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Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-24-4984
H. Al-Sadeeq AidaCorresponding author
Introduction Children with complicated Severe Acute Malnutrtion (SAM) admitted to Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC), and ‘uncomplicated’ SAM managed in Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP). Objective This study aims to examine the anthropometric differences between SAM admitted to TFC and OTP. Methods A hospital based case control study conducted in the Therapeutic Feeding Program (TFP) of Al-Sadaka General Teaching hospital, Aden, included complicated (cases) and uncomplicated (control) severely wasted 6-60 month old children admitted between July 2022 to June 2023. The WHO anthropometric calculator was used to assess every child’s weight-for-length/height SD and length/height for age SD. Results A total of 313 cases and 122 controls were admitted, mean age, weight, length/height, and MUAC among the cases were (13.04±7.34 mo., 5.41±1.33 kg, 68.32±7.10 cm, and 10.57±1.36 cm) respectively; while among the controls were (20.05±12.93 mo., 7.05±1.74 kg, 76.89±10.46 cm, and 11.28±1.11 cm) respectively. Severe wasting by WFL/H < - 3SD z- score seen more among the controls; cases vs controls were (37.0% vs 68.9%). Howevere, the other groups of severity of WFL/H z-score were seen with nearly douple frequencies among the case vs the controls (35.8% vs 18.8% < - 4SD), (14.7 vs 7.4% < - 5SD). Less than – 6SD was seen much more among the cases vs the controls (8.6% vs 1.6%). Less than – 7 SD among the cases was 1.3% and no children belong to this group in the controls.. The majority of the cases belonged to the age group 6-24 months. Conclusion Children a dmitted to TFC had severe wasting reaching up to < - 6 and < - 7 SD below the WHO cut-off, WFL/H < - 3SD z-score, and at an early age, with simultaneous presence of severe stunting and low MUAC which denotes high mortality risk.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4856
Rashid AlKalbani SalmaCorresponding author
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem worldwide, as it is the third most common disease and the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. In recent years, Oman, like many other countries, has seen an epidemiological shift from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases, including colorectal cancer, necessitating comprehensive planning to address the root cause of the problem as well as a comprehensive screening program to detect diseases at an early stage and thus improve health outcomes. Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Oman, with the highest mortality rate, inflicting considerable public health and economic consequences; nevertheless, there is no population-based CRC screening programme in place to minimise the disease's incidence, mortality, and severe health outcomes. This review highlights the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Oman, the Wilson and Junger criteria, operational readiness, and recommendations for implementing a population-based colorectal cancer screening program.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4635
R. AlKalbani SalmaCorresponding author
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of harm to public health. Despite nearly two decades of ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Oman is still striving to achieve the best practice approach in different FCTC measures. Current epidemiological data shows that the prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Oman is steadily increasing with time. This review highlights the progress that has been made in the various FCTC measures, as well as how Oman has the possibility to attain the best practice approach in the various FCTC measures, and even go beyond that by implementing policies that have the potential to achieve a tobacco-free Oman by 2040.
Jun 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-23-4526
Isea RaúlCorresponding author
A large volume of data is being generated in public administration and it is necessary to develop new computational methodologies to classify and analyze it to do a better analysis and decision making. For this reason, the goal of this paper is to present a computational methodology that allows classifying and prioritizing a series of complaints using Artificial Intelligence techniques. To test this model, we generate 600 complaints in four sectors of the public administration to prove the concept. Later, we calculated the tree decision with the help of the Confusion Matrix, and finally the Priority Matrix (based on the Eisenhower model) allows setting priorities on the complaints, and offers the possibility of delegating and even postponing the response to them. In this way, it is possible to prioritize the complaints made in the public administration.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4452
Mango LucioCorresponding author
Interruptions during pharmacological therapy in a hospital ward can be a source of error. We therefore considered two Operating Units of a hospital by asking the following questions: are the nursing staff who administer drug therapy at the set times able to do so with maximum concentration and without interruptions? If yes, how? If not, why and what for? Furthermore, are there organizational and non-organizational improvement strategies so that nurses are less interrupted during therapy and therefore do not cause adverse drug events that could cause harm to the patient? The results that emerged from the data analysis make us reflect considerably on how much interruptions during therapy are to be paid attention to as a problem to which solution proposals can be found.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4155
Salissou Seck Mbaye MBAYECorresponding author
Cardiology Department of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
The diabetic is most of the time admitted in emergency for acute complications. An inventory of these complications will guide promotional programs aimed at preventing the occurrence of these complications. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying acute complications and decompensation factors in diabetics admitted in emergency to the Souro Sanou University Hospital Center (CHUSS).It was an observational study, of descriptive transversal type, with prospective collection for 4 months. It concerned diabetics admitted to the medical and surgical emergency departments of the CHUSS. A total of 90 diabetics were included in the study. The average age was 58.81 ± 14.7 years. Type 2 diabetes accounted for 85.6% of cases. The diagnosis of diabetes was known in 74.4% of cases. The reasons for consultation were dominated by impaired conscientiousness and fever, 54.4% and 50% respectively. Metabolic complications were found in 44.4% of patients. They were dominated by hypoglycemia, which accounted for 55.3% of cases. Dietary error was the main decompensation factor in cases of hypoglycemia and was reported in 71.4% of cases. Metabolic complications are common in diabetics admitted in emergency at the CHUSS. Decompensation factors are mostly preventable.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4045
D. Natividad III GracianoCorresponding author
Philippines.
Introduction In December 2019, cases of serious illness causing pneumonia and death were first reported in Wuhan, China.2 The clinical features of Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) are ranging from asymptomatic to multi organ dysfunction. The disease can progress to pneumonia, respiratory failure and death.4 Thus, a tool is needed that can predict the severity and in-hospital mortality risk of a patient with COVID-19 Pneumonia. The PIRO (predisposition, insult, response, and organ dysfunction) scoring was developed for use in the emergency department to risk stratify sepsis cases.15 Eventually it was adapted in pneumonia cases to predict its severity. Objective To validate PIRO score as an assessment tool for COVID-19 mortality risk among patients with confirmed COVID-19 RT-PCR test among patients aged 19 and above admitted in World Citi Medical Center from March 2020 to August 2020 Methods This study included 93 patients aged 19 and above admitted in World Citi Medical Center with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 Confirmed with pneumonia between March 2020 to August 2020. The patients’ charts were retrieved from the hospital medical records and case notes were reviewed. A severity assessment score was developed based on PIRO score (Predisposition comorbidities and age; Insult multilobar opacities and viremia; Response shock and hypoxemia; Organ Dysfunciton) were extracted. The patients were stratified in four levels of risk: a)Low,0-2 points; b)Mild,3 points; c)High,4 points; d)Very High,5-8 points. The PIRO score and the clinical outcome were compared. The discriminative ability of PIRO score to predict mortality risk was evaluated under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results The PIRO score had an excellent predictive ability for in-hospital mortality (AUC0.9197). Analysis of variance showed that higher levels of PIRO scores were significantly associated with higher mortality (p<0.001). Patients with Mild PIRO risk category were 98.65% less likely to expire (p<0.001, 95%CI 0.0015) and High PIRO risk category were 94.47% less likely to expire (p<0.001, 95%CI 0.0124), both compared to patients with Very high PIRO risk category. Finally, Very High PIRO risk category were more than 44 times likely to expire compared to patients with Low, Mild and High PIRO risk category (p<0.001, 95%CI 11.738). Conclusions The PIRO score is a valid risk model that can be used to predict in-hospital mortality, that can help clinicians provide timely and accurate assessment, and hence appropriate management to patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3816
Elamin Elhaj WaleedCorresponding author
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum State, Sudan.
