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Objective To examine the association between subjective norms and breastfeeding behaviors and to assess whether individual characteristics modify this association. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Florida, 2004 to 2005; Louisiana, 2004; and Ohio, 2009 to 2010. Participants Stratified systematic sample of respondents who completed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey from three states (N = 5,378). Methods We used PRAMS data to examine the associations between three independent variables (breastfeeding discouragement by others and number and type of normative referents) and three breastfeeding behaviors (breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding duration at 4 weeks and 10 weeks after birth) using multivariable log binomial regression. We also examined whether maternal characteristics modified the association between breastfeeding discouragement by others and breastfeeding behaviors. Results Respondents who reported that others discouraged them from breastfeeding were more likely to initiate breastfeeding (adjusted relative risk (RR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.64, 0.96]) than those who were not discouraged. Furthermore, in the total sample, breastfeeding discouragement from others was not associated with breastfeeding discontinuation by 4 weeks and 10 weeks after birth. Breastfeeding discouragement from health care providers was associated with a greater incidence of noninitiation among respondents who reported breastfeeding discouragement from others (adjusted RR = 2.82, 95% CI [1.88, 4.22]). Conclusions Findings suggest that women may be motivated to initiate breastfeeding because of their beliefs and emotions despite being discouraged by others. However, discouragement by health care providers was associated with decreased initiation. This underscores a need for the continued implementation and scale-up of evidence-based maternity care practices and education of providers and the public to support breastfeeding.

Caffeine is globally consumed as a stimulant in beverages. It is also ingested in purified forms as power and tablets. Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of intrauterine and early life caffeine exposure on brain health. This study modeled caffeine exposure during pregnancy and early postanal life until puberty, and the potential consequences. Caffeine powder was dissolved in distilled water. Thirty-two (n = 32) pregnant mice (Mus musculus) (dams) were divided into four groups- A, B, C and D. Group A animals served as a control, receiving placebo. Caffeine doses in mg/kg body weight were administered as follows: Group B, 10 mg/kg; Group C, 50 mg/kg; Group D, 120 mg/kg. Prenatal caffeine exposure [phase I] lasted throughout pregnancy. Half the number of offspring (pups) were sacrificed at birth; the rest were recruited into phase II and the experiment continued till day 35, marking puberty. Brain samples were processed following sacrifice. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5Ht) neurotransmitters were assayed in homogenates to evaluate functional neurochemistry. Anxiety and memory as neurobehavioural attributes were observed using the elevated plus and Barnes' mazes respectively. Continuous caffeine exposure produced positive effects on short and long-term memory parameters; the pattern interestingly was irregular and appeared more effective with the lowest experimental dose. Anxiety test results showed no attributable significant aberrations. Caffeine exposure persistently altered the neurochemistry of selected neurotransmitters including ACh and 5Ht, including when exposure lasted only during pregnancy. ACh significantly increased in group BC+ to 0.3475μgg-1 relative to control's 0.2508μgg-1; pre-and continuous postnatal exposure in Group B increased 5Ht to 0.2203 μgg-1 and 0.2213 μgg-1 respectively relative to control's 0.1863 μgg-1. From the current investigation, caffeine exposure in pregnancy had persistent effects on brain functional attributes including neurotransmitters activities, memory and anxiety. Caffeine in moderate doses affected memory positively but produced negative effects at the higher dosage including increased anxiety tendencies.

Background: Aluminum chloride (AlCl3 ) present in many manufactured consumable is considered as a toxic element. Aim: Our study evaluates the toxic effects induced by AlCl3 on the testes as well as the therapeutic tendency of Quercetin (QUE) agent as an antioxidant. Setting and Design: In the department of Anatomy of Medical School. Methods and Materials: Thirty-two male Wistar rats weighing approximately 170 ± 10 g were assigned into four groups with eight each, fed with rat chow and water ad-libitum. Group A served as control and was given distilled water throughout; Group B was given only QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days; Group C was given only AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days; and Group D was given AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days followed with QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Substance administrations were done orally. Statistical analysis: One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data, in GraphPad Prism 6.0 being the statistical software. Results: AlCl3 significantly reduced the relative organ (testes) weight, correlating the decrease in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. Furthermore, there was a decrease in luteinizing hormone with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone which accounted for a significant reduction in testosterone level that plays a great role in spermatogenesis, following AlCl3 treatment. The cytoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and leydin cells, nitric oxide synthases immunoreactivity was intense in the seminiferous epithelium of rat in Group C. Conclusion: These suggest that QUE antioxidant property could reverse the decrease in sperm status, hormonal effects, and functional deficit induced by aluminum chloride on the testes of Wistar rats.

Introduction: Technological devices have become a very important part of our everyday life. These electronic devices create an artificial electromagnetic field (EMF) and emit radiofrequency radiations (RFR) which have been reported to have deleterious effects on various tissues in living organisms. Fish oil is a rich source of the n-3 (also known as omega-3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The cerebellum plays an important role in motor control and the coordination, precision and timing of movements, as well as in motor learning. This study investigated the effect of radiofrequency radiation on the structures of the cerebellum of adolescent Wistar rats, its effect on pre-pubertal development and the potential attenuative properties of fish oil omega-3 fat. Materials and Methods: Forty (n=40) adolescent Wistar rats of approximately 35 days old were divided into five groups labelled A-E. A 4G RFR-emitting WI-FI device served as the RFR source. The 4G radiofrequency transmitter was installed at a distance of 0.5 meters from the base of the cage housing the experimental animals in each group. The fish oil was administered orally to the animals. Rats were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment and their brains harvested. The cerebellar tissues were excised and processed for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical observations. Neurobehavioural studies including Barnes Maze and beam walk were carried out before sacrifice. Results: 4G radiofrequency radiation caused distortions in the morphology and spatial arrangement of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar tissues. It also induced neuroinflammation as marked by enhanced astrocyte reactions. Also, behavioural aberrations including negative changes in key memory parameters such as increased latency and error poke in Barnes maze assays, and increased movement parameter errors were attributable to FRR effects. Also, aberrations in neurotransmitters activities levels and vital neurochemistry enzymes were observed. The administered Omega-3 fat had an attenuative effect on the affected cortical structures, neurochemistry and selected neurobehavioural parameters.

