scholarly journals Virulence Attributes of Clinical Candida glabrata (Sensu Stricto) Isolates in the West Region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Claude Nangwat ◽  
Thierry Kammalac Ngouana ◽  
Aude Ngueguim Dougue ◽  
Cyrille Levis Kountchou ◽  
Alfred Itor Ekpo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Reference Strain ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
The West ◽  
West Region

Background: Studies on the assessment of the virulence factors of C. glabrata sensu stricto strains are on the rise. This is partly due to the increase in recurrent C. glabrata infections that have contributed to increased mortality rates. Published data on the virulence characteristics of C. glabrata strains in Cameroon are very rare. Aims: This study aimed at assessing some virulence characteristics, including the capacity to form biofilms and hydrolytic enzymes (protease, esterase and phospholipase). Methods: Fifty-four (54) molecularly (MALDI-TOF) identified non-duplicate C. glabrata sensu stricto clinical isolates initially collected in a previous study, were used in the present study. These isolates were obtained from stool (S), urine (U), oro-pharyngeal (OPS) and cervico-vaginal (CVS) swabs of pregnant women, diabetic patients (both types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus), HIV/AIDS and other patients who had neither of these diseases. Phospholipase, protease, esterase and biofilm activities were assessed using previously described methods. Results: Our results revealed that our isolates were more able to produce phospholipase (37.04%) than they were able to produce protease (1.85%) and esterase (0%). The high producers of phospholipase (Pz < 0.7) originated mostly from oro-pharyngeal swabs (41.17%) of some diabetic patients and pregnant women. Also, all our isolates were formers of biofilm, most (74.42%) of which had lower (< 100%) biofilm formation activity compared to our reference strain. To be able to give a significant conclusion about the virulence characteristics of C. glabrata strains in the west region, we recommend that more studies be carried on a larger number of strains.

scholarly journals Electrolyte imbalance in type 2 diabetes: a case study from the West region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2017
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre D. Sayouba ◽  
Milca Asanghanwa ◽  
Abel J. Njouendou ◽  
Henri L. Kamga ◽  
Jules C. N. Assob
Keyword(s):  
Electrolyte Imbalance ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
The West ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
West Region ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a global public health challenge despite advances in medicine, with Cameroon harboring about half a million patients. Electrolyte imbalance has been reported to contribute to the complications observed in diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate electrolyte disturbances in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients under follow up in two health facilities (Dschang District Hospital and Bafoussam Regional Hospital) of the West Region of Cameroon.Methods: The study involved 200 T2D patients and 50 non-diabetic control subjects. A questionnaire was used to acquire demographic, anthropometric, clinical and psychosocial data. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin, calcium, potassium and sodium levels. The diabetic population was divided into two and three groups according to their glycated hemoglobin and FPG levels respectively. The Student’s t-test was used to compare mean values between patients and controls, while the chi square test was used to assess for differences between categorical variables. The significance level was set at 5%.Results: Almost all diabetic patients were diagnosed of hypernatremia (98%) versus 70% for the control group (p<0.001). There was no record of hyponatremia. Hypercalcemia was observed in 30% of the diabetic patients and hypocalcemia in 48%. The prevalence of hyperkalemia was comparable between patients and controls, while control subjects tended to be more hypokalemic (p=0.038). For all three electrolytes investigated, more than 70% of the imbalances were observed in patients with hyperglycemia when compared to patients having normal FPG or hypoglycemia.Conclusions: Electrolyte imbalance is common in type 2 diabetic patients from the West Region of Cameroon, especially those presenting with hyperglycemia.

scholarly journals Cardiac complications during the active phase of COVID-19: review of the current evidence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Said Ramadan ◽  
◽  
Lorenzo Bertolino ◽  
Tommaso Marrazzo ◽  
Maria Teresa Florio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Myocardial Damage ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Improving Patient Care ◽  
Overall Mortality

AbstractGrowing reports since the beginning of the pandemic and till date describe increased rates of cardiac complications (CC) in the active phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CC commonly observed include myocarditis/myocardial injury, arrhythmias and heart failure, with an incidence reaching about a quarter of hospitalized patients in some reports. The increased incidence of CC raise questions about the possible heightened susceptibility of patients with cardiac disease to develop severe COVID-19, and whether the virus itself is involved in the pathogenesis of CC. The wide array of CC seems to stem from multiple mechanisms, including the ability of the virus to directly enter cardiomyocytes, and to indirectly damage the heart through systemic hyperinflammatory and hypercoagulable states, endothelial injury of the coronary arteries and hypoxemia. The induced CC seem to dramatically impact the prognosis of COVID-19, with some studies suggesting over 50% mortality rates with myocardial damage, up from ~ 5% overall mortality of COVID-19 alone. Thus, it is particularly important to investigate the relation between COVID-19 and heart disease, given the major effect on morbidity and mortality, aiming at early detection and improving patient care and outcomes. In this article, we review the growing body of published data on the topic to provide the reader with a comprehensive and robust description of the available evidence and its implication for clinical practice.