African bollwormis a worldwide-spread species that shows a high degree of polyphagia and it is considered as one of the main agricultural pests in the world. Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology to evaluate the lethal effect of C. rotundusand D. stramonium on the H. armigeraand to investigate the synergistic effect of sesame oil and tested extracts by dipping methods. Five concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) were used for each plant extract in a Completely Randomized Design. Tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus at 12% concentration caused 90% mortality after 72 hrs of application, whereas 12% concentration of seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium generate only 70% mortality after 72 hrs of exposure. When sesame oil was added to each concentration of ethanolic extract of C. rotundus and D. stramonium it exhibited a synergistic effect. In fact, the 10% concentration scored 53.3% and 76.7% mortality, however, when mixed with sesame oil the mortality increased significantly to 83.3% and 100% for D. stramonium and C. rotundus respectively after 72 hrs of exposure. This study clearly demonstrates that both tested plants have a lethal effect on the larvae of the African bollworm. However, tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus seems to be significantly more toxic than the seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium. This study also revealed that sesame oil has a synergistic effect when added to these plant extracts.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-21-3755
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
A novel proprietary test formulation was designed which included minerals, vitamins, β-carotene, cannabidiol isolate,and Panax ginseng extract. This present study was evaluated the impact of the Trivedi Effect® on novel proprietary test formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The novel test formulation was divided into two parts; one part was defined as untreated test formulation, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of 25-OH Vit. D3 was measured in brain homogenate, which was found to be increased by 20.13%, 24.12%, 45.86%, 14.79%, and 29.96% in the G5 group treated with Biofield Treated test formulation, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the animals (G6), 15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G7), Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8), and untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treated animals (G9) groups respectively, as compared with the disease control (G2) group. Brain acetylcholine (ACh) level was increased by 61.33% in the G7 group as compared with the untreated test formulation (G4) group. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly reduced by 43.44% (p≤0.01), 30.93%, 21.42%, 45.99% (p≤0.01), and 60.85% (p≤0.01), respectively as compared with the G4. Lung pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly reduced in the G5, G6, G7, and G8 by 24.86%, 32.55% (p≤0.01), 30.12% (p≤0.01), and 42.69% (p≤0.01), respectively, as compared with the G4 group. Altogether, the Biofield Treated test formulation and/or per se treatment to the animals significantly improved the levels of active form of vitamin D3 metabolite (25-OH Vit D3) and neurotransmitter (ACh); consequently significantly lowered the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Therefore, the energized test formulation or per se treatment could be effectively useful against neuronal damage and inflammation for the management of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, brain cancer, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, mental disorders, and Parkinson’s. Thus, the results showed a significant slowdown of disease progression and all other disease-related complications/symptoms in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) as compared to the disease control group.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3686
Alguthmi MosabCorresponding author
King Fahad Hospital- Jeddah, Neurology department, Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
Background By the start of year 2020, the whole world was attacked by a rapidly spreading epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) which later was classified by WHO as Pandemic. some physicians reported multiple neurological manifestations including cerebrovascular strokes in patients with severe infection. Aim to assess the incidence of admitted stroke cases during 2019 in comparison to 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic in King Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A record based retrospective comparative study was conducted by reviewing all medical records for patients who admitted with stroke at King Fahd Hospital during March and April 2019 and March and April 2020. All data were extracted from patients’ medical files included personal data, nationality, date of admission, and stroke related data. Results The study included 121 patients whose ages ranged from 33 to 98 years with mean age of 59.9 years. At March 2019, there were 45 cases compared to 26 in March 2020. In April 2019 there were 20 admitted stroke cases compared to 30 in April 2020. Regarding clinical features of admitted stroke cases, Table 3 illustrates that 36.9% of stroke cases in 2019 were small vessel stroke compared to 58.9% of 2020 cases. Conclusions & Recommendations In conclusion, the study revealed there was no recorded significant change in the trend of admitted cases with stroke before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3652
Alghamdi MohammedCorresponding author
Infectious disease consultant, King Fahad General Hospital
Background The use of hydroxychloroquine in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic raised significant concerns as regards safety and efficacy in hospitalized patients. The objective was to examine the effect of hydroxychloroquine on clinical improvement and mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at four general hospitals in the Western region, Saudi Arabia. Patients who had absolute or relative contraindication for using hydroxychloroquine were excluded. Patients concomitantly receiving other medications including azithromycin, antivirals, and supportive treatment were not excluded. Results A total 267 patients were included in the current analysis; 185 (69.3%) on hydroxychloroquine and 82 (30.7%) on non-hydroxychloroquine treatments. The average age was 46.0±13.3 years and 78.3% of the patients were males. Approximately 95.9% of the patients were symptomatic with mild (50.6%), moderate (32.6%), severe (8.2%), or ARDS symptoms (4.5%). Compared with no hydroxychloroquine, those on hydroxychloroquine had significantly longer length of stay (11.5±7.1 versus 7.8±4.3 days, p<0.001), more ICU admission (22.7% versus 9.8%, p=0.012), and more intubation (12.4% versus 3.7%, p=0.026). Improvement of symptoms (84.3% versus 81.7%, p=0.595) and hospitalization death (7.0% versus 1.2%, p=0.071) were not significantly different between groups. With exception of length of stay, the association of hydroxychloroquine with the above negative outcomes disappeared after adjustment for several factors including disease severity and concomitant use of azithromycin. Conclusions Hydroxychloroquine is not associated with better improvement of symptoms compared with other treatments. Moreover, it is associated with longer length of stay but not mortality or ICU admission in adjusted analysis.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3447
Taleb JihenCorresponding author
Laboratory of Active Biomolecules Valorisation, Higher Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, University of Gabes, 4119 Medenine, Tunisia.
The cactus Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) is widely used in Tunisian medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of cactus cladode extract (CCE) and to assess the protective effects of Opuntia ficus indica against osteoporosis induced by cadmium chloride in male Wistar rats. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups of 9 each: a control group, a group injected with cadmium (3.5mg/kg) for 10 weeks, a group orally given a O. ficus indica cladodes aqueous extract (CCE) (100 mg /kg/day) for 10 weeks then treated with cadmium, and a group receiving only (CCE) for 10 weeks. Bone toxicity was estimated by examining femoral length and weight, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (ACP) levels in serum. Also, bone levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C and bone mineral density (BMD) of femur diaphysis were measured. Alterations of these bone biomarkers and decreased BMD confirmed cadmium-induced bone toxicity. However, when cadmium was administered in rats given CCE, all the biological parameters underwent much less alteration. Administration of CCE was found to be beneficial by attenuating cadmium-induced femur damage. The protective effect of the plant is mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds that orchestrate antioxidant properties, as highlighted by HPLC-based analysis.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2313.jeh-20-3270
Linus Anderson EnyeCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti
Plants have played a significant role in maintaining human health and improving the quality of human life. Therefore, this present study seeks to evaluate the role of its alkaloid fraction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis after dichlorvos poisoning in mice. A total of 25 male mice, weighing approximately 20-30 g, were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 5 mice each (Groups A, B, C, D and E). Mice in groups A served as control and received normal saline while groups B, C and E. received 5 mg/kg of dichlorvos daily for 14 days. Mice in group D received 200mg/ kg of Alkaloid extract of Mimosa pudica (AEMM) for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and Hypothalamus, Pituittary and Testes were excised for histological process. Sperm from cauda epididymidal duct on one side was collected and used for spermatological studies and data were expressed as mean± SEM. Significant difference was set at p<0.05. Results showed significance difference (p<0.05) in sperm motility, sperm life death ratio groups when compared with their controls and no significance difference in sperm volume when compared with control. Histological studies reveal distortion in hypothalamuss, pituitary and testes in dichlorvos administration group compared with control rats while mimosa showed a ameliorative effect when co-administered with dichlorvos. In conclusion, the alkaloids from Mimosa (AEM) leaves enhanced the released of gonadotropins by the cordial action of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis for the reversed of Dichlorvos effect.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-19-2610
Seyoum Tegegne AwokeCorresponding author
Dept. of statistics, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Background The relationship between predictors and the variable of interest was estimated using a structural equation model which is used to predict latent variables. The main advantage of the SEM is the ability to estimate the direct and indirect pathways of the effect of the primary independent variable on the outcome, given sufficient sample sizes. Despite not directly modeling the mediated pathways, GLMMs excluding mediating variables performed well with respect to power, bias and coverage probability in modeling the total effect of the primary independent variables on the outcome. In longitudinal studies, data are collected from subjects at several time points. The main purpose of longitudinal analysis is to detecting the trends or trajectories of the variables of interest. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted on 792 adults living with HIV/AIDS who commenced HAART. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a model to detecting predictors of CD4 cell count change. The procedure was illustrated by applying it to longitudinal health-related quality-of-life data on HIV/AIDS patients, collected from September 2008 to August 2012 monthly for the first six months and quarterly for remaining study period. Results The result of current investigation indicates that CD4 cell count change was highly influenced by certain socio-demographic and clinical variables. Out of all the participants, 141 (82%) have been considered 100% adherent to antiretroviral therapy. Structural equation modeling has confirmed the direct effect that personality (decision-making and tolerance of frustration) has on motives to behave, or act accordingly, which was in turn directly related to medication adherence behaviors. In addition, these behaviors have had a direct and significant effect on viral load, as well as an indirect effect on CD4 cell count. The final model demonstrates the congruence between theory and data (x2/df. = 1.480, goodness of fit index = 0.97, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.94, comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05), accounting for 55.7% of the variance. Conclusions The results of this study support our theoretical model as a conceptual framework for the prediction of medication adherence behaviors in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Implications for designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention programs based on the model are to be discussed.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2262
Mrudula PhadkeCorresponding author
Sr. Adv. NHM, Mumbai, India
Objective: To analyse safety, tolerability, efficacy and logistic issues related to administration of 3 types of therapeutic feeds to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) from tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Design: A three arm open label, block randomized trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. commercially available ready to use therapeutic feed (C-RUTF), locally prepared ready to use therapeutic feed ( L-RUTF) & amylase rich food(ARF) was given to 1092 tribal children of SAM in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra, India during 2014-2015. Setting: Tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Participants: 1092 children of SAM, 766 on C-RUTF, 184 on L-RUTF & 143 on ARF followed on treatment for 8 weeks. Outcomes: The recovery rates in the three groups, any untoward effects during treatment and logistic aspects of procurement, delivery, storage & administration of therapeutic feeds. Results: Total number of children with SAM were 1092. Gr 1 – Out of 765 children of SAM, 404 (52.8%) recovered on C-RUTF. Gr 2 – 80 (43.5%) recovered out of 184 on L-RUTF. Gr 3 – 64 (44.8%) recovered on ARF at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, the difference being statistically significant between C-RUTF & others. Out of 38 children on C-RUTF, it was observed that 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 4 children reported more activity in terms of playfulness, more speaking & smiling. 31 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 34 children on L-RUTF, 6 children reported diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting & 4 children reported fever. 3 children reported more activity. 23 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 19 children on ARF, 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 3 reported more activity. 13 had nothing specific to report. Untoward effects were noted in 3 out of 38 (7.89%) in C-RUTF group, 11 out of 34 (32.35%) in L-RUTF group and 3 out of 19 (15.7%) in ARF group. Conclusion: C-RUTF was found to be more efficacious, with least untoward effects, easy to administer and was more palatable when compared to L-RUTF & ARF.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-17-1725
Faroon ObaidCorresponding author
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists cadmium as one of its priority hazardous substances. The agency conducted a comprehensive literature review of cadmium and used the information to develop a toxicological profile that identified the full range of health effects associated with exposure to cadmium. It included an assessment that identified screening levels, termed health guidance values or minimal risk levels (MRLs), below which adverse health effects are not expected. In this paper, we describe how MRLs for cadmium are derived. For the acute inhalation MRL, the traditional no observed adverse effect level or lowest observed adverse effect level (NOAEL/LOAEL) approach is used; for the oral intermediate MRL, the benchmark dose (BMD) approach is used. MRLs were developed for the most sensitive route-specific end points, other than mortality and cancer that were sufficiently supported and justified by the data. These included an acute duration (1–14 day exposure) inhalation MRL of 0.03 µg Cd/m3 for alveolar histiocytic infiltration and focal inflammation in alveolar septa and an intermediate duration (15–365 day exposure) oral MRL of 0.5 µg Cd/kg/day for decreased bone mineral density
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-16-1350
S. Kao Hsueh-FenCorresponding author
School of Nursing, The University of Texas at El Paso, EI Paso, TX
The prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) among Mexican-American older adults along the U.S.-Mexico border region is at epidemic proportions. Healthcare reform is trending toward long-term home-based management of chronic conditions. Under the Mexican cultural norm of familism, daily care for elders is also often provided by family caregivers whose competence levels may vary. Adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is critical to attainment of optimal glucose control. However, there is a startling lack of literature that addresses the link between family medication administration and care recipients’ health outcome. This paper explores the role of culture in medication administration by family caregivers of elders with T2DM from the perspective of caregiver capabilities and caregiving demands. A critical review of the literature offers suggestions to guide future studies.