Enterobacteria are host bacteria found in the gut of all warm-blooded animals. Many of these can be found in poultry faeces and can cause zoonotic diseases. This study was aimed to characterize Enterobacteria other than Salmonella from faeces of poultry sold in local markets in southern Benin. Fifteen markets in three cities were selected for sampling in Southern Benin. A total of 207 faecal samples were obtained from Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou and Ouidah. ‘’Association Francaise de NORmalisation’’ (AFNOR) standard (NF U: 47–100) was used for bacteriological analysis. The Api 20E Gallery was used for the identification of bacteria. Antibiogram was performed using antibiotics of different families in order to check the resistance pattern of the isolates. The resistance genes that were targeted for amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were blaCTX-M1, blaCTX-M2, blaCTX-M9, blaCTX-M15 and blaSHV. Results showed that Escherichia coli was the most identified isolates (74.11%), followed by Citrobacter diversus (7.06%) and Enterobacter cloacae (5.88%). The identified bacteria showed resistance to cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and quinolones. The highest resistances observed were for quinolones and cephalosporins. The strains carried the blaSHV resistance gene (21.57%) as well as the fimH virulence gene (41.57%). As conclusion, the detection of multi–resistant isolates is a concern about the risks faced by poultry handlers since they are in constant contact with animals and animal faeces. Public health is also emphasized since majority of Beninese populations are consumers of meat.

Background: Garcinia kola (GK) has been experimentally tested for its potential usefulness against oxidative stress-related disorders in a number of body tissues, as well as a number of pathogenic and parasitic diseases. Studies investigating GK extracts’ usefulness in combating nervous tissue toxicity, neuroinflammatory disorders, and neuronal degeneration are still inadequate and not yet conclusive. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neuroinflammation on the pyramidal neurons and astrocytes of the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus and the role of GK extract (GKE) in attenuating the effects in the rat model. Methods: The study was carried out by using 60 healthy adult male Wistar rats, which were randomly assigned into six groups, A, B, C, D, E, and F ( n = 10)—A (control), B (100 mg/kg body weight of GKE only), C (200 mg/kg body weight of GKE only), D (20 mg/kg body weight of MDMA only), E (100 mg/kg body weight of GKE and 20 mg/kg body weight of MDMA), and F (200 mg/kg body weight of GKE and 20 mg/kg body weight of MDMA). Treatment was given for 21 days. Following 24 hours after the last administration, five rats in each group were anesthetized with diether and perfused intracardially, and the brains were excised and fixed in 10 percent neutral buffered formalin for the histological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP). A thin-slice coronal section of the brain was obtained at the level of the optic chiasma and processed via the paraffin-embedding method. Also, the remaining five brains were used to assess neurotransmitter levels (serotonin and dopamine) and cytochrome c-oxidase. The statistical analysis was done using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A significant reduction ( P < .05) in body weight was observed in the group that was administered with MDMA when compared with the control and the rest of the treated groups. Dopamine and serotonin levels were significantly decreased ( P < .05) in the MDMA-only group when compared with the control and the rest of the treated groups. The control group and groups B, C, and F showed intact pyramidal neurons, unlike group D, which showed vacuolated and degenerating neurons. The expressions of vacuolation and degeneration in group D were less than those in group E, which received a low dose of GKE and MDMA. Hippocampal astrocytic expressions were significantly higher ( P > .05) in the MDMA-only group when compared with the control and other groups. Conclusion: GKE has significant neuroprotective potential against MDMA-induced toxicity in brain tissue. This is evident in its prevention of MDMA-induced oxidative stress, pyramidal neuronal vacuolation, dispersion, and reactive astrogliosis in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Our findings are dose-dependent, with 200 mg/kg of the extract being novel. We, however, recommend further study into the mechanism of action of GKE, on how it attenuates the astrocytic reaction caused by MDMA exposure.

The distribution and monthly dynamics of bovine ixodids in Sokoto Township and environs were recorded between Jan 2009 and Dec 2010. Monthly tick collections were performed on 400 animals from which a total of 12, 296 ticks were collected. Ticks from each cattle were collected separately using a pair of blunt forceps, into labelled universal bottles containing 70% ethanol into which 5% glycerine was added to keep specimens better preserved. On each label, the location, breed of the animal, number of ticks and date of collection were recorded. In the laboratory, Ticks were placed into petri dishes, counted, examined and identified with the aid of a dissecting stereoscope based on morphological Characteristics and aided by the use of standard keys according to Hoogstraal (1956) and Walker et al. (2003). These include Hyalomma truncatum (15.5%), Hyalomma dromedarii (13.3%), Boophilus decolaratus (11.3%) Amblyomma variegatum (10.6%), Hy. impeltatum, (10.1%), Hy. rufipes (9.4%), Hy. impressum (7.4%), Boophilus annulatus (4.4%), B. geigyi (4.3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (4.1%) Amblyomma hebraeum (3.4%), Rh. evertsi (2.6%), A. pomposum (2.0%), Rh. lunulatus (1%) and Rh. senegalensis (0.5%). Hyalomma. truncatum, Hy. impeltatum, Hy. Impress B. annulatus, A. hebraeum, A. pomposum, Rh. lunulatus and Rh. senegalensis were recorded for the first time in the Study area. The distribution and dynamics of cattle ixodid ticks has not been hitherto chronicled in the study area.

The high mortality rate associated with cancer and the inability to detect the disease early has led to a catastrophic reduction in the rate of survivability of the disease in women. We have attempted to improve on the rate of survival by using Fuzzy logic to develop a risk factor system for detection of breast cancer. The system has been implemented using the Mamdani fuzzy logic approach in MATLAB. A graphical user interface (GUI) has been developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2012. The GUI was powered by a Fuzzy Logic Library and Visual C# was used as its programming language. Keywords: Breast Cancer, Disease, Risk factor, Fuzzy Logic.

Serious health challenges have been associated with inflammation which is a major cause of mortality in the world. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory potential, and chemical compositions of fractions of ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaf. The leaves were dried at room temperature, blended and extracted in sequential with solvents of varying degree of polarities, i.e., n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Ethanol extract was fractionated via solvent-solvent partitioning into five fractions, i.e., n-hexane fraction (F1), dichloromethane fraction (F2), dichloromethane/ methanol (1:1) fraction (F3), methanol fraction (F4), and ethanol fraction (F5). These fractions were examined for their in-vitro antioxidant activities on DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 while the anti-inflammatory activities were investigated using lipoxygenase inhibition, proteinase inhibition and membrane stabilization assays. The F4 being the most active fraction was further analyzed with GCMS to determine its chemical compositions. The results showed that F4 had the highest H2O2 scavenging activity at 10–100 µg/mL. The activity of F4 at 50 µg/mL was significantly higher (P

