RESUMO
Estimating any radioactivity released into the environment is critical for public health protection, particularly if the radioactivity can enter the food chain. In the present work, the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in the soil, water, plants, and fruits of four vegetable crops, namely cucumber, sweet pepper, hot pepper, and tomato, growing under greenhouse conditions has been measured using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector. The measured activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the studied soil samples ranged from 4.7 to 6.8, 3.4 to 6.1, and 63.9 to 112.4 Bq kg-1, respectively, while in plants, they ranged from Not Detected (ND) to 15.2, ND to 3.4, and 495.1 to 1467.4 Bq kg-1, respectively. The measured activity concentrations for 40K in the studied fruit samples ranged from 967.1 to 1459.1 Bq kg-1, while 226Ra and 232Th were not detected. The Transfer Factor (TF) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K from soil to plants and fruits has been evaluated, and the results from soil to plants varied from ND to 2.5, ND to 0.8, and 6.0 to 19.2, while the results for 40K in fruits varied from 8.7 to 18.4, while 226Ra and 232Th were not detected.
Assuntos
Monitoramento de Radiação , Radioatividade , Poluentes Radioativos do Solo , Verduras , Monitoramento de Radiação/métodos , Poluentes Radioativos do Solo/análise , Produtos Agrícolas , SoloRESUMO
The use of natural products for disease control is a promising approach to solving the problem of drug resistance. The aim of the research reported here was to evaluate the fasciolicidal and anti-Clostridium novyi type B activities of propolis administered orally to sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica and C. novyi type B. Sheep infected with both pathogens were divided into two groups: an infected treated group and an infected non-treated group. The treatment was oral administration of 50 mg propolis extract/kg daily for 15 days. The body weight of the sheep, fecal egg counts of F. gigantica, serum levels of F. gigantica IgG, concentrations of cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17), and bacterial counts of C. novyi were evaluated. Following treatment, the sheep had increased body weight and a significant decrease in the egg count, which was reduced by 54.54% at 15 days post treatment. The level of anti- Fasciola IgG increased, whereas levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17 decreased in propolistreated sheep. Treatment of sheep with propolis produced a significant reduction in fecal count of C. novyi, from 8 × 109 to 3 × 103 colony units per gram at 15 days post treatment. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Egyptian propolis extract as a treatment against F. gigantica and C. novyi type B infections, and investigated its mode of action through its effect on some cellular and humoral responses in sheep with both infections.
Assuntos
Infecções por Clostridium/veterinária , Fasciolíase , Própole , Doenças dos Ovinos , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Peso Corporal , Clostridium/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções por Clostridium/tratamento farmacológico , Fasciola/efeitos dos fármacos , Fasciolíase/tratamento farmacológico , Fasciolíase/veterinária , Imunoglobulina G , Interleucina-10 , Interleucina-17 , Interleucina-2 , Própole/farmacologia , Ovinos , Doenças dos Ovinos/tratamento farmacológicoAssuntos
Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Infecções do Sistema Genital/epidemiologia , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Adulto , Feminino , Doenças dos Genitais Femininos/complicações , Doenças dos Genitais Femininos/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Humanos , Londres/epidemiologia , Gravidez , Gestantes , Infecções do Sistema Genital/complicações , Infecções do Sistema Genital/diagnóstico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/complicações , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/diagnósticoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyse associations between chemsex and new HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) accessing sexual health clinics. METHODS: A retrospective case note review was carried out for all GBMSM attending two London sexual health clinics between 1 June 2014 and 31 July 2015. RESULTS: Chemsex status was documented for 1734 of 1840 patients. Overall, 27.1% (n = 463) disclosed current recreational drug use, of whom 286 (16.5%) disclosed chemsex participation and 74 of 409 (18.1%) injected drugs. GBMSM who were already HIV positive were more likely to disclose chemsex participation [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-3.44; P < 0.001]. Those disclosing chemsex participation had higher odds of being newly diagnosed with HIV infection (AOR 5.06; 95% CI 2.56-10.02; P < 0.001), acute bacterial STIs (AOR 3.94; 95% CI 3.00-5.17; P < 0.001), rectal STIs (AOR 4.45; 95% CI 3.37-6.06; P < 0.001) and hepatitis C (AOR 9.16; 95% CI 2.31-36.27; P = 0.002). HIV-negative chemsex participants were also more likely to have accessed post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the study period and to report sex with a discordant HIV- or hepatitis C virus-infected partner (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chemsex disclosure in sexual health settings is associated with higher rates of STI diagnoses, including HIV infection and hepatitis C. GBMSM attending sexual health services should therefore be assessed for chemsex participation and disclosure should prompt health promotion, harm minimization and wellbeing interventions.