Apr 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-15-699
Coronado-Vázquez ValleCorresponding author
Healthcare Director, Hospital of Riotinto, Mines of Riotinto, Huelva
Purpose Hospital readmission of patients with pluripathologies is frequent and costly. This study describes the impact of patients’ pluripathologies, functional capacity and social complexity on readmissions during a 12-month period following hospital discharge. Methods A prospective cohort study. Monthly monitoring of 111 patients over 12 months in Hospital of Riotinto. The primary endpoint was readmission rate. Predictive variables: age, gender, hospitalizations the year before, illnesses that define the pluripathology, medication prescribed on discharge, social situation (Gijón Scale), functional state (Barthel) and cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer). Results Readmissions accounted for 21.6% of the patients surveyed. Of those readmitted, the mean age was lower than those who did not return to hospital (75.4 vs.79.6) (p=0.031), the average amount of medication prescribed greater (10.5 vs.8.7) (p=0.014), the Barthel score higher (52.5 vs.50.6) and the Gijón value lower (13.8 vs.14.6), but no results was significant. The mean survival time (without readmission) was 310.9 days (95% CI, 289.4-332.5). Category B (chronic renal disease and vasculitis) and F (diabetes with microangiopathy and artery disease) had a lower average survival time (X2=7.02; p=0.008) (X2=7.07; p=0.008). The readmission risk was hazard ratio (HR) = 3.13 (95% CI, 1.37-7.14) for category B, and HR = 3.38 (95% CI, 1.37-8.36) for category F. Conclusions There is a high proportion of readmissions among patients with pluripathologies in the year following discharge from hospital. The greater risk occurs in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and diabetes with microvascular complications. Factors that can be modified are polymedication and the proper control of patients’ diabetes.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-13-335
P. Desai ArpanCorresponding author
Interventional Cardiologist, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Objective: To find out the diagnostic accuracy of admission ECG against coronary angiography (CAG) to predict the ARA in patients with USAP /NSTEMI. Background: In USAP even though multiple active plaques are documented, one critical lesion would be responsible for the index episode of angina. Contrary to STEMI there is no standard methodology to identify the Angina related artery (ARA) in USAP.Therefore we plan to determine whether admission ECG could predict the ARA in patients with USAP/NSTEMI. Patients and Methods: 250 eligible patients with USAP/NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. After locating the ARA , the patient’s admission ECG was compared with CAG finding to study whether it has any predictive value for identifying ARA. Results: Sensitivity of the admission ECG for LAD as ARA was 73.6%, Specificity was 93.5%, PPV was 90%, NPV was 81.8%, +LR 10.4, Posterior probability 0.89, -LR 0.29, Posttest odds 0.22. Similarly for RCA and LCx ,Sensitivity was 63.1%, Specificity was 93.7%, PPV was 90.5%, NPV was 72.7%, +LR 9, Posterior Probability 0.89, -LR 0.35, Posttest odds 0.33. For the LM and TVD, Sensitivity was 66.6%, Specificity was 98.5%, PPV was 91.4%, and NPV was 92.5%, +LR 33, Posterior Probability 0.89, -LR 0.33, Posttest odds 0.08. Conclusion: With high +LR, Admission ECG is moderately sensitive and highly specific for detecting culprit artery.
Jun 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-26-6304
Elshafie OmaymaCorresponding author
Objective To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by RAI therapy at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) in Oman. Methods This is a retrospective observational clinical study conducted at SQCCCRC. The study included all patients diagnosed with DTC who were admitted to SQCCCRC between June 2021 and November 2023. A total of 255 patients were identified and met the inclusion criteria for this study. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 39.9 ± 12.4 years (range: 14–79), with 78% of patients being female. The mean BMI was 30.3 ± 6.4 kg/m², with nearly half of the cohort (48.2%) classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30). Most patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma (92.9%), while follicular and Hürthle cell carcinoma accounted for 5.9% and 0.8% of cases, respectively. Based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, 86.3% of the patients were classified as stage I and 3.9% as stage II. Six patients (2.4%) had stage IVB disease. According to American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification the majority were low-risk. Patient age was strongly associated with disease stage. The distribution of metastatic cases varied by region, with the highest proportion observed in Dhofar. Most patients (87.1%) received a single dose of radioactive iodine (RAI), with a median cumulative dose of 3.7 mCi). At six months post-treatment, 70.2% of patients had a TG level < 0.2 ng/mL. Conclusion The outcome of therapy in majority of our patients is favorable with 72% having excellent biochemical response at last follow up. None of the patients with distant metastasis achieved excellent response and a high proportion of them came from the Dhofar governorate, a targeted intervention would be of benefit. Low risk patients require special attention and may need radioactive iodine during follow up, unlike other regions and hence warrant very close follow up and further review to establish the best practice guidelines in our region.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-25-5944
Y. Berezin MikhailCorresponding author
Background Oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with hematologic toxicities such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite their clinical relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying lineage-specific bone marrow suppression remain poorly understood. Methods We administered oxaliplatin to mice over eight weeks and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA integrity >8) on bone marrow alongside peripheral blood analysis and cytokine profiling. Transcriptomic data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. For that, we applied a thematic Gene Ontology (thematicGO) enrichment method that groups GO terms into biologically meaningful categories, such as hematopoietic lineage disruption, cell cycle arrest, and cytokine signaling. Results Oxaliplatin induced broad transcriptional suppression of erythropoiesis and lymphopoiesis, with 3,691 DEGs identified (FDR<0.05, |FC|>1.5). Upregulation of Cdkn1a and downregulation of E2f2 suggest G1/S cell cycle arrest, correlating with repression of key erythroid maturation genes (e.g., Spta1, Slc4a1, Alas2) and hemoglobin subunits (Hba-a1/2, Hbb-bs/t). Despite a ~3000-fold increase in renal Epo expression, bone marrow Epor was reduced, indicating erythropoietin resistance. B and T cell markers were also significantly downregulated, signifying a collapse in adaptive immunity. Notably, neutrophil populations were largely spared. Cytokine analysis in plasma revealed a pro-inflammatory shift with elevated TNF-α and reduced TGF-β, potentially exacerbating hematopoietic dysfunction. Conclusions Oxaliplatin induces a lineage-dependent suppression of hematopoiesis, driven by coordinated cell cycle arrest, metabolic stress, and disrupted cytokine signaling. RNA-seq analysis enabled integration of transcriptomic findings into coherent biological themes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into oxaliplatin’s hematologic toxicity linking bone marrow failure (potentially reversible) via interconnected inflammatory and metabolic pathways and may inform therapeutic strategies to minimize or restore myelosuppression in cancer patients.
Dec 2025
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
The body interacts with endogenous and exogenous molecules through various receptor networks at the cellular and organismal levels by which the different physiological processes of the organ systems get activated. Life could no longer exist without the body’s interaction with these signaling molecules. The number of molecules interacted with a receptor type within the body determines the efficiency of biological processes that would determine the biochemistry and anatomy behind the basic body functions. The dose plays a complex role in multiple physiological processes by modulating the natural processes of the different biological systems. It is always connected to the physiological and anatomical aspects of the biological sciences in which it manifests the biological sensitivity that would determine the efficiency of biological responses of the body systems. There are always physiologic and non-physiologic doses for every compound administered into the biological systems. The does that facilitated the body to manifest that biological sensitivity which has maintained the physiological processes of the body systems was noted as physiologic dose, whereas the dose that has suppressed the biological sensitivity of the body that became inefficient in maintaining the physiological processes of the different biological systems was termed non-physiologic dose. It is important to adjust the dose or dosage based on physical and biological factors such as the efficiency of the different organ systems, body weight, and the timing of the dose triggering a biological response to maintain the natural processes of the body systems. This means that integrated biological data is required in order to be able to identify the physiologic and non physiologic doses for biological or pharmacological use.
