Standard Laboratory Methods Research Articles

Association of vitamin A and zinc with the development of diabetic retinopathy

Introduction: Diabetic Retinopathy is a common microvascular disorder in people with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by a variety of lesions within the retina and is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Hyperglycemia promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species and increased concentrations locally and throughout the body, even to the point of exceeding antioxidant capacity, a condition known as oxidative stress affecting retinal integrity. Antioxidants and trace elements are responsible for reducing oxidative damage. Vitamin A and Zinc have antioxidant properties. Objective: To evaluate vitamin A and Zinc levels in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Cross-sectional study was done in BIRDEM General Hospital and the CARS, University of Dhaka, from January 2021 to December 2021. Study parameters Fasting Blood Glucose, HbA1c, Vitamin A, and Zinc were estimated by standard laboratory methods. According to the inclusion criteria, 100 subjects over 30 years were included. They were divided into two groups; 50 were patients with diabetic retinopathy, and 50 were without diabetic retinopathy. After taking informed written consent, a structured questionnaire was filled up for each subject to collect data. Data were analyzed by independent student t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The study showed that vitamin A was significantly lower in patients with diabetic retinopathy (8.95±8.12) than in patients without diabetic retinopathy (22.39±11.56). Zinc level was also decreased in cases of group I (1.17±0.31) than in group II (1.43±3.60). Vitamin A had a significant negative correlation between FBG and HbA1c. But Zinc did not show a significant correlation with FBG and HbA1c. This study also found a significant positive correlation between vitamin A with Zinc. Conclusion: In this study, we found that vitamin A and zinc were significantly lower in patients with retinopathy than in patients without retinopathy.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children Attending Some Schools in Amran Governorate, Yemen

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a global health issue among schoolchildren, with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among schoolchildren in the Amran governorate, Yemen. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among 200 schoolchildren aged 7–15 years between December 2021 and March 2022. The stool specimens were collected and the parasite species was detected according to standard laboratory methods. Results: The overall rate of parasite infection was 48%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite among children (25%), followed by Giardia lamblia (13.5%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Enterobius vermicularis (10%), and Hymenolepis nana (6.5%). Furthermore, a higher infection was among males (57%), those aged 7 to 10 (45%), those whose parents had a basic education (60.7%), and those who consume unwashed vegetables and fruits (57.7%). Additionally, a higher infection was among those who do not wash their hands after defecation (57.7%) and individuals who maintain their nails (54.8%). Conclusion: As a result of the high prevalence of IPIs among the study's participants, environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and health education are all required for promotion in order to avoid parasitic infection among children

Abstract 13063: Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites and Cardiometabolic Traits: Findings From a Monozygotic Twin Study

Introduction: Microbial metabolites are small chemical compounds produced by gut microbiota when it breaks down food, chemicals, or other environmental exposures. These metabolites serve as signaling molecules between the host and gut microbiota and regulate numerous aspects of host physiology, immunity, and metabolism. Hypothesis: Gut dysbiosis is associated with cardiometabolic disorders via alterations in microbial metabolites. Aims: To identify gut-microbiota-derived metabolites associated with cardiometabolic traits. Methods: Using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), we measured the relative abundances of 62 food and gut-microbiota-derived metabolites in plasma sample of 46 complete monozygotic twin pairs (34 female-female pairs, 12 male-male pairs, mean age 36.2) enrolled in the Mood and Methylation Study (MMS), an observational study designed to identify biomarkers associated with depressive symptoms using a twin design. Information for cardiometabolic traits, including body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, was collected using standard questionnaires or laboratory methods. The association of each metabolite with cardiometabolic trait was examined by a linear mixed-effects model, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, and depressive symptoms. The co-twin correlation was accounted for by including twin pair as a random effect in the model. Results: After correction for multiple testing by false discovery rate (FDR<0.05), 15 microbial metabolites were significantly associated with one or more cardiometabolic traits. Of these, 7 glycerophospholipids (e.g., PC(32:1), PC(34:4), PE(38:6)) and 2 sphingomyelins (i.e., SM(d36:1), SM(d36:2)) were positively, whereas betaine, creatinine, urea, pipecolic acid, N1, N12-diacetylspermine, and 3-chloro-L-tyrosine were negatively associated with LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HbA1c. Conclusions: Our results revealed novel microbial metabolites associated with cardiometabolic traits and support their potentially important role in mediating the interactions between gut microbiota and host pathophysiology.