scholarly journals Virulence of Clinical Candida Isolates

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 466
Author(s):  
Martyna Mroczyńska ◽  
Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Morphological Transition ◽  
Candida Spp

The factors enabling Candida spp. infections are secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, adherence to surfaces, biofilm formation or morphological transition, and fitness attributes. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between known extracellular virulence factors and survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with clinical Candida. The 25 isolates were tested and the activity of proteinases among 24/24, phospholipases among 7/22, esterases among 14/23, hemolysins among 18/24, and biofilm formation ability among 18/25 isolates was confirmed. Pathogenicity investigation using G. mellonella larvae as host model demonstrated that C. albicans isolates and C. glabrata isolate were the most virulent and C. krusei isolates were avirulent. C. parapsilosis virulence was identified as varied, C. inconspicua were moderately virulent, and one C. palmioleophila isolate was of low virulence and the remaining isolates of this species were moderately virulent. According to our study, virulence of Candida isolates is related to the expression of proteases, hemolysins, and esterases.

Features of Stroke in Chinese Diabetes Patients: A Hospital-based Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
X-D Zhang ◽  
Y-R Chen ◽  
L Ge ◽  
Z-M Ge ◽  
Y-H Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Haemorrhage ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Patients With Diabetes

In this study, demographic characteristics, risk factors, stroke subtypes and outcome were compared in 2532 patients with and without diabetes hospitalized for first-ever stroke. Diabetes was present in 471 (18.6%) of the patients. Patients with diabetes presented more frequently with ischaemic stroke (92.1% versus 71.3%), especially lacunar infarction (41.2% versus 35.2%), compared with non-diabetics. Cerebral haemorrhage was less frequent in diabetics than non-diabetics (4.2% versus 18.1%). In-hospital mortality rates from ischaemic stroke were similar in the two groups (18.2% in diabetics and 16.9% in non-diabetics). Predictors of in-hospital mortality in diabetic patients included decreased consciousness, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, stroke in diabetic patients was different to stroke in non-diabetic patients: in diabetics the frequency of cerebral haemorrhage was lower and the rate of lacunar infarct syndrome was higher, but in-hospital mortality from ischaemic stroke was not increased. Clinical factors evident at the onset of stroke have a major influence on in-hospital mortality and may help clinicians provide a more accurate prognosis.

scholarly journals Genetic mixed-stock analysis disentangles spatial and temporal variation in composition of the West Greenland Atlantic Salmon fishery

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 2311-2321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian R. Bradbury ◽  
Lorraine C. Hamilton ◽  
Timothy F. Sheehan ◽  
Gerald Chaput ◽  
Martha J. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
North American ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Published Data ◽  
The West ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
Archived Samples ◽  
Mixed Stock ◽  
Salmon Fishery

Abstract The West Greenland Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) fishery represents the largest remaining mixed-stock fishery for Atlantic Salmon in the Northwest Atlantic and targets multi-sea-winter (MSW) salmon from throughout North America and Europe. We evaluated stock composition of salmon harvested in the waters off West Greenland (n = 5684 individuals) using genetic mixture analysis and individual assignment to inform conservation of North American populations, many of which are failing to meet management targets. Regional contributions to this fishery were estimated using 2169 individuals sampled throughout the fishery between 2011 and 2014. Of these, 22% were identified as European in origin. Major North American contributions were detected from Labrador (∼20%), the Southern Gulf/Cape Breton (29%), and the Gaspe Peninsula (29%). Minor contributions (∼5%) were detected from Newfoundland, Ungava, and Quebec regions. Region-specific catches were extrapolated using estimates of composition and fishery catch logs and harvests ranged from 300 to 600 and 2000 to 3000 individuals for minor and major constituents, respectively. To evaluate the temporal stability of the observed fishery composition, we extended the temporal coverage through the inclusion of previously published data (1995–2006, n = 3095) and data from archived scales (1968–1998, n = 420). Examination of the complete time-series (47 years) suggests relative stability in stock proportions since the late 1980s. Genetic estimates of stock composition were significantly associated with model-based estimates of returning MSW salmon (individual years r = 0.69, and overall mean r = 0.96). This work demonstrates that the analysis of both contemporary and archived samples in a mixed-stock context can disentangle levels of regional exploitation and directly inform assessment and conservation of Atlantic Salmon in the West Greenland interceptory Atlantic Salmon fishery.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Analysis of a Diabetic Skin-Humanized Mouse Model Dissects Molecular Pathways Underlying the Delayed Wound Healing Response

