| 1. |
- Adem, Abdu, et al.
(författare)
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ANP and BNP Responses to Dehydration in the One-Humped Camel and Effects of Blocking the Renin-Angiotensin System
- 2013
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:3, s. e57806-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objectives of this study were to investigate and compare the responses of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the circulation of hydrated, dehydrated, and dehydrated losartan - treated camels; and to document the cardiac storage form of B-type natriuretic peptide in the camel heart. Eighteen male camels were used in the study: control or hydrated camels (n = 6), dehydrated camels (n = 6) and dehydrated losartan-treated camels (n = 6) which were dehydrated and received the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT-1 receptor blocker, losartan, at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight intravenously for 20 days. Control animals were supplied with feed and water ad-libitum while both dehydrated and dehydrated-losartan treated groups were supplied with feed ad-libitum but no water for 20 days. Compared with time-matched controls, dehydrated camels exhibited a significant decrease in plasma levels of both ANP and BNP. Losartan-treated camels also exhibited a significant decline in ANP and BNP levels across 20 days of dehydration but the changes were not different from those seen with dehydration alone. Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography of extracts of camel heart indicated that proB-type natriuretic peptide is the storage form of the peptide. We conclude first, that dehydration in the camel induces vigorous decrements in circulating levels of ANP and BNP; second, blockade of the renin-angiotensin system has little or no modulatory effect on the ANP and BNP responses to dehydration; third, proB-type natriuretic peptide is the storage form of this hormone in the heart of the one-humped camel.
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| 2. |
- Ademuyiwa, Adesoji O., et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of morbidity and mortality following emergency abdominal surgery in children in low-income and middle-income countries
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMJ Global Health. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2059-7908. ; 1:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Child health is a key priority on the global health agenda, yet the provision of essential and emergency surgery in children is patchy in resource-poor regions. This study was aimed to determine the mortality risk for emergency abdominal paediatric surgery in low-income countries globally.Methods: Multicentre, international, prospective, cohort study. Self-selected surgical units performing emergency abdominal surgery submitted prespecified data for consecutive children aged <16 years during a 2-week period between July and December 2014. The United Nation's Human Development Index (HDI) was used to stratify countries. The main outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality, analysed by multilevel logistic regression.Results: This study included 1409 patients from 253 centres in 43 countries; 282 children were under 2 years of age. Among them, 265 (18.8%) were from low-HDI, 450 (31.9%) from middle-HDI and 694 (49.3%) from high-HDI countries. The most common operations performed were appendectomy, small bowel resection, pyloromyotomy and correction of intussusception. After adjustment for patient and hospital risk factors, child mortality at 30 days was significantly higher in low-HDI (adjusted OR 7.14 (95% CI 2.52 to 20.23), p<0.001) and middle-HDI (4.42 (1.44 to 13.56), p=0.009) countries compared with high-HDI countries, translating to 40 excess deaths per 1000 procedures performed.Conclusions: Adjusted mortality in children following emergency abdominal surgery may be as high as 7 times greater in low-HDI and middle-HDI countries compared with high-HDI countries. Effective provision of emergency essential surgery should be a key priority for global child health agendas.
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| 3. |
- Al Haj, Mahmoud, et al.
