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PubMedDate not supplied

Visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia: prevalence of markers of infection and disease manifestations in a village in an endemic area.

Prevalence and disease manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were studied in a Somali village in an area which has long been known to be endemic for VL. Demographic data were collected from 102 households, comprising 438 inhabitants. Clinical examination was performed of 306 individuals, 72% of the 426 eligible persons. Of these, 276 (90%) agreed to give blood and 246 (80%) to be skin tested with leishmanin. Leishmanin reactions were positive; in 26% anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 11%, and splenomegaly was recorded in 14% (23% of those who were seropositive). Malaria was hypoendemic and therefore unlikely to be responsible for more than 10% of the cases with splenomegaly. Three of the seropositive villagers with splenomegaly complained of feeling ill. The remaining 91 sero- and/or leishmanin-positive individuals had no complaint regarding their health and had not experienced any long period of illness. There was a slight over-representation of males in the group of sero- and/or leishmanin-positive villagers, possibly due to a gender-associated difference in exposure to the parasite. Among the patients with clinical VL treated at Mogadishu hospitals during 1989 and 1990, the male/female ratio was 3.3:1, which may indicate a selection of male patients for hospital care. Most patients were < or = 15 years old, suggesting that the highest risk of becoming clinically ill was among children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Camel trypanosomiasis and its vectors in Somalia.

Blood samples from 3000 Somali camels (Camelus dromedarius) were examined for trypanosome infection. Of these, 160 (5.33%) were infected with Trypanosoma evansi, one (0.03%) with T. congolense and one (0.03%) with T. brucei. Camel trypanosomiasis occurred in most areas of tabanid infestation throughout the country. The tabanids Philoliche zonata and P. magretti are incriminated as the major vectors of the disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

The nitrosteroid NCX 1015, a prednisolone derivative, improves recovery of function in rats after spinal cord injury.

Glucocorticoids, given at high-doses, improve recovery of function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in animals. However, side effects combined with a limited efficacy in clinical trials have restricted their usefulness for treatment of SCI patients. Recent studies have shown that incorporation of the nitric oxide releasing moiety into the glucocorticoid structure enhances anti-inflammatory properties and reduces side effects. One compound, a derivative of prednisolone (PRE), (NCX 1015, prednisolone 21 [(4'nitrooxymethyl)benzoate]), has interesting pharmacological properties. Therefore, we investigated its effects on apoptosis and recovery of function in rats after SCI. Rats received subcutaneously vehicle, NCX 1015 or PRE (37 micromol/kg, each) 3.5 h after a standardized thoracic lesion. The treatment was continued once a day for 3 days and the effect of both steroids on apoptosis was examined by immunohistochemistry 24 h after the last injection. NCX 1015 but not PRE reduced TUNEL and activated caspase 3 in both white and ventral gray matter as well as tumor necrosis factor immunoreactivity in ventral horn motorneurons, suggesting that NCX 1015 reduces SCI-induced apoptosis. The effect of NCX 1015 on motor function was then examined by a standard locomotion rating scale (BBB) starting at 1 day after injury and continuing up to 14 days. NCX 1015 improved significantly locomotor activity by 4 days after injury, whereas PRE had an effect equivalent to that of vehicle, thus providing a correlation between the antiapoptotic effect of NCX1015 and its ability to improve recovery of function. The data suggest that NCX 1015 might be a novel experimental therapeutic compound for recovery of function in SCI patients.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Chicken cerebellar granule neurons rapidly develop excitotoxicity in culture.

Rat cerebellar granule cell culture is widely used as a model to study factors that control neuronal differentiation and death (e.g. excitotoxicity). However, a main drawback of this model is its dependence on depolarizing culture condition (25 mM potassium). In addition, it is quite expensive to maintain and requires animal facilities. Here we report that cerebellar granule neuron cultures from chicken may be used as an alternative model to study excitotoxicity. Surprisingly, fetal chicken cells may be grown in a physiological potassium concentration (5 mM potassium). They develop excitotoxicity rapidly in culture (fully developed at 3 days in vitro), and respond to glutamate excitotoxicity similar to rat cultures (ROS production and activation of caspase-3).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Evidence for increased dorsal hippocampal adenosine release and metabolism during pharmacologically induced seizures in rats.

