Protective Effects of Resveratrol Against Airway Hyperreactivity, Oxidative Stress, and Lung Inflammation in a Rat Pup Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Oxygen therapy provides an important treatment for preterm and low-birth-weight neonates, however, it has been shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen (hyperoxia) is one of the factors contributing to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) by inducing lung injury and airway hyperreactivity. There is no effective therapy against the adverse effects of hyperoxia. Therefore, this study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that natural phytoalexin resveratrol will overcome hyperoxia-induced airway hyperreactivity, oxidative stress, and lung inflammation. Newborn rats were exposed to hyperoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen - FiO2>95 % O2) or ambient air (AA) for seven days. Resveratrol was supplemented either in vivo (30 mg·kg-1·day-1) by intraperitoneal administration or in vitro to the tracheal preparations in an organ bath (100 mikroM). Contractile and relaxant responses were studied in tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) using the in vitro organ bath system. To explain the involvement of nitric oxide in the mechanisms of the protective effect of resveratrol against hyperoxia, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor - Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), was administered in some sets of experiments. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels in the lungs were determined. Resveratrol significantly reduced contraction and restored the impaired relaxation of hyperoxia-exposed TSM (p<0.001). L-NAME reduced the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on TSM contractility, as well as its promotion relaxant effect (p<0.01). Resveratrol preserved the SOD and GPx activities and decreased the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in hyperoxic animals. The findings of this study demonstrate the protective effect of resveratrol against hyperoxia-induced airway hyperreactivity and lung damage and suggest that resveratrol might serve as a therapy to prevent the adverse effects of neonatal hyperoxia. Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Hyperoxia, Airway hyperreactivity, Resveratrol, Pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Deciphering the interactions of scopoletin and scopolin from Catunaregam nilotica roots against Naja nigricollis phospholipase A2 enzyme.

Catuneragam nilotica has been used in ethnomedicine to treat snakebite, inflammation, and diarrhea among others. The aim of this research is to isolate, and characterize potential potential phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors from the roots of C. nilotica. The plant material was collected, authenticated, and sequentially extracted using solvents of increasing polarity starting from n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The extracts as reported in our previous work, were screened in vitro for their inhibitory activity against PLA2 enzyme from N. nigricollis venom using acidimetric assay. In line with the bio-activity guided isolation, methanol extract (being the most active) was subjected to chromatographic separation using silica gel and sephadex LH-20 which resulted in the isolation and characterization of scopoletin, and scopolin; the compounds were able to inhibit the hydrolytic actions of PLA2 enzyme with percentage inhibition ranging from 67.82 to 100.00 % and 65.76-93.15 %, respectively while the standard Antisnake Venom (ASV) had 74.96-85.04 % after 10 min incubation at 37 °C. The molecular docking of the compounds against PLA2 enzyme was performed using Auto Dock Vina while ADME-Tox analysis was evaluated using swissADME and ProTox-II online servers; The findings indicated that both compounds were able to bind to the active site of PLA2 enzyme with high affinity (-6.5 to -6.2 kcal/mol) and they exhibited favorable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties, and according to toxicity predictions, scopolin was found to be non-toxic (LD50 of 5000 mg/kg) while scopoletin has a slight chance of being toxic (LD50 of 3800 mg/kg). In conclusion, the findings of the research revealed that the roots of C. nilotica contains phytoconstituents with anti-PLA2 enzyme activity and thus, validates the ethnomedicinal claim of the use of the plant as herbal therapy against N. nigricollis envenomation.

Revascularization of near total amputation of the hand: A viable salvage procedure in a resource-constraint setting.

Traumatic near total amputation of the hand with major vascular injury may lead to loss of the hand with dire consequences to the patient. A prompt attempt at salvaging the hand is key to prevent the untoward consequences. In addition, the awareness of the possibility of salvage in our environment should be spread among health care personnel as well as the need for multispecialty approach to the management. We report 2 patients with near total unilateral amputation of their hands proximal to the wrist who underwent salvage procedures.

