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New cases of rare dyslipidemias in clinical practice
No full textLipid metabolism can experience different disorders resulting in changes in the function and concentrations of plasma lipoproteins. These changes affect alone or interact with other cardiovascular risk factors involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, dyslipidemias cover a wide spectrum of disorders lipids. Some of them have a genetic origin and very low prevalence. The main objective of this article is to report new cases of rare dislipemias of genetic origin in our population. Genetic analysis was performed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using a customized panel of 436 genes in DNA samples of four patients. The results confirmed the genetic origin of the following dyslipidemias: fish-eye disease, primary hypoalphalipoproteinemia-2, familial hypercholesterolemia by a variant in STAP1 and Sitosterolemia. This approach allows us to confirm the genetic diagnosis of four patients with alterations in lipid metabolism, this will help to improve patient management, achieving early diagnosis in the study of family members</p
Heart Failure (HF): Recent innovations in clinical therapy and critical profiles of acute and chronic forms
No full textBackground and objectives: Heart failure is a pathological condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump (cardiac output) an adequate amount of blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body or, at any rate, to be able to do so only at the expense of increased filling pressures in one or more cardiac chambers and the upstream venous circulation. The research group states here the primary objective of expanding the indications contained in the ESC 2021 with the results of the last year on the subject of treatment profiles, to facilitate a better understanding of the overall clinical picture and contribute to the next edition of the guidelines.Materials and methods: Systematic literature review in the English language from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, on PubMed/MedLine, Web on Science, and Cochrane archive. Our search strategy retrieved 8,317 articles. We excluded books and papers, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews and selected only 46 studies most significant about the clinical trial and randomized controlled trial.Results: The recent ESC 2021 guidelines are accurate and timely, and have confirmed their usefulness from a functional perspective, including concerning certain aspects that were represented as a “grey area”. Early risk prediction plays a key role in the subsequent management of patients, and to optimize risk prediction and intensity of management, one should take into account that: a) biomarkers have improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure and may therefore help to adjust the intensity of management in AHF; b) among the wide variety of biomarkers currently available, NT-proBNP and cTn seem the most promising in this indication; c) among the risk scores described, those combining demographic and clinical parameters with biomarkers in a model with routinely available rapid variables seem the most promising tools; d) in addition to biomarkers, age, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, creatinine, electrolytes, and blood urea nitrogen are the most commonly used predictor variables in the risk scores described; e) among the models selected, the MEESSI-AHF risk score appears to be currently the most promising tool for predicting the risk of AHF; f) during the management of decompensated patients (and in later stages), the psychological aspect is completely ignored, thus promoting the worsening of psychological symptoms (the need is as evident during the acute episode as it is in the daily management of chronic heart failure). Conclusions: The scientific literature search enriched the structure of ESC 2021, suggesting its implementation, with other findings related to new drug therapies such as Sotagliflozin, Hydrochlorothiazide Apabetalone, Alprostadil, Empagliflozin, Sacubitril/Valsartan, Dapagliflozin, Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, and biomarkers such as Urinary sodium (UNa+), IL-6 levels and rh-brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP), as well as the use of mindful breathing session, osteopathic manipulative treatment, electrical muscle stimulation, low-level tragus stimulation, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, oral nutritional supplements, and the correlative hypothesis between heart failure and intestinal dysbiosis, also concerning the psychological profile. However, these clinical studies suffer from some limitations that will necessarily have to be taken into account, such as the limited size of the population sample selected or the conflict of interest determined by the fact that some research is funded by the same pharmaceutical company producing the drug used that do not necessarily represent a negative limitation on the results obtained from studies.</p
Codeine induced hematological, hepatic alterations, lung and brain damage in mice