Background Repeated and regimented treatment with reserpine causes depression-like condition characterized by persistent mood disorder, feelings of severe despondency and dejection, thus altering the hippocampal morphology. Our study compared a well-known antidepressant (fluoxetine), with the potential of Zingiber officinale to ameliorate reserpine-induced depression and the associated hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) neuronal cell damage. Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats, weighing 130-160 g, were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=8), housed in plastic cages under natural light and dark cycles at room temperature with access to feed and water ad libitum. Group-A (control) received distilled water. Group-B and Group-C orally received 400 mg/kg of Zingiber officinale and 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine, respectively, for 7 days, while Group-D intraperitoneally received 0.2 mg/kg of reserpine for 14 days. Group-E and Group-F intraperitoneally received 0.2 mg/kg of reserpine for 14 days followed by 400 mg/kg of Zingiber officinale and 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine respectively for 7 days. All animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at the end of experiment, and the brains hippocampi were dissected, excised and processed for various analyses including histology [H&E], histochemistry of GFAP expression by astrocytes and specific gene expressions including p53 gene, glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase and catalase (CAT). Results Reserpine significantly depleted the expression of P53 and glutathione reductase (GSR) genes while significantly increasing the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) gene (P≤0.05). Also, a marked increase in the expression of catalase (CAT) gene was observed. Furthermore, histoarchitecture (photomicrographs) of hippocampus CA1 region showed disruption in the arrangement of pyramidal neurons and alterations in their morphologies when animals were treated with reserpine (Group D). There was also accompanying increased astrocyte densities within the CA1 region following reserpine treatment. These features indicated deleterious effects of reserpine. Both Zingiber officinale and fluoxetine treatments ameliorated these effects. Conclusion These findings showed structural and molecular alterations associated with reserpine-induced depression. Also, Zingiber officinale was effective to provide ameliorative and protective effects against the neurotoxic effects of reserpine in the hippocampus, making it a potential candidate for treating depression and its associated neurodegenerative diseases.

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or irrational use may pose a risk of toxicity to humans in the short and/or long term. Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of male infertility in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exist on the long-repeated dose toxicity of these medicinal plants. This study was aimed at evaluating the larval cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Cassytha filiformis whole plant, Gardenia ternifolia roots, and Rourea coccinea leaves. The subacute toxicity of these plants was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at three different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) according to the OECD 407 guidelines. Hematological and biochemical examinations and the histological study of the liver and kidneys were carried out. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the studied plants extracts. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. Subacute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys in the lot of treated animals. However, significant alterations in certain hematological and biochemical parameters (hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia) were noted. These abnormalities were observed in the lot of rats treated with Rourea coccinea and Cassytha filiformis extracts. Larval cytotoxicity data indicate that the studied plants extracts are not cytotoxic (LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL). These data suggest that the use in traditional medicine of studied plants at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.

Introduction Skin bleaching is the act of using steroid- and chemical-containing products to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone and kojic acid are often used in skin bleaching creams. Hydroquinone was suspected to be harmful. This study investigated the effects of kojic acid and hydroquinone on the skin of adult female Wistar rats and the potential use of aloe vera for amelioration. Materials and methods Eighty [n=80] adult female Wistar rats with an average weight of 120 g were randomly divided into eight groups, marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Group A animals served as the control group; group B was treated with 2% hydroquinone, group C was treated with 2% kojic acid, group D was treated with 4% hydroquinone, group E was treated with 4% kojic acid, group F was treated with 2% hydroquinone and 2% kojic acid, group G was treated with 4% hydroquinone and 4% kojic acid, and group H was treated with 4% hydroquinone, 4% kojic acid, and aloe vera. The preparations were applied to the tail skin and treatment lasted 28 days. Skin samples were excised and processed using H&E, Masson's trichrome, and p65 immunohistochemical assays on tissue sections. Results Hydroquinone caused structural disruptions of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the overlying keratin. p65 was also prominently expressed in the treated groups. Hydroquinone reduced skin thickness and caused epidermis disruption. Discussion The prominent expression of p65 in the sections indicated deleterious effects of hydroquinone. Kojic acid was not found to have deleterious effects. Aloe vera prevented extensive disruption of stratum corneum by hydroquinone. The use of hydroquinone in skin lightening creams might raise health concerns. Aloe vera could be protective against hydroquinone.

Background: The stimulant, empathogenic, euphoric, and hallucinogenic properties of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as 'Ecstasy,' make it a popular drug among teenagers. These effects are thought to be caused by significant increases in dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate neurotransmission. However, little is known about Garcinia kola extract's (GKE) neuroprotective activities against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate GKE's neuroprotective activities against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in rat models. Method: Sixty (60) healthy adult male Wistar rats (120–150 g) were randomly divided into six ten-animal groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F). Group A served as the control, while groups B and C were given 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (low and high) daily doses of GKE for 21 days, respectively. Group D was given a 20 mg/kg intermittent dose of MDMA, while groups E and F were given 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (low and high) daily doses of GKE along with 20 mg/kg intermittent doses of MDMA for 21 days. 24 h after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed. Five rats from each group were anesthetized with a diether and perfused intracardially, after which the brains were excised and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histology and immunohistochemistry. Graph Pad Prism5 was used for the statistical analysis, which included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The number of lines crossed increased significantly in MDMA-treated rats, as did the frequency of rearing and the number of lines crossed. The increase in grooming frequency observed in conjunction with a slight decrease in the number of center square entries and defecation was not statistically significant. Interestingly, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate levels were slightly elevated in MDMA-induced psychostimulant animals, correlating with anxiolytic (animal anxiety reduction) activity. Similarly, an increase in the expression of G6PDH and Cytochrome c-oxidase was observed, indicating that MDMA has the ability to upregulate mitochondrial metabolism, which accounts for the release of more energy. As a result of MDMA treatment, histological and GFAP results revealed neuronal degeneration and astrogliosis/glia scar formation, respectively. Conclusion: This finding demonstrates MDMA's neurotoxic damage to neurons in the prefrontal cortex, its ability to cause behavioural deficits, and how GKE administration was able to slow down MDMA's neurotoxic damage and behavioural deficits.

