Publications, Standards and Data

This study explores the role of cellular and molecular elements, such as hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and the involvement of the NF-κB pathway in inflammation and immune regulation in the onset of diabetes mellitus. It extensively investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of curcumin (CUR), a bioactive compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, in addressing diabetic complications, predominantly via the modulation of the NF-κB pathway. The study highlights the importance of the NF-κB pathway as a molecular target for CUR in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the fourth leading cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases affecting about 422 million people worldwide and an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly attributed to diabetes each year with a prevalence of approximately 4.1% in Uganda. The disease is on an unprecedented rise in developing countries yet access to conventional diabetes medication is a huge challenge due to limited resources. Moreover, the current management and treatment options are life-long, expensive and associated with undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is widespread use of complementary and alternative medicines, mostly herbal medicines in the management of DM in Uganda.

Albizia coriaria (Fabaceae) crude extracts are key ingredients of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products in East Africa. However, there is limited and often contradicting information regarding its toxicity. We therefore evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria in mature healthy Wistar albino rats following Lorke’s method and OECD guidelines 407. The LD50 of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was 2000 mg/kg. The acute toxicity signs observed included piloerection, hyperventilation, lethargy, and loss of righting reflex. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, red blood cells and haemoglobin in rats after 28 days at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Histological analyses revealed multifocal random parenchymal necrosis and scattered periportal mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver, interstitial nephritis in the kidney and multifocal lymphoid accumulation in the peribronchiolar and perivascular lung tissue at 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic stem bark of A. coriaria was therefore moderately toxic to the rats when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h. The extract caused a dose dependent toxicity with significant damage to the kidney, liver and lung tissues at a dose of 500 mg/kg after 28 days. Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of toxicity particularly at higher doses greater than 500 mg/kg.

Treatment of microbial infections is becoming daunting because of widespread antimicrobial resistance. The treatment challenge is further exacerbated by the fact that certain infectious bacteria invade and localize within host cells, protecting the bacteria from antimicrobial treatments and the host’s immune response. To survive in the intracellular niche, such bacteria deploy surface receptors similar to host cell receptors to sequester iron, an essential nutrient for their virulence, from host iron-binding proteins, in particular lactoferrin and transferrin. In this context, we aimed to target lactoferrin receptors expressed by macrophages and bacteria; as such, we prepared and characterized lactoferrin nanoparticles (Lf-NPs) loaded with a dual drug combination of antimicrobial natural alkaloids, berberine or sanguinarine, with vancomycin or imipenem. We observed increased uptake of drug-loaded Lf-NPs by differentiated THP-1 cells with up to 90% proportion of fluorescent cells, which decreased to about 60% in the presence of free lactoferrin, demonstrating the targeting ability of Lf-NPs. The encapsulated antibiotic drug cocktail efficiently cleared intracellular Staphylococcus aureus (Newman strain) compared to the free drug combinations. However, the encapsulated drugs and the free drugs alike exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against the hard-to-treat Mycobacterium abscessus (smooth variant). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate the potential of lactoferrin nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of antibiotic drug cocktails for the treatment of intracellular bacteria.

The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries and a population of 2.5 billion, is a global network that collaborates to advance prosperity, democracy, and peace. Often referred to as a 'family of nations', it encompasses diverse geographical regions, religions, and cultures. The Commonwealth accounts for over 20 per cent of global trade and represents one-third of the world's population. Consequently, it presents extensive opportunities for commerce and investment, as well as significant challenges for sustainable development on a global scale. Against this backdrop, Commonwealth Business Communications publishes a series of reference books to help foster sustainable economic, social and environmental development across the Commonwealth. We are delighted to bring to you our latest publication: The Commonwealth Education Report 2023. Education serves as the cornerstone of development and progress. Beyond its role as a fundamental human right, it carries the weight of shaping a better society by instilling values and behaviours that promote positive change. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted the most severe disrupt ion to education systems in recent memory. It has exacerbated existing inequalities in accessing educational programmes and hindered the advancement of global development goals. The ramifications of the pandemic have propel led our reliance on digital tools and driven innovation within education systems whilst impacting children’s and educators’ mental health and exposing them to increasing challenges. As a result, individual governments bear a significant responsibility in formulating new strategies to address this unprecedented crisis. In light of these considerations, it is crucial to encourage educators and policymakers to reassess best practices and promote equal opportunities across the Commonwealth. As we reshape education in response to emerging technologies and policies, The Commonwealth Education Report 2023 focuses on solutions that can drive widespread change, equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in future crises. This report offers an enlightening perspective on the ongoing educational challenges, featuring contributions from leading experts in the field. Their collective wisdom sheds light on how Commonwealth nations can recover from the pandemic and achieve an inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Four of the top carbon-emitting countries in the world are Commonwealth Member States, and some of the world’s lowest emitters, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are also in the Commonwealth. But unprecedented floods, droughts, heatwaves and natural disasters are common to all. However, many small states are the most vulnerable, facing an existential threat. The urgency of the crisis requires urgent action from all stakeholders, including the education sector.

CDPF supports a Social Model/Human Rights approach to disability and full implementation of inclusive education across the Commonwealth.

Nations across the Commonwealth are impacted by a number of ongoing conflicts, emergencies and protracted crises that are pushing children out of school, disrupting economies and derailing development gains.

The findings of Research on Improving Systems of Education (RISE), the 10-year research project looking at education systems in low- and low-middle-income countries, point the way for policymakers interested in promoting large-scale change. The findings make clear that systems do not improve unless a commitment towards ensuring students learn is deeply held throughout the education system, political system, and society.

Whilst most people recognise that enabling girls to access an education is not enough, it is becoming clearer that even attendance, as well as a quality classroom education, despite being a good start may not be enough to enable girls to progress through school and positively impact later-life outcomes.