(författare)
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Changes in insulin-like growth factor-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 in camel plasma during dehydration in the presence and absence of losartan
- 2012
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Ingår i: Comparative Clinical Pathology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1618-5641 .- 1618-565X. ; 21:6, s. 1745-1749
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the present study, the effect of 20 days of dehydration in the presence or absence of losartan (angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist) on insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) in plasma of the one-humped camel was studied. Eighteen male camels, 3-4 years of age, were divided into three equal groups: control, dehydrated, and dehydrated-losartan-treated groups. The control camels were given food and water ad libitum. The two dehydrated groups underwent 20 days of water deprivation but were given food ad libitum. The dehydrated-losartan-treated camels were given losartan injection (Merck, USA), intravenously at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight daily for 20 days. Our results demonstrated a progressive decrease in the circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the dehydrated and dehydrated-losartan-treated animals across dehydration compared to their basal levels and time-matched control. On day 5 of dehydration, the IGF-1 level in the losartan-treated group showed a decrease of 60 % and the dehydrated group showed 45 % decrease from their baseline levels and time-matched control. On day 10 the decrease in the losartan-treated animals reached 74 % and for the dehydrated was 62 %. On day 20 the decrease in the losartan-treated was 89 % and for the dehydrated reached 80 % from their baseline levels and time-matched control. Dehydration in the presence or absence of losartan caused a decrease in the circulating level of IGFBP-3. The decrement reached 26 % on day 10 and 20 for the treated camels, while the decrease for the dehydrated was 22 % on day 10 of dehydration and reached 29 % on day 20 compared to their baseline levels and time-matched control. In conclusion, dehydration alone, or in presence of Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker caused significant decrease in the circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 compared to their basal values and to time-matched controls. Losartan enhanced the effect of dehydration mainly in the early phase of dehydration for both parameters; albeit, no significant differences between the two dehydrated groups was observed. Finally, these findings suggest an essential role of IGF-1and IGFBP-3 in the dehydration state of these dromedarian camels.
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| 4. |
- Al Haj, Mahmoud, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of Dehydration in the Presence and Absence of the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Losartan on Blood Constituents in the Camel
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Hamdan Medical Journal. - 1996-3262 .- 1996-3270. ; 4:2, s. 73-78
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: Dromedary camels are extremely well adapted to periods of water deprivation. The physiological mechanisms underlying this adaptation, however, are imperfectly understood. It is likely that the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role although few studies have addressed this possibility in the camel. Accordingly, the effects of long term dehydration alone and with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, losartan, on whole blood and serum constituents were studied in camels.Methods:Twenty eight male camels 3-4 years old were studied while under shade during summer in the Gulf-region, where the ambient temperature was above 40 degree Celsius. The camels were divided into three groups: a control group(n=6) was allowed free access to feed and water, a dehydration group (n=16) was given food ad-lib during 20days of total water deprivation, and a dehydration plus losartan (losartan) group (n=6) which received losartan 5mg/Kg daily by intravenous injection during 20 days of dehydration. Results: The body weight of the losartan group decreased by nearly 39.1% across dehydration whereas the reduction in body weight for the dehydration group was nearly 34.5% compared to controls. There was a significant increase in the packed cell volume (p<0.05) and leucocytes count (p<0.01) in the losartan group compared to controls. However, the mean corpuscular volume was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the dehydration group compared to controls. We observed major, statistically significant increases in serum urea (p<0.01) and creatinine (p<0.05) levels in the dehydration and losartan groups compared to controls. By the end of the period ofwater restriction, serum levels of gamma glutamyl transferase were significantly (p<0.01) lower in the losartan group compared to controls.Conclusion: The results of our experiment show that dehydration alone or in combination with Angiotensin II receptor blocker has major effects on the biochemical and hematological parameters of the camel blood.
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| 5. |
- Al Haj, Mahmoud
(författare)
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Effects of Dehydration and Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The one-humped or the dromedarian camel is a pseudo-ruminant mammal, well adapted to the hot and dry climates of the desert. Its ability to withstand torrid heat and extreme desiccation is of paramount importance to its survival. The studies presented in this thesis were designed to investigate and document the effect of dehydration in the presence or absence of angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor blocker (losartan) on blood constituents, electrolytes, hormones, neurotransmitters as well as liver and kidney enzymes in a subset of dehydrated camels and to compare them with hydrated camels. Additionally, we studied the response of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and revealed for the first time the cardiac storage form of BNP in the camel heart. Dehydration induced significant increments in packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT), serum sodium, creatinine and urea levels, and a doubling in plasma cortisol and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels. At the same time dehydration caused significant decrease in body weights, plasma insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and a 50% decrement in ANP and BNP levels. Moreover, dehydration with and without losartan resulted in significant changes in stress hormones and anti-oxidants in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates. Losartan on one hand enhanced the effect of dehydration resulting in significant increases in sodium, creatinine and urea levels. In addition losartan raised the binding affinity of Ang II AT2 receptors in the small intestine with 8-fold and with 16-fold for liver AT1 receptors, indicating that Ang II AT1 and AT2 receptor binding sites were present in camel's small intestine while only AT1 receptor binding sites were found in the camel liver. One the other hand losartan resulted in significant decrease in body weights impaired the rise in anti-diuretic hormone and reduced aldosterone level. Finally, we showed that the proBNP is the storage form of BNP in the camel heart.