Bacteremia with Multi-drug Resistant Gram-negative Bacteria in Pediatrics and Its Correlation with COVID-19

Background: Bloodstream infection with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria has been introduced as the main risk factor for in-hospital mortality in vulnerable children worldwide. COVID-19 can complicate the treatment process in patients with bacteremia; however, data about this co-infection in children are scant. Objectives: This was a study on the antimicrobial patterns of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) isolated from blood samples of children with bacteremia and their correlation with COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples of children with bacteremia were analyzed using BACTEC bottles. The bacterial isolates were characterized based on standard microbiology laboratory methods, and MDR strains were detected based on a standard protocol. Real-time PCR tests for COVID-19 were recorded from the patients’ hospital documents. Results: A total of 255 positive blood samples were detected in children with bacteremia. The bacterial isolates included Enterobacteriaceae spp. 43.5% (111/255), Pseudomonas spp. 33.7% (86/255), Acinetobacter spp. 21.6% (55/255), and Stenotrophomonas spp. 1.2% (3/255). Of 255 GNB, 86.66% (221/255) were MDR, and the frequency of MDR strains was as follows: Enterobacteriaceae spp. 91.8% (102/111), Pseudomonas spp. 77.9% (67/86), Acinetobacter spp. 89% (49/55), and Stenotrophomonas spp. 100% (3/3). Of 255 children with GNB-related bacteremia, COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 25.1% (64/255) of them. Nearly 93.7% (60/64) of these patients had both MDR bacteremia and COVID-19. The correlation was significant between MDR bacteremia and COVID-19 (P-value = 0.002). The death rate was 43.33% (26/60) among these children. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that MDR-GNB was the main cause of bacteremia in children. Our findings showed a notable risk of concomitant COVID-19 and GNB-related bacteremia in these patients.

Comparing Two Saline-Gypseous Wetland Soils in NE Spain

Small (<1 km2) saline wetlands scattered across the landscape often go unnoticed or are threatened by urbanization or other interventions, despite their role as biodiversity shelters. This study is needed to show methods for monitoring this specific kind of wetland, and to guide the selection of analytical techniques. We provide data and comparisons for salient soil traits of two quasi-pristine gypsiferous and saline wetlands named Farrachuela (FA) and Agustín (AG). The soil characteristics presented in this article are a more sensitive indicator of their ecological status than some of the most used indicators, such as birds and plants. We found significant differences between the two saladas in percent water saturation, equivalent calcium carbonate, gypsum content, and soil salinity expressed as electrical conductivity both of 1:5 soil-to-water ratio and of saturation extracts. The differences were also significant in the concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, and Cl−, while they were non-significant for Ca2+, HCO32−, and SO42−. The mean contents of the six ions were lower in FA than in AG. Both pH and sodium adsorption ratios were significantly different between the two wetlands. The data are mainly examined and plotted by displaying their non-parametric statistics, a synoptic approach that will allow us to monitor the evolution of the wetlands against both traditional agricultural pressures and emerging green energy infrastructures. Last but not least, we discuss the shortcomings of some standard laboratory methods when applied to gypsum-rich soils.

Beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin point of care testing for the management of pregnancy of unknown location

Research questionDoes a commercially available quantitative beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (BHCG) point of care testing (POCT) device improve workflow management in early pregnancy by performing comparably to gold standard laboratory methods, and is the performance of a validated pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) triage strategy maintained using POCT BHCG results? DesignWomen classified with a PUL between 2018 and 2021 at three early pregnancy units were included. The linear relationship of untreated whole-blood POCT and serum laboratory BHCG values was defined using coefficients and regression. Paired serial BHCG values were then incorporated into the validated M6 multinomial logistic regression model to stratify the PUL as at high risk or at low risk of clinical complications. The sensitivity and negative predictive value were assessed. The timings required for equivocal POCT and laboratory care pathways were compared. ResultsA total of 462 PUL were included. The discrepancy between 571 laboratory and POCT BHCG values was –5.2% (–6.2 IU/l), with a correlation coefficient of 0.96. The 133 PUL with paired 0 and 48 h BHCG values were compared using the M6 model. The sensitivity for high-risk outcomes (96.2%) and negative predictive values (98.5%) was excellent for both. Sample receipt and laboratory processing took 135 min (421 timings), compared with 12 min (91 timings) when using POCT (P < 0.0001). ConclusionsPOCT BHCG values correlated well with laboratory testing measurements. The M6 model retained its performance when using POCT BHCG values. Using the model with POCT may improve workflow and patient care without compromising on effective PUL triage.

Susceptibility trends of swine respiratory pathogens from 2019 to 2022 to antimicrobials commonly used in Spain

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is one of the most important health challenges in humans and animals. Antibiotic susceptibility determination is used to select the most suitable drug to treat animals according to its success probability following the European legislation in force for these drugs. We have studied the antibiotic susceptibility pattern (ASP) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) and Pasteurella multocida (PM) isolates, collected during the period 2019–2022 in Spain. ASP was measured by determining minimum inhibitory concentration using standardized laboratory methods and its temporal trend was determined by logistic regression analysis of non-susceptible/susceptible isolates using clinical breakpoints.ResultsIt was not observed any significant temporal trends for susceptibility of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae to ceftiofur, florfenicol, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tulathromycin and tildipirosin during the study period (p > 0.05). Contrarily, a significant temporal trend (p < 0.05) was observed for quinolones (enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin), tetracyclines (doxycycline and oxyteracycline), amoxicillin, tiamulin and tilmicosin. On the other hand, it was not observed any significant temporal trends for susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida to quinolones (enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin), amoxicillin, ceftiofur, florfenicol and macrolides (tildipirosin, tulathromycin and tilmicosin) during the study period (p > 0.05). Contrarily, a significant temporal trend (p < 0.05) was observed for tetracyclines (oxyteracycline), tiamulin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.ConclusionsIn general terms, pig pathogens (APP and PM) involved in respiratory diseases analysed herein appeared to remain susceptible or tended to increase susceptibility to antimicrobials over the study period (2019–2022), but our data clearly showed a different pattern in the evolution of antimicrobial susceptibility for each combination of drug and microorganism. Our results highlight that the evolution of antimicrobial susceptibility must be studied in a case-by-case situation where generalization for drug families and bacteria is not possible even for bacteria located in the same ecological niche.