Get PDFCodeine, an opiate derivate, which induces pleasure and euphoria in users, is contained in many OTC cough syrups as dextromethorphan. In 2011, its abuse has been reported in Nigeria from consumption of codeine-based cough syrup such as Benylin containing codeine syrup (BCS). Thereafter, the neurobehavioural alteration was reported with BCS in mice. 45 Swiss male mice (20 g -25 g) were grouped into control, low dose-(10.95 ml/kg BCS) and High dose-(21.90 ml/kg of BCS). BCS was given orally above the therapeutic dose for 4weeks. Blood samples were collected after 7 and 28days under mild ether anesthesia into plain and heparinized bottles to assess hematological indices, serum creatinine level, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Thereafter, the brain, lung, and liver were excised and processed for brain protein level and histopathological observation. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. At both doses, BCS reduced hemoglobin concentration (10.56; 21.69%), lymphocyte count (10.54; 29.22%) and brain protein level (4.86±0.81; 4.86 ± 0.80 vs 9.20 ± 0.61 g/l) while white blood cell count (20.47; 46.08%), serum creatinine level (5.36; 18.75%), AST (26.31; 32.77%) and ALT (22.90; 36.70%) activities were increased compared to control. Histology shows marked necrosis and chronic infiltration by inflammatory cells in the brain, liver, and lung. Acute and chronic treatment of mice with Benylin with codeine resulted in significant alterations in blood and vital body organs such as kidney, liver, lung, and brain in a dose-dependent manner.</p
Immunosenescence and ACE2 protein expression: Association with SARS-CoV-2 in older adults
Get PDFAt the end of 2019, in Wuhan, China, an outbreak of cases of respiratory tract infection emerged and its progressive infection mainly affects adults, generating many cases of pneumonia. A type of coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, with genomic similarity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, was identified as the etiological agent. The evolution of this pandemic has made it possible to verify the similarity in the pathophysiological mechanisms between these three viruses, identifying the Angiotensin-Converting protein-Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2. This age group is more prone to developing extrapulmonary complications from SARS-CoV-2 since the clinical and pathological findings suggest a particular relationship between greater expression of ACE2 and the comorbidities of chronic degenerative diseases and the greater expression of ACE2 at the level of the respiratory tract. It has also revealed the mechanisms by which the virus evades the innate immune response and the Th1-type adaptive response. The objective of this work was to analyze immunosenescence and its relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection, through the review of the most recent articles (2021-2022), which describes the senescent state of the elderly. In addition, it intends to highlight the probable causes for which the most vulnerable population group (adults over 60 years of age) is more prone to presenting complications during the infection.</p
Benzofuran and Naphthofuran based chemosensors for metal ion detection using fluoroscence spectroscopy
Get PDFWith the advancement in the field of agriculture and industrial regime, numerous metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, copper, arsenic, etc. are released into the environment as effluent. These metal ions enter water bodies and generate many health issues. Considering their harmful impact on human lives, numerous fluorescent probes have been developed in recent years to detect the presence of these metal ions. The fluorescent probes are used owing to their ease of operation, good selectivity, and high sensitivity. The interaction between functional groups present in the structural framework of the probe and the empty orbitals of metal ions is responsible for the chemo selectivity of the probe. This report summarizes the organic probes which possess benzofuran and naphthofuran moieties and act as fluorescent chemosensors toward metal ions. The selectivity and sensitivity of these chemosensors along with the limit of detection have also been discussed. </p
The phenological stages of forestry species under the impact of climate change• Early data
Get PDFUrban areas have a dual role in climate change· they are major contributors to climate change as they produce more than 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and they also accept the impact of it. Urban trees have great value in urban ecosystems because of their role as carbon sinks, so they contribute to climate change mitigation. The aim of this paper is to collect data about the impact of climate change on forestry species in urban areas via the science of phenology. In recent years, via phenology, the observation and study of the effects of climate change are possible, as there appears to be a shift in the start of biological events, and also a change in their duration. These changes in the seasonal activity of plants, from time to time, are a sensitive but perfectly visible indicator of changes in the functioning of ecosystems. Phenology refers to the recording of dates in which different phases of the plant’s life cycle such as budburst, flowering, dormancy, and hibernation have been observed both in species and in plant communities. Temperature, solar radiation, and water availability are the three factors that affect plant phenology. To appreciate the impact of climate change on the phenological stages of forestry species, three Phenological Monitoring Areas (PMA) were created in three urban spaces in Thessaloniki, in December 2020, within the framework of the project LIFE CliVut (Climate Value of Urban Trees) LIFE18 GIC/IT/001217. Each PMA contains 20 species (10 species of trees and 10 species of shrubs), and 100 individuals (5 individuals per species). The monitoring of the phenological stages of the forestry species was carried out throughout a year on a weekly basis according to the protocol that was created in the frame of the project taking into consideration the BBCH scale. </p