There is growing pharmacological evidence from several animal models of seizure disorder that adenosine possesses endogenous anticonvulsant activity. In order to further evaluate the role of adenosine in seizure activity, we monitored adenosine and its major biochemical metabolites inosine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine in the dorsal hippocampus by in vivo microdialysis before and during the induction of generalized seizures. Seizures were induced pharmacologically in groups of urethane-anesthetized rats by the administration of bicuculline (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.), kainic acid (12.0 mg/kg, i.v.) or pentylenetetrazol (100-250 mg/kg, i.p). Seizure activity was monitored electrophysiologically from the dorsal hippocampus. Dialysate hippocampal purine levels increased during all three seizure types. The largest increases were for the adenosine metabolites hypoxanthine and inosine, with smaller increases observed for adenosine and xanthine. Intra-hippocampal perfusion with the adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl-adenine, (EHNA, 300 microM), only slightly increased basal hippocampal adenosine. Guanosine levels in the hippocampus, a purine not directly related to adenosine metabolism, were unaffected by all treatments. These findings demonstrate that an increase in hippocampal adenosine release and metabolism is associated with seizure activity and support the hypothesis that the increased adenosine levels may attenuate hippocampal seizure activity, possibly by terminating ongoing seizures and altering the pattern of subsequent seizures.

Adenine↗
PubMed1998

A randomized cross-over study on various hormonal parameters of two triphasic oral contraceptives.

The effect of two triphasic oral contraceptives (Triquilar [TRQ] and Trisiston [TRS]) containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG) on various hormonal parameters was investigated in 26 women during a cross-over study. TRS consisted of 0.03 mg EE + 0.05 mg LNG (six tablets), 0.04 mg EE + 0.075 mg LNG (six tablets), and 0.03 mg EE + 0.15 mg LNG (nine tablets), whereas TRQ was different in the second phase (five tablets) and third phase (10 tablets). Blood samples were taken on days 6, 11, 21, and 28 of the control and washout cycles and the third treatment cycle. Both formulations inhibited ovulation reliably and decreased the serum levels of gonadotropins, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandosterone sulfate in a time-dependent manner, whereas estradiol and testosterone were already suppressed on day 6, indicating a direct suppressive effect on ovarian steroid synthesis. Prolactin, which rose sporadically in some women, was not significantly changed. In contrast, the levels of sex hormone binding globulin, corticosteroid binding globulin, and cortisol were significantly elevated by 100%. During the hormone-free interval of 7 days, all parameters returned at least partly to baseline. There was no significant difference between the effects of both formulations. The results suggest the possibility of a direct inhibitory effect of contraceptive steroids on ovarian steroid synthesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Standardization of Alternaria alternata: extraction and quantification of alt a 1 by using an mAb-based 2-site binding assay.

BACKGROUND: Alternaria alternata is recognized as an important cause of allergic disease. As with other molds, the extracts of A alternata used for diagnosis and therapy are highly heterogeneous, and there is a need for improved standardization. The major allergen Alt a 1 is well characterized and has been produced as a recombinant protein, but very few data are available on the Alt a 1 content in extracts. OBJECTIVE: An assay for the quantification of Alt a 1 was developed and used for monitoring batch-to-batch consistency of A alternata extracts, and the correlation between skin prick test responses and Alt a 1 concentrations was studied. METHODS: A 2-site binding assay based on an Alt a 1-specific mAb was developed and used for the quantification of Alt a 1 in allergen extracts. Quantitative skin prick tests were performed on 16 A alternata-sensitive patients and correlated with the Alt a 1 concentration. RESULTS: The Alt a 1-specific mAb was found to be suitable for affinity purification, as well as for a 2-site binding quantification assay. In allergen extracts the Alt a 1 content was estimated as 2% to 4.7% of total protein. Quantitative skin prick tests showed an Alt a 1 concentration-dependent response. CONCLUSION: Quantification of Alt a 1 in A alternata extracts reflects their batch-to-batch consistency. Skin prick test responses to a standardized A alternata extract correlate with the Alt a 1 contents. An extract containing 3.7 microgram/mL Alt a 1 caused a response equal to that of a 1% histamine dihydrochloride solution.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Excess female mortality in rural Somalia--is inequality in the household a risk factor?

