7 research outputs found
Use of Invitro Angiogenesis for Testing of Novel Anticancer Agents
No full textAn antiangiogenic approach is among the most promising avenues in cancer treatment. Current antiangiogenic strategies have focused on compounds that block the ability of the endothelial cells (EC) to break down the surrounding extracellular matrix, that inhibit normal EC directly, or that block factors that stimulate angiogenesis or specifically target integrins to block them or deliver agents to. However, no strategy utilizing degradation of cell adhesion or junctional molecules has yet been reported. The present approach - specific proteolytic targeting of junctional molecules in neovasculature - offers a novel avenue for cancer drug development that is supported by our data as well experimental data from other labs. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) possesses strong proteolytic activity. We have already shown (see below) that E-cadherin, occludin and b1-integrin are targeted by this activity in endothelial cells. Even more important, our data showed the decrease of the polarized cell layer integrity to be significantly faster from the basolateral side than from the lumenal side. These data led us to consider the importance of junctional proteins in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. The focus of our attention is bacterial protein\u27s effect against defined molecular targets, junctional molecules and surface receptors that have a role in cell survival. In particular we hypothesize that the ability of P.g. proteolytic factor to disrupt the junctional bonds could be of considerable importance in suppressing abnormal neovascularization during tumor growth. To further study the effect of this factor on endothelia, and as a last step before in vivo models, the P.I is hereby requesting funds to examine specific in vitro models of angiogenesis, endothelial migration and tube formation inhibition. The results of these studies will as usual be presented at national meetings and most importantly will serve as necessary foundation for grant support applications with National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society
Assessment of Quality Assurance Programs for Conventional X-Ray Equipment in Kano Metropolis
No full textBackground: Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) measures are essential in maintaining X-ray equipment in order to provide accurate diagnostic information to the referring physician, as well as guarantees that machines will emit appropriate levels of radiation at all times.Aim: The study aims to assess the quality assurance programmes of diagnostic X-ray equipment in government hospitals and private diagnostic centers in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Material and methods: Twenty-two semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consenting radiographers working in Kano metropolis. The questions asked include; availability of the quality assurance committee, types of quality control tests conducted on the equipment, personnel responsible for the tests and, personnel to which the results of the tests were submitted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, mean and percentages from SPSS version 16.0. Results: Nineteen questionnaires (86%) were returned with only 3 (15.4 %) of the respondents indicating availability of QA committee in their departments. Seven (38.5 %) indicated there were QC measures in their departments and 11 (60 %) have some quality control tests being conducted. However, only 15 (76.9 %) indicated that maintenance service was conducted on their equipment, while 11 (60 %) indicated that they kept records of past services. No centre had a Radiation Safety Officer or QA Officer.Conclusion: Findings demonstrate poor quality assurance program in most X-ray facilities in Kano metropolis. It is recommended that X-ray centres should have quality assurance committee and routine quality control tests should be performed on the equipment
Effect of Laser Radiation (Er,Cr:YSGG and GaAs) on Cariogenic Bacteria and Gingival Cells Through Photosensitization: A First Step Towards the Development of an Innovative Technique to Prevent Dental Caries
No full textBackground: The College of Dental Medicine has acquired two types of laser devices to perform a variety of clinical procedures. These lasers will be used in this study to take the first step towards the development of an innovative technique to prevent dental caries. Photodynamic therapy is based on the concept that a photoactivatable compound, or Photosensitizer (PS), can be preferentially localized in certain tissues and subsequently activated by light of the appropriate wavelength to generate singlet oxygen and free radicals that are cytotoxic to cells and bacteria. The main problem is devising a strategy to target the PS to the bacteria while leaving the host gingival tissue unharmed. Purpose: a) To evaluate the effect of laser radiation with photosensitizers on known cariogenic bacteria, b) evaluate the effect of laser radiation with photosensitizers on cariogenic plaque developed on human teeth, and c) develop a strategy to target the PS to the cariogenic plaque while leaving the gingival cells unharmed. Methodology: The laser/photosensitizer combinations Er.Cr:YSGG/TBO and GaAs/ADP will be applied to cariogenic bacteria, cariogenic plaque and gingival fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, plus three control groups: (1) suspension fluid without TBO or ADP, not irradiated, (2) suspension(s) fluid without TBO or ADP, irradiated for different periods, and (3) suspension fluid with TBO or ADP, not irradiated. The number of viable bacteria will be calculated from colony forming units. The number of viable gingival cells will be calculated by cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays. ANOVA tests will be used to determine statistical significance. Significance: Utilization of safe laser protocols in clinical preventive dentistry (unattainable with traditional methods), for decontamination of tooth surfaces prior to sealant or restoration and for periodic inactivation of cariogenic biofilms to prevent caries in pregnant mothers, infants, special needs patients and underserved populations
Radiological equipment and accessories as sources of nosocomial infection
No full textBackground: Nosocomial infections have become a major challenge in health institutions, as they affect the quality of health care delivered. The radiology department is one of the mainstays of modern medicine. It is therefore, necessary to assess its contamination by nosocomial organisms.Aim: The study aims at identifying the nosocomial bacteria associated with imaging equipment and accessories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.Methods: The study design was prospective and cross-sectional in nature, and was conducted between Oct 2014 to Jan 2015 using disproportionate stratified random sampling method. Four different conventional x-ray units, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, angiography and ultrasound units were selected. Swabs were collected from the surfaces of the selected parts of the equipment and accessories after working hours in each unit. The swabs were taken to the microbiology laboratory for culturing and identification using standard laboratory procedure. A total of 200 cultured samples were used in the study. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software.Results: Bacteria were isolated in 43.5 % (n = 87) of all the swab samples with ultrasound transducer as major culture. Specific bacteria isolated were: Staphylococcus aureus (n = 65; 74.7 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 14; 16.1 %), Bacillus spp (n = 6; 6.9 %), Klebsiella spp (n = 1; 1.1 %) and Proteus spp (n = 1; 1.1 %). Methylated spirit was the most effective chemical disinfectant. Conclusion: Radiology equipment and accessories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital are not entirely free of bacteria. Meticulous attention to disinfection will safeguard staff and other patients from nosocomial infections
Prenatal Third Trimester Sonographic Behavior of a Thanatophoric Dwarfs
No full textBackground. Thanatophoric dysplasia (TD), the most common of the congenital lethal skeletal dysplasias occurs sporadically in 1/64,000-100,000 live births. To the best of our knowledge, the in utero attitudes and behaviours of such babies with serial ultrasound scans have not been previously described.
