scholarly journals A review of the health implications of heavy metals and pesticide residues on khat users

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert M. Oyugi ◽  
Joshua K. Kibet ◽  
John O. Adongo
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
The World

Abstract Background There is an exponential rise in the use of farming chemicals in agricultural practices ostensibly to increase food production. The chewing of fresh khat leaves and shoots has spread across the world from ancient khat producing regions in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat is a well-established socialization substance with stimulating characteristics. In this work, we have reviewed the deleterious impacts of several heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, iron in the khat plant and their health impacts. Survey on the health complications of farming chemicals used in khat production is also presented. Main body of the abstract The toxic effects of heavy metals and farming chemicals in plant matter such as khat leaves are a serious health concern. Heavy metals including cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), for instance, bio-accumulate in the body and the food chain as precursors for disease. It has been established that blood that has lead levels of 40–60 ug/dL is a precursor for serious health illnesses such as cardiac arrest and cancer. On the other hand, cadmium is reported to bind itself onto metallothioneins hence forming cadmium–metallothionein complex that is transported to all body organs causing deleterious cell damage. The entry of farming chemical into the food chain especially via the chewing of contaminated khat has been known to contribute to health problems such as cancer, hypertension and liver cirrhosis. khat is branded a ‘substance of abuse’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of the adverse health risks it causes to humans. Relevant articles published between 2010 and 2021, and archived in PubMed, Google Scholar, Medley, Cochrane, and Web of Science were used in this review. Short conclusion The health implications of heavy metals and farming chemicals arising from the consumption of contaminated khat shoots are a serious concern to the khat chewing community. Consequently, there is need to develop better farming practices that may minimize the absorption of heavy metals and farming chemicals by the khat plant. Information presented in this review is also important in sensitizing policy makers to advance control measures towards safer khat farming practices.

scholarly journals Immunobiochemical Aspects in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) Infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkata Bharat Kumar Pinnelli ◽  
Mangala N. Sirsikar ◽  
W. Vishnu Vandana ◽  
Shrabani Mohanty ◽  
Wilma Delphine Silvia CR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Biochemical Alterations ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, has spread throughout the world and is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). A lot remains to be understood of SARS-CoV-2 and the disease (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 has until recently been identified as responsible for both asymptomatic and serious life-threatening infections. The unavailability of specific therapeutic agents is a major hurdle in the treatment and management of COVID-19 patients. The present review attempts to evaluate the immunobiochemical aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Body: This review is a comprehensive evaluation of the data collected through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. The articles were searched and selected using key words such as “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)”, “Diagnosis of COVID-19”, Pathogenesis of Covid-19”, “management of COVID-19”, “Immunology of COVID-19”, and “Complications of COVID-19”. The study noted that the novel Coronavirus infection could result in an exaggerated immune response, causing a cytokine storm and damaging several organs of the body. The infected patients develop several complications, including immunological, hematological, and biochemical alterations. Consequently, COVID-19 patients may develop cardiovascular, liver, renal, and neurological complications, among others. Conclusion: An increased understanding of the immunobiochemical aspects of the disease may contribute to better management of SARS-CoV-2-infected persons, as evidenced from the available literature. A holistic approach to the management of COVID-19 patients taking into consideration the effect of COVID-19 infection on various organs of the body assumes increased significance in patient management.

HIPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM PADA IBU HAMIL DI KLINIK BIDAN SUPRIYATI SRIBIT BERBAH SLEMAN

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Pramukti Dian Setianingrum ◽  
Farah Irmania Tsani
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hyperemesis Gravidarum ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
The Body ◽  
Nausea And Vomiting ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World

Backgroud: The World Health Organization (WHO) explained that the number of Hyperemesis Gravidarum cases reached 12.5% of the total number of pregnancies in the world and the results of the Demographic Survey conducted in 2007, stated that 26% of women with live births experienced complications. The results of the observations conducted at the Midwife Supriyati Clinic found that pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum, with a comparison of 10 pregnant women who examined their contents there were about 4 pregnant women who complained of excessive nausea and vomiting. Objective: to determine the hyperemesis Gravidarum of pregnant mother in clinic. Methods: This study used Qualitative research methods by using a case study approach (Case Study.) Result: The description of excessive nausea of vomiting in women with Hipermemsis Gravidarum is continuous nausea and vomiting more than 10 times in one day, no appetite or vomiting when fed, the body feels weak, blood pressure decreases until the body weight decreases and interferes with daily activities days The factors that influence the occurrence of Hyperemesis Gravidarum are Hormonal, Diet, Unwanted Pregnancy, and psychology, primigravida does not affect the occurrence of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Conclusion: Mothers who experience Hyperemesis Gravidarum feel nausea vomiting continuously more than 10 times in one day, no appetite or vomiting when fed, the body feels weak, blood pressure decreases until the weight decreases and interferes with daily activities, it is because there are several factors, namely, hormonal actors, diet, unwanted pregnancy, and psychology.