Dec 2025
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Research and drug development industries have multiphase drug screening procedures, which can be debated. As a result, harmful products may still reach for public health service delivery due to vulnerabilities in the process. Main body A wide range of test compounds have delayed manifestation of undesired effect on the study subject, with the time to undesired effects after acute exposure being weeks and months. Acute toxicology in a preclinical trial also has limited clinical value as its lethal dose is the endpoint for a conclusion, and death sometimes occurs after a scheduled period of acute toxicology. Countless resources are wasted, and numerous new drugs are introduced into the pharmaceutical market with assumed safety analysis every year due to vulnerable multi-procedures in preclinical trials. The principal use of collected data from a preclinical trial is to support regulatory categorization and harmful labelling decisions. However, the data can also be used to derive safe use threshold levels, which may lead to the use of unsafe material. The criteria for classification and labelling also differ among countries, sometimes among authorities within the same country. The fundamental concept of toxicology states that ‘all chemical substances are potential poisons depending on the amount and duration of exposure. However, the toxic property of a test compound cannot be created or eliminated by simply the amount administered to study animals. Conclusion All xenobiotics are poisons at any amount with different severity that can be calculated using biological parameters.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-25-5496
Chigozie Divine OnwukaCorresponding author
Intestinal parasitic helminths pose a significant public health burden, particularly among children. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic helminths among 550 school children aged 4-12 years in Oru-West L.G.A, Imo State, Nigeria. Stool samples were examined using parasitological techniques, and questionnaires were administered to collect data on risk factors. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic helminths was 49.1% (270/550), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most prevalent (30.37%). Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between intestinal parasitic helminths and lack of hand-washing, insufficient toilet facilities, consumption of unwashed vegetables, and poor environmental sanitation. Males had a significantly higher infection rate than females (P < 0.05). Age-related prevalence was highest among children aged 4-6 (51.85%). Occupational status and educational level of parents were also significant predictors of infection. These findings highlight the need for public health education, provision of basic sanitation facilities, and regular de-worming as preventive measures.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
J. Factoriza OliviaCorresponding author
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Jan 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-24-5363
Harries SophieCorresponding author
Physiological performance may be limited by reduced systemic glucose availability to working muscles. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) measure interstitial glucose every 1-15 minutes, offering a practical way to assess glucose during sporting activity. However, empirical research has predominantly focused on endurance-based sports, whereas glucose responses during professional competitive football matches remain unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and utility of CGM in professional football. Eight professional, male outfield footballers from the English third tier participated in the study. Participants completed a 14-day food diary control period, followed by a 28-day observation period wearing CGM devices during six matches and sixteen training sessions. CGM devices remained in situ for 98% of training sessions and matches. Mean glucose concentrations were 6.5 ± 1.2 mmol/L during training sessions, 7.5 ± 2.1 mmol/L during match play, and 5.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L overnight. No significant differences were found between glucose concentrations during match play (p = 0.060) or training (p = 0.510), compared to overnight fasted glucose concentrations. There was also no difference between training and match-play glucose concentrations (p = 0.788). Glucose concentrations were highly individualised, with one player displaying minimal change throughout match play (-0.2 mmol/L) whereas another experienced increases of up to 5.8 mmol/L. Non-nutritional factors appeared to influence glucose concentrations; participants (n=3) who used nicotine pouches displayed an transient increase in blood glucose in the 10-55 minutes after administration. This study concludes that CGM use in professional football is feasible for assessing individual glucose responses to training and match-play.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-24-5353
Kissling KristinCorresponding author
Physical therapists (PTs) experience stress and burnout due to high job and productivity demands. Exercise can assist in decreasing stress and burnout, but finding the time to exercise can be difficult. This study examined the effects of a 28-day, 7-minute, high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout on PT’s stress and burnout levels. In this quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, the Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, grip strength, Functional Reach Test, and VO2max measures were administered on day 1 and day 28. Between the data collection period, participants completed a daily, 7-minute HIIT workout. A series of paired sample t-tests were computed to compare the pre- and post-HIIT raw values. Significant improvements were found in all comparisons post-HIIT (p< .001). Therefore, it was concluded that 7-minutes of HIIT can assist PTs in reducing stress and burnout levels. Employers should consider implementing a workplace wellness program to benefit their employees.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-24-5320
Djelo Diallo BoubacarCorresponding author
Introduction Mortality is one of the most important demographic phenomena in public health, and its rate is the primary indicator of a population's state of health. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of patients in the pneumo-phthisiology department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen CHU in Conakry. Methodology This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting one year, from 01 January to 31 December 2023, on 176 records of hospitalized patients who died in the pneumophthisiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Results A total of 1043 patients were hospitalized during our study period, 176 of whom died, giving a mortality rate of 16.87%. The mean age of the deceased patients was 49.57±18.8 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio=1.93). Clinical signs on admission were dominated by dyspnoea (70.45%) and chest pain (61.36%). Tuberculosis was the most common diagnosis with a frequency of 42.61%, followed by TB/HIV co-infection with a frequency of 22.16%. The average length of hospitalization was 8.79 days. Probable cause of death was dominated by respiratory distress (54.44%) and decompensated anaemia (32.95%). Conclusion Mortality in the pneumo-phthisiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital remains high. Anemia and respiratory distress were the most common diagnoses of severity, hence the need to improve management of these probable causes of death.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-24-5001
Gianpaolo PisanoCorresponding author
Allergy, despite its stereotyped symptomatic manifestations, continues to pose significant etiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic challenges. In the interface between the body and the environment, the respiratory pathway is particularly stressed from an allergological perspective. Under the relationship between energy and matter signed by Einstein, it is possible to approach patients suffering from allergies with an Electraceutical 1 administration in a quantum modality.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-24-5040
Dangwe Temoua NaibéCorresponding author
Objective Hypertensive crisis is an increasingly frequent medical condition in our context. Its management in medical emergencies is a real challenge for physicians. Few data on hypertensive crisis are available in Chad. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic characteristics of hypertensive crisis in the medical emergency department of Reference National Teaching Hospital in N'Djamena. Patient and methods This was a prospective cohort study running from 1er March 2020 to October 31 2020. Patients presenting with a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure (systolic ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 110 mmHg) with or without acute target-organs damage, had been consecutively included and followed up over a period of one (01) month. Epidemic and clinical characteristics on admission, and morbidity and mortality parameters during the course of the disease were collected. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox model were used to analyze survival and factors associated with death, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Of the 3978 hypertensive patients admitted to medical emergencies, 252 had a hypertensive crisis, i.e. a prevalence of 6.3%. Two hundred and seventeen (217) patients were included in the study, divided into 149 cases (69%) of hypertensive emergency and 67 cases (31%) of hypertensive hypertensive urgencies. The mean age of the patients was 55.2 ± 14 years (20 and 80 years) and 67% were male. Hypertension was known in 138 patients (64%). At least one complication was present on admission in 69% of patients. Complications were classified as cardiac (50.7%), neurological (38.2%), kidney impairment (46.5%) and ocular (46.1%). The average number of antihypertensive drugs used was 2 ± 0.83 14. Calcium antagonists (86.5%), diuretics (35.5%), converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (33.3%) and betablockers (18%) were the pharmacological classes prescribed. Good compliance during follow-up was observed in 124 patients. One-month survival was 84% for all patients, with a 16% mortality rate. Factors associated with death were the duration of hypertension, and the occurrence of cardiovascular, renal dysfunction and ocular disease (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hypertensive crisis is a frequent pathology in sub-Saharan Africa, with high morbidity and mortality. Prevention requires early detection and effective management of hypertension.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5257.ijgp-24-5041
Muendo NicholasCorresponding author
Introduction Globally, 36.7 million individuals live with HIV/AIDS, with 2.5 million new cases annually. Youth (14-25 years) account for 45% of these new infections. Those aged 15-24 years are less likely to be aware of their HIV status and engage in HIV care compared to older adults. This study explores the use of HIV self-testing to improve access to HIV care among Kenyatta University undergraduates. Objective To identify barriers and facilitators to HIV self-testing in this group. Methodology Employing multistage cluster sampling, 398 students were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Results Of the participants (median age 21 years, 1:1.03 male-to-female ratio), 91.7% understood HIV's seriousness, with sexual intercourse as the primary transmission mode. Self-testing usage was 28.8%. Key barriers included fear of partner reaction, stigma, and lack of confidence. Significant facilitators were being female, knowledgeable about HIV, and sexually active. Conclusion Only 24% had prior HIV testing experience. The study highlights the importance of addressing fears and misconceptions while leveraging knowledge and sexual activity awareness to promote HIV self-testing.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-24-5044
Li ShujunCorresponding author
Objective To study changes of cell morphology in BALF in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Methods From December 2021 to May 2022, a group of 32 children diagnosed with Acute MPP and admitted for treatment in the Pediatrics Department and PICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University were selected for our study. These patients underwent bronchoalveolar lavage as part of their clinical assessment. For comparison, we included a control group comprising 10 children who were not infected but had bronchial foreign bodies. We investigated the cellular composition in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using Wright-Giemsa staining and microscopic evaluation, aiming to understand the relationship between shifts in cell proportions and extra-pulmonary symptoms associated with MPP. Results In this study, a total of 42 cases were enrolled, with 32 cases in the study group and 10 cases in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, height, weight, and BMI between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group exhibited significantly higher levels of neutrophil percentage (GRA%), CRP, D-dimer, and LDH in blood routine tests compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportions of neutrophils (%) and macrophages (%) in BALF were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p< 0.05), while the proportion of lymphocytes (%) in BALF showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion In the acute phase of MPP in children, BALF is predominantly composed of neutrophils. A lower proportion of lymphocytes in BALF is associated with a higher incidence of extra-pulmonary manifestations and longer hospitalization duration.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-24-5016
Murigi KevinCorresponding author
Background Antibiotics are the most prescribed medications worldwide. Global consumption rose by 65% in 76 low and middle-income countries between the years 2000 and 2015. According to the World Health Organization, improper administration of antibiotics occurs in over 60% of people with upper respiratory tract infections. Inadvertent antibiotic use has been identified as a contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Outpatient antibiotic use accounts for around 80-90% of all antibiotic use in patients. Clinical officers are non-physician healthcare workers who have received less training, have a more restricted scope of practice than physicians. Clinical officers are key service providers in this country especially at the primary healthcare level. Objective The study assessed the factors that influence antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections by clinical officers. Method A prospective study was carried out at 20 public hospitals in Kiambu County, on 36 clinical officers and 600 patient prescriptions. The parameters measured were patient factors, prescriber factors, institutional factors and how they affected the antibiotic prescribing practices by either being rational or irrational. Rational prescribing was identified as prescribing the right drug, at the right frequency, in the right duration, right dose for the right indication. Prescriptions were considered irrational if they did not satisfy any of the rational indices. Data was collected via a questionnaire from the clinical officers while WHO prescription checklist was used to collect data from patient encounters. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 (SPSS v22.0) with P-value, Confidence Interval and Odds Ratio. Results A total of 600 patient encounters were recorded and 79.8% of the 479 encounters had an antibiotic prescription for URTI, 91% of the antibiotics prescribed were the right dose, 98% had the right frequency, 75% had the right duration, and only 23% had the right indication. Patients above 65 years were more likely to receive an antibiotic prescription OR 3.98 CI 0.91,17.41 P=0.17 compared to children under 12 years old. Males were more likely to receive an antibiotic, but this was not significant OR 1.06 CI 0.70, 1.59 P=0.79. A total of 28 (4.6%) patients had fever, and all received antibiotics. A total of 36 clinical officers were sampled and only 5 (13.8%) were found to have rational prescriptions (P=0.63), prescriber age (P=0.92), prescriber level of education (P=0.99) and prescriber work experience (P=0.22) were not associated with antibiotic prescription. As per institutional factors, availability of antibiotics (P=0.026) and availability of prescription guidelines (P=0.012) were associated with rational prescription of antibiotics. Conclusion The study indicated that there was a high antibiotic prescription rate deviating from the WHO standard. It demonstrated that most antibiotic prescriptions were irrational.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4921
Bajaj ManyaCorresponding author
Hippocrates trusted foodstuff, maybe medicine, and healthcare management, administration, and costing are important. Nutraceuticals, derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," cover differing healing areas like “antagonistic-hard, cold and cough, sleep difficulties, digestion, cancer prevention, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol management, pain relievers, depression, and diabetes”. “Stephen De Felice”, “founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, created the term in 1989”.Functional foods, like milk and orange juice, supply health benefits that surpass food, in the way that a better lifestyle and a lower risk of ailment. Nutraceuticals, in another way, involve fortified dairy products like milk that help avoid or cure illnesses and disorders apart from anaemia.Conventional arrangements like Solvents extraction , Soxhlet distillation ,maceration and “Non conventional designs” like ‘Microwave assisted origin’, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction are used to restore the bioactive material from plants for nutraceuticals.”The Indian Health and Dietary Supplement Association” supports drug, nutraceutical, herbaceous, and direct selling energies by categorising them based on chemical arrangement, food type, and conventional arrangement.This paper gives a brief review on nutraceuticals ,its history , its market trend , extraction techniques , benefits and its applications .