Background The study was done to establish the neurotoxic effect of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV STZ)-induced brain insulin resistance, and also considered Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) mechanism of action in ameliorating behavioural, molecular and histopathological changes associated with ICV STZ-induced brain insulin resistance in Wistar rat model. Method 32 male Wistar rats weighing between 160 to 200 g were grouped into 4 (n=8) labelled A-D and housed in standard seized home plastic cages at 23 ± 1 °C. Group-A (control) received a single ICV injection of normal saline, Group-B received 300 mg/kg of Z. officinale, Group-C received single dose of ICV STZ at 3 mg/kg and Group-D received single dose of ICV STZ at 3 mg/kg with 300 mg/kg/ of Z. officinale. Administration of Z. officinale extract was done orally and for 21 consecutive days. Values were represented in graphs and table, and analysed using GraphPad Prism 6.0 software. Results Organ weight revealed a drastic loss, which was not significant following 3 mg/kg of ICV STZ. Also, ICV STZ significant reduced and increased rat performance in open arm entry (OAE) and closed arm duration (CAD) respectively, with an obvious insignificant reduction of rat spontaneous alterations (SA) performance as well as the relative expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) gene in the brain when compared with control and other groups. The relative expression of Beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK 3β) gene significantly increased in ICV STZ treated rats. Furthermore, photomicrographs revealed scattered layers of pyramidal cells, with chromatolysed and degenerating neurons in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA-1) region of the hippocampus. Similarly, accumulation of amyloid-beta was seen in the CA-1 region, which correlates the loss of neuronal cells and neurobehavioural deficit. Conclusion However, Z. officinale was capable of mitigating this effect by enhancing the antioxidant defence system, which possibly inhibited the activities of free radical or reactive oxygen generation and subsequently suppressed GSK 3β and BACE-1 gene expression.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions remained a pivotal mechanism in manifold neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial homeostasis within the cell is an essential aspect of cell biology. Mitochondria which is also known as the power-generating set of the cell, have a dominant role in several processes associated with the genomic integrity and cellular equilibrium maintenance. They are involved in maintaining optimal cells functioning and guidance from possible DNA damage which could lead to mutations and onset of diseases. Conversely, system perturbations which could be due to environmental factors or senescence induce changes in the physiological balance and result in the mitochondrial functions impairment. The focal point of this review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction as a significant condition in the onset of neuronal disintegration. We explain the pathways associated with the dysfunction of the mitochondria which are common amongst the most recurring neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. Do mitochondrial dysfunctions represent an early event in causing a shift towards neuropathological processes?

Recent ethnopharmacological data cited Senna siamea as one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the management of salmonellosis in Benin. However, data related to its activity on non-typhoidal Salmonella spp are limited. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of Senna siamea on multidrug-resistant Salmonella. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of S. siamea were tested for their antibacterial activity on four multidrug-resistant Salmonella: Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and three Salmonella spp. isolated from animals intended for human consumption in Benin. Well diffusion technique combined with the determination by microdilution of Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were used for antibacterial testing. From antibacterial testing, inhibition diameters of the extracts ranged from 7 to 11 mm, for the susceptible strains. Colistin (reference antibiotic) was active on all Salmonella spp. with inhibition diameters between 18 and 19 mm. The MICs ranged from 3.125 to 25 mg/ml while MBCs of the extracts are greater than 100 mg/ml, so none of the extracts have antibacterial power (p.a). From these results, it appears that the use of Senna siamea in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis is justified. These results must be valued in the development of anti-salmonella phytomedicines.

Healthcare-associated infections represent an emerging public health issue with serious impact among hospitalized patients, including cesarized women and children with catheter. The present study determined the implications of hygiene practices and the hospital environment in wound reinfection among cesarized women and the occurrence of catheter-induced infections in children. Bacteriological analyses were performed on 100 wound swabs from cesarized women, 40 swabs from the wound dressing room, and 83 catheter tips used in children. Isolated bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. A comparison of the resistance profile between strains isolated from wounds and those isolated from the dressing room was conducted, whereas the hygiene practices observed from the personnel during catheter removal were recorded in the case of children. The results show that 85% of wound swabs, 63% of swabs from the dressing room, and 33.7% of catheter tips were positive for bacteriological analysis. The most isolated strains in wound and environmental swabs were Staphylococcus aureus (56%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (44%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%) and Enterobacter cloacae (32%) for wounds and Escherichia coli (43%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%) for the environment. The catheter tips contained mostly Klebsiella pneumoniae (32%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25%), and Enterobacter cloacae (14%). All strains showed resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin. The comparison of the resistance profiles suggests an implication of the environmental strains in the reinfection of wounds in cesarized women. However, a significant correlation was recorded between poor hygiene practices and the contamination of the catheter tips. These findings allowed the authorities of this hospital to reinforce the knowledge and improve the hygiene management, in order to still hold the good label of the structure.

ObjectivesRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) will become a major cause of blindness in Nigerian children unless screening and treatment services expand. This article aims to describe the collaborative activities undertaken to improve services for ROP between 2017 and 2020 as well as the outcome of these activities in Nigeria.DesignDescriptive case study.SettingNeonatal intensive care units in Nigeria.ParticipantsStaff providing services for ROP, and 723 preterm infants screened for ROP who fulfilled screening criteria (gestational age Methods and analysisA WhatsApp group was initiated for Nigerian ophthalmologists and neonatologists in 2018. Members participated in a range of capacity-building, national and international collaborative activities between 2017 and 2018. A national protocol for ROP was developed for Nigeria and adopted in 2018; 1 year screening outcome data were collected and analysed. In 2019, an esurvey was used to collect service data from WhatsApp group members for 2017–2018 and to assess challenges in service provision.ResultsIn 2017 only six of the 84 public neonatal units in Nigeria provided ROP services; this number had increased to 20 by 2018. Of the 723 babies screened in 10 units over a year, 127 (17.6%) developed any ROP; and 29 (22.8%) developed type 1 ROP. Only 13 (44.8%) babies were treated, most by intravitreal bevacizumab. The screening criteria were revised in 2020. Challenges included lack of equipment to regulate oxygen and to document and treat ROP, and lack of data systems.ConclusionROP screening coverage and quality improved after national and international collaborative efforts. To scale up and improve services, equipment for neonatal care and ROP treatment is urgently needed, as well as systems to monitor data. Ongoing advocacy is also essential.