L-Arginase from P. aeruginosa Isolated from Sewage as Anti-Biofilm Formation by Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: The enzyme arginase plays a significant role in the growth of many organisms as important biological enzyme. Objective: The study was designed to isolate L-arginase from P. aeruginosa that isolated from sewages and to evaluate the influence of arginase on biofilm-generating bacteria. Materials and Methods: The current study includes 28(54.8%) isolates from soil with 24 (46.2%) from sewage water out of 52 isolated from soil and sewage for the purpose of obtaining Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using standard laboratory methods to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 33 isolates were isolated, of which 15 (45.45%) were from soil and 18 (54.54%) from sewage. The study also included 177 different eyes (urinary fluid, excrement, blood, wounds, sputum, and cerebrospinal fluid) of patients suffering from various injuries. Results: The statistical analysis of the isolates indicated that there is a high significant (P≤0.01) for the growth of some types of bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa 30(16.89%), Klebsiella, Serratia 33(18.88%) and Acinetobacter 33(18.88%). While the results showed that Lactobacillus is the lowest number of isolates 7(3.9%). Optimum condition of arginase activity and stability comprising pH level of eight degrees, the temperature of 37℃ is the best conditions for the production of arginine, concentrations of L-arginine substrate (0.1-2.5)g/l on the activity of arginase enzyme for arginine production, The finding also shows that the arginase enzyme exhibited the highest activity after 96 hours of the incubation process L- arginase Purification Assay including Ammonium Sulphate precipitation in (60-80)%, Dialysis, Ion exchange chromatography, Gel filtration. Conclusions: This study concluded that the enzyme arginase had a significant effect on the strong biofilm of pathogenic bacteria.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the sources of drinking water in parts of Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined health assessment of heavy metals in the sources of drinking water in parts of Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Twenty five (25) water samples were collected with ten (10) from borehole, eight (8) from spring and seven (7) from dug-well. The samples were analysed using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that Zn had the highest chronic daily intake for infant, child and adult and Cd the highest hazard quotient in borehole, spring and dug - well water. This indicates that infant is more vulnerable to health risk followed by child and least by adult. The carcinogenic risk results of Cd and Cr contamination were greater than the permissible range of ≤1 x 10-6 to 1 x 10-4 indicating that the water sources are polluted with Cd and Cr. It was recommended that there should be awareness programmes on hygienic practices and pretreatment of water before use. Also the Cross River State Board Limited should supply quality water to the inhabitants and monitor their sources of drinking water.

Dietary inflammatory index and risk of gallstone disease in Iranian women: a case-control study

BackgroundConsidering inflammation as a primary occurrence in gallstone formation, this study aimed to determine the relation between serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score with the risk of gallstone disease (GD) among Iranian women.Materials and methodsPresent BMI-matched case-control study was performed among 75 women with GD and 75 healthy controls. Biochemical parameters were measured by standard laboratory methods. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the usual intake of participants. DII score was calculated for all participants. The linear and logistic regression were used to examine the association of DII with serum inflammatory biomarkers and the odds ratio of GD, respectively.ResultsThe mean serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in GD patients compared to control subjects. Women in the highest tertile of DII compared to the lowest tertile had lower intake of macronutrients, minerals, vitamins garlic, onion, pepper and fiber. Moreover, the odd of GD was significantly higher in the third tertile of the DII versus the first tertile after adjustment of potential confounders (OR: 17.47; 95% CI: 4.64–65.72). Also, a positive and significant relationship was found between the serum level of inflammatory biomarkers with the risk of GD and the inflammatory score of the diet (P < 0.001).ConclusionOur data indicate that higher DII score, and serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers are related to higher risk of GD in Iranian women.

Assessing the impact of Gliricidia agroforestry-based interventions on crop nutritional, antinutritional, functional, and mineral compositions in eastern Province, Zambia

ABSTRACT Agroforestry practices improve soil health which in turn improves crop nutrient concentrations and quality. This study examined how the agroforestry tree Gliricidia sepium intercropped with soybean, groundnuts, or maize affects crop nutrient compositions. The study was conducted in five Zambian chiefdoms for three crop-growing seasons (2019–2022) on 13 farmer-led demonstration trial sites. Seven treatments were tested that included maize, soybean, and groundnut plots with and without Gliricidia interventions. Grain samples were analyzed for crop nutrient contents using standard laboratory methods. Results showed that the treatments significantly (P < 0.05) improved maize nutritional properties except for crude fiber, total carbohydrate, and metabolizable energy. G. sepium intercropping with maize and soybean decreased the antinutritional contents and displayed better functional qualities. All elemental mineral components (except potassium, calcium, and sodium) were higher in the Gliricidia + maize intercrop than in the control treatment. The Gliricidia+soybean intercrop had lower mean mineral concentrations than the control (soybean only) except for Mg, Cu, and Zn. The Giliricidia+groundnut intercrop significantly increased groundnut mineral components except for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Iron. It can be concluded that G. sepium intercropped with maize, soybean, and groundnuts significantly improved the crops’ nutritional quality.

