strong anthropic pressure. This study therefore proposes to establish a detailed cartography of the mangroves reported in Côte d'Ivoire and to model their potential distribution. Mangroves cover approximately 57.92 km², ie a linear coverage of 20.11% of the 540.14 km of coastline. The extent of these mangroves also decreased by 4.91 km² between 1996 and 2016. The maximum entropy model presents low-altitude coastal areas with high rainfall as well as average sunshine as favorable to mangroves. The particular ecological characteristic of mangroves as well as their particular mode of operation deserve to be taken into account in studies of flora in Côte d'Ivoire. It is therefore opportune to consider larger studies focusing specifically on the mangroves present in Ivory.

Synthesis of heterocyclic ring (1,2,4-triazole) as polystyrene photo stabilizer

Shahad Muhammad, Ahmed Ahmed — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

New heterocyclic compounds contain triazole ring (play very important role in photostabilization as UV absorber) synthesized by reaction between the di Schiff base (compound 3) with aromatic alkyl halide (Benzyl bromide) and shows there activity as photostabilizer for polystyrene through exposure to the UV-Light (300 hours). Finally Infrared spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and instrumental methods were used to characterize products and their structures.

Vitamin D Insufficiency as Risk Factor of Severe Pneumonia in Children

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Severe pneumonia is an infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality in children under five. Several risk factors of severe pneumonia have been established, one of them is vitamin D insufficiency. Risk factors for severe pneumonia can help clinicians to provide better quality of life. This research aimed to prove that vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for severe pneumonia in children. This analytical study with case-control design performed in children aged 2 months until 59 months old. Case consisted of 42 subjects who suffered severe pneumonia, while control consisted of 42 subjects who suffered pneumonia. Both groups fulfilled the eligibilities and matched proportionally based on age. The study was conducted from June 2019 to March 2021, level of 25(OH) D was checked in both groups. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression with significant level set at p<0, 05. Total eighty-four subjects with median age 11, 5 month were included in this study and most of them were male (59, 5%). The risk factors of severe pneumonia was vitamin D insufficiency with adjusted odds ratio 4.71 (CI95% 1.15-19.31, p=0.031) and exposure of cigarette smoke with adjusted odds ratio 5.19 (CI95% 1.76-15.31, p=0.003). There was no association of gender, mild malnutrition, non-exclusive breastfeeding and incomplete immunization in this study. Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for severe pneumonia in children.

Synthesis, characterization and photostability study of triazole derivatives

Shahad Muhammad, Ahmed Ahmed — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

heterocyclic derivative contain triazole ring was synthesized and characterized the product and their structures by infrared spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and instrumental techniques. Compound (4) was synthesized by reacting of Schiff base (3) with an three moles of alkyl halide (p-phenyl phenacyl bromide). Final product played an important role in photostabilizer of polymer (PS), and showed the activity as a photostabilizer when exposed to UV light (300 hours).

Diagnosis of ecological quality of Dohou Lake on the basis of environmental parameters and phytoplankton community, Western Côte d’Ivoire

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The ecological quality of Dohou Lake in Duékoué was determined from the phytoplankton community and physico-chemical parameters. All of the stations in Dohou Lake are dominated by Cyanobacteria and Bacillariophyta individuals, with high monthly proportions observed during the study period. Ecological indicators such as total phosphorus, transparency and chlorophyll made it possible to assess the physico-chemical quality of the environment. Thus, mean total phosphorus values ranged from 970 to 1150 µg/L from station D7 to station D6. Minimum transparency values ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 m from station D7 to D3, and mean values ranged from 0.3 m (station D7) to 0.69 m (station D1). For chlorophyll a, mean values ranged from 3.52 µg/L to 12.98 µg/L from station D7 to station D2, with maximum values for this parameter ranging from 13.4 µg/L (station D7) to 46.73 µg/L (station D2). All of the stations on Dohou lake are therefore in an eutrophic state. The monthly variations in the different proportions of phytoplankton groups observed indicate a clear predominance of Cyanobacteria followed by Bacillariophyta. The values of the Planktonic Index (PI) indicate that the stations are in average ecological condition, except for station D7, which is in poor ecological condition. These ecological qualities are reflected by the spatial and temporal dominance of 4 functional groups which are C, LM, K, and S1.