Gender differences in mortality risks in rural Somali communities were studied to assess their relation to literacy, marital status and family economy between January 1987 and December 1989. In all, 6947 person-years form the basis for the demographic analysis and estimations of mortality rates and survival. Both sexes showed similar mortality risks in infancy and early childhood, but females demonstrated a greater risk of dying during their reproductive life than males. Respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea, fever and jaundice dominated the symptoms prior to death Illiteracy in women considerably increased the risk of dying from 15 years and onwards particularly when living with literate men. The life expectancy from 15 years was 58 for a literate male but only 42 years for an illiterate woman living with a literate head of household. Multivariate analyses showed after adjustment for marital status and literacy that an excess female mortality from 15 years, but especially from 45 years, was associated to a household situation, where the woman did not subside on farming but on other, mainly commercial, activities. This vulnerability of females was associated to the recession of the economy in the pre-war situation in Somalia, a backlash hitting women trying to earn their living. To conclude, gender differences in a number of factors in the household-literacy, marital status and especially source of income-were disadvantageous for the women, increasing the mortality risk in this setting.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Softwood forest thinnings as a biomass source for ethanol production: a feasibility study for California.

A plan has been put forth to strategically thin northern California forests to reduce fire danger and improve forest health. The resulting biomass residue, instead of being open burned, can be converted into ethanol that can be used as a fuel oxygenate or an octane enhancer. Economic potential for a biomass-to-ethanol facility using this softwood biomass was evaluated for two cases: stand-alone and co-located. The co-located case refers to a specific site with an existing biomass power facility near Martell, California. A two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis process is used for the production of ethanol from softwoods, and the residual lignin is used to generate steam and electricity. For a plant processing 800 dry tonnes per day of feedstock, the co-located case is an economically attractive concept. Total estimated capital investment is approximately $70 million for the co-located plant, and the resulting internal rate of return (IRR) is about 24% using 25% equity financing. A sensitivity analysis showed that ethanol selling price and fixed capital investment have a substantial effect on the IRR. It can be concluded that such a biomass-to-ethanol plant seems to be an appealing proposition for California, if ethanol replaces methyl tert-butyl ether, which is slated for a phaseout.

Biomass↗
PubMed1979

Controlled synthesis of HBsAg in a differentiated human liver carcinoma-derived cell line.

A significant aspect of primary hepatic carcinoma in man is the high positive correlation of hepatocellular carcinoma with infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV)1. Analysis of the relationship between HBV infection and oncogenesis is difficult because natural infection with HBV is limited to man and experimental infection has been achieved only in chimpanzees and gibbons. Furthermore, because HBV has not been successfully propagated in cell culture, basic study of virus-cell interaction of the aetiological agent of one of the most widespread infections of man has been impossible. Recently, however, a cell line (PLC/PRF/5) derived from a human hepatoma biopsy was described which produces the HRV surface antigen (HBsAg) and so provides a tool for the experimental investigation of HBV in viro. We now report the derivation and characterisation of two additional cell lines primary liver carcinomas. In contrast to the PLC/PRF/5 cell line, these cell lines retain the capacity to synthesise many human plasma proteins, including both albumin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). One of these lines also produces BHsAg. We also present evidence that HBsAg synthesis and secretion in this cell line are correlated with the growth state of the culture. This finding is in contrast to the continuous HBsAg production found in the PLC/PRF/5 cell line.

