A Possible Correlation Between Growth-Factor Sensitivity and Response to Mitoxantrone Treatment in a Murine Myeloid Leukaemia (SA7HD) Cell Line

SA7 murine myeloid leukaemia cells usually respond to stimulation in vitro by WEHI-conditioned medium by displaying increased dose-dependent proliferation. However, at recurrence following in vivo treatment of the leukaemia with mitoxantrone, the leukaemia cells developed significant insensitivity (p - 0.04) to stimulation by WEHI-conditioned medium. This altered growth-factor sensitivity was detected when two different assays were used. The recurrent leukaemic cells were morphologically indistinguishable from untreated leukaemic cells, but in normal mice they regained sensitivity to growth factors after a single transplant. The recurrent leukaemic cells were significantly resistant to some concentrations of mitoxantrone in vitro (p = 0.012). The magnitude of this resistance was mainly a function of the dose of mitoxantrone used in the initial treatment of the leukaemia. These data suggest an association between growth-factor sensitivity and response to mitoxantrone treatment including the development of resistance in the SA7HD murine myeloid leukaemia cell line.     

Induction and characterization of heat shock proteins of Salmonella typhi and their reactivity with sera from patients with typhoid fever.

The heat shock protein (HSP) response of Salmonella typhi following exposure to elevated growth temperatures was studied. Three major proteins with molecular sizes of 58, 68, and 88 kDa were abundantly expressed when S. typhi cells were shifted from 37 to 45 degrees C and to 55 degrees C. These proteins were also constitutively expressed at 37 degrees C. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies with anti-HSP monoclonal antibodies revealed that the 58- and 68-kDa proteins were analogous to the GroEL and DnaK proteins, respectively, of Escherichia coli. These HSPs are also abundantly present in the outer membrane fraction of disrupted cells and, to a lesser extent, in the cytosol. Immunoblotting experiments with sera from patients with a culture-positive diagnosis of typhoid fever showed the presence of antibodies to these HSPs. Nine of twelve sera reacted with the 58-, 68-, and 88-kDa proteins, while three sera reacted only with the 68- and 88-kDa proteins. All 10 sera from healthy individuals showed no binding to these HSPs. In light of the well-documented roles of HSPs in the pathogenesis of microbial infections and as immunodominant antigens, these findings may be relevant for a better understanding of disease processes and for the future development of diagnostic and preventive strategies.     

Hypoglycaemic Activity of Nauclea Latifolia Sm. (Rubiaceae) in Experimental Animals

Aqueous, ethanolic and hexane extracts of the leaves of Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae) were assessed for their fasting blood glucose lowering effect in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin - diabetic rats. Wistar strain albino rats were given different doses of the extracts after 18 hrs fast and their blood glucose measured at 0,1,2,4 and 6 hours after treatment. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose levels of the STZ-diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose administered (400mg/kg) lowered the fasting blood glucose of the diabetic rats by 31.7% (aqueous) and 36.1% (ethanolic) extracts. The aqueous extract did not significantly lower the glucose levels of normoglycaemic rats (maximum 6.6%), nor was any significant decrease seen in the rats administered with the hexane (maximum of 4.0% for normoglycaemic and 2.4% for diabetics) extract. The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic potentials of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were comparable to that of glibenclamide (1mg/kg).These results further support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Molecular epidemiology of the RNA satellite of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rice yellow mottle virus</Emphasis> in Africa

Summary. Satellite RNA was sought in 51 isolates of Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) representative of the geographical, molecular and pathogenic variability of the virus in Africa. Three-quarters of the isolates from cultivated rice and wild gramineaceous hosts supported a satellite RNA. The prevalence of RYMV isolates that were associated with a satellite differed among regions, being c. 100% in West and Central Africa and c. 36% in East Africa. The RYMV satellite showed a low diversity as only seven of the 220 sequenced positions were variable. One insertion also occurred after serial host passages of the satellite. Two forms of the satellite differed by six substitutions forming three base pairs in one branch of the predicted RNA secondary structure. There was no evidence of intermediates between these two forms, but double-infection occurred. Each form had a specific geographical distribution: one occurred in Central Africa, the other elsewhere in Africa. There was no relation between the occurrence or the forms of the satellite and the phylogeny of the helper virus. The satellite was not involved in symptom modulation or ability to break host-plant resistances to the disease.Received January 29, 2003; accepted April 12, 2003 Published online June 24, 2003     