Protective effect of propolis against aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the reproductive organs, as well as, the protective effect of propolis against AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Eighty adult male fertile Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of 20 each. Group 1: served as control group and received only distilled water. Group 2: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3. Group 3: received a daily ingestion of 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. Group 4: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3 in addition to 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. The duration of experiment was six weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testes, seminal vesicles, prostate glands and epididymides were dissected out, and weighed. Sperm characteristics were evaluated and plasma testosterone level was estimated. There were no significant changes between the control and the propolis-treated group. AlCl3-treated group showed a highly significant decrease in the index weights of testes and prostate glands, a highly significant lower sperm count, motility and viability, a highly significant increase in the number of abnormal sperms, as well as, a highly significant decrease in serum testosterone level (p < 0.001), compared to control. Rats of AlCl3+propolis-treated group showed a highly significant improvement in all previous alterations. In conclusion, propolis appeared to ameliorate AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Interest of beta 2-microglubulin determination in chronic hemodialysis patients

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The amylase beta 2-microglobulin (β2m) is a common complication of long-term hemodialysis, mainly responsible for osteo-articular manifestations including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). With the aim to study the various parameters involved in the increase of and determine the interest of dosage, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 104 chronic hemodialysis patients for more than 6 months. The mean age of patients was 52.82 years with a male predominance (62.5%). 61, 3% of our patients are anuric. They all have intermittent hemodialysis at 12 hours per week using a low permeability membrane in 52% of patients. The average age of dialysis layout is 42, 18 years. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 74 months. The mean serum β2m is 35, 24 mg / l. regarding complications, there were four confirmed cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and 12 deaths. Our study objectify the parameters involved in the increase of β2m: The current age, age advanced dialysis layout, lack of urine output, low permeability membrane and extended duration hemodialysis. Increased serum levels of β2m in our hemodialysis demonstrate the poor treatment of middle molecules. Its reduction can be made by improving the quality of dialysis and will avoid all the complications.

A critical eye to breeding potential of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) or natural selection vs castration

Silviya Stefanova Radanova — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyze the reproductive potential of uncastrated domestic cats. The notions of the high reproductive capabilities of the species have been refuted, even with provided resources, shelter and human attention. Space and density are not major stressors in a multi-cat indoor group if a high-protein food and inner freedom of individuals are provided. The established natural patterns in its development and the parallel made between other wild felines and human population are evidence of the evolutionary value and genetic potential of the species, which must be assessed and preserved in time. Specific adaptive behavior in female individuals related to indoor life and possibly a way of self-control of reproduction is described

Response to iodine supplementation in the growth and quality of Texel lamb meat

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Iodine deficiency determines reproductive problems especially in the production of thyroid hormone, affecting the functions that thyroidal hormones regulate, such as energy metabolism, thermoregulation, reproduction, growth, muscle and bone tissue function. Indeed a certain concentration of iodine in the diet can promote performance in production in terms of fattening and growth. The main goal of the work was the supplementation with iodine salt from weaning to work on the production and quality of carcass and meat of early lambs of the Texel breed. Three random groups were formed. In one group, iodine salt was administered daily individually, in another group salt without iodine and finally a third "control" group without salt aggregate. All these animals were fed on natural field with an energy-protein supplement. The weaning weight and its evolution (daily gain) were determined, fortnightly until the work weight (35 kg) was reached. Blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Selenium (Se) were evaluated. In the carcass were measured the hot and cold carcass weight, pH, colour; GR point and in the meat tenderness will be determined in the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Se concentrations, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein and iodine in pastures were also determined. The results show that no significant differences were found for any of the characters measured.

Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of surface water quality of aquaculture ponds Located in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Aquaculture is one of the most vital sectors in Bangladesh as it exhibits a major role in nutrition, livelihoods and foreign exchange incomes/earnings every year. However, due to chemical impurities, infectious diseases caused by microorganisms, heavy metal accumulation, and aquaculture in Bangladesh is gradually declining and posing serious health risks. In Savar, which is one of the major industrial zones in Bangladesh, all industrial sewage and wastes severely deteriorate the water quality of the ponds, rivers, lakes and various waterways that are involved in aquaculture/fish culture. Hence, to determine the water quality by assessing different physicochemical and microbiological parameters, water samples were collected from five selected ponds located in Atomic Energy Research Establishment premises, Savar, Dhaka and analyzed according to the standard procedures. The obtained values of temperature, pH, Salinity, TDS, TA, EC, TH, Chloride content, Free CO2, DO, Nitrate and Sulfate were compared with the recommended values of Bangladesh and WHO standard for suitable water quality. Most of the physicochemical parameters exceeded the Standard value. Total Viable Count, Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform Count were also found to be higher than the standard value of WHO indicating fecal contamination of the pond water. Some fish pathogens were also isolated from the ponds. Water quality index (WQI) was calculated for five sampling sites to determine the level of pollution. It was observed that the water quality of the all the ponds reached to critical point of pollution. It is therefore, a high time to take initiatives to save the ponds that are involved in aquaculture from further pollution. The results revealed that the pond waters of five different sites were excessively polluted and unsuitable for fish culture.

Cardiovascular prevention using WhatsApp, project "Family Health: Connected and Healthy"

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: to analyze whether an educational program for cardiovascular prevention using WhatsApp can contribute to reducing Framingham risk score (FRS) among adults.

Method: this is an intervention study, developed during one year (October/2019 to October/2020) in three public schools in São Paulo, among fathers, mothers, and family members of children enrolled in elementary school. Parents were invited to participate in the study by means of a note sent in the school agenda, and after signing the consent form, the participants received a weekly message from the researchers by WhatsApp, with guidelines to avoid sedentarism and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the beginning and end of the study.

Results: the study subjects were 70 adults, age 43.2 (±12 years), 47 females and 23 males. At the beginning of the study there were 09 (12.9%) parents with intermediate or high FRS, and at the end of the study there were 08 (11.4%) parents with intermediate or high FRS (p=0.79). A reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed, mean from 80.3 mmHg to 77.7 mmHg (p=0.03; ±9.44), other three risk factors showed worsening in the outcome at the end of the study: HDL-cholesterol reduced mean from 55.9 mg/dL to 48.7 mg/dL (p=0.01), blood glucose increased from 91.4 mg/dL to 94.4 mg/dL (p=0.01) and body mass index was from 28.6 to 29.2 (p=0.01).

Conclusion: The cardiovascular prevention education program using WhatsApp did not promote a reduction in FRS, and diastolic blood pressure was the only risk factor that responded to the intervention.

Prosthetic management of cleft lip and palate

Sihem Hajjaji, Wadia Bembli, Hayet Hajjemi, Abdelatif Boughzela — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Cleft lip and palate is the most frequent congenital oral dysmophosis (1/600 births). They can be associated with polyformative syndromes. The aetiology is most often unknown, but heredity is still a predominant factor. These clefts result from an absence or insufficient fusion of the different facial buds occurring from the fifth to the 7th week of intrauterine life. They can have several forms. The treatment of cleft lip and palate requires multidisciplinary management. When orthodontics is lacking, the prosthesis takes over. Combined with maxillofacial surgery, the results are spectacular.

Prostate leiomyosarcoma: A rare tumor

I Benali, M Allaoui, A Mejdoubi — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare neoplasm with a poor survival rate. Between June 2018 to January 2019 we treated a rare case of Prostate Leiomyosarcoma initially metastatic to the lung and the liver with multiple pelviclymph nodes. Five cycles of chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy have been delivered with a mean follow up of 1 year .Chestabdominal-pelvic CT scan with MRI and bone scan are necessarily to assess clinical staging. The objective of this study is to review our experience in the management of Prostate Leiomyosarcoma at the Casablanca Cancer Center of Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences with a literature review of this rare neoplasm.