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-24-4910
Mahamat-Azaki OumarCorresponding author
Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital heart disease. It is usually associated with other congenital defects, particularly atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale (PFO). We report here the case of Ebstein's disease revealed in a 23-year-old adult admitted for palpitations and exertional dyspnoea. He was in heart failure. The EKG showed atrial flutter . Cardiomegaly was present with a cardiothoracic index of 0.7. On echocardiography, the apical displacement of the tricuspid septal leaflet was 15 mm/m2 , the Celermajer index was Grade 3. There was a large thrombus floating in the right atrium. While awaiting surgical management, the patient was being treated with diuretics, digitalis and anticoagulants.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4938
Suh MinaCorresponding author
Public health interest in vaccinations and immune protection has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dairy products are an important source of protein and other nutrients, and there are unresolved research questions regarding the potential health impact of dairy products on the enhancement of immune response. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize the published literature reporting the effects of dairy interventions on: 1) the vaccine-specific immune response and 2) immunoglobulins in the absence of vaccination. To assess study validity and quality, we used the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixty-one studies (59 clinical trials, 1 cohort, 1 cross-sectional survey) were included, spanning 1983-2017. Ten trials evaluated the effect of dairy intervention on vaccine-specific IgG, IgA, IgM, vaccine-specific antibody titers, seroprotection rates, or seroconversion rates. Of these, 7 reported significant increases with dairy interventions for post-vaccine tetanus antibodies, mean change in tetanus antibody level, total antibody titers to flagellin from Salmonella Adelaide, mean antibody titers to influenza B, influenza-specific IgA and IgG levels, and seroconversion or seroprotection rates for influenza A and B. Fifty-six studies evaluated dairy’s effects on immunoglobulins without vaccinations. The results were heterogenous, with some studies reporting significant enhancement of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, or IgG), while others observed no differences between groups. Clinical relevance of the immunoglobulin changes was not investigated in these studies. Dairy products and their components could enhance the efficacy of vaccines. This review highlights the evidence gaps and provides a potential roadmap for additional research.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-23-4879
Lin Shih-PingCorresponding author
Background Cancer and diabetes are risk factors for COVID-19 mortality rates. Remdesivir, dexamethasone, and vaccines are used to improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality rates. Methods This retrospective study enrolled moderate to critical COVID-19 patients. The index day was the day of the COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients were followed up until either death or discharge. A two-way analysis of variance examined the interaction between independent mortality risk factors. Results A total of 205 patients were analyzed, and the mortality rate was 29.5% (n=60/205). The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a CCI score ≥ 6, cancer, and diabetes. In multivariate analysis, critical illness, cancer, diabetes, chronic liver disease, a CCI score ≥ 6, unvaccinated, and early use of remdesivir/dexamethasone were independent risk factors for mortality. The onset of remdesivir/dexamethasone ≥ 2 days and < 3 doses of vaccinations were higher mortality rate, with its impact being more significant amongst patients with cancer/diabetes, compared to those without cancer/diabetes (p for interaction = 0.046/0.049, 0.060/0.042, and 0.038/0.048 respectively). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination ≥ 3 doses and early administration of remdesivir and dexamethasone can significantly reduce mortality rates, particularly in patients with cancer or diabetes.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Immunoglobulins are bio-receptors found embedded in the cell membrane with a biological role that detects the harmful molecules of a test compound. These bio-receptors interface between a biological system and its external environment that transduce information to the effector via intermediate messengers in which its response efficiency usually exhausts at high doses of exposure to external stimuli. The purpose of this review article is, therefore, to elaborate on the computational method for systemic biology which was designed to convert qualitative pharmacological data into the quantitative one that might help to determine the toxicity of a test compound. Methods First, acute toxicity studies using different levels of doses prepared from each test compound have been conducted on Balb c mice. Then, blood specimens from the tail and facial veins of each sampled Balb c mouse were collected 3 days before dosing as a reference test and 4 hr after dosing for comparison. The changes in the efficiency of immunoglobulins immune response (ΔIg) after dosing were determined using quantitative immunoassay and the body’s response against the dose as the toxic reaction rate (r) and the toxic severity (s) were finally determined using computational methods as r=d/t-ΔIg mg/sec and (s=r/w×100) %/sec respectively, where (w) represents the body weight of a study animal, (t) represents the period of time at which undesirable bio-physiological responses manifested on treated study animals and (ΔIg) represents the changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum after dosing. Results The results of different studies revealed that the dose has never limited the toxic property of a test compound but the length of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on study animals. The period of time at which adverse effects manifested on treated Balb c mice was inversely related to the amount of dose administered in the oral route. The higher the dose of the administered test compound, the shorter the period of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on treated Balb c mice. This means that the adverse effect of test compounds was not because of the dose but rather due to its toxic reaction rate which ultimately determined the toxic severity in the natural process of treated Balb c mice. Balb c mice treated with a dose whose toxic reaction rate was ≤ 0 survived from death whereas Balb c mice treated with a dose that had a toxic reaction rate of > 0 died at different lengths of time after dosing depending on the toxic severity of a test compound. It could be a scientific fact to declare that a test compound is safe when the toxic reaction rate (r) and toxic severity (s) of a dose is ≤ 0 and toxic when it is > 0 in the natural processes of a study animal.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-23-4829
Sayed Issa AbdulhamidCorresponding author
Caudal injection is a type of epidural injection that is administered to the lower back to reduce pain and inflammation. The injection contains a steroid medication that is injected into the lower part of the epidural space, which surrounds the nerve roots in the lower back. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients experience relief from back pain within a few days. The sacral injection is another name for a caudal epidural injection. It is a type of spinal epidural injection that is administered to the sacral hiatus, which is the opening at the base of the spine near the tailbone. The injection is used to treat nerve pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as spinal canal stenosis, herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, sciatica, or radiculopathy.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-23-4848
Dangwe Temoua NaibeCorresponding author
Introduction Rheumatic heart disease is mostly common in low-income or developing parts of the world, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. There are few data that are available in Chad on rheumatic heart disease. Our objective was to study the clinical, echocardiographic, therapeutic, and progressive aspects of rheumatic heart disease at the Renaissance University Hospital Center and the National Reference Teaching Hospital in N’Djamena, Chad. Patient and methods This was a prospective, multicenter and observational cohort study, covering a consecutive series of patients consulted and/or hospitalized for rheumatic heart disease, documented by an echocardiogram from January 2015 to January 2021. Results Among the 4456 patients consulted and/or hospitalized, 398 cases of rheumatic heart disease (8.9%) were collected, and 364 patients had met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 31.2 ± 14.4 years, and 193 patients (53%) were female. On admission, heart failure was present in 214 patients (58.8%), ischemic stroke in 10 patients (2.7%) and supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation in 94 patients (25.8%) and atrial flutter in 6 patients (1.6%). Mitral regurgitation was observed in 49.7% (n=181) of cases, aortic regurgitation in 33.2% (n=121), mitral stenosis in 31.3% (n=114), and aortic stenosis in 7.7% (n=28). At least two valvular disorders were combined in 48.4% of cases. A surgical intervention such as a heart valve replacement and/or valvuloplasty was performed in 80 patients (22.2%). At least one rehospitalization was noted in 56.9% of patients. Forty-two of the 150 patients free of heart failure at inclusion (28%) had experienced the first episode of decompensated heart failure during follow-up. On the other hand, in 119 patients (55.6%), it was the second episode of decompensated heart failure. Other progressive complications included atrial fibrillation (13.8%), thromboembolic complications (6.3%), infective endocarditis (6.0%) and prosthetic valve dysfunction (1.4%). Altogether, the mortality rate was 10.4%. It was 9.9% in non-operated patients compared to 12.5% in operated patients (p=0.49). Conclusion The present study shows that morbidity and mortality of rheumatic heart disease remain high in our context and often affect children, young adults, and women. Treatment is essentially based on cardiac surgery which is not available in Chad.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-4785.ijne-23-4798
Belle Jarvis ShivonCorresponding author
Gastric pneumatosis though rare, when seen is cause for concern. It has been associated with fulminant necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and gastric outlet obstruction, although other associations have been identified. It is not to be confused with pneumoperitoneum and can be managed conservatively as it is not always a harbinger of intestinal perforation. This case report highlights gastric pneumatosis which occurred in association with necrotizing enterocolitis in two late preterm infants. NEC accounts for 5.4% of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions, however these are the first two cases of gastric pneumatosis seen in the history of our unit. It is crucial for clinical staff to be cognizant of this pathognomonic sign so that cases are not missed, and for the feeding policy that governs the management of late preterm infants to be revisited. That which specifically predisposes a baby with NEC to developing gastric pneumatosis remains unknown and warrants further research.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4737
J. Johnson JeremyCorresponding author
Bitter melon is a popular fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia and other tropical climate regions. Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine because of its numerous medicinal benefits, including having hypoglycemic effects. This has an indication for diabetic patients, and several clinical trials have provided evidence that orally administered bitter melon extract can reduce A1C and blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies suggest that bitter melon’s anti-diabetic actions work through intra- and extra-pancreatic mechanisms. Herein we summarize and highlight these mechanistic and clinical studies that have demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon in type 2 diabetes patients.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4412
