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Assessment of the Performance of Combining Rapid Immunochromatographic and Latex Agglutination Tests in the Diagnosis of Human Toxoplasmosis in Cameroon
Palmer Masumbe Netongo,
Fuh Roger Neba,
Severin Donald Kamdem,
Patrice Takam Soh,
Deguy D’or Luogbou Nzu,
Irene Ane Anyangwe
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
18-24
Received:
25 March 2022
Accepted:
11 April 2022
Published:
28 April 2022
Abstract: Background: The consequences of Toxoplasmosis could be devastating in individuals with a suppressed immune system such as pregnant women and their unborn children. Early detection during pregnancy could prevent the development of congenital deformities. However, the reference test for Toxoplasmosis diagnosis, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), is expensive and not feasible in peripheral settings in poor countries. Objective: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy/performance of the cheaper and user-friendly combination of rapid Immunochromatographic assay and the latex agglutination tests as an alternative to ELISA. Methods: Blood samples from 83 participants recruited from two health facilities in Yaounde, Cameroon were tested using rapid Immunochromatographic assay (rapid diagnostic test RDT), latex agglutination (LA) tests, and ELISA as reference. Measures of diagnostic performance were determined. Results: Mean age of participants was 28.7±.6.7 years. The Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy were respectively 78.0%, 84.9%, 88.6%, 71.8% and 80.7% for RDTs; respectively 94.0%, 72.7%, 83.9%, 88.9% and 85.5% for LA test. The combination of the two tests had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of respectively 94.0%, 66.7%, 81.0%, 88.0%, and 83.1% respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of the combination of RDT and LA tests met three of the four World Health Organization standards. Albeit the relatively low specificity, the high sensitivity of the combination of both tests warrants their sequential use for the screening of human toxoplasmosis in remote areas with limited ELISA capacity.
Abstract: Background: The consequences of Toxoplasmosis could be devastating in individuals with a suppressed immune system such as pregnant women and their unborn children. Early detection during pregnancy could prevent the development of congenital deformities. However, the reference test for Toxoplasmosis diagnosis, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELIS...
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Therapeutic Mechanisms of α-/β-Hydroxy Acid Complex on Skin Sebum Balance and Acne via Network Pharmacology
Xiaoyu Ma,
Jiahong Guo,
Fernando Bouffard,
Nianping Feng,
Sophia Yi Zhang
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
25-34
Received:
6 May 2022
Accepted:
18 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
Abstract: Acne is a complicated and chronic inflammatory skin disorder, frequently existed at areas with thriving lipid secretion. Among various cosmetic actives, hydroxy acids (HA) emerged as one of the most effective ingredients, and a combination of HAs could provide a synergistic effect and better therapeutic outcome to acne. However, there was no systematic analysis and prediction to explain the synergistic mechanism. The aim of this study was to undercover the overlapping gene targets of formula ingredients and skin diseases, as well as possible interconnected pathways, thus to have a deeper understanding on the function of complex formula. Network pharmacology was utilized to obtain the gene targets of each active against acne and sebum balance. Molecular function, biological process, cellular component and signaling pathway were calculated through protein-protein interaction (PPI) and enrichment analysis. Furthermore, interaction mapping among actives, biological processes and pathways were established by Cytoscape software. 283 targets of HAs-based formula against acne/sebum balance were obtained. 10 hub genes including ALB, EGFR, AKT1, MMP9, SRC, HRAS, CCL5, IL2, CAT and KDR were also achieved. The interaction between hub genes, biological processes and pathways were visualized into network mappings. All the targets contributed to the improvement of acne via sebum modulation, anti-oxidation and immune regulation. Network pharmacology acted as an effective method in exploring the multi-ingredient formula. Through the precise target and pathway analysis, this study showed that HAs-based formula could function in multiple dimensions to regulate the balance of sebum secretion and ameliorate the damage of acne.
Abstract: Acne is a complicated and chronic inflammatory skin disorder, frequently existed at areas with thriving lipid secretion. Among various cosmetic actives, hydroxy acids (HA) emerged as one of the most effective ingredients, and a combination of HAs could provide a synergistic effect and better therapeutic outcome to acne. However, there was no system...
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Coating of Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Biosynthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Maira Aslam,
Farzana Roof,
Iqra Tariq,
Ayesha Tufail,
Hafiz Muhammad Qasim
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
35-40
Received:
26 December 2021
Accepted:
6 June 2022
Published:
14 June 2022
Abstract: In the recent study, nano-particles of iron oxide are gaining significance because these have vital properties and their multi-functional utilizations like medical diagnostic, catalytic degradation, hazardous waste treatment and biomedical applications. There are many methods for preparation of nanoparticles. But green synthesis is gaining attraction due to its non-toxicity and biocompatibility. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from leaves of Camellia sinensis (green tea) and ferric chloride solution at 50°C temperature. After formation of iron oxide nanoparticles polyvinylpyrrolidone was coated on them (during synthesis and after synthesis of nano-particles). Plant extract contains different types of polyphenols which play major role in reduction and stabilization of nano-particles along with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by different techniques. By dynamic light scattering technique size of nanoparticles was measured which was 85nm, 120nm and 133nm. UV-Visible technique exhibited that nanoparticles showed maximum absorption at 280nm. FTIR revealed about different function groups. EDX analysis found out about elemental composition and atomic percentage of polyvinyl pyrrolidone coated iron oxide nanoparticles which were carbon, oxygen, iron and silicon and their percentage was 64.39%, 34.40%, 0.12% and 0.05% respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that coated and uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles had size 10 µm and 50 µm respectively. XRD determined the crystal structure and size of iron oxide coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (dry and wet method) was 42.58nm and 28.69nm respectively.