The influence of cold storage on the characteristics of platelet concentrate
Get PDFIntroduction: Platelet concentrates (PC) are among the most needed blood components used to correct thrombocytopenia of various origins. The main problems in transfusion therapy are the risks of infectious complications associated with the limited shelf life of platelet concentrates at storage. The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the quality parameters of apheresis platelet concentrate prepared on two additional solutions: experimental additional solution (ASexp) containing sodium fumarate and SSP+ solution. Objective: To perform a comparative analysis of quality parameters, metabolic rate, hemostatic ability, and markers of activation and apoptosis of platelets (15 units) prepared on an experimental additional solution containing sodium fumarate and on an additional SSP+ solution for prolonged storage periods (15 days) at a temperature of 4 °C ± 2 °C. Materials and methods: We have studied the parameters of the thrombography, metabolism, hemostatic potential, markers of activation, and apoptosis for prolonged periods (15 days) of storage at a temperature of 4 °C ± 2 °C. Results: The results of the study indicate that during prolonged cold storage (15 days), there is a slight decrease in the number of platelets, a decrease in the level of metabolism, and significant morphofunctional changes occur both when using SSP+ and ASexp additional solutions. At the same time, hemostatic activity remains at a fairly high level throughout the entire storage period. The results of the analysis for most of the studied parameters did not reveal significant differences between the groups. At the same time, the parameters mandatory for quality control and safety met the standard values by the end of the observation period. Conclusion: Our data indicate the possibility of using the developed additional solution based on sodium fumarate for storing platelets at a temperature of +4 °C ± 2 °C for 15 days.</p
Assessment of diastase levels in different floral honey from Oromia region, Ethiopia
Get PDFDiastase is an enzyme that is found naturally in honey and degrades over time, especially when exposed to heat. Diastase can be used to indicate the age and exposure of honey to heat. However, they play a very significant role in honey quality. This study aimed to assess the diastase levels of different floral honey in potential areas of the Oromia region. In this study diastase activity, free acidity, and pH contents of different floral kinds of honey of potential areas in the Oromia region of Ethiopia were investigated based on the IHC- 2009- method. The honey pollen spectra were also characterized. When compared to other flora honey collected from the study area, the diastase activity of Erica arborea honey revealed significantly different (p < 0.05). It ranged from 4.61 ± 1.50 to 12.75 ± 4.78 Schade unit. The results of the pH value and free acidity analyses test demonstrated that the honey samples used in this investigation were fresh which ranged from 3.22 ± 0.13 to 4.17 ± 0.97 and 22.43 ± 6.37 to 35.10 ± 10.51 meq/kg honey, respectively. Honey bees’ geographical race, location and harvesting time affected diastase activities. However, it was not possible to identify the real factor influencing its diastase activities which needs further study at different agroecologies for different floral kinds of honey of the country. </p
Adaptation to climate change in Africa
No full textWhether we like it or not, ours will be a century where the governance and economic agenda will be dominated by the task of adapting to climate change. With the early effects of climate change already starkly visible, and their escalations over the coming decades already locked in, adaptation is no longer a choice but an imperative. And nowhere in the world is there a greater urgency to set out a coherent and comprehensive agenda for adaptation, we believe, than in Africa.</p
Building energy consumption assessment during and after lockdown: Case study of Malaysian housing
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic caused devastation to society in 2020, forcing people all across the world to alter their lifestyles. During the pandemic, people spent more time at home, and this shift in occupancy can directly influence building energy usage. COVID-19 lockdowns hastened the transition to telework, which many predict will continue. Changes in energy usage during lockdown are thus a significant source for forecasting future energy consumption in buildings. This study aims to measure the effects of the COVID-19 lockout on home energy usage. The energy usage of a seven residential building complex in Johor Bahru, Malaysia before, during, and after the first lockdown phase was compared and analyzed. It was discovered that the initial two months in the lockdown period are the most severe energy consumption due to the tight lockdown measures implemented as reflected in energy consumption patterns. Overall energy consumption for all candidate appliances increased during and after lockdown. Still, the more significant change was that consumption occurred during the daytime rather than focused in the evening as before the lockdown. The findings provide insight into the effect of a lockdown on customer energy costs and how energy utilities may be approached during such an event.</p