3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item The relationship between essential fatty acids and fever(1990) Benedict-Kenedi, EvaIn this thesis the role of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in thermoregulation and the polyunsaturates (PUFA) in the genesis of fever is investigated. Although recognised, that metabolites of arachidonic acid are involved in the biochemical sequences leading to fever, it is also acknowledged that fever response depends on lipid mobilisation. However, the exact biochemical mechanisms involved in this event remain unknown to date. In order to investigate a relation between serum lipids and fever, rabbits were subjected to dietary manipulation (deficient, or excessive EFA diet) and their hyperthermic responses to intravenous injections of (a) human leucocyte pyrogen (HLP); (b) endotoxin (Salmonella Thyphosa); and (c) cerebroventricular injections of prostaglandin E2» were compared with rabbits fed on a normal dietItem Effect of repeated fever on growth in young guinea pigs(2004-05-06) Madu, Scholastica ChinyereRepeated infection in early life can induce malnutrition and growth impairment due to the insufficiency of nutrients required to meet the increasing need for nutrients of a growing child, for growth. Infection causes an increase in metabolism and rate of tissue breakdown with a resultant need for extra nutrient intake. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of repeated fever on growth in young guinea pigs. Ten guinea pigs were studied from birth to approximately 60 days of age. At weaning age, guinea pigs were implanted with telemeters to measure body temperature. Then the guinea pigs were grouped into: An experimental group (n=5) receiving muramyl- dipeptide (MDP), and a control group (n=5) receiving normal saline injections. Eight injections per animal were given over the experimental period. Body weights of all animals were measured every 4 days while food intake was measured dailyItem A meta-analysis of artesunate plus sulfadoxinepyrimethamine alone for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children(2006-11-17T08:23:06Z) Benido, ImpoumaStudy objectives The objective of this meta-analysis was to review the comparative efficacy and tolerance of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) given alone or in combination with one (SPAS1) or three (SPAS3) doses of artesunate in children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, aged 6 months to 10 years. Specifically, it assessed cure rate, fever and parasite clearance time, gametocyte carriage and tolerability. Methods The methodology used was a systematic review and a meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials. The primary endpoint was the parasitological cure rate at day 28. Secondary endpoint included the parasitological cure rate at day 14, time to fever and parasite clearance, gametocyte carriage and occurrence of adverse events. Results Cure rate at day 28 corrected by PCR was 2.5 times higher in the combination of SPAS3 than in SP alone (pooled OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.93 to 3.37). There was no difference in cure rate at day 28 corrected by PCR between the combination of SPAS1 and SP alone (pooled OR=1.06 95% CI 0.98 to 1.15). Fever and parasite clearance times were significantly faster in both SPAS1 and SPAS3 compared to SP alone (p<0.001). By day 28 all children on the combination therapy were agametocytaemic as opposed to those on SP alone (p<0.001). All drug regimens were well tolerated and safe. Conclusion The combination of SPAS3 is more efficacious than SP alone in treatment of children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. The combination is recommended for adoption as a replacement for SP alone in areas where malaria is endemic.