Bist AmritCorresponding author
Background People may have both negative and positive attitudes about other people, their way of living and those attitudes can be influenced by various factors. LGBTIQ individuals are facing various difficulties and barriers to run their daily life due to different attitudes of people. Attitudes may be different from person to person influenced by their knowledge, acceptance behaviour and understanding. By finding out the associated factors that influences the attitude of people we can change people’s view towards LGBTIQ individuals. Each and every person deserves to be treated equally regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, and preferences. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which the sample size was 423 and the study population was nursing students. A simple random sampling method was used to select sample for the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was entered in EPI 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 25. A descriptive statistic was used to find out the frequency and percentage and analysis (chi-square) was used to find out the association between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Results showed that 87.2% have positive attitudes towards LGBTIQ individuals, and the majority (56.6%) have knowledge about homosexuality. Similarly, more than two-thirds (82.7%) of respondents were not homophobic, and 50.4% showed positive stereotypes about LGBTIQ individuals. Religion (p=0.030), caste (p=0.001) and Family type (p=0.016) were statistically significant with regard to the attitudes of students towards LGBTIQ. Conclusion The majority of students had positive attitudes towards LGBTIQ individuals and few had negative attitudes. Almost half of the respondents had adequate knowledge about homosexuality. The majority of students were not homophobic and few were homophobic. Half had positive stereotypes and about other half had negative stereotypes.
Mar 2023
Md. Shafat KarimCorresponding author
Moyamoya disease is a very rare chronic circulatory occlusive disorder of the blood vessels of the brain, in which patients complain of headache, seizure, weakness, and sometimes paralysis. A 5 years old female child with a complaint of headache and seizure was admitted elsewhere and during the treatment, she was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. Further, she went to AIIMS Patna, where the neurosurgeon advised Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and after the final diagnosis, they suggest the surgical intervention of the brain. During the search for an alternative treatment, they consulted my center for Unani treatment. We advised a semiliquid Unani polyherbal formulation containing Gule Banafsha (Viola odorata), Ustukhuddoos(Lavandula stoechas), and Nilofer (Nymphaea alba Linn) for three months. After the completion of the treatment schedule, she went for DSA again in Patna AIIMS and they find that there is no sign of occlusion in the blood vessels of the brain. The patient has no complaints and the report also showed that she gets improved.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4381
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Ageing is a life process in which progressive molecular, cellular, physiological and anatomical changes manifesting in humans and animals including other organisms lead to the decline of biological functions. Immunoglobulins (Igs) are glycoprotein molecules produced by white blood cells mainly B lymphocytes following signal transduction as a result of their interaction with pathogenic microbes or poisonous substances introduced into the body systems. They elicit responses against the side effects of pathogens and poisons in which their response efficiency usually declines as we are ageing. Objective Thus, the similarities between Igs’ immune response against the different amounts of xenobiotics and the biological changes associated with ageing have been systematically assessed using the reports of different study results on humans and animals. Methods First, a literature search was carried out in google, PubMed and google scholar using planned search terms related to the title of this study. Review and original articles were retrieved, downloaded and saved on a computer. And then the effects of different factors i.e. xenobiotics, age, sex and lifestyle-based practices on the levels of serum Igs (IgG, IgA and IgM) in animals and humans have been studied using a systematic review of different literature sources. Finally, the relationship between the findings of various studies has been assessed and judgment on the possible cause of ageing has been made. Results The findings of different research have demonstrated that the signaling efficiency of immunoglobulin M (IgM) has been limited by the amount of test compounds administered to study Balb c mice in the oral route. The response efficiency of IgM immune response against the lower doses of test compounds were high compared to the higher doses of test compounds which was low. The results of different other studies also demonstrated that the decline of serum IgM levels was associated with ageing. The relationship between alcohol consumption and the concentration of serum Igs was also described in the report of different studies. These studies have shown that there was lower level of IgG in the blood serum of alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. The study has also demonstrated a lower level of serum IgM with higher alcohol consumption and higher serum concentration with moderate beer consumption. Conclusion The trajectory of Igs’ immune response against different amounts of xenobiotics was highly associated with the trajectory of biological changes during ageing. These research findings might be the possible evidence to conclude that ageing is caused by the foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs we usually consume, the lifestyles we usually experience and the way of life we usually live in the environment which gradually defiling the natural processes of the body.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4265
Bund ArgerCorresponding author
The work environment, in its most general conception, alludes to biased expectations of risks and benefits around a function and in relation to the performance of a working group, but in its factorial structure, dimensions have been found that explain a moderate percentage of the variance of the construct. In this sense, the objective of this paper is to specify a model for the study of the work climate, considering the institutionalism and human capital of a public university. An exploratory study was carried out with an intentional sample of 125 administrative personnel. From a structural model it was found that the relationship climate factor explained the highest percentage of the variance (21%) and it was the reflective dimension of the construct (0.524). The inclusion of the task climate is recommended due to its link with the leadership and the collaborative climate.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-22-4266
O.D AbuCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
The present study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dialiumguineense stem bark on lipid profile and CCl4- induced histological changes in liver of Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 25) weighing 160 – 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group): normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin, aqueous extract and ethanol extract groups. With the exception of normal control, the rats were exposed to CCl4 (single oral dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight, bwt). Silymarin group rats were administered standard hepatoprotective drug, silymarin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg bwt, while those in the two treatment groups received 1000 mg/kg bwt of aqueous or ethanol extract orally for 28 days. Lipid profile parameters were determined in plasma, while rat liver was subjected to histopathological examination. The results showed that the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were significantly lower in CCl4 control group than in normal control group, but they were increased by extract treatment (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in atherogenic coefficient (AC) and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) among the groups (p > 0.05). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) markedly disrupted the structure of hepatocytes and induced steatosis (intra-hepatocyte fat in-growth and inflammation) which was predominantly microvesicular. However, treatment with aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark showed marked regeneration of hepatocytes (unremarkable hepatic lobular architecture). The toxic hepatic injury induced by CCl4 was significantly blocked by the plant extracts.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4235
E. Obeten KebeCorresponding author
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical sciences, Kampala International university, Uganda
This study investigates the effect of Aqueous extract of abelmoschus esculentus on the microanatomy of the small, large intestine and stomach and the body weight of Wister rats. Twenty-one adults male wistar rats weighing between 100-120 grams were assigned into three groups consisting of seven rats each; Group A (control), Group B (low dose), and Group C (high dose). The rats in the control group were fed with fed with feed and water only while the rats in groups B and C were treated with 0.1mg/kg body weight and 3.0mg/kg body weight of abelmoschus esculentus respectively for 14 days. At the end of administration, the final weights of all rats were recorded before sacrifice using cervical dislocation and the small, large intestine and the stomach were harvested, processed and stained using H&E stain. The results were revealed as significant (p<0.05) increased in the mean body weight compared with the weight in the control groups and experimental groups. The treated animal groups revealed increased cellularity, focal metaplasia of the mucosal cells with villous disruption in the small intestine and dysplasia of the mucosal with loss of epithelial shape in large intestine. The stomach histology showed gastric pits with goblet cells smooth muscles layer and surface epithelium in the control group. Sections from the low dose treated group showed deep epithelical gastric pit areas with marked depletion of pits and goblet cells while the high dose treated group revealed dysplasia of gastric pits, goblet cells and smooth muscles appear mildly eroded.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4332
Gautam AlishaCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Nepal Institute of Health Sciences, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Introduction Physical, psychological, and emotional growth are among the changes that define the adolescent stage. As compared to other age groups, adolescents are more vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents can become protective and influencing factors for their children to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study aims to assess adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 adolescents aged 15–19 in higher secondary schools of Tokha Municipality. A self-administered structured modified questionnaire to assess the communication used the Weighted Topics Measure of Family Sexual Communication (WTM) tool with a simple random sampling technique of data collection. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests to analyze data and assess the association between variables. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretesting, and training. Results The study found that about 75.9% of adolescents had communicated on SRH topics with their parents. Only 56.1%, 50.1%, 55.2%, and 50.5% of adolescents communicated about choosing a life partner, menstruation, physical and psychological changes during adolescence, and the physical growth and development of reproductive organs, respectively, while topics like using birth controls, when to start having sex, pregnancy, how to handle sexual pressure from a partner, STI and HIV/AIDs, about condoms, and abortion had never communicated by 61.3%, 86.6%, 69.3%, 85.8%, 72.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5% of adolescents, respectively. Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health was significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (X2 = 5.809, p = 0.01, df = 1). Similarly, there was a significant association with the perceived parenting style (X2 =3.932, p =0.04, df =1), living arrangements (X2 =6.376, p=0.01, df =1), and adolescent-parent communication. Conclusion It concluded that adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues is not satisfactory. Creating an adolescent-friendly environment at home and conducting awareness programs with the help of the local government of the respective schools would help to increase adolescent-parent communication.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4343
