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An Unusual Localized Association of Schistosomiasis and Acute Appendicitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Alioune Mohamed Ded,
Ahmedou Moulaye Idriss
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2022
Pages:
131-134
Received:
26 August 2022
Accepted:
13 September 2022
Published:
27 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20221005.11
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Abstract: Bilharzia or schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. Several infectious pathogens (viruses, bacteria or parasites) may be involved in appendicitis. Acute appendicitis can be seen at any age and is one of the most frequent emergencies in digestive surgery. After malaria, schistosomiasis is the second most socio-economically devastating parasitic disease in Africa. When parasites are released by certain types of freshwater snails, they come into direct contact with people and cause infestation either through the skin or through the mouth affecting the digestive tract. Appendicular involvement is very rare in endemic areas, even exceptional in Western countries. Appendicitis is not specific to a parasite, but many parasites can be found during an appendectomy: pinworms, the most common in Europe, but also roundworms, taenia, amoebae, schistosomes. The appendix is inflamed or gangrenous, but is often healthy, the parasites being discovered incidentally. The role of parasites in the genesis of acute appendicitis is not clear. Appendicular schistosomiasis was first described in 1909, but remains a rare condition, although it has been reported from endemic areas. Appendicular schistosomiasis is a rare condition with an exclusively histopathological diagnosis. The urogenital, intestinal and hepatosplenic localizations are the most frequent while the other sites are extremely rare. Appendectomy must be followed by treatment with praziquantel to avoid the occurrence of complications. Herein we report a case of 20-year-old young man with appendicular schistosomiasis from and living in a tropical area. We discuss also, the place of this parasitosis in the genesis of appendicitis with a review of the literature.
Abstract: Bilharzia or schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. Several infectious pathogens (viruses, bacteria or parasites) may be involved in appendicitis. Acute appendicitis can be seen at any age and is one of the most frequent emergencies in digestive surgery. After malaria, schistosomiasis is the second most socio-economically ...
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Human Health Effects from Exposure to Lead: A Review of the Current Literature
Prince Sellase Gameli,
Grant Fleming,
Marjanii Walton,
Tom Gluodenis
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2022
Pages:
135-145
Received:
5 September 2022
Accepted:
26 September 2022
Published:
11 October 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20221005.12
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Abstract: Low-level chronic exposure to heavy metals can go undetected for years accumulating in the human body which in turn can impact virtually any organ system. Lead is of particular concern given its prevalence, toxicological effects at low concentrations, and persistence in the body. In order to adequately regulate lead concentrations in food, water, air and consumer products, it is important to understand the relevant toxicodynamics and minimum risk levels at which deleterious effects are observed. An excellent resource is the lead toxicological profile published by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews published literature that describes human health effects, toxicokinetics, chemical and physical properties, and potential for human exposure. Since the release of that monograph in August of 2020, over 200 additional research papers have been published on the impact of lead exposure as it pertains to genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, neurological and cardiovascular effects to name a few. The purpose of this report is to review the published research since the release of the last ATSDR lead toxicology profile in order to present the most current studies relative to lead toxicodynamics, associated concentration levels, and potential areas for continuing research.
Abstract: Low-level chronic exposure to heavy metals can go undetected for years accumulating in the human body which in turn can impact virtually any organ system. Lead is of particular concern given its prevalence, toxicological effects at low concentrations, and persistence in the body. In order to adequately regulate lead concentrations in food, water, a...
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Prevention with Synbiosis and Treatment with Thalidomide and Celecoxib for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Masato Hada,
Muhammad Akram
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2022
Pages:
146-154
Received:
3 August 2022
Accepted:
21 October 2022
Published:
28 October 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20221005.13
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Abstract: There are a variety of types of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most patients with ALS (90%) are classified into the sporadic type (SALS) without heredity. 5% of SALS and 3%of familial type (FALS) are caused by mutations in the 43-kDa trans-activating response region DNA-binding protein (TDP-43). 20%of FALS are caused by the mutation of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Superoxide dismutases (SODs) catalyze the dismutation which reaction breaks down harmful radicals into non-reactive molecules in the cells. Mutated SOD1 leads to the production of ROS that causes neuronal death. Recently, a number of new causal factors have been found to link to the pathogenesis of ALS. Characteristic pathological mechanism of ALS is the function of cytosolic protein aggregates. Normal cell functions are disturbed in the cytosol and lead to abnormal cellular processes such as oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) process physiological tissue remodeling and pathological conditions, both of which include vascular and fibrotic regenerations, angiogenesis and destructive diseases such as ALS and cancers. The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) plays an important role in ALS causing inflammation oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction. RAGE is also expressed in neurons, vascular cells, microglia, and astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a potential environmental factor in ALS, which is derived from the cycad plant synthesized by cyanobacteria. BMAA is consumed mainly as cycad flour. Dysfunction of these factors are closely associated with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) The drugs that suppress activated NF-κB are currently thalidomide, celecoxib and valproic acid. These drugs might slow down the exacerbation of ALS as they are effective for cancers.
Abstract: There are a variety of types of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most patients with ALS (90%) are classified into the sporadic type (SALS) without heredity. 5% of SALS and 3%of familial type (FALS) are caused by mutations in the 43-kDa trans-activating response region DNA-binding protein (TDP-43). 20%of FALS are caused by the mutation of Cu, Zn...
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