Assuntos
4-Butirolactona/intoxicação , Overdose de Drogas , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência/estatística & dados numéricos , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Oxibato de Sódio/intoxicação , Bissexualidade , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência/tendências , Feminino , Homossexualidade Masculina , Humanos , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Saúde SexualRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is widely used in the treatment or prevention of HIV and hepatitis B infection. TDF may cause renal tubulopathy in a small proportion of recipients. We aimed to study the risk factors for developing severe renal tubulopathy. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study with retrospective identification of cases of treatment-limiting tubulopathy during TDF exposure. We used multivariate Poisson regression analysis to identify risk factors for tubulopathy, and mixed effects models to analyse adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slopes. RESULTS: Between October 2002 and June 2013, 60 (0.4%) of 15,983 patients who had received TDF developed tubulopathy after a median exposure of 44.1 (IQR 20.4, 64.4) months. Tubulopathy cases were predominantly male (92%), of white ethnicity (93%), and exposed to antiretroviral regimens that contained boosted protease inhibitors (PI, 90%). In multivariate analysis, age, ethnicity, CD4 cell count and use of didanosine or PI were significantly associated with tubulopathy. Tubulopathy cases experienced significantly greater eGFR decline while receiving TDF than the comparator group (-6.60 [-7.70, -5.50] vs. -0.34 [-0.43, -0.26] mL/min/1.73 m2/year, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, white ethnicity, immunodeficiency and co-administration of ddI and PI were risk factors for tubulopathy in patients who received TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy. The presence of rapid eGFR decline identified TDF recipients at increased risk of tubulopathy.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/efeitos adversos , Infecções por HIV , Nefropatias , Tenofovir/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Nefropatias/induzido quimicamente , Nefropatias/complicações , Nefropatias/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tenofovir/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
The objective of this study was to analyse associations between sexualised substance use (chemsex), STI diagnoses and sexual behaviour among gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men accessing sexual health clinics to better inform clinical pathways. A retrospective case notes review was undertaken following the introduction of more detailed and holistic profomas for all gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending two London sexual health clinics between 1 June 2014 and 31 January 2015. Chemsex status was documented for 655/818. Overall, 30% disclosed recreational drug use of whom 113 (57%) disclosed chemsex and 27 (13.5%) injecting drugs. HIV-positive gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men were more likely to disclose chemsex (AOR 6.68; 95% CI 3.91-11.42; p < 0.001). Those disclosing chemsex had a higher incidence of acute bacterial STIs (AOR 2.83 CI 1.79-4.47; p < 0.001), rectal STIs (AOR 3.10 CI 1.81-5.32; p < 0.001) or hepatitis C (AOR 15.41 CI 1.50-158.17; p = 0.021). HIV incidence in the study period was 1.8% (chemsex) vs. 0.9% (no chemsex) (p = 0.61). Chemsex was associated with having more sexual partners, transactional sex, group sex, fisting, sharing sex toys, injecting drug use, higher alcohol consumption and the use of 'bareback' sexual networking applications (p < 0.004). Chemsex participants were also more likely to have accessed post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the study period and report sex with a discordant HIV or hepatitis C-infected partner (p < 0.001). Chemsex disclosure is associated with higher risk-taking behaviours, acute bacterial STIs, rectal STIs and hepatitis C incidence. HIV incidence was higher but not significantly so in the study period. Chemsex disclosure in sexual health clinics should prompt an opportunity for prevention, health promotion and wellbeing interventions.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Hepatite C/epidemiologia , Comportamento Sexual/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Homossexualidade Masculina , Humanos , Londres/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Assunção de Riscos , Saúde Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Sexo sem Proteção , Adulto JovemAssuntos
Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Disparidades nos Níveis de Saúde , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero/psicologia , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Promoção da Saúde/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Assunção de RiscosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Sexualised substance use, 'chemsex', is being increasingly reported by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in sexual health clinics. We aim to describe the evidence base and practical ways in which clinicians can assess and advise patients disclosing chemsex. METHODS: We review published literature on chemsex, discuss vulnerability to substance use, highlight the importance of clinical communication and discuss a management approach. RESULTS: GBMSM are vulnerable to substance use problems, which interplay with mental, physical and sexual health. Knowledge on sexualised drug use and related communication skills are essential to facilitating disclosure. Identifying sexual health and other consequences of harmful drug use may motivate patients to seek change. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual health clinicians are well placed to make more holistic assessments of GBMSM accessing their services to promote broader sexual health and well-being beyond the management of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) alone.
