Consumption and legalization of Cannabis sativa (CS) are increasing at a rapid rate due to its medicinal and recreational importance. However, several studies have revealed that CS stimulates oxidative stress (OS) which could affect the antioxidant defense system of the body. This research examined and compared the protective role of vitamin C (Vit C) on Cannabis sativa (CS)-induced oxidative stress in male (M) and female (F)Wistar rats. Post-acclimation (14 days), M and F animals were separately allocated to four groups. Males (1M, 2M, 3M, and 4M) and females (1F, 2F, 3F, and 4F) groups were administered orally, 1.0 mL of distilled water (control), CS (4.0 mg/kg), Vit C (4.0 mg/kg) and CS (4.0 mg/kg) + Vit C (4.0 mg/kg) respectively, for 21 days. Glutathione peroxide (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione reductase (GSH), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified following standard protocols.

Male infertility has become a global concern, accounting for 20-70% of infertility. Dysfunctional spermatogenesis is the most common cause of male infertility; thus, treating abnormal spermatogenesis may improve male infertility and has attracted the attention of the medical community. Mitochondria are essential organelles that maintain cell homeostasis and normal physiological functions in various ways, such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial OXPHOS transmits electrons through the respiratory chain, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mechanisms are vital for spermatogenesis, especially to maintain the normal function of testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells. The disruption of mitochondrial OXPHOS caused by external factors can result in inadequate cellular energy supply, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, all inhibiting spermatogenesis and damaging the male reproductive system, leading to male infertility. This article summarizes the latest pathological mechanism of mitochondrial OXPHOS disorder in testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells, which disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. In addition, we also briefly outline the current treatment of spermatogenic malfunction caused by mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders. However, relevant treatments have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in Sertoli cells and germ cells is a research direction worthy of attention. We believe this review will provide new and more accurate ideas for treating male infertility.
Male ; Humans ; Infertility, Male/metabolism* ; Oxidative Phosphorylation ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Sertoli Cells/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress/physiology* ; Animals ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*

Consumption of Cannabis sativa (CS) (Marijuana) has been known to be a psychoactive substance which has deleterious effects on the body cells. This study was conducted to investigate the inflammatory responses in male and female Wistar rats following administration of CS. Twenty male (m) and twenty female (f) rats were separately assigned into four groups of five animals each. The rats in groups 1m & If, 2m & 2f, 3m & 3f and 4m & 4f received orally 1mL of distilled water (control), 2mg/kg body weight (bw) of CS, 4mg/kgbw of CS and 6mg/kgbw of CS respectively for twenty-one (21) days. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Nitric oxide (NO)) were quantified using standard procedures. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in CRP, TNF, IL-6, MPO, and NO in the groups treated with low dose of CS (2mg) but with significant (p<0.05) increase in high doses (4mg and 6mg) groups when compared with the control in both male and female rats.

The genus Chrysobalanus is one of the classes of medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of several diseases. This study is aimed at providing up-to-date information on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological uses of Chrysobalanus icaco. Current literature on the Chrysobalanus species was obtained by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Of the species in this genus, four have been reported in the literature, but only one (C. icaco) has been extensively studied. C. icaco is rich in several minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium. The plant also contains a host of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, diterpenes and triterpenes, which have been shown to have pharmacological activity. It can be concluded that C. icaco is a good source of phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic uses. However, bioassay-guided isolation of its bioactive compounds is necessary for promoting the development of drugs from this medicinal plant.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient training in infection control and occupational health among healthcare workers (HCWs) in countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) burdens requires attention. We examined the effectiveness of a 1-year Certificate Program in Occupational Health and Infection Control conducted in Free State Province, South Africa in an international partnership to empower HCWs to become change agents to promote workplace-based HIV and TB prevention. METHODS: Questionnaires assessing reactions to the program and Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, and Practices were collected pre-, mid-, and postprogram. Individual interviews, group project evaluations, and participant observation were also conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data were thematically coded and analyzed using the Kirkpatrick framework. RESULTS: Participants recruited (n = 32) were mostly female (81%) and nurses (56%). Pre-to-post-program mean scores improved in knowledge (+12%, p = 0.002) and skills/practices (+14%, p = 0.002). Pre-program attitude scores were high but did not change. Participants felt empowered and demonstrated attitudinal improvements regarding HIV, TB, infection control, and occupational health. Successful projects were indeed implemented. However, participants encountered considerable difficulties in trying to sustain improvement, due largely to lack of pre-existing knowledge and experience, combined with inadequate staffing and insufficient management support. CONCLUSION: Training is essential to strengthen HCWs' occupational health and infection control knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices, and workplace-based training programs such as this can yield impressive results. However, the considerable mentorship resources required for such programs and the substantial infrastructural supports needed for implementation and sustainability of improvements in settings without pre-existing experience in such endeavors should not be underestimated.
Capacity Building ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Education ; Female ; HIV* ; Humans* ; Infection Control ; Interviews as Topic ; Mentors ; Methods* ; Occupational Health* ; South Africa ; Tuberculosis*