ЧАСТОТА ГОСПИТАЛЬНЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ И ГОДОВЫЕ ИСХОДЫ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПОСЛЕ АКШ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ПЕРЕНЕСЕННОЙ COVID-19

Introduction. Despite the decrease in activity and the trend towards the end of the pandemic of a new coronovirus infection (NCI), the burden of NCI remains a serious problem of modern healthcare. Since the beginning of the NCI pandemic, evidence has been obtained that the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection for patients with cardiovascular pathology will be characterized by an unfavorable prognosis. The ability to predict complications in the early and late postoperative period after CABG for patients after CCI is an important tool to influence the prognosis. Materials and methods. We examined 60 patients with various forms of coronary artery disease who were selected for CABG. The first group consisted of 30 patients who had previously undergone NCI. The second group consisted of 30 persons without NCI in history. The groups were comparable in terms of gender (21 men (70%) in the first group and 25 (83.3%) men in the second, p=0.2) and age (mean age 64.4±1.1 years in the first group and 63.3±1.04 in the second, p=0.46). In all patients, except for standard laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods, Echo-KG parameters, EuroScore and Syntax index, the frequency of concomitant diseases and postoperative complications were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Microsoft Excel 2017 program, the calculation of the significance of differences (p) was carried out using the Fisher test. Results: Most patients of both groups had AH (29 each (96.6%), p=0.4), CHF was observed in 7 (23.3%) persons of the first group and 6 (20%) of the second (p=0, 47). The Syntax SCORE index was initially statistically significantly higher in patients of the first group than in the second - 25.55 ps 21.62 (p=0.03). DM was somewhat more common in patients of the first group than in the second (15 (50% ps 9 (30%, p=0.13). 0.87 hours, p = 0.008. In 5 (16.6%) patients of the first group, the postoperative period was complicated by major bleeding, in the second group, this complication had 2 (6.6%) patients p = 0.28. In most patients of both groups in the postoperative period, hydrothorax was diagnosed (25 (83.3% of persons of the first group and 24 (80%) of the second, p = 0.4), four patients of the first group (13.3%) had hydropericardium, in the second group of similar cases not noted, p=0.04).Atrial fibrillation was observed in more patients of the first group than the second - 11 (36.6%) ps 6 (20%), p=0.19.12 months after the surgical treatment An analysis of late complications of surgery was carried out.There were no differences between the groups in the frequency of newly emerging angina pectoris (5 patients in each group (16.6%)). Clinical CHF was more often observed in patients of the first group — 16 (53.3%) than in the second — 11 (36.6%) p=0.19. Atrial fibrillation was more common in patients of the first group — 4 (13.3%) ps 2 (6.6%) (p=0.67). The high frequency of detection of oncological diseases in patients after undergoing NCI is cause for concern - 5 (16.6%); in patients of the second group, oncological diseases were not diagnosed (p=0.05). Conclusion: Thus, patients with NCI were more likely to have diabetes, bleeding in the perioperative period, they had a longer duration of EC. The late postoperative period for this group of patients was characterized by a higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, a higher incidence of CHF, and a rather high (compared with the group after CABG without a history of NCI) incidence of newly diagnosed oncological diseases. The data obtained indicate a higher risk of late perioperative complications after CABG in patients after CCI, which emphasizes the need for more detailed preparation of this category of patients and the development of individual follow-up follow-up programs, as well as more in-depth oncological screening.

