Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim Senduduk fruit (Melastoma malabathricum L) is native to Indomalaya and is believed to possess anticancer activity. This study investigated antiangiogenic and anti-inflammation effects of an ethanolic extract of Senduduk fruit (EESF) on HeLa cells. Methods Cytotoxicity was assayed in HeLa cell cultures exposed to a concentration series of 500-7.8 µg/mL of EESF. ⋯ The intensity of VEGF staining indicated moderate expression in HeLa cells in response to IC50, weak expression in response to 2×IC50, and strong expression in the absence of the EESF. While the intensity of TNF-α staining indicated moderate expression in HeLa cells in response to IC50 and to the absence of EESF, and weak expression in response to 2× IC50. Conclusion Senduduk fruit extract inhibited VEGF and TNF-α expression in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
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Aim To identify E. coli from chicken meat, establish their antibiotic resistance profiles and to confirm ESBL isolates with real time PCR, as well as to identify risk factors and farming practice associated with the antimicrobial resistance E. coli. Methods The study included 100 chicken skin samples collected randomly from retail supermarkets, butcheries and slaughterhouses. Disk susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method. ⋯ Molecular analysis was performed as the final confirmation of the production of extended spectrum β - lactamases for 24 isolates out of 29 phenotypicaly ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. Conclusion It is important to pay attention to people's awareness of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in food chain, as well as to understand its effects on human health and the environment. Phenotypic and molecular analysis demonstrated the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from chicken skin samples.
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Aim To determine factors associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in paediatric outpatient departments of the Public Institution Primary Health Care Centre of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 preschool children who were divided into two groups: normal weight (n=150) and overweight/obese (n=150). ⋯ Children of overweight mothers were 3.34 times more likely to be overweight/ obese than children with mothers of normal weight (95% CI: 1.77- 6.28). Physical activity <60 minutes/day ) (p=0.014), screen time >180 minutes/day (p=0.020), regular snacking while watching television, using computer/tablet/ mobile phones (p=0.000) were associated with overweight/obesity status of the preschool children. Conclusion Public health programs that aim to reduce overweight/ obesity in preschool children should mainly help mothers understand the serious risk of childhood obesity and the importance of them creating a healthy lifestyle in childhood.
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Aim Schizophrenia is a mental disorder and one of the suspected causes is cytokines. One of them is tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Cytokines have the potential to affect cognitive function. ⋯ Conclusion There was a significant difference between TNF-α level of PwS and control group, i.e. PwS group had lower TNF-α level compared to the control group. The TNF-α level of PwS group had a very weak effect on the cause of cognitive dysfunction in PwS group, yet the higher level of it could reduce MMSE score in PwS group.
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Aim To analyse the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to regulate interleukin 6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) expression in vitro under co-culture conditions in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Method This study used a post-test group design that used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients at Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia, and MSCs from a human umbilical cord. The cells were divided into two groups. ⋯ Following 24 h incubation, the levels of IL-6 and TGF-β released in the culture medium were measured using a specific ELISA assay. Results This study showed a significant decrease in IL-6 level (p<0.05) and a significant increase in TGF-β level (p<0.001) following 24 h of co-culture incubation of human SLE PBMCs cells and MSCs. Conclusion The PBMCs-to-MSCs ratio of 1:40 can regulate the IL-6 and TGF-β levels in human SLE PBMCs.