Determinants of Postoperative Outcomes of Female Genital Fistula Repair Surgery

OBJECTIVE:: To determine predictors of fistula repair outcomes 3 months postsurgery. METHODS:: We conducted a multicountry prospective cohort study between 2007 and 2010. Outcomes, measured 3 months postsurgery, included fistula closure and residual incontinence in women with a closed fistula. Potential predictors included patient and fistula characteristics and context of repair. Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to generate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:: Women who returned for follow-up 3-month postsurgery were included in predictors of closure analyses (n=1,274). Small bladder size (adjusted RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.39-1.79), prior repair (adjusted RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.11-1.76), severe vaginal scarring (adjusted RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.20-2.04), partial urethral involvement (adjusted RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.66), and complete urethral destruction or circumferential defect (adjusted RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.33-2.23) predicted failed fistula closure. Women with a closed fistula at 3-month follow-up were included in predictors of residual incontinence analyses (n=1,041). Prior repair (adjusted RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.65), severe vaginal scarring (adjusted RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10-1.67), partial urethral involvement (adjusted RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.27-2.48), and complete urethral destruction or circumferential defect (adjusted RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.51-2.81) were significantly associated with residual incontinence. CONCLUSION:: The prognosis for genital fistula closure is related to preoperative bladder size, previous repair, vaginal scarring, and urethral involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: II.     

Prevalence and determinants of uptake of folic acid in peri‐conceptional period in a rural lower‐middle‐income country,Ghana

Folate is a vitamin B‐related substance needed by expectant mothers during the period right before and after conception (peri‐conceptional period) to help protect foetuses against neural tube defects (NTDs). Despite efforts to promote the peri‐conceptional uptake of folic acid (FA), adherence remains low. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of peri‐conceptional FA uptake among childbearing women in northern Ghana. In a cross‐sectional study, data from 303 women accessing antenatal care services in the Upper East Region of Ghana between February and July 2017 were collected and analysed in Stata (Version 12.1). Chi‐square and logistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent determinants of peri‐conceptional uptake of FA. The mean age of the study population was 27.4 (±5.73) years. The prevalence of uptake of peri‐conceptional FA was 28.7% (95% confidence interval: 26.7%‐34.2%); 66% of the women were aware of FA and 52% had acceptable knowledge about FA. Initiating ANC after 3 months of pregnancy was associated with 91% less chance of peri‐conceptional FA use [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04‐0.22; P < .001]. Not knowing the frequency of dosing of FA was associated with a 58% less likelihood of uptake of peri‐conceptional FA (AOR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23‐0.76; P = .004). There is low uptake of peri‐conceptional FA among women of childbearing age accessing antenatal services in Northern Ghana, and this uptake is determined by the time of initiation of ANC visit and knowledge of dosage regimen of FA.     

Efficacy of multi-wave locked system laser therapy on nerve regeneration after crushing in Wister rats

[Purpose] To investigate the efficacy of the multi-wave locked system laser therapy on the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries by evaluating the functional, electrophysiological, and morphological changes of the crushed sciatic nerve in Wistar rats. [Materials and Methods] Sixty male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly assigned to control negative, control positive, or laser groups and subjected to no laser therapy or crushing, to crushing without laser therapy, or crushing followed by multi-wave locked system laser therapy five times/week for four weeks (power=1 W, energy density=10 J/cm², total energy=100 J), respectively. Functional, electrophysiological, and morphometric analyses were performed before and 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after crushing. The sciatic functional index, compound motor action potential amplitude, motor nerve conduction velocity, and nerve and myelin sheath diameters were measured. [Results] The sciatic functional index value decreased significantly, while the compound motor action potential amplitude, motor nerve conduction velocity, nerve diameter, and myelin sheath diameter increased significantly in the laser group post-treatment compared to the values in the control groups. [Conclusion] Multi-wave locked system laser therapy was effective in accelerating the regeneration of crushed sciatic nerves in Wistar rats.