Journal of Basic and Applied Research in Biomedicine

Molecular Detection of Some Risk Factors of Thromboembolism among Nigerian Women on Hormonal Contraceptives

Obzzelu Progress — 2024-04-02

Hormonal contraceptives are commonly used by women of reproductive age and may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Any rise in the relative risk of venous thromboembolism related to specific contraceptive formulations could lead to a notably elevated absolute risk. This study seeks to evaluate the potential role of Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Prothrombin G20210A mutations as risk factors for thromboembolism in users of hormonal contraceptives in Benin City. The study population consisted of 50 non-contraceptive users, 50 non-hormonal contraceptive users, 50 progestin-only contraceptive users, and 50 combined oral contraceptive users recruited from Family Planning Clinics in Benin City. Each participant provided aseptically collected venous blood, with 5.0 mL collected in total. 0.5 mL was placed in a container containing 3.1% tri-sodium citrate anticoagulant for the manual determination of Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Additionally, 0.5 mL of venous blood was dispensed into a plain container with 0.25 mL DNA-RNA shield solution for the detection of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin 20210A gene mutations using PCR Duplex Prothrombin 20210 and Factor V. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 software. The findings revealed that the overall mutation carriage rate (AA and AG) for the Prothrombin 20210A gene (5%) was more prevalent than FVL (3%) among the subjects. Furthermore, the mean PT and APTT (in seconds) were significantly lower (p<0.001) among women using combined hormonal contraceptives. These findings suggest a potential association between the presence of FVL and FII genes mutations and thromboembolism among Nigerian women using hormonal contraceptives.

Prevalence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli and Associated Risk Factors Among Camel and Bovine Meat Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Mustafe Ahmed — 2024-08-30

A cross-sectional study involving microbiological analysis was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 in Jigjiga town to isolating and identifying Salmonella and E. coli from raw meats of camels and bovines slaughtered at the Jigjiga municipal abattoir and assessing possible associated related risk factors for the isolates. A total of 384 examined samples for the presence of Salmonella and E. coli. From the total samples examined, 64 (16.7%) and 44 (11.5%. were found to be E. coli and Salmonella positive respectively. Out of the 199 meat samples taken from camel, 31 (15.6%) and 32 (16.1%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli respectively while a total 185 meat samples of bovines, 13 (7%) and 32 (17%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli, respectively. In the univariable logistic regression analysis result, Salmonella revealed a statistically significant difference among different ages (OR (CI) = 2.36 (1.195–4.679); p-value = 0.013). The multivariable regression analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two sex groups (OR (CI) = 2.01 (0.892–4.544); p = 0.092). In an univariable logistic regression analysis result, the odds of meat contamination in young-aged animals with E. coli were three times higher than in adult animals, showing a statistically significant difference (OR = 2.83 (1.567–5.095; p = 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli was higher in animals with poor body condition (31.9%), followed by medium (15.5%) and good body-conditioned animals (1.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of contamination of samples with E. coli from poor-body condition animals were 22 times higher than samples taken from good-body condition animals (OR (CI) = 21.8 (5.022 - 95.059); p = 0.000). To prevent cross-contamination of Salmonella and E. coli, hygiene must be improved, standardized procedures, and training programs should be implemented. Further studies on molecular characterization and serotyping of these species are also needed.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation: Antibiofilm Strategies and conventional methods of evaluation.

Sham Ma'aitah — 2024-10-12

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to form resilient biofilms, which contribute to its persistence in chronic infections and resistance to antimicrobial agents. This review provides a detailed examination of biofilm development stages—attachment, maturation, and dissemination and highlights the role of specific genes in each stage, with a focus on quorum sensing as a key regulatory mechanism governing bacterial communication within biofilms. It also evaluates conventional methods for analyzing P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes, discussing their purposes, advantages, and limitations. Accordingly, future research should focus on standardizing protocols, advancing imaging technologies, and targeting biofilm-specific mechanisms. Collaborative efforts across disciplines and translational research will be essential for developing effective therapies. This review aims to deepen our understanding of P. aeruginosa biofilm dynamics and highlight the implications for developing effective therapies against biofilm-associated infections.