Caffeine is globally consumed as a stimulant in beverage drinks; it is also ingested in purified forms as power and tablets. Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of intrauterine and early life caffeine exposure on brain health. This study modeled caffeine exposure during pregnancy and early postanal life until puberty, and the potential consequences. Caffeine powder was dissolved in distilled water. Thirty-two (n = 32) pregnant mice (Mus musculus) were divided into four groups- A, B, C and D. Group A animals served as a control, receiving placebo. Caffeine doses in mg/kg body weight were administered as follows: Group B, 10mg/kg; Group C, 50mg/kg; Group D, 120mg/kg. Prenatal caffeine exposure [phase I] lasted throughout pregnancy. Half the number of offspring were sacrificed at birth; the rest were recruited into phase II and the experiment continued till day 35, marking puberty. Brain samples were processed following sacrifice. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5Ht) neurotransmitters were assayed in homogenates to evaluate functional neurochemistry. Anxiety and memory as neurobehavioural attributes were observed using the elevated plus and Barnes’ mazes respectively. Continuous caffeine exposure produced positive effects on short and long-term memory parameters; the pattern interestingly was irregular and appeared more effective with the lowest experimental dose. Anxiety test results showed no attributable significant aberrations. Caffeine exposure persistently altered the neurochemistry of selected neurotransmitters including ACh and 5Ht, including when exposure lasted only during pregnancy. ACh significantly increased in group BC+ to 0.3475µgg-1 relative to control’s 0.2508µgg-1; pre-and continuous postnatal exposure in Group B increased 5Ht to 0.2203 µgg-1 and 0.2213 µgg-1 respectively relative to control’s 0.1863 µgg-1. From the current investigation, caffeine exposure in pregnancy had persistent effects on brain functional attributes including neurotransmitters activities, memory and anxiety. Caffeine in moderate doses affected memory positively but produced negative effects at the higher dosage including increased anxiety tendencies.

Gram-negative bacilli can spread from the environment and through food products. This study aimed to characterize ESBL production and virulence genes from multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolated from specimen collected from the environment, kitchen, and food products. A total of 130 samples were collected at local markets in seven different communities in Benin (Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Bohicon, Abomey, Parakou, Djougou, and Grand-Popo). Samples were cultured on McConkey and ChromID™ ESBL agar plates. The isolates were identified by the API 20E gallery. An antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out, and the detection of ESBL production and virulence-associated genes was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The data collected was coded and analyzed using GraphPad prism 7 software and Excel. The software R was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between the results of the detection of ESBL+ on agar and by the effect of the double synergy. The results showed that sixty-three (63) bacterial strains were isolated from the 130 samples, of which the dominant species was Chryseomonas luteola (10/63). The kitchen samples were the most contaminated with 36.50%. More than 40% of the isolates were resistant to at least three different classes of antibiotics. Also, blaSHV gene was detected in 33.33% (21/63) of the isolates and in all isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5/5%). 11.11% (7/63) of isolates were virulent with dominance of the fimH gene, especially with Escherichia coli (83.33%). The kitchen samples showed a high prevalence of ESBL-producing strains with fimH gene. This raises the problem of non-compliance with hygiene rules in community cooking and food handling.

OBJECTIVE Examine factors associated with post-procedure opioid receipt and persistent opioid use among opioid-naive patients in a nationally representative sample SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA:: We used panels 18-20 in the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) between the years 2013 to 2015. Respondents ages 18 and over with any self-reported procedure in the previous year with complete data on the outcome variables for the remainder of the two-year study period. METHODS This prospective observational study used multivariable regression to determine factors associated with post-procedure opioid receipt and persistent opioid use among opioid-naive patients, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and procedure-related characteristics. RESULTS Adjusted models showed younger age, Western location (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.02,1.86), and high school degree (AOR = 1.60; CI = 1.14, 2.26) were associated with higher odds of post-procedure opioid receipt. Patients who had procedures in an inpatient (AOR: 5.71; CI: 4.31-7.56), outpatient (AOR = 3.77; CI = 2.87, 4.95), and dental setting (AOR = 2.86; CI = 1.45, 5.63), and musculoskeletal diagnoses (AOR = 2.23; CI = 1.39, 3.58) and injuries (AOR = 2.04; CI = 1.29, 3.23) were more likely to have post-procedure opioid receipt. Persistent opioid use was associated with Midwest (AOR = 2.06; CI = 1.08, 3.95) and Northeast location (AOR = 2.45; CI = 1.03, 3.95), musculoskeletal diagnosis (AOR = 3.91; CI = 1.23, 8.31), public insurance (AOR = 2.07; CI = 1.23-3.49), and positive depression screener (AOR = 3.36; CI = 2.04, 5.55). CONCLUSIONS Procedures account for a large portion of opioid prescriptions among opioid-naive patients. This study provides evidence to inform national guidelines for opioid prescribing and post-procedure pain management.

There are controversies as to whether ascorbic acid is efficacious in inducing weight loss and lowering lipid in obese subjects. Therefore, this study investigates the role of ascorbic acid in the treatment of obesity. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly divided into control, fructose, ascorbic acid and statin (n=6). Obesity was induced in the rats via free gavage drinking of fructose solution (20%w/v). Then, ascorbic acid group received 1g/kg/p.o ascorbic acid while statin group received 200mg/kg/p.o atorvastatin through oral canula for two weeks. The waist circumference, body weight, nose-anal length and Lee obesity index of the rats were measured using a vernier caliper, weighing balance and tape respectively. Serum Apolipoprotein A1 and B, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid were determined spectrophotometrically. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data at α=0.05. The significant (p300 indicated that fructose induced obesity and dyslipidemia in the wistar rats. But ascorbic acid and statin decreased (p