BACKGROUND: safety and healthy working environment has received numerous research attention over the years. Majority of these researches seem to have been conducted in the construction industry, with little attention in the health sector. Nonetheless, there are couple of studies conducted in Africa that suggest pressure in hospitals. Therefore the aim of the study was to examine how pressure influence safety behavior in the hospitals. With reference to the relevance of safety behavior in primary health care delivery, there was the need for the study. METHOD: Data was obtained from 422 public hospital employees. Respondents were assured that all information would be kept confidential to increase the response rate and acquire more accurate information. Collection of questionnaires from participants took four weeks (20 working days), after which the data was analyzed. RESULTS: The result of the study showed that work pressure correlated negatively with safety behavior. General safety climate significantly correlated positively with safety behavior and negatively with work pressure, although the effect size for the latter was smaller. Hierarchical regression analysis showed management commitment to safety to moderate the relationship between work pressure and safety behavior. CONCLUSION: When employees perceive safety communication, safety systems and training to be positive, they seem to comply with safety rules and procedures than voluntarily participate in safety activities.
Africa ; Climate ; Construction Industry ; Ghana* ; Hospitals, Public ; Methods ; Primary Health Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo determine the pattern, challenges and correlates of condom use among Nigerians living with HIV Infection.

METHODSA cross sectional questionnaire study among HIV positive adults attending an HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Data entry and analysis were done with Epi-info version 3.5.1.

RESULTSThe mean age of respondents was 35 (SD=7.7; range: 17-58 years) and mean age at sexual debut was 20 years old (range: 7-37 years). Majority were women (66.6%), had at least secondary school education(91.1%), married (68.2%)), on ART (50.7%) and knew their partners HIV status(60.9%). The rate of condom use at last sex act was 65.9%, but only 48.8% used condom consistently. Factors associated with condom use were male gender (OR=2.43, CI=1.35-4.33, P=0.002), less than secondary school education (OR=3.12, CI=1.04-9.28, P=0.05) and Not knowing partner's HIV status (OR=1.90, CI=1.04-3.80, P=0.04). Refusal to use condom (28.4%) were as a result of pregnancy intention, undesirability of condom in marriage and decreased sexual pleasure.

CONCLUSIONThere is low consistent condom use rate of 48.8% among this cohort despite their exposure to behavioural change messages. A review of the present counselling strategy and combination prevention is therefore advocated.

Objective: To determine the pattern, challenges and correlates of condom use among Nigerians living with HIV Infection. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire study among HIV positive adults attending an HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Data entry and analysis were done with Epi-info version 3.5.1. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35 (SD=7.7; range: 17-58 years) and mean age at sexual debut was 20 years old (range: 7-37 years). Majority were women (66.6%), had at least secondary school education(91.1%), married (68.2%) , on ART (50.7%) and knew their partners HIV status(60.9%). The rate of condom use at last sex act was 65.9%, but only 48.8% used condom consistently. Factors associated with condom use were male gender (OR=2.43, CI=1.35-4.33, P=0.002), less than secondary school education (OR=3.12, CI=1.04-9.28, P=0.05) and Not knowing partner’s HIV status (OR=1.90, CI=1.04-3.80, P=0.04). Refusal to use condom (28.4%) were as a result of pregnancy intention, undesirability of condom in marriage and decreased sexual pleasure.Conclusion:There is low consistent condom use rate of 48.8% among this cohort despite their exposure to behavioural change messages. A review of the present counselling strategy and combination prevention is therefore advocated.