Role of Healthy Human Gut Microbiota in the Emergence and Dissemination of Extended-Spectrum \(\beta\)-lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Genes Associated with \(\beta\)-lactam Resistance in Community Settings in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Overuse of β-lactam antibiotics in communities in developing countries has transformed healthy human intestinal flora into a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant organisms. The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in community settings remains undetermined. In order to obtain data on ESBL enterobacteria, 265 stool samples were collected from August 2019 to February 2020 from individuals residing in the urban districts of Abidjan and attending medical consultations at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire. Isolates belonging to family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated on MacConkey and identified using the API 20E galerie and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute disc diffusion method. Detection of extended spectrum β-lactamases (TEM, SHV, GES, PER, VEB, CTXM 1, CTXM 2, CTXM 8 and CTXM 9) was done by simplex and multiplex PCR. The human stools strains consisted of 513 species of Enterobacteria multidrug resistants. Among the 513 strains, 75 (14.6%) of the enterobacterial strains produced ESBLs, while 438 (85.4%) produced high-level cephalosporinases. Enterobacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase we dominated by the species Escherichia coli (46.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.3%), Enterobacter cloacae (13.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes (6.7%), Proteus mirabilis (6.7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (4%), Proteus vulgaris (2.7%), Citrobacter koseri (1.3%), and Citrobacter freundii (1.3%). Strains were resistant (100%) to antibiotics from beta-lactam family (penicillin with inhibitor, monobactam, cephalosporin) but low level resistant (1,3%) was observed to carbapenem (imipénème, méropénème, Ertapenem). The rate of resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides were respectively between 22.9% - 43.3% and 7.9-35.1%. The resistance genes TEM, SHV, CTXM 1, CTXM 2, CTXM 8 and CTXM 9 were detected. No GES and PER genes were not detected. The high fecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE associated with genes in community settings of Ivory Coast highlights the risk for transmission and dissemination because healthy people are potential patients on borrowed time.

Point-of-care testing compared to gold-standard laboratory methods in the measurement of serum lipids.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with dyslipidaemia being one of the major risk factors. Point-of-care testing (POCT) allows for the rapid measurement of serum lipids. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of serum lipid measurement by the Fujifilm™ NX700 POCT compared to a gold-standard clinical laboratory method (Medpace, Leuven, Belgium). This was a prospective, observational study conducted at the Lipid Clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital from July to September 2022. Participants were known to have a lipid disorder, most commonly, familial hypercholesterolaemia. Samples sent for lipid measurement by standard laboratory methods were simultaneously measured by the Fujifilm™ NX700 POCT. Lipograms evaluating total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained from 115 participants. No statistically significant difference was noted between the parameters tested on the different platforms. The Fujifilm™ NX700 POCT correctly identified > 91% of serum lipid results as normal or abnormal, as defined by NCEP-ATP III criteria, and exhibited good sensitivity and specificity for each parameter. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient demonstrated a strong correlation for all parameters; TC (ρc = 0.9861), HDL-C (ρc = 0.95919), LDL-C (ρc = 0.98134) and TG (ρc = 0.92775). Bland-Altman plots identified low bias and a good level of agreement between the two test methods. The Fujifilm™ NX700 POCT compared favourably with gold-standard laboratory methods in the determination of serum lipid measurements, allowing for rapid screening at the primary healthcare level.

The Influence of Soil’s Physicochemical Properties and Land Use Systems on the Abundance of Actinomycetes Populations

Aims: In this study, we assessed the effect of physicochemical properties of soils from different land use systems on the population of Actinomycetes.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross sectional survey design in line transect sampling was used in collection of samples from land use systems. A 4×6×3 factorial experiments laid in completely randomized design was used in determining Actinomycetes population in land use system and media type culture.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Meru south sub-county, Kenya, between January 2019 and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Cultural growth of Actinomycetes was determined using four different media type culture. The physicochemical properties of soil were evaluated using standard laboratory methods. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and significantly means were separated using Least Significance Difference at α = 0.05 in SAS version 9.4. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and Actinomycetes population. Actinomycetes population varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) among the different land use systems.&#x0D; Results: The study's findings revealed significant variations (p &lt; 0.05) in Actinomycetes populations across the different land use systems. The type of media used significantly influenced the growth and proliferation of Actinomycetes colonies, with the Starch casein medium exhibiting the highest number of colonies (3.4 × 105 cfu/ml of soil sample) and the modified Luria Bertani (M1) medium showing the lowest (1.7 × 105 cfu/ml). The Actinomycetes populations demonstrated significant variations (p &lt; 0.05) among the different land use systems. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.63407; p &lt; 0.0001) between Actinomycetes population and soil pH, as well as weaker positive correlations (r = 0.3375; p = 0.012) between soil moisture content and Actinomycetes population, and available potassium and Actinomycetes load (r = 0.31483; p &lt; 0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concludes that the population of Actinomycetes was affected by soil physicochemical properties and consequently land uses.