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a real public health problem. All over the world, it has a considerable impact in hospitals. The present study aims to analyze the presence of resistance genes and bacterial ecology in two hospitals in Benin. Methods: To do this, 146 environmental and catheter samples were collected at the University Hospital Center of Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava and at the Beninese Army Hospital. These samples were inoculated on Mannitol Salt and Eosin Methylene Blue agars. The colonies obtained were identified and their sensitivity to antibiotics was tested, using the usual bacteriological techniques. Four resistance genes encoding the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (blaCTX-M1, blaCTX-M2, blaCTX-M9, blaCTX-M15) have been searched in the genome of enterobacteriaceae strains. At the level of staphylococci, the gene coding for methicillin resistance (mecA) was sought.Results: At the end of this study, 69 strains of enterobacteria and 60 of staphylococci were identified. A predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (25.6%) followed by Enterobacter cloacae (21.0%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (21.0%) was noted. These bacterial strains showed to be multidrug-resistant, particularly to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and macrolides. Beta-lactamases were identified in the genome of bacterial strains with a predominance of blaCTX-M15 (42.8%). The frequency of the mecA gene in staphylococci was 50%.Conclusions: These results show the magnitude of the antimicrobial resistance situation in hospitals. They can be used to support advocacy for urgent action at the national level, especially with regard to the management and efficient use of antimicrobials in Benin.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and infection risk assessment are important for optimizing the quality of healthcare in hospitals. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and infection risks in Tertiary hospitals in Benin. Methods: Bacteriological examinations were carried out on swab samples from the hospital environment at Sakete-Ifangni Hospital and Menontin Hospital in Benin. The environmental swabs were supplemented with wound swabs from Menontin Hospital. In both hospitals, antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated strains was determined by the agar diffusion method. Results: The results showed that coagulase-negative staphylococci (45%) comprised the most isolated species in the environment of the Surgery and Operating Departments of Sakete-Ifangni Hospital, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (27.50%) and Proteus spp. (15%). At Menontin Hospital, only one specimen was sterile from wound swabs. From environmental swabs, 29 out of 45 samples were positive. Staphylococcus aureus (31%), Escherichia coli (15%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (12%) were the most isolated species from wounds. Strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci (29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), and Proteus mirabilis (12%) were the most common strains in swabs. The study of the adequacy of treatment of infections caused by bacteria responsible for wound suppuration showed that 52% of the wounded received appropriate antibiotic treatment. At Menontin Hospital, many isolated strains from room environment samples were found in the wounds of the patients. In both hospitals, the isolated strains were multiresistant to conventional antibiotics. Conclusions: These data show how surveillance of infection risks and antimicrobial resistance is important to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Abstarct Background 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychoactive drug that teenagers and young adults habitually abuse for pleasurable sensations and can cause neurological disorders. Aim: This research focuses on investigating the attenuating potential of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) aqueous extract, following MDMA-induced neurodegeneration and its accompanying memory aberrations in rat model. Methods A total of thirty-two (32) male Wistar rats weighing approximately 140–160 g were randomly divided into four groups, and housed in plastic cages at room temperature. During experimental treatment: CTR-group were given normal saline daily, MDMA-group were given 10mg/kg of MDMA intraperitoneally (ip), G. biloba-group received 200 mg/kg of G. biloba orally and MDMA+ G. biloba-group were given 10 mg/kg of MDMA followed by 200 mg/kg of G. biloba. Substance administration took 22 days. Results 10 mg/kg ip injection of MDMA obviously reduced body weight and significantly increased the escape time as well as wrong holes poking with depletion in open field test parameters scored. G. biloba was able to ameliorate this. Correspondingly, MDMA treatment reduced the expression of p53, p21, GSH and GPx-1 gene. Disruption in neuronal arrangement, mild depolarization and vacuolation of pyramidial neurons were seen in the histo-architecture. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression revealed increased astrocyte densities (astrogliosis) in the hippocampus and Ki-67 staining demonstrated the degree of cell proliferation which highly decreased following 10 mg/kg ip injection of MDMA. Conclusion However, 200 mg/kg of G. biloba aqueous extract was able to restore MDMA-induced hippocampal damage over a period of time, with a need for further investigation to ascertain which phytoconstituent of G. biloba is more effective in the treatment of psychstimulant induced brain damage

Senna alata leaf extract demonstrates antimicrobial properties that promise utility for treatment of topical infections. Its combination with similarly bioactive Eugenia uniflora leaf extract in soap formulation could enhance anti-infective efficacy. The objective of this study was to develop potent antiseptic herbal soap formulations (HSFs) with the combined leaf extracts of the two plants. A soap base having suitable physicochemical properties (emolliency, foaming potential, and pH) was selected from a series of trial formulations produced from basic soap ingredients. Into this was incorporated three different preparations (namely, the methanolic fresh leaf extract (FLE), methanolic dry leaf extract (DLE), and the pulverized dry leaf sample (DLP) of S. alata and E. uniflora, respectively, singly or combined in 1:1 (w/w) ratio; to produce HSFs containing 5, 9, or 11%w/w concentrations of the leaf preparations. The physicochemical properties of the HSFs were determined as well as their antimicrobial activities by hole-in-plate agar diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The selected soap base exhibited highest-rank emolliency, satisfactory stable froth production, and pH value. The physicochemical properties of the resulting HSFs were similar. The HSFs containing combinations of the DLEs at 9 and 11% concentrations demonstrated antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and C. albicans comparable (p>0.05) to those of the comparator commercial antiseptic soap containing 0.30% triclosan. B. subtilis was less sensitive (p

Salmonella infections are major public health problems worldwide. The hereby review aimed to establish an overview on the pathogenicity, epidemiology and virulence factors of Salmonella spp. in the world. A systematic search was conducted online using the keywords ‘Salmonella’, ‘Salmonella spp.’, ‘Salmonella spp. Epidemiology’, ‘virulence factors of Salmonella spp. in the world’, ‘bacteria responsible for the contamination of meat products’, ‘non-typhoid salmonella’. These keywords were entered into databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using mainly French language. The obtained articles were included based on the reliability of their source, the study area (usually Benin and Africa) and the subject. The review revealed that Salmonella spp. is motile Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria, of the family Enterobacteriaceae, currently counting more than 2,600 serovars. Human contamination occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water and food and can cause gastroenteritis or typhoid fever, which are two serious public health problems. A gene set constituting the pathogenicity islands determines the pathogenesis of Salmonella spp. The diagnosis is based on bacteriological, serological and molecular techniques. Salmonella infections are usually treated using antibiotics; however, emergence of antibiotic resistance in these microorganisms suggests that the anti-salmonella control should explore new sources such as medicinal plants

Objective To identify maternal characteristics associated with social support among new mothers of premature infants who are at social–environmental risk. Design Cross-sectional analysis of intake interview data from a larger randomized controlled trial of a mother–premature infant developmentally based intervention. Setting Two urban community-based hospitals. Participants One hundred ninety-four women (50% Black, 50% Hispanic) who recently gave birth to otherwise healthy, premature (29–34 weeks gestational age) infants. Participants had at least 2 of 10 social–environmental risks (e.g., poverty). Methods In-hospital interviews were conducted to obtain data on sociodemographic characteristics, prior mental health problems, and social support through the use of the Personal Resources Questionnaire 2000. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with social support. Results Mean Personal Resources Questionnaire 2000 scores were significantly lower for Hispanic than Black participants (92.0 vs. 96.0, respectively), those interviewed in Spanish versus English (89.8 vs. 96.1), those with low versus age-appropriate education levels (89.7 vs. 95.3), multiparous versus primiparous women (92.7 vs. 96.0), and those reporting versus not reporting histories of mental health problems (84.7 vs. 94.8). After multivariable adjustment, only younger age, Spanish language preference, multiparity, and a history of mental health problems were associated with significantly lower levels of social support ( R 2 = 0.18). Conclusion More programs should be made available to provide social support to at-risk mothers, especially younger mothers, and those with limited English ability, other children at home, or histories of mental health problems. Nurses should target these mothers for additional support during their premature infants' NICU stay.