Nanoencapsulation of Origanum vulgare essential oil into liposomes with anticancer potential.

Origanum vulgare L. essential oil possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities. Nanoencapsulation of O. vulgare essential oil into liposomes seems to be a promising strategy to maintain and improve these biological properties. This research was carried out to develop a suitable liposomal formulation for the effective encapsulation of O. vulgare essential oil in order to improve the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The characterization of liposomal nanocarriers was conducted in terms of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. An MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxic activity of the prepared and characterized O. vulgare essential oil liposomes in MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Antioxidant activity was determined by assessing DPPH scavenging activity. O. vulgare essential oil exerted cytotoxic activity with an IC50 of 50 µg/ml. The essential oil of O. vulgare was effectively encapsulated in liposomes, with no significant change observed among the formulations. The antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced after encapsulating the essential oil in liposomes. Origanum vulgare essential-oil-loaded Phospholipon 90H liposomes demonstrated considerably increased cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells, whereas Lipoid S100 liposomes showed no significant differences from the non-encapsulated essential oil. Phospholipon 85G liposomes had the least cytotoxic impact. As a result, liposomes containing O. vulgare essential oil may be promising nanocarriers for the development of anticancer agents.

Anteroinferior versus superior plating techniques for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: A retrospective single centre cohort study from Northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Clavicle fractures are common injuries accounting for up to 5% of all fractures in adults. Most clavicle fractures heal well with nonoperative treatment, some however, require surgical intervention especially when they are displaced. While plating remains the most popular and most successful method of clavicle fixation; the optimal position of the plate is yet to be agreed upon. PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of displaced clavicle fractures fixed with superior and anteroinferior plating techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of 69 patients (45 males and 24 females) was carried out between January 2014 and December 2018 at a government orthopaedic hospital in north-western part of Nigeria. The study involved all consecutive patients who sustained a displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture and had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with either superior plating (SP) or anterior-inferior plating (AIP) and were followed up for at least one year. Data analyzed include: age, sex, laterality, mode of injury, the time from initial injury to surgery, type of plate used, position of the plate, union rate, functional outcome and peri-operative complications. RESULTS: Fourty-two patients had SP and twenty seven patients had AIP. Fourty one (97.6%) patients had fracture union in SP group while all the twenty seven patients (100%) in the AIP group had fracture union. The mean QuickDASH scores was 3.2 ± 4.6 and 3.6 ± 4.7 in AIP and SP groups respectively. There was no significant difference in the union rates and functional outcome between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both superior and anteroinferior plating techniques are safe and effective in the surgical management of displaced mid-clavicle fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, retrospective cohort study.

Indications for Removal of Orthopaedic Implants in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Review of 128 Cases.

BACKGROUND: With expanding indications for operative fracture treatment, removal of orthopaedic implants has become a frequent elective orthopaedic procedure in developing countries. The clinical indications for implant removal are not well established and there are no specific indications despite the morbidity associated with implant removal operations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, indications and complications of removal of orthopaedic implants with a view to guiding implant removal protocol among surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data was obtained over a 5-year-period in NKST Rehabilitation Hospital, Mkar, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-eight patients aged 4-88 years met the criteria for inclusion. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year and all complications recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were studied. There were 84(55%) males and 44(45%) were females. The mean age was 40.0±15.5 years. The commonest indication for implant removal was infected implant in 29(22.6%) patients, followed by patient's demand 22(17.2%). Femoral plate was the commonest [29(22.6%)] implant removed, followed by tibia plate [20(15.6%)] and humeral shaft plate [7(5.5%)]. The mean duration of hospital stay was 21.7±24.1 days. Twenty-five (19.5%) patients had post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: The commonest indication for implant removal was infected implant followed by patients demand. Femoral plate was the commonest implant removed. Post-operative complications included fractures, bleeding, nerve injuries and infection. Findings from this study suggest that implant removal operation may be associated with substantial morbidity. Therefore, not all orthopaedic implants require removal. Strict implant removal policy is advocated to guide the surgeon.