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Carlos León ◽  
Francisco García-García ◽  
Sara Llames ◽  
Eva García-Pérez ◽  
Marta Carretero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Preclinical Model ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Ulcer Formation ◽  
Histological Features ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Wound Healing Model ◽  
Healing Model

Defective healing leading to cutaneous ulcer formation is one of the most feared complications of diabetes due to its consequences on patients’ quality of life and on the healthcare system. A more in-depth analysis of the underlying molecular pathophysiology is required to develop effective healing-promoting therapies for those patients. Major architectural and functional differences with human epidermis limit extrapolation of results coming from rodents and other small mammal-healing models. Therefore, the search for reliable humanized models has become mandatory. Previously, we developed a diabetes-induced delayed humanized wound healing model that faithfully recapitulated the major histological features of such skin repair-deficient condition. Herein, we present the results of a transcriptomic and functional enrichment analysis followed by a mechanistic analysis performed in such humanized wound healing model. The deregulation of genes implicated in functions such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammatory signaling processes were evidenced, confirming published data in diabetic patients that in fact might also underlie some of the histological features previously reported in the delayed skin-humanized healing model. Altogether, these molecular findings support the utility of such preclinical model as a valuable tool to gain insight into the molecular basis of the delayed diabetic healing with potential impact in the translational medicine field.

Prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnancy among women receiving antenatal care at the West Gonja District Hospital of Northern Ghana.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-12
Author(s):  
Martin Malick
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hemoglobin Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Multiple Gestation ◽  
The West ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Folate Supplement ◽  
Anemia In Pregnancy ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem especially in Low and Middle-income countries (LMIC) including Ghana and is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being present when the hemoglobin concentration in the peripheral blood is 11g/dl or less. In most African countries anemia in pregnancy occurs if the hemoglobin concentration falls below 10g/dl. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing anemia due to several factors such as hemodilution, nutritional factors, multiple gestation, socio-economic status and malaria infestation. Anemia in pregnancy is an important cause of maternal mortality and affects half of pregnant women worldwide; with 56% of West African pregnant women being anemic. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with anemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the West Gonja Hospital (WGH) Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted with 136 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the WGH between January 2017 to February 2018. Random sampling was used to select participants and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS Version 24.0. Results: A total 71(52.2%) of the study population were anemic, while 65 (47.8%) were not anemic. 20(74.1%) of the 27 pregnant housewives were anemic, while 11(64.7%) of the pregnant farmers were anemic. 27 (96.4%) of the 28 pregnant women who took their iron/folate supplement only some few days were anemic. 12 (100%) of the 12 participants who took their iron/folate supplement a few times a week were anemic. 4 (80%) of the 5 participants who never took their iron/folate supplement were anemic. 21 (70%) of those who did not sleep under ITN were anemic. 33 (84.6%) of the 39 patients who were diagnosed with malaria were also anemic. 28 (87.5%) of the 32 participants who took only 2 meals a day were anemic. 27 (79.4%) of the 34 patients who took liver, beef, chicken and fish only twice weekly were anemic. 15 (88.2%) of the 17 patients who drank tea some days in a week were anemic. Conclusion: Although most of the pregnant women were adequately educated on the most relevant aspects of anemia in pregnancy, more than half of them were still anemic. Anemia was more prevalent among pregnant uneducated housewives with poor nutritional habits. All the pregnant sickle cell disease patients as well as those diagnosed with malaria were also anemic.

Hydrogeochemical indications of regional flow in the Lower Greensand aquifer of the London Basin

2021 ◽  
pp. qjegh2021-028
Author(s):  
W. George Darling ◽  
Melinda A. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Isotopes ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Confined Aquifer ◽  
The West ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Flow ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
Southern Side ◽  
Chalk Aquifer ◽  
The City

The Lower Greensand (LGS) forms the second most important aquifer in the London Basin but, being largely absent beneath the city itself, has received much less attention than the ubiquitous overlying Chalk aquifer. While the general directions of groundwater flow in the Chalk are well established, there has been much less certainty about flow in the LGS owing to regionally sparse borehole information. This study focuses on two hitherto uncertain aspects of the confined aquifer: the sources of recharge to the west-central London Basin around Slough, and the fate of LGS water where the aquifer thins out on the flank of the London Platform in the Gravesend–Medway–Sheppey area on the southern side of the basin. The application of hydrogeochemical techniques including environmental isotopes indicates that recharge to the Slough area is derived from the northern LGS outcrop, probably supplemented by downward leakage from the Chalk, while upward leakage from the LGS in North Kent is mixing with Chalk water to the extent that some Chalk boreholes on the Isle of Sheppey are abstracting high proportions of water with an LGS fingerprint. In doing so, this study demonstrates the value of re-examining previously published data from a fresh perspective.Thematic collection: This article is part of the Hydrogeology of Sandstone collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/hydrogeology-of-sandstone

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