Aim:: This study aimed to report medicinal plants that are likely to be used in the control of salmonellosis. Materials and Methods:: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Benin. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 150 farmers and 100 traditional therapists in seven high municipalities. This step helped to collect plants that are used in the treatment of animal salmonellosis and typhoid fever in human. Results:: The results revealed a low level of use of medicinal plants among breeders who prefer antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (53.55%), tylosine + sulfadimerazine (15.30%), and alphaceryl (19.13%). However, plants such as Moringa oleifera (leaves), Carica papaya (leaves and seeds), and Vernonia amygdalina (leaves) were mostly used by some farmers. From traditional therapists, 57 plant species of 32 families were identified as typhoid fever cures; among which Leguminosae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae were predominant. Persea americana (22.72%), V. amygdalina (7.57%), and Corchorus olitorius (7.57%) were the most cited by traditherapists for the treatment of typhoid fever in human. Conclusion:: This study provides a database for further studies on the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Benin plant species on Salmonella spp. These evaluations will guarantee the availability of new therapeutic solutions for populations.

Although metformin (Met) is the most recommended anti-diabetogenic drug in type 2 diabetic state, the drug is known to compromise bone integrity. Like metformin, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) have gluco-regulatory action; however, it aids bone health. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of ω-3 and/or metformin in diabetic rats. Fifty rats of ten animals per group were divided into the following: Control; Diabetic untreated; Diabetic + ω-3; Diabetic + metformin (metfm) and Diabetic + ω-3 + metf groups. Diabetes was induced by the administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg b.w., i.p.), 15 min after the administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg b.w., i.p.). Five days afterwards, treatments started and they lasted for 28 days. ω-3 and metformin were administered at 200 and 180 mg/kg b.w., p.o. respectively. The results showed that the induced diabetes was characterised by significant increases in calcium to phosphorus ratio, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), glucose and insulin resistance; but significant decreases in parathyroid hormone(PTH), phosphorus, TAC and hepatic glycogen. Relative to the diabetic control, treatments with ω-3 or metformin caused significant elevations in hepatic glycogen, total alkaline phosphatase (TALP), osteocalcin, PTH, estradiol, and calcium; however, significant decreases in TRAP and glucose. Co-administration of ω-3 and metformin caused more desirable effects on TALP, c-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, estradiol and calcium to phosphorus ratio compared to the single administration. Relative to ω-3, melatonin showed a more favourable effect on calcium to phosphorus ratio; however, the former proved to have more desirable actions on insulin and TAC. Hence, it was concluded that the combined but not the single administration of ω-3 and metformin could be preferably used in the management of bone health in diabetic state.

Collective food-borne diseases are the reason for a considerable number of deaths in developing countries. The contamination of meat is often noticed. The purpose of the present study was to enumerate, isolate and evaluate the resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in grilled meat consumed in Southern Benin. To achieve this goal, 30 thirty samples of grilled meat “Tchatchanga” were collected in three districts of the city of Cotonou. After collection, the samples were identified, stored in a cooler containing cold accumulator’s and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The resistance profile of the different isolated strains was then sought: 30% of the samples were contaminated with Escherichia coli and 100% with Staphylococci. In terms of hygienic quality, 70% of the samples were of unsatisfactory. Of the 30 staphylococcal strains, 11 were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. Regarding the strain resistance profile, 88.89% of the Escherichia coli strains were multi-resistant compared to 72.72% of Staphylococcus aureus. This study revealed the necessity of urgent actions to ensure food safety in Benin.

Kidney disease (KD) represents a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. Attempts at dealing with renal diseases have been worrisome. This study describes an Expert System for Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Diseases. The structure of the system, its components and their functions are described. The system has about 76 rules. It can detect various types of Renal Diseases. The system has been tested and gave promising results. Symptoms and risk factors associated with renal failure are taken as the basis of this study. The building tool for the system is CLIPS expert system version 6.3.

Objective Ethiopia is home to an increasingly large refugee population. Reproductive health care is a critical issue for these groups because refugee women are at high risk for unmet family planning needs. Efforts to expand contraceptive use, particularly long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are currently underway in several Ethiopian refugee camps. Despite availability of LARC methods, few refugee women opt to use them. The purpose of this study was to explore how culture influences contraceptive attitudes and behaviors, particularly towards LARC methods, among Ethiopia's refugee populations. Methods Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted with Eritrean and Somali refugees living in Ethiopia. The qualitative data was analyzed to identify important themes highlighting the relationship between cultural values and contraceptive attitudes and behaviors. Results Childbearing was highly valued among participants in both study groups. Eritreans reported desire to limit family size and attributed this to constraints related to refugee status. Somalis used cultural and religious faith to deal with economic scarcity and were less likely to feel the need to adapt contraceptive behaviors to reduce family size. Participants held overall positive views of the contraceptive implant. Attitudes toward the intrauterine device (IUD) were overwhelmingly negative due to its long-acting nature. Conclusions Culture, religion and refugee status form a complex interplay with family planning attitudes and behaviors among Eritrean and Somali refugees. For these populations, the three-year implant appears to be a more acceptable contraceptive method than the longer-acting IUD because it is in line with their reproductive plans.

CONTEXT: As frontline providers publicly funded family planning clinics represent a critical link in the health system for women seeking information about pregnancy options yet scant information exists on their provision of relevant services. Understanding their practices is important for gauging how well these facilities serve patients needs. METHODS: A 2012 survey of 567 publicly funded family planning facilities in 16 states gathered information on referral-making for adoption and abortion services and perceived proximity to abortion services. Chi-square multivariable logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to assess differences among facilities in referral-making and reported proximity to abortion services. RESULTS: Abortion referrals were provided by a significantly smaller proportion of providers than were adoption referrals (84% vs. 97%). Health departments and community health centers were significantly less likely than comprehensive reproductive health centers to refer for abortion services and to have a list of abortion providers available (odds ratios 0.1-0.2). Rural facilities were more likely than urban ones to report a distance of more than 100 miles to the closest first-trimester abortion provider (relative risk ratio 11.4) second-trimester abortion provider (8.7) and medication abortion provider (8.0). Health departments were more likely than comprehensive reproductive health centers not to know the location of the closest first-trimester second-trimester or medication abortion provider (2.5-3.5). CONCLUSION: A better understanding of disparities in provision of pregnancy options counseling and referrals at publicly funded family planning clinics is needed to ensure that women get timely care. Copyright (c) 2016 by the Guttmacher Institute.

Objective: To examine postpartum health care utilization after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes (GD) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) using nationally represent...