Determination of Phytochemical Composition and the Effects of Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus urinaria on the Liver and Kidney Function Parameters in Paracetamol-Administered Albino Rat Models

The current study was aimed at determining the phytochemical composition and the effects of Phyllantus urinaria Ethanol extract on the liver and kidneys by using albino rats as the animal models. All the analyses were carried out following standard laboratory methods and procedures. A total of fifteen rats were randomly distributed into three groups of five rats in each group where group one served as the control while the test groups comprise of 1000mg/kg body weight (b.w) and 500mg/kg b.w administered daily for fourteen days and followed by administration of a high dose of paracetamol (200mg/kg b.w) to challenge the system toxicologically. This was deliberately done to note whether the extract having administered for many days will protect the liver and kidneys against the paracetamol by determining the serum biomarkers. The results showed the presence of saponins (8.84 g/100g), tannins (1.32 g/100g), phenols (0.11 g/100g), flavonoids (0.512 g/100g) and alkaloids (0.038 g/100g) while cardiac glycosides, Resins, terpenoids and steroids were not detected. The activity of ALP was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in both the 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w. There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) decrease in ALT activity of 1000mg/kg b.w and at 500mg/kg b.w. the activity of ALT significant (p&gt;0.05) increased when compared with the control. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in AST activity of 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w when compared with the control. Bilirubin concentration significantly (p&lt; 0.05) decreased at 1000mg/kg b.w and non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) increased at 500mg/kg b.w. ALB significantly (p &gt; 0.05) increased at 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w. A non-significant decrease in Serum HCO3- in both 1000mg/kg/b.w and 500mg/kg b.w. Urea non-significantly decreased at both 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w. Creatinine significantly increased at both 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w concentration when compared to the control. Na+ showed a non-significant increase at 1000mg/kg b.w and 500mg/kg b.w when compared to the control. The extract may not have protected the liver and kidneys against paracetamol despite the presence of some phytochemicals, a histological examination of the liver and kidneys is therefore recommended so as to have a clearer picture of the effects observed.

Association of dietary and blood inflammatory indicators with depression, anxiety, and stress in adults with vitamin D deficiency.

There is growing evidence that vitamin D may be related to mental health. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of dietary and blood inflammatory factors with mental health disorders in subjects with vitamin D deficiency, shedding further light on the complex interplay of these conditions. In this cross-sectional study, 306 subjects completed the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale questionnaire to evaluate their depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and healthy eating index (HEI) were calculated using a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were taken and vitamin D, cytokine, and hs-CRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated using standard laboratory methods. The subjects were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: a vitamin D<20μg/dl group (N=257) and a vitamin D≥20μg/dl group (N=49). Between group analysis revealed that only DII (p=0.015), platelet (p=0.04), and hs-CRP (p=0.015) were significantly different. In adults with vitamin D levels below 20μg/dl, NLR and DII were significantly higher in subjects with anxiety (p<0.05), and this relationship remained significant only for NLR after adjusting for age and sex. Additionally, PLR and HEI were significantly different in depressed compared to non-depressed subjects, and this association remained significant only for HEI after adjusting for age and sex. In subjects with vitamin D deficiency, increased levels of PLR, NLR, and DII were associated with depression and anxiety, while HEI was negatively associated with depression. These associations were not found in subjects with vitamin D levels ≥20μg/dl.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in clinical samples.