Assuntos
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Anfetaminas/psicologia , Aconselhamento Diretivo/métodos , Redução do Dano , Drogas Ilícitas/efeitos adversos , Comportamento Sexual/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Sexo sem Proteção/psicologia , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Anfetaminas/epidemiologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Metanfetamina/efeitos adversos , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/psicologia , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/transmissão , Reino Unido/epidemiologiaRESUMO
We describe a case of acute HIV infection in the third trimester of pregnancy associated with an extremely high viral load and the use of raltegravir to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission.
Assuntos
Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Inibidores de Integrase/uso terapêutico , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/tratamento farmacológico , Pirrolidinonas/uso terapêutico , Adulto , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Soropositividade para HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Soropositividade para HIV/transmissão , Humanos , Mães , Gravidez , Resultado da Gravidez , Terceiro Trimestre da Gravidez , Raltegravir Potássico , Resultado do Tratamento , Carga ViralRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe pregnancies in HIV-infected teenagers. METHODS: A review of the case notes of HIV-infected pregnant teenagers aged 13-19 years from 12 London hospitals was carried out for the period 2000-2007. RESULTS: There were 67 pregnancies in 58 young women, of whom one was known to have acquired HIV vertically. The overall mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of HIV was 1.5% (one of 66). There were 66 live births. Median ages at HIV diagnosis and conception were 17 and 18 years, respectively. Sixty-three per cent of women were diagnosed with HIV infection through routine antenatal screening. Eighty-two per cent of pregnancies (41 of 50) were unplanned, with 65% of women (26 of 40) using no contraception. Forty-three per cent of the women (20 of 46) had a past history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In 63 pregnancies, antiretroviral therapy was started post-conception, with prevention of HIV MTCT the only indication in 81% of cases. Fifty-eight per cent of those on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) had an undetectable HIV viral load by delivery. Eighty-seven per cent were uncomplicated pregnancies. Seventy-one per cent delivered by Caesarean section and 21% (14 of 64) had a preterm delivery (<37 weeks). In the 12 months after delivery, 45% of women received contraceptive advice and 25% of women became pregnant again. CONCLUSION: Obstetric and virological outcomes were favourable in this group of HIV-infected young women. However, the majority of pregnancies were unplanned with poor documentation of contraception use and advice and low rates of STI screening. A quarter of women conceived again within 12 months of delivery. Effective measures to reduce STIs, unplanned pregnancies and onward HIV transmission in HIV-infected teenagers are needed.
Assuntos
Parto Obstétrico/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Aborto Induzido/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Contagem de Linfócito CD4 , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/estatística & dados numéricos , Expectativa de Vida , Londres/epidemiologia , Gravidez , Resultado da Gravidez , Estudos Prospectivos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
We examined the relationship of patients' literacy and education to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in an urban treatment centre in The Gambia. Information on education and literacy systematically collected before ART initiation was compared against selected adherence outcomes. Formally educated patients were significantly more likely to achieve virological suppression at both six and 12 months (87% vs. 67%, OR=3.13, P=0.03; 88% vs. 63%, OR=4.49, P=0.007, respectively). Literate patients had similar benefit at 12 months (OR=3.39 P=0.03), with improved virological outcomes associated with degree of literacy (P=0.003). A trend towards similar results was seen at 6 months for Koranically educated patients; however, this was no longer apparent at 12 months. No significant correlation was seen between socio-demographic characteristics and missed appointments. Our study suggests that literacy, formal education and possibly Koranic education may impact favourably on adherence to ART.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , HIV-1 , HIV-2 , Adesão à Medicação , Adulto , Escolaridade , Feminino , Gâmbia , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Humanos , Islamismo , Masculino , Carga ViralRESUMO
Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of liver is a very rare malignancy. Here, we report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with constipation and right groin pain of 2 months' duration. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen incidentally detected multiple hypodense nodules in both lobes of the liver. Diagnosis of primary NHL of liver was made using ultrasound-guided biopsy. Extensive investigations--which included bone marrow biopsy; fluorescence in situ hybridization; flow cytometry; CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis; and whole-body positron-emission tomography--showed no involvement of bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, or any other organ. The patient is currently being treated with a CHOP-R (cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone/rituximab) regimen. The case has many unique features, including normal liver function tests, especially that for lactate dehydrogenase; no type B symptoms; and negative serology for viruses. The case demonstrates that primary hepatic lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying liver lesions in presence of normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen. The literature is extensively reviewed.