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| 6. |
- Al Shemaili, Jasem, et al.
(författare)
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Frondoside A enhances the antiproliferative effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer
- 2014
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cancer. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-8049 .- 1879-0852. ; 50:7, s. 1391-1398
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis. While gemcitabine is the mainstay of therapy and improves quality of life, it has little impact on survival. More effective treatments are desperately needed for this disease. Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from the Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa. Frondoside A potently inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether frondoside A could enhance the anti-cancer effects of gemcitabine. Effects of frondoside A and gemcitabine alone and in combination on proliferation were investigated in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and S2013. To investigate possible synergistic effects, combinations of low concentrations of the two drugs were used for a 72 h treatment period in vitro. Growth inhibition was significantly greater with the drug combinations than their additive effects. Combinations of frondoside A and gemcitabine were tested in vivo using the athymic mouse model. Xenografts of AsPC-1 and S2013 cells were allowed to form tumours prior to treatment with the drugs alone or in combination for 30 days. Tumours grew rapidly in placebo-treated animals. Tumour growth was significantly reduced in all treatment groups. At the lowest dose tested, gemcitabine (4 mg/kg/dose), combined with frondoside A (100 mu g/kg/day) was significantly more effective than with either drug alone. To conclude: The present data suggest that combinations of frondoside A and gemcitabine may provide clinical benefit for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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| 7. |
- Alho, Hannu, et al.
(författare)
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Misuse and diversion of agonist opioid treatment medicines : assessment of the scale of the problem and review of the changing environment for care in the Nordic countries
- 2015
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Ingår i: Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems. - 1592-1638. ; 17:5, s. 43-49
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Opioid addiction is effectively treated via a multidisciplinary approach including agonist opioid treatment (AOT) and psychosocial intervention. Misuse and diversion of AOT medicines such as methadone and mono-buprenorphine comprise a significant problem occurring in the Nordic countries with some of the highest frequencies in Europe. Misuse and diversion are associated with poor treatment compliance and increases in risk of blood-borne infections, crime, and mortality. Regulations and guidelines for provision of AOT medication vary among the Nordic countries. Aim: The extent and impact of misuse and diversion in the Nordic countries has not been documented in the literature. This review of local sources summarizes the extent and impact of misuse and diversion of AOT medication to provide a basis for improving outcomes in opioid addiction care. Methods: PubMed was searched using the terms "methadone" or "buprenorphine" and "misuse" or "diversion". Titles and abstracts of search results were inspected for location and relevance. Government sources and mainstream media were also searched for relevant reports. Results: Misuse and diversion of AOT medicines is a significant issue in the Nordic countries; these opioids are available outside of treatment and are misused, including by young addicts. To address this problem, changes in medicines used in treatment in Finland and Iceland have already been implemented and considerations are under way in Norway and Sweden. Conclusions: All persons involved in AOT should take action to better understand AOT medication misuse and diversion as this can lead to a step change improvement in outcomes.