To assess the prevalence of these resistant strains in the overall isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) in hospital settings. This retrospective study was conducted from November 2020 to November 2021. The identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using standard laboratory methods according to the EUCAST standards. The detection of ESBL and carbapenemase production was performed using phenotypic methods such as E-test, combined-disk test with various inhibitors (ROSCO Diagnostica A/S), chromogenic medium for the detection of ESBL/carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates, and the VITEK 2 Compact system (BioMerieux). 944 isolates of K. pneumoniae were detected in various clinical specimens. Among these, ESBL-producing strains were detected in 349/944 (37%), whereas carbapenem- resistant strains in 188/944 (20%) of the isolates. The remaining isolates (407/944 [43%]) belonged to the wild type. ESBL isolates were the most common in wound swabs (138 [39.5%]), whereas CRKP isolates in screening samples (110 [58.5%]). The majority of ESBL isolates were detected in surgical departments (105 [30.1%]), whereas CRKP isolates in adult intensive care unit departments (79 [42.%]). Our results show an increasing frequency of CRKP strains. This presents a significant issue in terms of infection prevention and control in hospital settings.

Physicochemical, Biochemical and Genotoxic Profile of Subchronic Exposure of Wister Rats to Treated Crude Oil Exploration Water

Background: Crude oil exploration water is the major waste product generated from petroleum exploration and production activities and is known to be a complex composition of numerous hazardous chemicals, including large quantities of heavy metals, inorganic, and organic substances and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).&#x0D; Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the physicochemical, biochemical and genotoxic profile of subchronic exposure of Wister rats to treated crude oil exploration water (TCOEW).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Fifty rats were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, with ten rats per group, and treated with five concentrations (1%, 5%, 10% and 20%) of TCOEW. Each TCOEW concentration was administered for 90 days ad-libitum as normal drinking water to each group, while the control group was given tap water. Blood, liver, kidney, thymus, spleen and femoral bone of the animals were collected at the end of exposure for biochemical and histological assessments. The pH, conductivity, and turbidity were carried out on-site, while other physicochemical parameters were determined using standard laboratory methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Treated crude oil exploration water caused a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in RBC, PCV and Hb while other hematological and biochemical parameters showed no difference. Also, TCOEW cause a significant increase in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in genotoxicity test and no major lesion were seen in the histopathology studies. Treated Crude Oil Exploration Water does not comply with FEPA standards of produced water due to high conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solid of the sample. The marked increase in micronuclei polychromatic erythrocyte formation (MNPCE) showed that TCOEW might be genotoxic and this could be responsible for the significant increase RBC, parked cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) observed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although TCOEW does not totally meet FEPA standard for effluent discharge, it has mild genotoxic effect.

Responses of Selected Soil Properties to Mixed Tree Plantation and Cassava Land Use in Southern Nigeria

Responses of some selected soil properties to mixed tree plantation and cassava land use in southernNigeria were evaluated in this study. The objectives were to examine variations in the selected soilproperties among the different agricultural land use types; ascertain relationships between the soilproperties; and evaluate cause-effect relationships between the soil properties. A total of 54 soil samplesat 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths were collected from mixed tree plantation, cassava land use and secondaryforest using transect sampling method. Soil samples were analysed for selected physical, chemical andbiological properties following standard laboratory methods. The results revealed significant variations(p ≤ 0.05) in the values of sand, silt, bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), pH, total heterotrophic bacteriacounts (THB) and total heterotrophic fungi counts (THF) in soils of the three land use types. The valuesof BD and TP did not exceed the respective critical limits of 1.75 g cm-3 and 40% for productive soils.However, pH, available phosphorous (Avail. P), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM),THB and THF responded negatively to mixed tree and cassava cultivation in the 0-15 cm soil depth astheir values were lower than that of the control site. Significant positive (e.g., silt versusSOM/SOC/TN/Avail. P, and TP versus pH) and negative (e.g., clay versus SOC/SOM/Avail. P)relationships as well as significant cause and effect relationships (such as Avail. P versussilt/clay/TP/SOC/SOM/TN) were observed between some of the soil properties across the three land usetypes and soil depths. The study concluded that the examined soil quality indicators responded differentlyto the evaluated land use types.