RESUMO
This study represents a forensic chemical analysis to define the liability for the coastal bitumens polluting the beaches of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Six tar balls collected from several locations along the coast of the city were analyzed for their acyclic and polycyclic hydrocarbons as well as sulfur heterocycles using GC/FID, GC/AED and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. The analysis of one Egyptian crude oil is also included as a possible source oil. The tar ball samples were at early stages of weathering. Based on the GC traces and biomarker signatures, the tar balls could be genetically different. One sample collected from the Eastern Harbor region appears to be a Bunker C type fuel produced from Egyptian crudes. The refining process has removed the low molecular weight components. On the other hand, the wide n-alkane distribution together with the absence of an unresolved complex mixture suggests that crude oils probably from tank washings, ballast discharges or accident spills from tankers could have contributed significantly to the other tar ball samples. The distribution of source specific hopane and sterane markers revealed that the tar samples probably originate from different oil fields.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Acíclicos/análise , Hidrocarbonetos Cíclicos/análise , Compostos de Enxofre/análise , Alcatrões/análise , Praias , Cromatografia Gasosa , Egito , Espectrometria de Massas , PetróleoRESUMO
Multiobjective oligopoly models are constructed. The objectives of the first two models are to maximize profits and to maximize sales. In the third model the objectives are to maximize profits and to minimize risk. Giving more weight to risk minimization decreased the profits. In all three models, we found that the weight of profit maximization has to be higher than a given threshold. Again they require that the weight of profit maximization has to be higher than a certain value.
RESUMO
A dynamic oligopoly model is given. Its steady state and stability and the bounds of its basin of attraction are studied. Delay (memory) is then introduced. Oligopoly is then reformulated using Smale's game which is more realistic than ordinary games since it takes memory into consideration. Persistence is studied for some oligopoly models.
RESUMO
Condensation of carbohydrazide derivatives Ia, b with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded benzofuran derivatives II a-d. Reaction of Ib with aromatic aldehydes formed products III a-d. Treatment of compounds III a-d with mercaptoacetic acid yielded the cyclocondensation products (IVa-d). Phthalic anhydride reacted with compounds (Ia, b)to form products (Va, b). It has been found that both khellin and visnagin (VIa, b)react with aromatic aldehydes to give arylidene derivatives (VIIa-e). Condensation of diphenyl nitrilamine with 2-arylidene furochromones VII derivatives afforded cyclo-adducts (VIII a-i). The antibacterial activities of the selected compounds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Erwinia with good results.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/síntese química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Oxazóis/síntese química , Oxazóis/farmacologia , Ftalimidas/síntese química , Ftalimidas/farmacologia , Tiazóis/síntese química , Tiazóis/farmacologia , Fenômenos Químicos , Físico-Química , Indicadores e Reagentes , Quelina/química , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Espectrofotometria InfravermelhoRESUMO
The antimicrobial activity of four propolis samples collected from Upper Egypt against Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was evaluated. There was a variation in the antimicrobial activity according to the propolis origin. Banisweif propolis showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, but Fayoum propolis had moderate activity against all tested pathogens. Propolis collected from Assiut and Souhag gave lower antimicrobial activity. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS, 71 compounds were identified, 14 being new for propolis. Banisweif propolis is characterized by the presence of 7 caffeate esters and 4 triterpenoids. Fayoum propolis showed the highest amount of lactic acid and the presence of 3 chalcones. But Assiut propolis is characterized by the presence of 4 prenylated coumarates. Souhag propolis is characterized by the presence of 5 aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and some other new compounds to propolis.
Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos/química , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Própole/química , Própole/farmacologia , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Antibacterianos , Antifúngicos/química , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Ácidos Carboxílicos/química , Ácidos Carboxílicos/isolamento & purificação , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/isolamento & purificação , Egito , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Triterpenos/química , Triterpenos/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Three propolis samples from Austria, Germany and France were investigated by GC/MS, where eleven compounds were being new for propolis. The samples showed some similarities in their qualitative composition. Phenylethyl-trans-caffeate, benzyl ferulate and galangin were predominant in German propolis. Benzyl caffeate was predominant in French sample. Pinocembrin was predominant in French and Austrian propolis and trans-p-coumaric acid was predominant in all samples. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was evaluated. German propolis showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. While Austrian propolis has the highest activity against Candida albicans. French propolis was effective against all pathogens but less than German and Austrian propolis.