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
Most hospitals have infection prevention and control committees but some of them are struggling to maintain and to apply infection prevention and control protocols due to lack of enough resources. Healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of infection prevention and control procedures are crucial for effective infection prevention and control (IPC). The study aimed to assess HCW’s KAP towards IPC in Rwanda. A cross-sectional hospital based study was directed in three hospitals in Karongi district from February to March 2022. Data were collected from 215 healthcare workers using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected, checked, coded, and entered into the Kobo Collect Toolbox before being transferred to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The KAP Score was also calculated. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We found that 50.7% of HCWs were males, 63.3% were between the ages of 18 and 58.2% had a secondary education. The overall 78.6% of HCWs demonstrated high level of knowledge, 79.5% with a positive attitude, and 63.3% with good IPC practice. The results revealed that being over 45 years old(AOR=3.1;95%,CI=(2.16-5.25; p=0.024) having university level(AOR=3.3); 95%CI=(1.56-7.56;p=0.035), working experience between 5-10years(AOR=1.7; 95%CI=(1.37-5.45); (p=0.003), having high level of knowledge (AOR=2.7;95%CI: (1.68–7.95; p=0.045)and positive attitude(AOR=2.3; 95%CI:(1.36-7.72); p=0.017) towards IPC were associated with IPC good practice. Improving institutional supplies such as hand hygiene supplies, PPE, water supply and other facilities can improve safe infection prevention and control.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4296
Das SatadalCorresponding author
Genetic Research Unit, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata-700107
Some evidence confirms the paradoxical beneficial role of harmful antigens when used in highly diluted forms. In this experiment, we observed cytokine gene expression changes in Gallus gallus embryo after challenge with Delta SARS-CoV-2 RBD spike protein antigen, from a concentration of 10 µg/mL to a series of highly diluted forms in ethanol, along with controls. We have also studied pre-and post- experimental combined sets of higher (10 µg/mL) and significantly lower antigen concentrations (attogram level). Attogram and zeptogram level concentrations of the antigen showed consistently remarkable up-regulation of INF-α among different cytokine gene expressions. INF-β gene expressions at the zeptogram level of the antigen showed consistent changes, although not so outstanding. The pre-experimental set having attogram level antigen administered first, followed by a 10µg/mL antigen challenge, showed excellent cytokine balance. Other experimental groups, including the control sets, showed variable results at different concentrations.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4252
Kumari Nuthalapat RamaCorresponding author
Additional Professor of Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Nizams institute of medical sciences, Panjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana state, India
Background Prevalence of coronary artery disease is between 7-13 percent in urban and 2-7 % in rural India1. The alarm in rise in the prevalence of coronary risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, central obesity and physical inactivity2. The correlation between these risk factors and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, assessed by angiography which may be either single or multivessel is less consistent with studies reporting conflicting results 3,4. Therefore our study aims to understand the proper correlation between risk factors and severity of coronary artery disease in an Indian population Methods This study was conducted in the department of cardiology, NIMS hospital Hyderabad which receives patients from the urban as well as rural areas of Telangana. the patients admitted in the department of cardiology, NIMS hospital Hyderabad that presented with acute coronary syndromes and diagnosed to have coronary artery disease (single vessel/multivessel disease) on coronary angiography taken for study. Sample Size is 150 Results Among the 150 subjects, males were 111(74%) and females were 39(26%). Mean age of the study population is 55.2 ± 11.4. Among SVD group 73.65% were males &26.3% were females. Among MVD group 76.2% were males & 23.7% were females. Mean age for SVD was 53±14.4 years, while mean age foe MVD was 58.6±14.5 years. For ACS mean age of presentation for females is 60.7±11.4 and for males mean age of presentation is 55.1±12.6. MVD (57.2%) were more common among smokers than SVD. In <45 years age group SVD (69.2%) were more common than MVD (30.8%). In 45- 70 years age group and >70 years age group MVD were more common than SVD with 69.6% and 66.6% respectively, which is statistically significant. MVD (60%) were more common among hypertensives than SVD. Among non-hypertensives MVD (41.8%) was less common than SVD (58.2%) MVD was common among all age groups, which is statistically signicant. Among STEMI group SVD (58.3%) was more common than MVD (41.7%). Among NSTEMI group MVD (62%) was more common than SVD (38%).Correlation between groups was statistically significant. Among SVD study group, LVEF was commonly between 30-45% & very few with LVEF <30% MVD was associated with more severe LV dysfunction as compared to SVD in acute MI. The difference in ejection fraction between the two groups was statistically significant P value=0.0002. In hospital MACE Among SVD there was 1 MI (due to stent thrombosis) who had to TVR (primary PCI) & rest were asymptomatic and discharged in normal state MVD there were in hospital deaths (due to refractory cardiogenic shock) rest were asymptomatic and were discharged in normal state. This difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant. Conclusion Multivessel disease in ACS were seen more commonly among elderly as compared to young subjects where single vessel disease were more common. Females especially elderly more commonly have multivessel disease. Mean age for multivessel disease was higher than single vessel disease. Among <45 years age group, SVD was more prevalent among smokers, obese and physically active. Multi vessel disease is more prevalent among patients with risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and physically inactive. Subjects with family history of premature CAD presented early and correlated well with prevalence of SVD.NSTEMI presented more with multi vessel disease. In echocardiographic wall motion analysis, a depressed regional segment of infarcted area with remote hyperkinesis predicted SVD where as remote area hypokinesis predicts more multivessel disease. In hospital outcomes were seen among multi vessel disease as compared to single vessel disease although not statistically significant.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4204
Samson Jegede OluwatosinCorresponding author
LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an element of the biomedical interventions of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. The level of protection is strongly correlated to PrEP drug adherence. In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers (FSW) is 15.5%. The 2020 integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey did not report on PrEP adherence among FSW. This study therefore assessed the level of adherence to PrEP and its predictors among FSW in South-Western Nigeria. Methodology This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021. Study population were brothel-based FSW at Gambari Ogbomoso and Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 156 FSW participated in the study. Data was collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. Results One hundred and forty-nine properly completed questionnaires were analyzed. Ninety-nine respondents (66.4%) have been working for more than 5years as a FSW and 65(43.6%) had initiation of sex work before 18 years of age. Respondents’ sexual behavior showed that 55 (36.9%) of total respondents had consistent use of condom. One hundred and thirty-four respondents (89.9%) had good knowledge of PrEP, 97 (65.1%) had good attitude towards PrEP while 111 (74.5%) had good perception of risk of HIV infection. One hundred and thirty-two (88.6%) reported to be taking PrEP and 119 (79.9%) had good adherence to PrEP. Predictors of adherence to PrEP were educational status, age of commencement of sex work and monthly income. It was found that educated sex workers were 2.67 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.280-5.591, p=0.019). Those who commenced sex work after clocking 18 years of age were 75% times less likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=0.251, 95% CI=0.106-0.597, p=0.001) while those with average monthly income more than #10,000 were 1.65 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=1.65, 95% CI=0.674-4.042, p=0.0275. Discussion and Recommendation The level of adherence to PrEP is considerably high and underscores a positive effect of the efforts of the Government of Nigeria in controlling HIV as a threat by 2030. Further studies would be useful to understand the behavioral factors associated with low adherence to PrEP among FSW who have spent more than 5 years in sex work.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-22-4193
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
The strategy for safe drug discovery and development has limited clinical success as compared to wasted time and resources annually. This is due to the fact that the results of multiphase preclinical trials are less likely to make an accurate early prediction on the safety of test compounds to progress into the clinic as a valuable therapeutic agent. A lot of time and resources has been wasted in the multistage processes of drug discovery and development that does not work at the end of the procedure every year. During pre-marketing stage, for instance, the number of unsuccessful clinical trials are greater than the successful one because of safety issues. A toxicity study at different stages of preclinical and clinical trials is a routine procedure to investigate the undesirable side effects of test compounds being manifested on the natural processes of living things. It deals with the effect and mechanism of toxicity of test compounds that triggers different biological responses on different organ systems. The biological responses that would be manifested as a result of interaction between the receptors and active molecules of a test compound could be desirable pharmacological effect or undesirable side effect or both responses are manifested simultaneously depending on the selectivity or specificity of the molecule of a test compound for its receptor subtype which makes safe drug discovery and development very challenging. The response efficiency of the body (the net outcome of the body’s biological reaction against the side effect) would determine the potency of a test compound to manifest undesirable pharmacologic effect. In other words, the amount of a drug required to cause a biological harm or injury depends on the magnitude of the body’s biological reaction in which the immune response plays a great pharmacological role by neutralizing and harmonizing xenobiotics with the biological molecules. The dose of a test compound at 100 mg/kg body weight, for instance, could be lethal to some of the study animals while it is still non-lethal to some other study animals depending on the response efficiency of the body. The immune system is well connected to each and every biological systems of the body which allows it to detect undesirable side effects being manifested through immunoglobulins signalling and activation mechanisms. This complex communication network helps to localize the diverse side effects of a test compound being manifested on different organ systems into the immune system which makes a toxicity study relatively simple to monitor. The cellular immune system becomes active following the molecule-receptor interaction and start producing antibodies which is also known as immunoglobulins to protect bodily harm and destruction. Under normal biological circumstances, the amount of immunoglobulins produced by the cellular immune system following exposure to a test compound is proportional to the number of harmful molecules interacted with its receptor subtype. Thus, with the reference to the changes in the immune response against the administered dose, it would be able to deal with the diverse undesirable side effects of a test compound being manifested on treated study animals using computational systemic biology.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4181