Old unreduced elbow dislocation: Patients' perspectives on outcome of open reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Old unreduced elbow dislocation is not uncommon in developing countries. Many authors have reported outcome of open reduction in the management of this problem. However, we did not find any study that document patient reported outcome. OBJECTIVE: the objective of this study was to determine the patients' perspectives of outcome of open reduction in the management of old unreduced elbow dislocation. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study of 49 consecutive patients with old unreduced simple elbow dislocation who were treated with open reduction at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala - Kano, Nigeria and Albarka Clinic Kano, Nigeria between January 2015 and December 2019. RESULTS: Fourty nine patients were studied with median age of 31.0 years (range: 19-60 years). The majority of the patients were within 31-40 years age group. The male to female ratio was 6:1. Using the Mayor Elbow Performance Scale (MEPS) and Patients specific Functional scale (PSFS); there are significant improvements in postoperative functional capability of the patients (P = 0.000). With the short assessment for patient satisfaction (SAPS), 93.3% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of open reduction. CONCLUSION: The outcome of open reduction for old unreduced elbow dislocation is good and is well accepted by the patients.

Prebiotics as excipients for enhancement of stability and functionality of Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis with potential application as symbiotics in food and pharmaceuticals.

Objective: Formulations containing probiotics are promoted due to health benefits. During lyophilization and subsequent storage in the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria are exposed to stress conditions that can lead to impairment and loss of viability. Methods: The suitability of various excipients for enhancing the stability and functionality of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis during storage as freeze-dried powder and through exposure to acid and bile was investigated. Cells were lyophilized in the presence of sucrose, trehalose, lactose, cellobiose and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and stored at 4 °C or 25 °C. The effect of diverse protectants on the persistence after exposure to acid and bile environment was examined through determination of the colony forming units, the ß-glucosidase and ß-galactosidase activity and the membrane integrity changes. Results: Cells freeze-dried in the presence of cryoprotectants had comparable survivability during storage at 4 °C whereas the survival rate at 25 °C of cells protected by cellobiose and FOS was higher than for those protected with sucrose and trehalose. Furthermore, the respective excipients used as cryoprotectants enhanced the stability of cells exposed to simulated gastric and small intestinal medium. Stabilization may be achieved through different mechanism of action such as protecting the membrane integrity and as metabolizable substrates. Overall, prebiotic and thus metabolizable protectants including cellobiose and FOS were superior to other protectants used. Conclusion: In symbiotic formulas with B. infantis, these sugars might serve as prebiotics and stabilizers of this probiotic strain during lyophilization, storage and in gastrointestinal conditions simultaneously, potentially increasing its health-promoting effects.

Paediatric Septic Arthritis in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A 5-Year Clinical Review.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis is a relatively common condition in the paediatric population. It is both a medical and a surgical emergency with potential high morbidity. This disabling disease requires early diagnosis and prompt management for optimal outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the epidemiological pattern of septic arthritis and analysed factors affecting morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data was obtained over a 5-year period in NKST rehabilitation hospital, Mkar, Nigeria. Forty patients aged 0-17 years met the criteria for inclusion. Joint aspirates were taken for microbiologic investigation. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with 48 septic joints were studied. Twenty-two (55.0%) were males and eighteen (45.0%) were female with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The hip was the commonest 24(50.0%) joint involved; followed by the knee joint 18(37.5%), shoulder joint 4 (8.4%) and ankle joint 2(4.2%). Result of aspirate cultures yielded Staphylococcus aureus in 34 (70.8%) cases, Escherichia coli in 8 (16.7%), Haemophillus influenzae in 2(4.2%) and no growth was obtained in 4(8.3%) cases. Complications encountered after follow up include stiffness in 8(16.6%) joints, pain and stiffness in 2(4.1%) joint and bony ankylosis in 4(8.4%) joints and limb shortening in 2(4.1%) joints. CONCLUSION: The keys to proper management are a high index of suspicion in any child with painful joint dysfunction and strict adherence to the principles of treatment. With prompt treatment, all complications might be avoided, and normal joint function and future growth may be preserved.