ObjectivesTo assess the levels of state and trait anxiety and determine their relationships with perceived social support among Nigerian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Material and methodsA cross-sectional study of 50 patients satisfying the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism Classification Criteria for RA was conducted. Anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), perceived social support by the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and disability by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI).ResultsThe mean state anxiety (STAI-S), trait anxiety (STAI-T) and ISEL scores among the patients were 35.2 ±10.2, 36.7 ±8.8 and 87.2 ±21.2 respectively. Pathological degrees of state and trait anxiety were found among 7 (14%) and 5 (10.4%) patients respectively. There was a negative correlation between the STAI-T score and the ISEL score (r = –0.362, p = 0.011). However, the correlation between STAI-S and ISEL was not statistically significant (r = –0.193, p = 0.179). A moderate-to-high correlation was found between each of STAI-S and STAI-T and all subscales and component summaries of the SF-36. ISEL score correlated significantly with role emotional (r = 0.377, p = 0.008), mental health (r = 0.482, p ≤ 0.001) and bodily pain (r = 0.320, p = 0.025) domains and the mental component summary (r = 0.380, p = 0.007) of SF-36. HAQ-DI correlated strongly with both STAI-S (r = 0.735, p ≤ 0.001) and STAI-T (r = 0.575, p ≤ 0.001) but not with ISEL.ConclusionsState and trait anxiety correlate negatively with all aspects of HRQoL and disability, and there is a notable relationship between perceived social support and trait anxiety as well as the mental aspect of HRQoL.

Three antifungal compounds have been isolated for the first time from the peels of Ipomoea batatas Lam. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra data as well as ESI-MS and IR analysis. Urs-13(18)-ene-3β-yl acetate was found to possess a weak activity against Sporothrix schenckii and Trichophyton metagrophytes fungi with an MIC value of 50 μg/mL each. Stigmasterol and 3-friedelanol were equally active against T. metagrophytes.

This paper describes African American teenaged males' attitudes and perspectives on abortion.Data were derived from a larger cross-sectional survey of African American males aged 14-19, living in the south side of Chicago.Acceptability of abortion varied by partner type, such that 60% of teenagers felt abortion was acceptable with a casual partner while 37% found it acceptable with committed partners (p.001). Acceptability also varied by sociocontextual factors, and with overarching uncertainty or inconsistency.Teenaged African American males have uniquely complex attitudes toward abortion.

Six new Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni (II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with benzoic acid (L) and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-naphthyl)-1,3-butanedione (L1), of the molecular formulae [MnLL1]·H2O (1), [FeLL1]·H2O (2), [CoLL1] (3), [NiLL1]·H2O (4), [CuLL1] (5) and [ZnLL1] (6), respectively, have been synthesized. The molecular structures of the complexes were determined by spectrophotometric studies using ir, 1H and 13C nmr, es and mass spectrophotometry revealed that the geometries of the complexes 1, 2, 3, and 6 are tetrahedral, while 4 and 5 have square planar geometry. These geometries were supported by their magnetic moments data. The coordination of the ligands to the metal ion are through their oxygen atoms. TGA studies showed that they are thermally stable. Their antioxidant studies revealed that they are good antioxidants.

Parkinson's disease has long been described to be a product of dopamine and (or) melanin loss in the substanstia nigra (SN). Although most studies have focused on dopaminergic neurons, it is important to consider the role of pigment cells in the etiology of the disease and to create an in vitro live cell model for studies involving pigmented adrenergic cells of the SN in Parkinsonism. The Melanocytes share specific features with the pigmented adrenergic neurons as both cells are pigmented, contain adrenergic receptors and have cellular processes. Although the melanocyte cellular processes are relatively short and observable only when stimulated appropriately by epinephrine and other factors or molecules. This study employs the manipulation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDA-R), a major receptor in neuronal development, in the process formation pattern of the melanocyte in order to create a suitable model to depict cellular process elongation and shortening in pigmented adrenergic cells. NMDA-R is an important glutamate receptor implicated in neurogenesis, neuronal migration, maturation and cell death, thus we investigated the role of NMDA-R potentiation by glutamate/KCN and its inhibition by ketamine in the behavior of fish scale melanocytes in vitro. This is aimed at establishing the regulatory role of NMDA-R in this cell type (melanocytes isolated form Tilapia) in a similar manner to what is observable in the mammalian neurons. In vitro live cell culture was prepared in modified Ringer's solution following which the cells were treated as follows; Control, Glutamate, Ketamine, Glutamate + Ketamine, KCN + Ketamine and KCN. The culture was maintained for 10 min and the changes were captured in 3D-Time frame at 0, 5 and 10 min for the control and 5, 7 and 10 min for each of the treatment category. Glutamate treatment caused formation of short cellular processes localized directly on the cell body while ketamine treatment (inhibition of NMDA-R) facilitated elongation of secondary cellular processes (highly branched) from primary major processes (Less branched); co-incubation of glutamate and ketamine induced short and highly branched process formation. Cyanide toxicity induced degeneration and reduction of cell size while co-treatment of cyanide and ketamine gave changes similar to that observed in glutamate-ketamine co-incubation. NMDA-R is present in the melanocytes. Activation of the receptor reduced elongation process, while inhibition of the receptor facilitated cell process elongation and branching. This confirms that like pigmented adrenergic cells of the nervous system, this cell contains NMDA-R and this receptor also regulates cell process elongation. The study also showed that inhibition of NMDA-R in melanocytes gave opposite outcomes to the role of the receptor in developing neurons; a function that is protective in adult neurons.

Glia activation and neuroinflamation are major factors implicated in the aetiology of most neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Several agents and toxins have been known to be capable of inducing glia activation an inflammatory response; most of which are active substances that can cause oxidative stress by inducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Neurogenesis on the other hand involves metabolic and structural interaction between neurogenic and glia cells of the periventricular zone (PVZ); a region around the third ventricle. This study investigates glia activation (GFAP), cell proliferation (Ki-67) and neuronal metabolism (NSE) during neurogenesis and oxidative stress by comparing protein expression in the PVZ against that of the parietal cortex. Adult Wistar Rats were treated with normal saline and 20 mg/Kg KCN for 7 days. The tissue sections were processed for immunohistochemistry to demonstrate glia cells (anti Rat-GFAP), cell proliferation (anti Rat-Ki-67) and neuronal metabolism (anti Rat-NSE) using the antigen retrieval method. The sections from Rats treated with cyanide showed evidence of neurodegeneration both in the PVZ and cortex. The distribution of glia cells (GFAP), Neuron specific Enolase (NSE) and Ki-67 increased with cyanide treatment, although the increases were more pronounced in the neurogenic cell area (PVZ) when compared to the cortex. This suggests the close link between neuronal metabolism and glia activation both in neurogenesis and oxidative stress.