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BioMed, Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2024) – 5 articles

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19 pages, 2779 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Cocos nucifera-Based Nanomaterials and Mechanistic Basis of Their Antimicrobial Action
by Zuriatou Yajeh Tanka, Naphtali Odogu Ankoro, Vincent Ngouana, Franklin Loïc Tchinda Taghu, Abongta Lum Mforbesi, Branly-Natalien Nguena-Dongue, Julius Nsami Ndi, Boniface Pone Kamdem, Paul Keilah Lunga and Fabrice Fekam Boyom
BioMed 2024, 4(1), 59-77; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomed4010005 - 6 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Caused by pathogenic microorganisms, infectious diseases are known to cause high mortality rates, severe burdens of disability, and serious worldwide aftermaths. Drug-resistant pathogens have reduced the efficacy of available therapies against these diseases, thus accentuating the need to search for effective antimicrobials. Medicinal [...] Read more.
Caused by pathogenic microorganisms, infectious diseases are known to cause high mortality rates, severe burdens of disability, and serious worldwide aftermaths. Drug-resistant pathogens have reduced the efficacy of available therapies against these diseases, thus accentuating the need to search for effective antimicrobials. Medicinal plants have served as starting material for the preparation of a number of antimicrobial agents. To this end, the present study highlights the green synthesis of Cocos nucifera-based nanomaterials and evaluation of the mechanistic basis of their antimicrobial action. Accordingly, Cocos nucifera extract was used for the reduction of silver nitrate solution to afford silver nanoparticles. These entities were further incorporated onto sulfuric-acid-based activated carbons to generate the nanocomposites. The antimicrobial activity of the as-prepared nanomaterials was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, while the antioxidant activity was assessed through standard methods. The cytotoxicity of potent nanomaterials was assessed on Vero cells by the spectrophotometric method. As a result, nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, as evidenced by the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy analysis that revealed an intense absorption spectrum at 433 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy presented the functional group moieties involved as a capping and reducing agent in the synthesis of the nanomaterials. The incubation of nanomaterials with selected bacterial and fungal strains has led to significant inhibitory effects of these pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 7.813 to 250 μg/mL. In antioxidant assays, the nanocomposites presented scavenging activities comparable to those of ascorbic acid. Cytotoxicity experiment revealed no toxic effects on Vero cells (range of selectivity indices: from >4 to >128). These results provide evidence of the implication of Cocos nucifera-based nanomaterials in targeting bacterial or fungal systems that mediate free-radical damage or by inhibiting the oxidative damage caused by selected bacteria and fungi, the most susceptible being Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, respectively. Full article
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9 pages, 695 KiB  
Article
Increased Risk for Non-Union in First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis following High-Velocity Reaming: A Retrospective Study
by Assaf Albagli, Assaf Kadar, Ron Gurel, Elchanan Luger, Yaniv Warschawski and Shai Factor
BioMed 2024, 4(1), 50-58; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomed4010004 - 26 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Objective: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a reliable procedure for treating various pathologies related to this joint. However, non-union is a common and debilitating complication of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of [...] Read more.
Objective: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a reliable procedure for treating various pathologies related to this joint. However, non-union is a common and debilitating complication of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of a mechanical reamer to prepare the joint surface increases the risk of non-union compared to traditional manual osteotomy. Methods: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent their first MTPJ arthrodesis surgery in our medical center between 2010 and 2015. The articular surface preparation of the MTPJ was either manually performed (Group 1) or mechanically conducted with reamers (Group 2). Data regarding demographic characteristics, indications for surgery, osteosynthesis methods, and post-operative complications, including non-union, infection, and revision rates, were collected for all patients. Results: A total of 83 patients with 92 primary first MTPJ arthrodesis (44 cases in Group 1 and 48 cases in Group 2) were included with a mean follow-up time of 45.3 months (SD 16.8). The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, indication for surgery, and follow-up time. The non-union rate was 15.9% in Group 1 and 25% in Group 2 (p = 0.28). Group 2 showed a significantly higher rate of revision surgery compared to Group 1 (43.7% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: The mechanical reamer group had a higher non-union rate and a significantly higher rate of revision surgery compared to low-energy manual joint preparation. In light of these findings, the use of mechanical reamers for joint preparation in the first MTPJ arthrodesis was discontinued at our medical center. Full article
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11 pages, 1104 KiB  
Article
Regular Intermittent Aerobic Exercise Reduces Arterial Stiffness Associated with Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals
by Ryota Kobayashi and Hideyuki Negoro
BioMed 2024, 4(1), 39-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomed4010003 - 8 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Hardening of arterial walls associated with elevated postprandial blood glucose levels increases the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the impact of intermittent aerobic training on reducing arterial stiffness is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the chronic effects of intermittent [...] Read more.
