Crystallography, Molecular Modeling, and COX-2 Inhibition Studies on Indolizine Derivatives.

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is an important target for drug discovery and development of novel anti-inflammatory agents. Selective COX-2 inhibitors have the advantage of reduced side-effects, which result from COX-1 inhibition that is usually observed with nonselective COX inhibitors. In this study, the design and synthesis of a new series of 7-methoxy indolizines as bioisostere indomethacin analogues (-) were carried out and evaluated for COX-2 enzyme inhibition.

Dataset evaluating the treatment timeliness of cervical cancer in Zambia.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed among women globally. Effective screening routines and early detection are vital in reducing its disease burden and mortality. Several factors can influence the timely detection and treatment of cervical cancer, especially in low middle-income countries where the burden of this disease is highest.

SARS-CoV-2 and helminth co-infections, and environmental pollution exposure: An epidemiological and immunological perspective.

Soil-transmitted helminths infect billions of people globally, particularly those residing in low- and middle-income regions with poor environmental sanitation and high levels of air and water pollution. Helminths display potent immunomodulatory activity by activating T helper type 2 (Th2) anti-inflammatory and Th3 regulatory immune responses. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can exacerbate Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokine production in humans, leading to a cytokine storm.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Vaccines.

Viral variants of concern may emerge with dangerous resistance to the immunity generated by the current vaccines to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Moreover, if some variants of concern have increased transmissibility or virulence, the importance of efficient public health measures and vaccination programs will increase. The global response must be both timely and science based.

Air pollution perception in ten countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As largely documented in the literature, the stark restrictions enforced worldwide in 2020 to curb the COVID-19 pandemic also curtailed the production of air pollutants to some extent. This study investigates the perception of the air pollution as assessed by individuals located in ten countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Norway, South Africa and the USA. The perceptions towards air quality were evaluated by employing an online survey administered in May 2020.

Mapping evidence on management of cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review protocol.

Background: Cancer is a non-communicable disease and is the number 2 leading cause of death globally. Among all cancers, cervical cancer is the number 1 killer of women in low-income countries (LICs). Cervical cancer is a well understood preventable cancer.

Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment delays in the developing world: Evidence from a hospital-based study in Zambia.

Expedited diagnostic processes for all suspected cervical cancer cases remain essential in the effort to improve clinical outcomes of the disease. However, in some developing countries like Zambia, there is paucity of data that assesses factors influencing diagnostic and treatment turnaround time (TAT) and other metrics vital for quality cancer care. We conducted a retrospective hospital-based study at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) for cervical cancer cases presenting to the facility between January 2014 and December 2018.

Possible association and co-existence of schistosome infection and prostate cancer: A systematic review.

Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) may result in eggs lodged in the prostate causing persistent inflammation that may play a major role in prostate carcinogenesis. Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers and the global distribution of PCa overlaps with that of schistosomiasis infections, suggesting a probable causal relationship. Objectives of this review were to assess evidence of co-existence of schistosomiasis and PCa and possible causal association between the two diseases.

Evaluation of CO Absorption by Amino Acid Salt Aqueous Solution Using Hybrid Soft Computing Methods.

Amino acid salt (AAs) aqueous solutions have recently exhibited a great potential in CO absorption from various gas mixtures. In this work, four hybrid machine learning methods were developed to evaluate 626 CO and AAs equilibrium data for different aqueous solutions of AAs (potassium sarcosinate, potassium l-asparaginate, potassium l-glutaminate, sodium l-phenylalanine, sodium glycinate, and potassium lysinate) gathered from reliable references. The models are the hybrids of the least squares support vector machine and coupled simulated annealing optimization algorithm, radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN), particle swarm optimization-adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and hybrid adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system.

Simulation and Optimization of the Acid Gas Absorption Process by an Aqueous Diethanolamine Solution in a Natural Gas Sweetening Unit.

The presence of carbon dioxide in natural gases can lower the quality of natural gas and can cause CO freezing problems. Therefore, using reliable techniques for the reduction and elimination of carbon dioxide from natural gases is necessary. The aqueous diethanol amine (DEA) solution's ability to simultaneously absorb HS and CO from sour natural gases makes it possible to use this solution in the natural gas sweetening process.

Enhanced biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons by implementing a novel two-step bioaugmentation strategy using indigenous bacterial consortium.

In the present study, a two-step bioaugmentation strategy (TSBS) was implemented by using indigenous bacterial consortium to enhance the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from petroleum refinery sludge (PRS). A bacterial consortium was developed using four indigenous isolated strains, Dietzia sp. IRB191, Dietzia sp.

Acceptability, feasibility, and impact of a pilot tuberculosis literacy and treatment counselling intervention: a mixed methods study.

Background: There is a need for innovative strategies to improve TB testing uptake and patient retention along the continuum of TB care early-on in treatment without burdening under-resourced health systems. We used a mixed methods approach to develop and pilot test a tuberculosis literacy and counselling intervention at an urban clinic in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to improve TB testing uptake and retention in tuberculosis care.

Methods: We engaged in discussions with clinic staff to plan and develop the intervention, which was delivered by senior social work students who received one-week training.

Human-associated scarcity of hosts for tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) is related to an increase in prevalence of trypanosome infection in flies in north-eastern Zambia.

Occurrence of nutritional stress (due to depletion of fat reserves) in tsetse flies, associated with inadequate levels of access to blood meals, enhances susceptibility of the flies to trypanosome infection. Thus, in a tsetse-infested area, a spatial gradient of reducing tsetse habitat quality is potentially a gradient of increasing prospects for occurrence of stress in tsetse flies. This study investigated prevalence of trypanosome infection in Glossina morsitans morsitans and G.

Use of a 'low and short' medial cut limits sagittal ramus osteotomy interferences.

The traditional 'high and short' medial cut of the sagittal ramus osteotomy (Hunsuck modification) is a frequent cause of lingual plate interferences in patients undergoing mandibular yaw or cant corrections. We describe how the modified 'low and short' medial cut of the sagittal ramus osteotomy reduces lingual plate interferences with improved passive alignment of the osteotomy segments.

Community- based maternal and newborn interventions in Africa: Systematic review.

Aim And Objectives: This review analysed the implementation and integration into healthcare systems of maternal and newborn healthcare interventions in Africa that include community health workers to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

Background: Most neonatal deaths (99%) occur in low- and middle-income countries, with approximately half happening at home. In resource-constrained settings, community-based maternal and newborn care is regarded as a sound programme for improving newborn survival.

A feasibility study to assess Imbrasia belina (mopane worm) sensitisation and related respiratory health outcomes in a rural community in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe.

Background: Allergic diseases are considered to be some of the fastest growing chronic conditions in Africa. Of concern is the paucity of knowledge about the local environment and its role in allergic disease development. In response to this, we explored whether Imbrasia belina, a popular indigenous edible insect commonly known as mopane worm, is a potential allergen of clinical and public health significance in Zimbabwe.

Fumonisin B alters global m6A RNA methylation and epigenetically regulates Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells.

FB is a common contaminant of cereal grains that affects human and animal health. It has become increasingly evident that epigenetic changes are implicated in FB toxicity. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional RNA modification, is influenced by fluctuations in redox status.

Present cum future of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its associated control of virus-laden air pollutants leading to potential environmental threat - A global review.

The world is presently infected by the biological fever of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study is mainly related to the airborne transmission of novel coronavirus through airway. Similarly, our mother planet is suffering from drastic effects of air pollution.