Objectives. To present the in utero third trimester sonographic behaviors of TD in a 22-year-old primigravida diagnosed at ‘32weeks’ gestational age along with the clinical and radiographic characteristics.
Methods. The same radiologists to observe the behavior of a thanatophoric dwarfs did three fortnights serial ultrasound scans.
Results. The baby was found to have short limbs that were constantly in rigid abduction, flexed at both elbows and knees, and demonstrated poverty of synchronous movements. The upper limbs were perpetually in embracing position during all scans. In addition,
he was hyperactive, showing “yoyo” body movement and constantly hyper-extended neck. Postmortem radiograph was diagnostic of TD.
Conclusion. Though he baby died intra partum, the observed attitudes and behaviors on serial prenatal ultrasonography, which provided us with sufficient information to counsel the family, managed the pregnancy, and direct the postnatal evaluation could possibly add to the in utero diagnostic sonographic features of TD
Prioritization of Circular Supply Chain Management practices aimed to the sustainability of Health Service Provider Institutions in Colombia
No full textilustraciones, diagramas, tablasLa presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal desarrollar y validar un marco de priorización de prácticas de gestión de la cadena de suministro circular (CSCM) para apoyar la toma de decisiones orientadas a la sostenibilidad de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud (IPS) en Colombia. Se busca facilitar la implementación de la filosofía circular en la industria de la salud, proporcionando herramientas que permitan a los tomadores de decisiones identificar, seleccionar e implementar prácticas CSCM.
Este estudio se desarrolló en cuatro fases: primero, se realizó una caracterización de la cadena de suministro de las IPS colombianas; luego, se definieron y depuraron las prácticas circulares aplicables al contexto del sector salud colombiano; posteriormente, se aplicó el método DEMATEL, una técnica de toma de decisiones multicriterio, para priorizar las prácticas según su influencia e interdependencias, y a partir de sus resultados desarrollar un marco de priorización; y, finalmente, el marco fue validado a través de un grupo focal de representantes del sector salud.
Los resultados destacan la importancia de prácticas de gestión orientadas a la producción y prestación de servicios más limpia, así como la iniciativa y voluntad administrativa en la transición hacia la circularidad. Se identificaron las interdependencias existentes entre los conjuntos de prácticas y sub-prácticas, aportando un marco de priorización que proporciona un enfoque estratégico para la implementación efectiva de la economía circular en el sector salud de Colombia.
Las conclusiones subrayan que la implementación de este marco no solo ayuda a las IPS a cumplir con sus objetivos de sostenibilidad, sino que también se sitúa como una herramienta estratégica para guiar a los tomadores de decisiones en la adopción de prácticas de gestión de la cadena de suministro circular, promoviendo la transición hacia un modelo más sostenible en el sistema de salud colombiano (Texto tomado de la fuente).The main objective of this research is to develop and validate a framework for the prioritization of circular supply chain management (CSCM) practices to support decision-making oriented to the sustainability of Health Service Provider Institutions in Colombia. It seeks to facilitate the implementation of the circular philosophy in healthcare industry, providing tools that allow decision makers to identify, select and implement CSCM practices.
This study was developed in four phases: first, a characterization of the Colombian healthcare supply chain was carried out; then, CSCM practices applicable to the Colombian healthcare sector context were defined and refined; subsequently, the DEMATEL method, a multicriteria decision-making technique, was applied to prioritize practices according to their influence and interdependencies, and from its results a prioritization framework was developed; and finally, the framework was validated through a focus group of healthcare sector representatives.
Results highlight the importance of management practices oriented towards cleaner production and service provision, as well as initiative and administrative will in the transition to circularity. Interdependencies between sets of practices and sub-practices were identified, providing a prioritization framework that provides a strategic approach for the effective implementation of the circular economy in Colombia's healthcare sector.
Conclusions underline that the implementation of this framework not only helps healthcare industry to meet their sustainability objectives, but also stands as a strategic tool to guide decision makers in the adoption of circular supply chain management practices, promoting the transition to a more sustainable model in the Colombian healthcare system.MaestríaMagíster en Ingeniería - Ingeniería IndustrialLa metodología para la estructuración y validación del marco de priorización desarrollado
constó de cuatro fases presentadas en la Figura 2-1. El diseño se planteó de forma
secuencial y lógica para dar cumplimiento ordenado a cada uno de los objetivos
específicos en esta investigación.Investigación de Operaciones (Logística