Serological survey for Brucella antibodies in donkeys of north-eastern Nigeria.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to determine seroprevalence and risk factors influencing the presence of Brucella antibodies in donkeys of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria. The study aimed at providing baseline information that may be used in planning a control policy against equine brucellosis. Blood samples were collected from 601 donkeys, comprised of 374 males and 227 females from the six agricultural zones of the state between March 2013 and September 2014. The sera obtained were tested for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Of the 601 donkeys tested, 43 (7.2%) and 40 (6.7%) were seropositive by RBPT and cELISA, respectively. A seroprevalence of 8.6% was obtained in male and 3.5% in female donkeys. According to age, the highest seroprevalence of 9.6% was obtained from donkeys of age group 4-6 years. With respect to pregnancy status, a higher seroprevalence (6.8%) was obtained from pregnant donkeys compared to 3.8% obtained from the non-pregnant ones. There were statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and sex (p < 0.05) and the presence of antibodies and age (p < 0.05) of the studied donkeys. However, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between the pregnancy status and presence of antibodies. The study concludes that Brucella infection is present in donkeys in all the agricultural zones of the state. The relatively high seroprevalence (7.2%) obtained is of public health concern because of the close interaction between donkeys, ruminants, and humans in the study area.

6-Gingerol-rich fraction prevents disruption of histomorphometry and marker enzymes of testicular function in carbendazim-treated rats.

Previous investigations demonstrated that 6-gingerol-rich fraction (6-GRF) prevented testicular toxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and endocrine disruption in CBZ-treated rats. The influence of 6-GRF on alterations in histomorphometry and marker enzymes of testicular function in CBZ-treated rats which hitherto has not been reported was investigated in this study. The animals were orally administered either CBZ (50 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 6-GRF (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. Histomorphormetric analysis demonstrated that 6-GRF significantly prevented CBZ-mediated increase in the organo-somatic index of the testes and seminiferous tubular diameter as well as the reduction in epithelium height and tubular length of testes in the rats. Similarly, 6-GRF ameliorated CBZ-induced disruption in the epithelium height as well as in the proportion of tubule and interstitium of the epididymis the treated rats. Furthermore, 6-GRF prevented CBZ-mediated increase in testicular acid phosphatase activity and the decrease in testicular alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Moreover, 6-GRF ameliorated CBZ-induced reduction in the testicular and epididymal sperm count and sperm motility in the treated rats. Conclusively, 6-GRF enhances key functional enzymes involve in spermatogenesis and maintains histo-architecture of testes and epididymis in CBZ-treated rats.

6-Gingerol-rich fraction from Zingiber officinale ameliorates carbendazim-induced endocrine disruption and toxicity in testes and epididymis of rats.

This study evaluated the protective effects of 6-gingerol-rich fraction (6-GRF) from Zingiber officinale on carbendazim (CBZ)-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were treated with either CBZ (50 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 6-GRF (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis revealed that 6-GRF consists of ten bioactive chemical components with 6-gingerol being the most abundant (30.76%). Administration of 6-GRF significantly (p < .05) prevented CBZ-mediated increase in absolute and relative testes weights as well as restored the sperm quantity and quality in the treated rats to near control. In testes and epididymis, 6-GRF significantly abolished CBZ-mediated increase in oxidative damage as well as augmented antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the treated rats. Moreover, CBZ administration alone significantly decreased plasma levels of testosterone, thyrotropin, triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone was significantly elevated without affecting luteinising hormone and prolactin levels when compared with the control. Conversely, 6-GRF ameliorated the disruption in the hormonal levels and restored their levels to near normalcy in CBZ-treated rats. Collectively, 6-GRF inhibited the adverse effects of CBZ on the antioxidant defence systems, hormonal balance and histology of the testes and epididymis in rats.