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| 8. |
- Ali Haj, Mahmoud, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of Dehydration and Blockade of Angiotensin II AT1 Receptor on Stress Hormones and Anti-Oxidants in the one-humped camel
- 2013
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Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 9, s. 232-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our objectives were to document and compare plasma levels of Catecholamines, Cortisol,Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in camels after long term dehydration (20 days) in the presenceor absence of angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker (Losartan) versus levels in non-dehydratedcamels; and to record the effects on glutathione and malondialdehyde activity in liver and kidneyhomogenate in the one-humped camel. Eighteen male camels were used in this study, sixcontrols, six dehydrated and treated with losartan (5mg/kg daily) and six were dehydrated withouttreatment. Our results revealed significant decrease (P<0.05) in plasma epinephrine level in bothtreated and dehydrated camels; while, Plasma norepinephrine showed significant increase in bothdehydrated groups (P< 0.01). Levels of plasma dopamine were also significantly increased (P<0.01) in both dehydrated groups compared to control camels.Plasma levels of cortisol increased significantly across dehydration with or without losartanadministration (P<0.01) compared with time-matched levels in control camels. Losartan had nosignificant modulating effect on the cortisol response to dehydration.Plasma, liver and kidney homogenates revealed significant increase (P<0.05) in glutathione levelsin both dehydrated groups compared to control.Plasma, liver and kidney homogenates for malondialdehyde levels in both treated and dehydratedcamels also showed significant increase (P<0.05 & P<0.01) compared to controls.In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the effect of dehydration with or without losartaninduced oxidative stress in these camels, leading to significant changes in plasma catecholaminesand cortisol levels, together with significant increments in glutathione and malondialdehydeactivities in plasma, liver and kidney homogenate to counter act the damaging effect of the freeradicals in the dehydrated camels.
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| 9. |
- Ali, M Al Haj, et al.
(författare)
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Distribution of neuroendocrine cells in the small and large intestines of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)
- 2007
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Ingår i: Neuropeptides. - : Elsevier BV. - 0143-4179 .- 1532-2785. ; 41:5, s. 293-299
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The distribution and relative frequency of neuroendocrine cells in the small and large intestines of one-humped camel were studied using antisera against 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), cholecystokinin (CCK-8), somatostatin (SOM), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), gastrin releasing peptide (GRP), substance P (SP), and neurokinin A (NKA). Among these cell types, CCK-8 immunoreactive (IR) cells were uniformly distributed in the mucosa, while others showed varied distribution in the villi or crypts of the small intestine. Immunoreactive cells like 5HT, CCK-8, and SOM showed peak density in the villi and crypts of the small intestine and in the colonic glands of the large intestine, while cells containing SP were discerned predominately in the crypts. 5-HT, CCK-8 and SOM cells were mainly flask-shaped and of the open-variety, while PYY and SP immunoreactive cells were mainly rounded or basket-shaped and of the closed variety. Basically the distribution pattern of the endocrine cells in the duodenum, jejunum and colon of the one-humped camel is similar to that of other mammals. Finally, the distribution of these bioactive agents may give clues as to how these agents aid in the function of the intestinal tract of this desert animal.
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| 10. |
- Ali, M. Al-Haj, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of high-calorie diet on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)
- 2006
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Ingår i: DIABETES MELLITUS AND ITS COMPLICATIONS - MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND CLINICAL MEDICINE. - : Wiley. - 9781573316354 ; , s. 402-410
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The one-humped camel is a typical desert animal. It has the capability of withstanding the harsh climatic changes and the scarcity of food and water, in addition to the high-ambient temperature. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in two different groups of the one-humped camel, group (A) control (n = 102) camels and group (B) high-calorie diet-fed camels (n = 103), in Al-Ain region (UAE) was studied using biochemical and radioirnmunoassay techniques. In this article, 7% of the control camels have diabetes mellitus (blood glucose level: >= 140 mg/dL) compared to 21% of the high-calorie-fed camels. Plasma insulin level was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group B compared to group A. The low insulin level in camels consuming high-caloric diet could be a sign of exhaustion of pancreatic beta cells. The hematological parameters were nearly similar in both groups and no significant differences were seen. Liver and kidney enzymes were normal in both groups. Iron and copper were significantly (P < 0.005) higher in the high-calorie-fed camels compared with the control. Our study indicates that high-caloric feed consumption in camels is associated with the development of disorders in glucose metabolism leading to diabetes mellitus.
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