Characterizing the effectiveness of COVID-19 mitigation measures: A data-centric approach (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukman Olagoke ◽  
Ahmet E. Topcu
Keyword(s):  
Control Measure ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
The World ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND COVID-19 represents a serious threat to both national health and economic systems. To curb this pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a series of COVID-19 public safety guidelines. Different countries around the world initiated different measures in line with the WHO guidelines to mitigate and investigate the spread of COVID-19 in their territories. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of these control measures using a data-centric approach. METHODS We begin with a simple text analysis of coronavirus-related articles and show that reports on similar outbreaks in the past strongly proposed similar control measures. This reaffirms the fact that these control measures are in order. Subsequently, we propose a simple performance statistic that quantifies general performance and performance under the different measures that were initiated. A density based clustering of based on performance statistic was carried out to group countries based on performance. RESULTS The performance statistic helps evaluate quantitatively the impact of COVID-19 control measures. Countries tend show variability in performance under different control measures. The performance statistic has negative correlation with cases of death which is a useful characteristics for COVID-19 control measure performance analysis. A web-based time-line visualization that enables comparison of performances and cases across continents and subregions is presented. CONCLUSIONS The performance metric is relevant for the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 control measures. This can help caregivers and policymakers identify effective control measures and reduce cases of death due to COVID-19. The interactive web visualizer provides easily digested and quick feedback to augment decision-making processes in the COVID-19 response measures evaluation. CLINICALTRIAL Not Applicable

scholarly journals Importance of immunoglobulin therapy for COVID-19 patients with lymphocytopenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heba K. Nabih
Keyword(s):  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was announced as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the increased number of infected and dead victims daily all over the world, it becomes necessary to stop or overcome its rapid spread. Main body Although the production of vaccine or even specified effective anti-virus may take about six months to a year, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may be clinically used as a safe treatment to save and improve the quality of life of patients with a variety of immunodeficiency diseases such as lymphocytopenia, which is a common clinical feature in COVID-19. Conclusion Through the current review, it was concluded that this passive immunization may promote the immunity to better fight against the virus, so the survival of the patients could be kept longer. The efficacy of immunotherapy with IVIg would be greater if the immune IgG antibodies were collected from convalescent plasma therapy.

An Overview of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activity via Dual COX-2 and 5-LOX Enzyme Inhibition

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roopal Mittal ◽  
Shailesh Sharma ◽  
Ajay Singh Kushwah
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
The World ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Background: Inflammation is the earliest body defence mechanism in which the immune system recognises and counters the antigens and aids in healing the disease. The World Health Organisation suggests that inflammation is one of the greatest causes of death in the world. Inflammation could be acute or chronic due to the release of inflammatory mediators i.e. prostaglandins, leukotrienes due to mitogens, antigens or cytokines found in the body. Methods: Bibliographic database using pub med cites for peer-reviewed research articles with titles containing dual COX-2 and 5-LOX enzyme inhibitors, heterocyclic moieties, with AND Boolean operator's terms since last ten years of literature work. The quality papers containing the natural or synthetic lead compounds were extracted; the detailed study and conceptual framework attracted its attention. Results: Out of 127 research and review articles evaluated, 54 articles were cited to provide high quality data regarding pharmacoactive molecules having anti-inflammatory activity via dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibition. In addition, highlighting their in silico and experimental wet laboratory studies in increasing order over the past decade with the best illustration of dual enzyme inhibitory activity. Conclusion: This review gathered details of isolated bioactive compounds such as pyrazole, coumaperine, indoles, phenanthrene derivatives that have been significantly reported for anti-inflammatory activities.

Aftermath of Covid -19 Pandemic in the community

2021 ◽  
pp. 498-500
Author(s):  
Sholly. CK
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Novel corona virus (COVID-19) is an infectious condition, which can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another and causes respiratory illnesses, range from common cold to acute respiratory syndrome. The first cases of this virus were found in Wuhan, China. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is serious health concern and has higher risk for severe illness and spreading rapidly all over the world.This novel coronavirus was named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by WHO in February 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 a pandemic, in the year2020 March. A global coordinated effort is needed to stop the further spread of the virus. Among all cases about 92% of the confirmed cases were recorded from China. Initial reports suggest that death rate ranges from 1% to 2% which varies in the study and country. The most of the death have occurred in patients over 50 years of age followed by young children. For the confirmed cases which included both laboratory and clinically diagnosed till now there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended but there is vaccine currently available. Once the virus develops in people, corona viruses can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. The viral material hangs out in these droplets and can be breathed into the respiratory tract, where the virus can then lead to an infection. Repercussions of Covid -19 on individuals, families and on front line warriors are countless1.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Meng ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
Z. Bian
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

scholarly journals Curcumin Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Stimulates Apoptosis and Down-Regulates Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Expresion in Gastric cancer Cell line MKN45