Abstract: In the recent study, nano-particles of iron oxide are gaining significance because these have vital properties and their multi-functional utilizations like medical diagnostic, catalytic degradation, hazardous waste treatment and biomedical applications. There are many methods for preparation of nanoparticles. But green synthesis is gaining attracti...
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Determination of the Application Rate of Conventional Compost Integrated with Chemical Fertilizer on Maize (Zia Maize) Yield in Dugda District of East Shoa Zone, Oromia
Kasahun Kitila,
Abay Chala,
Mekonnen Workina
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
41-46
Received:
9 May 2022
Accepted:
1 June 2022
Published:
27 June 2022
Abstract: Integrated soil fertility management is the application of inorganic in combination with organic fertilizer to maintain soil fertility and improve crop yield. A study was conducted in East Shoa Zone, Dugda District on farmers' fields to determine the combined effects of conventional compost as organic fertilizer and NPS as inorganic fertilizer on soil chemical properties and maize production. There were five treatments: Recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer, 100, 75, 50 and 25% equivalent level of compost for nitrogen fertilizer. Recommended level of 69 P2O5/ha were equally applied at all treatments. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in maize grain yield response. However, the highest maize grain yield (8728.20 kg ha-1) was obtained from treatment two that received 100% equivalent compost for nitrogen fertilizer and the lowest (8325 kg ha-1) was obtained from treatment one where recommended chemical fertilizer alone was applied. Composite Soil samples were also collected before compost application and after harvesting to evaluate the residual effect of compost on soil physiochemical properties. Accordingly, laboratory analysis showed no significance differences (P > 0.05) in total N, available P, soil organic carbon and CEC. However, analysis of variance of post-harvest composite soil samples indicated significant differences on soil available P, OC, TN and CEC as compared to initial soil sample. On the other hand, partial budget analysis was done to determine economically optimum rate of compost integrated with chemical fertilizer. Accordingly, the highest net benefit (126527 Eth. Birr ha-1) was recorded for treatment two where 100% compost (4.6t/ha) plus 150kg/ha NPS fertilizers were applied. The highest marginal rate of return (146) was also obtained from the same treatment. Therefore, the present study showed that combined application of organic and NPS fertilizer enhanced maize productivity and soil fertility status in the study area. Hence combined fertilizer application of 4.6 t ha1 conventional compost integrated with 150 kg ha-1 NPS improved maize productivity and soil chemical properties, and recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.
Abstract: Integrated soil fertility management is the application of inorganic in combination with organic fertilizer to maintain soil fertility and improve crop yield. A study was conducted in East Shoa Zone, Dugda District on farmers' fields to determine the combined effects of conventional compost as organic fertilizer and NPS as inorganic fertilizer on s...
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Malaria and Typhoid Fever Co-infection Amongst Febrile Patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Implication in the Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum
Palmer Masumbe Netongo,
MacDonald Bin Eric,
Jean Paul Chedjou,
Severin Donald Kamdem,
Olivia Achonduh-Atijegbe,
Wilfred Fon Mbacham
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2022
Pages:
47-53
Received:
23 May 2022
Accepted:
16 June 2022
Published:
29 June 2022
Abstract: Purpose: Malaria and typhoid are among the frequently reported infections in Cameroon and are becoming a major public health concern. The genetic profile of Plasmodium falciparum and its involvement in disease severity has been reported in recent studies. In order to better understand the mechanism behind the pathology of a parasitic disease, it’s necessary to study and follow the genetic diversity within parasite population. Equally, to develop effective malaria control strategies and evaluate existing ones, it is important to determine the type of infection within a population. However, the genetic diversity of the parasite circulating in diagnosed cases of typho-malaria fever is yet unclear. We assessed the nature and extent of Plasmodium falciparum allelic diversity in the parasite population circulating in patients diagnosed with typho-malaria fever in two health facilities in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, thick/thin blood films from 178 febrile patients were examined using Microscopy for malaria diagnosis and acute sera were analysed using Widal agglutination test for typhoid fever diagnosis. The msp2 gene of Plasmodium falciparum was amplified using nested PCR and descriptive statistics was used to determine and compare the parasite population genetic diversity, allelic frequencies, and multiplicity of infection. Findings: Of the 178 febrile patients, 28.65% (51/178), 16.29% (29/178) and 13.48% (24/178) were positive for malaria, typhoid, and malaria/typhoid respectively. P. falciparum and S. typhi were the major causes of fever, with both pathogens more likely to co-exist. The geometric mean parasitaemia in typho-malaria group of patients was 33700 versus 7305.11 in patients infected only with malaria parasite (p value of <0.05) A total of 145 and 127 DNA fragments were obtained in diagnosed cases of malaria mono- and co-infections respectively, giving rise to 11 different allele subtypes. In patients with typho-malaria infection, a total of 6 different msp2 alleles were recorded with allele 621 base pairs (25.98%) as a major subtype. A genetic diversity of 22.22% was observed in co-infected patients with multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3.4. Conclusion: The reported high MOI and diversity of strains of P. falciparum in typho-malaria patients is a call for concern to malaria control stakeholders in Cameroon. The overall high genetic diversity of the parasite suggests that malaria transmission within the study population is still high. This study calls for an intensification of the malaria control strategies in Cameroon.
Abstract: Purpose: Malaria and typhoid are among the frequently reported infections in Cameroon and are becoming a major public health concern. The genetic profile of Plasmodium falciparum and its involvement in disease severity has been reported in recent studies. In order to better understand the mechanism behind the pathology of a parasitic disease, it’s ...
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