Albumins↗
PubMed2001

Comparative in vitro and in vivo study of a sugar-coated chloroquine preparation marketed in Tanzania versus an ordinary brand.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption and the quality of a sugar-coated chloroquine (CQ) marketed in Tanzania. METHOD: Twenty healthy volunteers were randomised to take either the test brand (group A) or a control chloroquine phosphate (group B). Each subject received 300 mg chloroquine base. Whole blood dried on filter papers were collected at time 0 and at 15 and 30 min and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 168 h after drug intake. Urine samples were collected at time 0, 0-4 h, 4-8 h, 8-24 h, 24-48 h and 48-72 h after drug administration. In an in vitro study, six tablets from each of the two CQ preparations were checked for the amount of active drug contained in each tablet and their dissolution rates. RESULTS: The blood concentration Area Under the Curve (AUC) of group B was about 10% larger than that of group A. The total amounts of CQ plus deethylchloroquine excreted with the urine during the 72-h study period were 5% for group A and 6% for group B. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly different between the two groups. All the tablets contained the labelled amount of chloroquine; however, one tablet from the test drug failed to fulfil the required dissolution rate. CONCLUSION: We found no major difference between the AUCs of the two CQ preparations, but the sugar-coated brand has shown to have variable dissolution rate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Slowly tapering off steroids protects the graft against hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation.

Chronic hepatitis C represents a major clinical problem after liver transplantation, but factors influencing the recurrent disease have not been well characterized. We analyzed the clinical records of all the patients transplanted for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease in our Center between 1991 and 1997. Eighty consecutive HCV-positive (+) patients (60 men, ages 28 to 64) survived more than 1 month after transplantation and were followed for a median of 45 months. Diagnosis of recurrent chronic hepatitis C was made in 38 patients (47.5%), of whom 22 had moderate/severe chronic hepatitis. Decompensated cirrhosis occurred in six patients (7.5%). No difference in patient survival was found between patients with and without hepatitis C recurrence. No association was found between recurrent hepatitis C and presumed risk factors. The method of tapering off corticosteroids was significantly associated with both hepatitis C recurrence and the severity of hepatitis. In patients receiving a higher daily prednisone dose, 12 months after transplantation, the proportion of recurrent hepatitis C was 35.7% versus 66.6% (P = .02; odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25 to 10.36), and among patients receiving a higher daily prednisone dose, 6 months after transplantation, the proportion of moderate/severe chronic hepatitis C was 40% versus 89% (P = .03; OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.84). Finally, prednisone dose at month six was significantly associated with disease-free survival of the liver graft. In conclusion, our results seem to indicate that in HCV-infected liver transplant recipients, a long-term treatment with corticosteroids, slowly tapered off over time, may prevent the more aggressive forms of recurrent liver disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Somalis giving birth in Sweden: a challenge to culture and gender specific values and behaviours.

OBJECTIVES: Giving birth in a foreign country implies going through a life event with little or no access to your own traditions and social support. The aim of this study was to study the childbirth experiences of Somali women and men in Sweden. DESIGN: Qualitative. Nine women and seven men were interviewed. Data collection was characterised by an openness to new ideas during the interview and the interviews were analysed according to the grounded theory technique. FINDINGS: The meeting of Somalis with Swedish antenatal and delivery care was a multicultural event. It revealed social, medical, cultural and gender factors advocating space in the arena of childbirth. The Somalis constituted a homogeneous group with regard to their cultural belonging and motives for exile. The subjects were heterogeneous in that they represented a great variety in social and demographic background as well as in experiences, feelings and modes of expression. One striking finding was the Somali man's dramatic entrance into childbirth, which seemed to have a strong impact on the Somali woman's well-being during delivery. The study showed difficulties in getting used to the Swedish model of parenthood and in finding new role divisions in the couple relationship. Some of the subjects had experienced a strengthening of their marriage and an increased understanding of each other. Others commented that various aspects of traditional womanhood and manhood were lost as a result of the unfamiliar gender structures in Sweden. CONCLUSION: The Somalis' experiences of childbirth in Sweden can be understood by using the theoretical concept of gender, rather than culture. Our own and other studies show that women and men may have different frames of reference in childbirth, where the women mainly focus on biological circumstances and the men on the social and cultural aspects of birth. The Somali couple were found to be vulnerably positioned, with the professionals having the important role of supporting and empowering Somali parents.

Culture↗