Recently Published Articles
Protection Side Chain of Lysine by Host-Affinity Molecules during Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis in Aqueous Phase
Abstract:
A new approach to protecting the side chain of lysine during solid-phase peptide synthesis in an aqueous environment is explored. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to reduce the consumption of chemical solvents in peptide synthesis, and 2) to lower the costs associated with lysine side chain protection. In an effort to minimize the usage of organic solvents in amino acid side chain protection for peptide synthesis,18-crown-6 molecule (18C6) was introduced as protective agent for Lysine (Lys) side chain protection. 18C6 is utilized to protect ε-amino group of on side chain of Lys in peptide synthesis. 18C6 features cavity at its center. The 18C6 molecules exhibit a unique and distinctive host-guest affinity towards ε-amino group on side chain of Lys. 18C6 bind to Lys side chain through hydrogen bonds with ε-amino group of Lys, eliminating the need for chemical reactions in organic solvents to attach protective molecules to the side chain groups. This ...
Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in North-Central Nigeria
Abstract:
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major challenge to global efforts to control the pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, where hesitancy to other effective vaccines such as polio and measles has been widely reported. Several individual, societal, and structural factors contribute to this behaviour and prevent the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention efforts. This study sought to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the seven states of North-Central, Nigeria. A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SAGE vaccine hesitancy scale and distributed via social media networks over 8-weeks.
Genotypic Diversity among Salmonella Typhi Isolated from Children Living in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract:
The persistence of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida species from patients attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Abstract:
The development of medical therapy and patients profile has led to a rise in the incidence of nosocomial fungal infection. The frequency of candidiasis has surged worldwide, and the prevalent of healthcare diseases are now
Health-Related Quality of Life Perception Among Older Persons with Non-Communicable Diseases in Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Qualitative Inquiry
Abstract:
The understanding of older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) regarding health well-being is paramount and can translate to increased self-efficiency, independence, and enhanced well-being. However, little is known about older persons' understanding of the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Uganda. The study explored perceptions and unveiled understanding of older persons with NCDs on HRQoL in central Uganda. This exploratory qualitative study design involved 23 participants recruited from selected Primary healthcare facilities in Central Uganda. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach generated themes that informed the study's qualitative findings.
Exercises Pursued by Older Adults with Osteoarthritis and Their Structural Impacts are Hard to Uncover; a Scoping Review of Selected 1970-2024 Studies
Abstract:
Persons with osteoarthritis often have signs of reduced muscle strength. Some studies suggest that this strength could be improved with exercise. However, does this form of therapy improve the disease status as assessed by improvements in cartilage viability, a hallmark of the disease? This brief describes the possible usage of exercises in general, plus those known to improve strength and function, and reduce pain and whether structural impacts that favor or impede disease regression have been observed in this context among the older osteoarthritis adult population. Since exercise may also do harm, rather than good in osteoarthritis management if excessive, contra indicated, or suboptimal, what is the consensus in this regard in 2024?
Primary Membranous Nephropathy Flare After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abstract:
Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is due to autoantibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R Ab). It is unclear whether COVID-19 vaccines can trigger flares of glomerular diseases such as primary MN. There have been increasing reports of glomerular diseases presenting or flaring after receipt of COVID-19 vaccines. We present a patient with primary MN who developed nephrotic syndrome after receiving her second mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine with positive PLA2R Ab. Renal biopsy confirmed primary MN. She was treated for her primary MN flare with rituximab in a manner similar to non-vaccine-associated MN, which led to significant reduction in both PLA2R Ab level and proteinuria. This case adds to the growing literature on MN flares after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Close follow-up of patients with primary MN and other glomerular diseases after COVID-19 vaccination is ...
Ethics of Modern Stem Cell Research and Therapy: Current Critical and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Abstract:
From an academic and clinical point of view, stem cell therapy represents one of the most promising advances in modern medicine, with the ability to partially induce the regeneration of acutely injured or chronically damaged tissues. Stem cell research provides new opportunities for the treatment of various conditions, among them diabetes mellitus, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative illnesses. Stem cell therapy is currently not FDA-approved in the US (except for certain blood cancers). While bioethics and religion have mostly discussed the source of cells, i.e., embryonic cells that require the destruction of embryos versus adult tissue for research purposes, we also discuss the controversies with regard to currently offered therapies, and marketing of unapproved procedures from a scientific, clinical, and religious viewpoint.
Splenectomy Reports
Abstract:
It was seen that splenectomy creates a disability situation in an individual, and in order to eliminate it, people applied to health boards to get a report to eliminate their social and economic losses recognized to them. To examine the reason for surgery, method of surgery and the type of report they wanted to receive in splenectomised patients who applied to the general surgery committee polyclinic in 2017-2018-2019-2020 and 2023 when the pandemic ended. Patients who applied to general surgery outpatient clinics were asked whether they had any surgery related to general surgery, and epicrises and pathology results of splenectomised patients were seen and recorded.
Ultrasound Guided Pericardial Effusion Training Model for Neonates
Abstract:
This methods article presents a neonatal pericardial effusion training model using ultrasound. It details materials, construction, and training objectives to support procedural competence.