not by increased levels of LDL-C have been associated with HAART (1). Insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose and diabetes mellitus are glucose metabolism disorders also reported in persons with HIV infection with and without HAART (2). The exact etiologic mechanisms for development of these disorders are still uncertain because not all of the patients exposed to the same HAART regimens are similarly affected. Alterations in acute phase response proteins in response to acute or chronic inflammation and

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Background: Adiponectin has been associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes, though the mechanism of association is still uncertain. The adiponectin levels and lipid profile in relation to glycemic control were investigated in type 2 diabetics. Methods: Forty two diabetic subjects (35-64 years) and 33 age-matched non-diabetic subjects were recruited into this case control study. Socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were obtained. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein, (HDL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were estimated using colorimetric methods, atherogenic index (AI) was calculated, while serum adiponectin was determined by ELISA method. Results: Adiponectin levels of type 2 diabetics were not significantly different from the non-diabetics studied (p>0.05). Higher TG levels were observed in diabetics with poor glycemic control compared with those with good glycemic control (p<0.05). Hypertensive diabetics have higher TC and lower HDL-C levels compared with non hypertensive diabetics (p<0.05). Adiponectin correlated positively with HDL-C (r = 0.739, p = 0.01) and negatively with AI (r = -0.539, p = 0.001) only in the non diabetic group. No significant differences were observed in the adiponectin levels in relation with gender, duration of diabetes and glycemic state (p>0.05). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetics do not have lower adiponectin levels. Gender, duration of diabetes and glycemic control does not seem to exert any influence on adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin may be associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis through its effects on HDL cholesterol metabolism. [Int J Res Med Sci 2013; 1(4.000): 563-570

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Background: Cement production is associated with heavy metal emissions and environmental pollution by cement dust. The degree of contamination of drinking water sources by major and trace elements present in cement dust generated by united cement factory (UNICEM) is still uncertain. This study estimated the element content of ground and surface water samples (handdug wells, boreholes and streams) around the factory site to determine the impact of cement dust exposure on the water levels of these elements.Methods: This study was conducted at UNICEM at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Drinking water samples (5 from each location) were collected from the cement factory quarry site camp, 3 surrounding communities and Calabar metropolis (45 km away from factory) serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganes (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) levels of samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc at P = 0.05. Results:As and Pb content of samples from camp were above the WHO recommendations of 0.01mg/l and 0.01mg/l respectively. Chromium and cadmium content of all water samples were above and others below WHO recommendations. Water levels of Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ca and Si were significantly elevated (though below WHO recommendations) in camp than other locations (P<0.05). Conclusion:Production of cement results in As, Pb, Cr and cd contamination of drinking water sources near the factory. Treatment of all drinking water sources is recommended before public use to avert deleterious health consequences.

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Aim: Heavy metal (HM) content of some vegetables in the vicinity of a cement factory can be a useful index for assessment of HM contamination of the environment associated with cement production. Study Design: This cross sectional study was conducted at the United Cement Company at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria between February to November 2016. Methods: One hundred and forty edible vegetables of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Amaranthus viriditis (green leaf), Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Lavantheca africanum, Heinsia crinata and Gnatum africana were collected at varying distances and directions from the cement factory site and an area remote to the site serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) content of the vegetable samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance at P = .05. Results: The Pb, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd, Se and Zn content of vegetables in all the locations studied were within the safe limits except for Cr and As levels of some vegetables from location closest to the factory which were higher than the safe limits. The HM content of all vegetables from location closest to the factory were significantly higher than those from other locations (P <0.001). The hazard quotient (HQ) of all HM in all the vegetables were <1 except for Mn in T. occidentalis which was >1. The hazard index (ƩHQ) for all HM in all the vegetables were >1. Conclusion: Cement production is associated with chromium and arsenic contamination of edible vegetables and increase in hazard index of HM levels in vegetables closest to the factory which may be implicated in increased risk for development of deleterious health consequences to consumers.

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