Hardening of arterial walls associated with elevated postprandial blood glucose levels increases the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the impact of intermittent aerobic training on reducing arterial stiffness is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the chronic effects of intermittent aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness during hyperglycemia in middle-aged adults: 30 healthy middle-aged adults were randomly assigned to an 8-week intermittent aerobic training group (n = 15, jogging or running, 30 min/run, 3 times/week, 65% reserve heart rate) and a control group (n = 15, no training). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) of carotid-femoral (cf) and brachial-ankle (ba), heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose was measured before a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 30, 60, and 90 min after the test, before the exercise intervention, and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention. The baPWV and blood glucose levels before the intervention were elevated at 30, 60, and 90 min in both groups compared to levels before the 75 g OGTT (p < 0.01). The baPWV and blood glucose levels after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention were unchanged in the training group compared to that before the 75 g OGTT, but increased at 30, 60, and 90 min in the control group compared to that before the 75 g OGTT (p < 0.01). The baPWV and blood glucose levels at 30 and 60 min after the 75 g OGTT after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention were lower in the training group than in the control group (p < 0.01). These results indicate that intermittent aerobic exercise training may reduce the acute increase in arterial stiffness after hyperglycemia. Full article
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20 pages, 2383 KiB  
Review
Complements from the Male Reproductive Tract: A Scoping Review
by Rachel L. Washburn
BioMed 2024, 4(1), 19-38; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomed4010002 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
The organs of the male reproductive tract, including the testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and semen, must provide an immunoregulatory environment conducive to germ cell viability and successful fertilization. Many immune components, such as immune cells, have been investigated regarding reproductive immunology and [...] Read more.
The organs of the male reproductive tract, including the testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and semen, must provide an immunoregulatory environment conducive to germ cell viability and successful fertilization. Many immune components, such as immune cells, have been investigated regarding reproductive immunology and function; however, the investigation of the role of complement in this system has only more recently been gaining traction in research. This review focuses on complement in the male reproductive tract, with the goal of compiling information currently known about complement components detected in male reproductive organs and identifying areas in need of further research. Considering the recent and upcoming research about the noncanonical functions of complement, this information is relevant and applicable in the fields of reproductive immunology, fertility, and immune regulation. Full article
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18 pages, 906 KiB  
Review
Oral Diseases and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
by Ezekiel Taiwo Adebayo, Olunike Rebecca Abodunrin, Ifeoluwa E. Adewole, Abideen Olurotimi Salako, Joanne Lusher, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Maha El Tantawi, Omolola Titilayo Alade, George Uchenna Eleje, Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi and Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan
BioMed 2024, 4(1), 1-18; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomed4010001 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
This scoping review mapped and critically reviewed the extant literature exploring associations between oral disease status and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women residing in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search was conducted in July 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The articles [...] Read more.
This scoping review mapped and critically reviewed the extant literature exploring associations between oral disease status and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women residing in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search was conducted in July 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The articles selected were those published in the English language between 1990 and 2022. After screening 833 potential studies, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 12 (80.0%) adopted a descriptive research design, while 3 (20.0%) used experimental methodologies. Eight (53.3%) studies were conducted in East Africa, fourteen (93.3%) studies were hospital-based, and one (6.7%) study was community-based. Periodontitis was linked with low birth weight, preterm birth, preterm birth and low birthweight, stunting, wasting, and underweight in most studies. Periodontitis was, however, not linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes in four studies. Caries was not linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but its sequalae was linked with low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal stunting, and small head circumference. Two studies showed that periodontal diseases were linked with preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis. Maternal poor oral hygiene was linked with stunting. Two other studies showed no links between maternal periodontal disease and preterm premature rupture of membranes, eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and vaginal bleeding. Furthermore, two intervention studies found that the treatment of periodontal diseases during pregnancy reduced the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the effect size of the links observed between oral diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article
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