MAIN METHODS: Colon cancer HCT-116 cells were treated with 8-PN and subjected to MTT and acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining to investigate the cytotoxicity of 8-PN. Arrest of the cells at different phases of cell cycle was monitored in the presence of 8-PN. Moreover, the apoptotic effects of 8-PN was assessed via annexin V and caspase activity assays and compared to the untreated cells.
KEY FINDINGS: The findings showed that 8-PN revealed strong inhibitory effect against HCT-116 cells with an IC50 value of 23.83 ± 2.9 μg/ml after 48 h. However, at similar concentrations and experimental time-points, the compound did not show cytotoxic effect to non-cancerous colon cells (CCD-41). Annexin-V assay indicates that 38.5% and 14.4% of HCT-116 cells had entered early and late stages of apoptosis, respectively after exposure of the cells to 8-PN for 48 h. Caspase activity assay illustrates that apoptosis is activated through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Moreover, flow cytometry cell cycle results indicate that treatment with 8-PN significantly arrested the HCT-116 cells at G0/G1 phase.
SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal that 8-PN has anti-proliferative activity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells via induction of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway-mediated apoptosis. Further investigations should be carried out to unravel the mechanistic pathways underlying these activities.
Methods: The cross-sectional study enrolled 851 schoolchildren, ages 7 to 14 years old. The participants were enrolled from 17 schools in Sabach Sanjal and Upper Badibou Districts. The WHO random sampling technique n/50 (25 boys and 25 girls) was used. Stool samples were collected from each participant and Kato-Katz smear method was used to screen for S. stercoralis infection.
Results: Out of the total 851 pupils, 76 pupils (8.9%) were positive for S. stercoralis infection. The mean age of infected persons was 10.1 years (±2.2). The prevalence of infection was higher among females (9.2%) than males (8.7%). Rates of infection for age categories 7-10 years and 11-14 years were 12.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Rates of infection by districts were 12.3% for Sabach Sanjal and 7.1% for Upper Badibou. Schoolchildren from Sabach Sanjal were 1.6 times more likely to have strongyloidiasis compared to those from Upper Badibou (aOR = 1.64, p-value = 0.058). Schoolchildren aged 7-10 years were 3.2 times more likely to have strongyloidiasis infection compared to the 11-14-year-olds (aOR = 3.20, p-value <0.001). Schoolchildren who 'sometimes' have water or tissue after defaecation have more infection rate compared to those who 'always' have water or tissue after defaecation. However, this difference was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.36, p-value = 0.308).
Conclusion: The study revealed the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Sabach Sanjal and Upper Badibou districts of The Gambia. Kato-Katz technique might be inadequate for detecting S. stercoralis; thus, more studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of the disease in these two districts through the combined use of highly sensitive techniques such as Baermann, Koga Agar Culture and polymerase chain reaction.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the online databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus using the combination of keywords: "Trichomonas tenax" AND "periodontal disease" OR "gum disease", OR "oral disease" OR "periodontitis". A total of 9 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in this study.
RESULTS: This review highlights the incidence of T. tenax with periodontal diseases, the risk factors that contribute to the infection of T. tenax and available detection methods for the identification of the protozoan.
CONCLUSION: The inhabitation of the oral cavity by T. tenax prospers with the severity of periodontal diseases. Extensive research should be conducted to fully understand the potential pathogenic role and damaging effect of T. tenax in the oral cavity.
METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping reviews methodology was used. Data were extracted from MEDLINE, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science publications published between 2011 and 2020. A total of 23 articles were included in this review, which comprised qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods primary research studies focusing on the contributing factors that aided newly graduated nurses' adaptation to the work environment during their transition period. Key emerging themes were identified with thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) organisational contribution (social development, organisational culture, work characteristics, work readiness, work commitment, professional role), (2) personality traits (self-embodiment, personality masking, being proactive and confident), and (3) academic institutions (pre-entry knowledge and role of nursing faculty). Newly graduated nurses' adaptation should begin during nursing education, be supported by the workplace organisation, and driven by the nurse's personality. We determined that that the role of nursing education in aiding the provision of the required knowledge and actual clinical experiences to students profoundly affected developing nurses' self-confidence levels in delivering nursing care effectively. Additionally, a warm environment supported nurses emotionally and physically.
CONCLUSIONS: While organisations and educational institutions have undertaken numerous efforts to ensure that newly graduated nurses are adequately supported, the nurse's personality and values are also equally important to ease adaptation during the transition process. Academic and workplace programs designed for newly graduated nurses should apply and emphasise this knowledge to develop and strengthen their personalities and values, especially to increase confidence and promote proactive values that facilitate newly graduated nurses' rapid and effective adaptation to their new employment.