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Phu Hung ◽  
Le Thi Thanh Huong ◽  
Nguyen Trung Thanh
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Stomach Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ◽  
Gastric Cancer Cell ◽  
Gastric Cancer Cell Line ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World

According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018 there were over one million new stomach cancer patients. Vietnam ranks the tenth among the countries with the highest rates of stomach cancer in the world, with the rate of 15.9 cases per 100,000 populations. Research on compounds or drugs that can inhibit cancer cell growth but are less toxic to the body is necessary. In this study, using MTT assays, we have shown that curcumin has ability to inhibit proliferation of stomach cancer cells MKN45. Flow cytometry analysis showed that curcumin increased the percentage of apoptosis cells by 27 - 56% at concentrations of 10 µM - 20 µM and resulted in a typical nuclear morphology of apoptosis. Further, this study showed that curcumin significantly reduced the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase protein in MKN45 gastric cancer cells. This finding shows that curcumin is a potential therapeutic candidate for gastric cancer cell treatment.

scholarly journals Individual, community and societal correlates of insecticide treated net use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-level analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Maternal And Newborn Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
Itn Use ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Malaria in pregnancy is a crucial public health concern due to the enormous risk it poses to maternal and newborn health. The World Health Organisation therefore recommends insecticide-treated net (ITN) for pregnant women. The world over, sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest prevalence of malaria and its associated complications. This study investigated the individual, community and society level factors associated with ITN use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The study was conducted with Demographic and Health Survey data of 21 sub-Saharan African countries. A total of 17,731 pregnant women who possessed ITN participated in the study. Descriptive computation of ITN use by survey country and socio-demographic characteristics was conducted. Further, five multi-level binary logistic regression models were fitted with MLwiN 3.05 package in STATA. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation procedure was used in estimating the parameters whilst the Bayesian Deviance Information Criterion was used for the model fitness test. Results On average, 74.2% pregnant women in SSA used ITN. The highest prevalence of ITN use occurred in Mali (83.7%) whilst the least usage occurred in Namibia (7%). Women aged 30–34 were more likely to use ITN compared with those aged 45–49 [aOR = 1.14; Crl = 1.07–1.50]. Poorest women were less probable to use ITN relative to richest women [aOR = 0.79; Crl = 0.70–0.89]. Compared to women who did not want their pregnancies at all, women who wanted their pregnancies [aOR = 1.06; Crl = 1.04–1.19] were more probable to use ITN. Women in male-headed households had higher likelihood of ITN use compared to those from female-headed households [aOR = 1.28; Crl = 1.19–1.39]. On the whole, 38.1% variation in ITN use was attributable to societal level factors whilst 20.9% variation was attributable to community level factors. Conclusion The study has revealed that in addition to individual level factors, community and society level factors affect ITN use in SSA. In as much as the study points towards the need to incorporate community and societal variations in ITN interventions, active involvement of men can yield better outcome for ITN utilisation interventions in SSA.

scholarly journals Excretion of Heavy Metals and Glyphosate in Urine and Hair Before and After Long-Term Fasting in Humans

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Grundler ◽  
Gilles-Eric Séralini ◽  
Robin Mesnage ◽  
Vincent Peynet ◽  
Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Before And After

Background: Dietary exposure to environmental pollutants in humans is an important public health concern. While long-term fasting interrupts the dietary exposure to these substances, fat mobilization as an energy source may also release bioaccumulated substances. This was, to our knowledge, only investigated in obese people decades ago. This study explored the effects of 10-days fasting on the excretion of heavy metals and glyphosate.Methods: Urinary levels of arsenic, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel, mercury and glyphosate were measured before and after 10 fasting days in 109 healthy subjects. Additionally, hair analysis was done before and ten weeks after fasting in 22 subjects.Results: Fasting caused a decrease in body weight, and in urinary arsenic (by 72%) and nickel (by 15%) concentrations. A decrease in lead hair concentrations (by 30%) was documented. Urinary mercury levels were unchanged for chromium, cobalt and glyphosate, which were undetectable in most of the subjects. Additionally, fatigue, sleep disorders, headache and hunger were reduced. Body discomfort symptoms diminished four weeks after food reintroduction.Conclusions: The results of this study provide the first insights into the changes in heavy metal excretion caused by long-term fasting. Further studies focusing on the kinetics of efflux between different compartments of the body are needed.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016657, identifier: DRKS00016657.

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