Chapters authored
Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Cancers
Extracellular vesicles refer to exosomes, apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and large oncosomes, which are membrane bound structures secreted by cells including cancer cells. The pathological role and translational potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancers are receiving research attention recently. The cargoes of cancer-derived EVs retain the molecular properties of their sources and cancer cells actively release EVs into body fluids that are easy to access. EVs released from cancer cells not only promote cancer progression through the delivery of cancer-associated molecules but also reflect alterations in the state of cancers during therapy. They are considered promising biomarkers for therapeutic response evaluation, especially resistance to therapy and diagnostics. This chapter discusses the various roles of extracellular vesicles in cancers and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Part of the book: Extracellular Vesicles
Treatment Failure, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among Basic School Pupils
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and Schistosomiasis infections remain prevalent in developing countries. In Ghana, periodic mass drug administration (MDA) exercise has been implemented to tackle these infections, however, information on drug treatment failure and knowledge of the infection trend is needed for evaluating and modifying existing control programs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) that predispose Basic School pupils to Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections and determined the rate of treatment failure against the worms after school mass drug administration (MDA). A cross-sectional study with a structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the KAP among pupils who had undergone a MDA (albendazole and praziquantel) exercise 21 days prior. A majority of the pupils interviewed had knowledge of helminthiasis. There were significant associations between helminthic infection and source of drinking water (river; p = 0.013), the number of individuals who share toilet facilities (p = 0.049) and garbage disposal into a river (p = 0.015). Treatment failure of 7.2% was recorded for all the helminthic infections. Potential drug treatment failure of albendazole against hookworm infection and praziquantel against Schistosomiasis infection was thus evident within the population.
Part of the book: New Horizons for Schistosomiasis Research