African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris attenuated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxic effects in chemotherapy.
Fungus Cordyceps militaris has been used as a herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which could be surface liquid-cultured for mycelia production. To evaluate the potential of polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris (PS-MCM) for attenuation of side-effects of chemotherapy. ⋯ These findings indicate that PS-MCM has potential for development as a functional food to counteract side effects of chemotherapy.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Detection and phenotypic characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from clinical and community samples in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
The objective of this study was to isolate and phenotypically characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)from clinical and community samples in Abakaliki, Nigeria. ⋯ This present findings of multi-drug resistance MRSA is very worrisome as it further highlights the pressing need to keep a strict watch on MRSA emerging from this study area.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Bacterial etiology in early re-admission patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Repeatedly hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are often exposed to more antibiotics, but the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in these patients is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to analyze the distribution of pathogenic bacteria and the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria infection in early re-admission patients with AECOPD. ⋯ Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) and enterobacteria were the predominant bacteria in early readmission patients with AECOPD. The detection rate of MDR bacteria was high which was related to the use of antibiotics within 2 weeks before admission in these patients.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury prevalence in in adults at a South African tertiary hospital.
Hospital Acquired Acute Kidney Injury (HA-AKI) prevalence has not been analysed in a South African setting. We investigated HA-AKI prevalence, using the KDIGO definition, with clinical characteristics and outcomes. The aim was to provide evidence for earlier treatment interventions to improve outcomes, such as recent UK NHS initiatives of automated electronic alerts in the laboratory information system. ⋯ AKI prevalence is significant and associated with adverse patient outcomes. Initiatives that allow front-line healthcare professionals to treat and manage AKI, such as introduction of automated electronic alerts, should be considered. Similar initiatives have been implemented in UK NHS hospitals with positive impacts.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Association of inflammatory biomarkers with lung cancer in North Indian population.
Lung cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth of the lung tissues. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. ⋯ CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 are the promising biomarkers in the identification of lung cancer patients. The study also supports the association of inflammatory markers to lung cancer risk. Hence these findings suggest the levels of these biomarkers could be a useful tool for guiding the diagnosis of lung cancer.