K. Al Miraj A.Corresponding author
Research Assistant, Dept of Vascular Surgery, BSM Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh
Introduction Worldwide, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health concern; On the basis of epidemiologic data, by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Objective To assess the frequency of Microalbuminuria and the presence of Hypoxemia in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Place of Study Department of Medicine & Respiratory Medicine in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Study Period Six months after approval of the protocol Study Population Patient suffering from COPD and admitted in Department of Medicine & Respiratory medicine, DMCH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 100 samples were included in this study. COPD usually presents with a history of chronic cough with sputum production or exertional breathlessness which may be associated with relevant clinical findings and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7. In most cases it is associated with smoking Results Total 100 patients of COPD were included in the study. Mean age was 58.16±5.4 years ranging from 50 to 74 years. Out of 100 patients, majority (42%) were from age group 55 to 60 years. Among all, 82% patients were male and 18% were female, of 100 patients, majority (30%) were day laborer. Only 2% were unemployed. The percentage of housewives was 18%. Other 34% were businessman and service holders. COPD severity was assessed using GOLD guideline. Out of 100 COPD patients, 38% had severe COPD (GOLD stage III). 16 % patients were in mild (Stage I) and 32% patients were in moderate stage (Stage II). The condition was very severe for 14% patients (Stage IV). Of 100 COPD patients, 30% had microalbuminuria. Among 100 COPD patients, chance of microalbuminuria increases among COPD patients with the increase of age significantly. There is smoking history of 36 pack year for COPD patients with microalbuminuria. Of 100 patients 26% were hypoxemic. The average forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) was 37.40 with standard deviation 14.48 for patients with microalbuminuria. The PaO2 and PaCO2 is 63.06 with standard deviation 7.09 and 46.09 with standard deviation 2.43 for COPD patients with microalbuminuria respectively. All of these characteristics are significant with p-value 0.00. However, the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not found significant. The patients who had PaO2 less than 70 mmHg were considered hypoxemic. The patients who had microalbuminuria among them 87% were hypoxemic. Only 13% patients were free from hypoxemia who had microalbuminuria. Patients without microalbuminuria had no history of hypoxemia. There is significant relation exists between hypoxemia and the presence of microalbuminuria (p<0.5). Conclusion In this study, about one-fourth of the patients have hypoxemia and more than one fourth of the patients have microalbuminuria. Stage III was more frequent among the study population but there was no association between severity grading and presence of microalbuminuria. However, significant relation is found between co-existence of both microalbuminuria and hypoxemia in COPD patients.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-22-4162
Wang LingCorresponding author
Department of Intensive Care Unit, People’s Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
Alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (P(Aa)O2) can reflect pulmonary ability to exchange oxygen; it shows good correlation with the oxygenation index (OI), which is important in diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study explored the ability of P(Aa)O2 in diagnosing ARDS in pneumonia patients. Methods We selected patients with community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the People’s Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture; we measured P(Aa)O2 and the OI under anoxic conditions upon their admittance to the ICU. We divided the patients into ARDS and non-ARDS groups. We compared the differences in P(Aa)O2 and OI; we analyzed the correlation between P(Aa)O2 and ARDS. To assess the diagnostic ability of P(Aa)O2 for ARDS, we drew the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Result We found that P(Aa)O2 in the ARDS group was greater than in the non-ARDS group (t = 8.875, P <0.001); the OI in the ARDS group was smaller than in the non-ARDS group (t = –6.956, P <0.001). There was a positive correlation between P(Aa)O2 and ARDS (r = 0.718, P <0.001). The area under the ROC curve for P(Aa)O2 in the diagnosis of ARDS was 0.931 (0.873–0.988); the cutoff value was 214.70 mmHg, the sensitivity was 89.50%, and the specificity was 85.00%. Conclusion We conclude that P(Aa)O2 is a good reference index in diagnosing ARDS.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-5773.jcdp-22-4123
Vladimir ZaichickCorresponding author
Background Thyroid benign (TBN) and malignant (TMN) nodules are a common thyroid lesion. The differentiation of TMN often remains a clinical challenge and further improvements of TMN diagnostic accuracy are warranted. The aim of present study was to evaluate possibilities of using differences in trace elements (TEs) contents in nodular tissue for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Methods Contents of TEs such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), boron (B),, beryllium (Be), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), cerium (Ce), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), iron (Fe), gallium (Ga), mercury (Hg), iodine (I), lanthanum (La), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), neodymium (Nd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), praseodymium (Pr), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), scandium (Sc), selenium (Se), samarium (Sm), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), yttrium (Y), and zinc (Zn) were prospectively evaluated in nodular tissue of thyroids with TBN (79 patients) and to TMN (41 patients). Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short- and long-lived radionuclides (INAA-SLR and INAA-LLR, respectively) and destructive method such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results It was observed that in TMN tissue the mean mass fractions of Be, Fe, I, Sc, and Se are approximately 1.9, 1.7, 14, 3.1, and 1.6 times, respectively, lower while the mass fraction of Ga, Mo, and Rb 62%, 51%, and 33%, respectively, higher than those in TBN tissue. Contents of Ag, Al, B, Bi, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Hg, La, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Sb, Sm, Sn, Tl, U, Y, and Zn found in the TBN and TMN groups of nodular tissue samples were similar. Conclusions It was proposed to use the I mass fraction, as well as I/Ga, I/Mo, and I/Rb mass fraction ratios in a needle-biopsy of thyroid nodules as a potential tool to diagnose thyroid malignancy. Further studies on larger number of samples are required to confirm our findings and proposals.
Mar 2022
Bereda GudisaCorresponding author
Department of Pharmacy, Negelle Health Science College, Guji, Ethiopia
Dolutegravir suppresses this integration enzyme, so human immune virus can’t create every greater copies of itself, thus ‘’integrase inhibitor.’’ Dolutegravir is hastily absorbed pursuing oral administration. The median maximum plasma concentration is reached 1.5–2.5 hours after oral uptake with a mean half-life of 12–15 hours, rendering feasible for once-daily dosing without the need for pharmacological boosting. The terminal half-life is about 14 hours. The apparent oral clearance is about 1 liter/hour. Fifty three percent of the total oral dose of dolutegravir is excreted unchanged in the feces, thirty two percent through urine as glucuronide (eighteen percent) or alkylated product (three point five percent), and other organic conjugated products sequencing from phase II liver metabolisms. Dolutegravir’s categorized as pregnancy category B (no confirmation of pitfall in humans) means either animal-reproduction inquests have not substantiated a fetal peril but there are no restrained inquests in pregnant women or animal-reproduction inquests have reveal an adverse effect (distinctive than a de-escalate in fertility) that was not inveterate in restrained inquests in women in the first trimester (and there is no confirmation of a pitfall in later trimesters) or there is survey in animal that revealed the medication is safe in pregnant animal, but there is no fetal pitfall confirmation in pregnant women.Antiviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) revealed that as of January 2017, pregnancy outcomes and birth defects were analyzed from 142 pregnancies with reported exposure to DTG during pregnancy. There were 128 live births reported (3 terminations, 11 miscarriages, no stillbirths). Only 4 (3.0%) reported birth defects, which is similar to the expected rate of birth defects in the general population. European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPIC) displayed that as of July 2017, 101 pregnancies with exposure to DTG had been identified with 84 birth outcomes. Rates of preterm delivery and “small for gestational age” were identical to outcomes reported from women on alternative regimens (standard of care in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4117
Wu JianqingCorresponding author
Healthier World (Independent researcher for cause), P. O. Box 689, Beltsville, MD 20704. USA
Several mRNA vaccines are used on the population in the U.S. I started predicting the dangers of mRNA vaccines before March 2021 and update my findings periodically. My prior model study enabled me to identify many flaws in clinical trials, side-effect evaluation methods and mechanism studies, and I also considered consistent failure in predicting drug side effects in the past and systematic failure of FDA in keeping out dangerous drugs from market. I found that the risks of vaccination cannot be determined by experiments alone and must be determined by using a combination of methods. By studying mRNA expression dynamics and kinetics, I predict that vaccination with mRNA vaccines may increase cancer risks, multiple organ failure risks, earlier death risks, genome alteration speeds by one or more mechanisms, alter the normal selection process for viral evolution resulting in more virulent viruses, and aggravate chronic diseases or cause healed diseases to relapse. Two root problems are practical inability to control expression sites and severe adverse reactions from repeated vaccination. Based on mRNA bio-distribution, the mRNA mainly strikes the liver and other vital organs, and poses grave dangers to persons whose vascular functional reserves are relatively small, or whose vascular systems are temporarily burdened by other causes such as viral infections or life activities. If an mRNA vaccine is administered on a pregnant woman by second or booster shots, spike protein synthesis in fetus brain disrupts the highly regulated protein synthesis processes, resulting in potential brain damages. In less than a year, most of my early predicted damages are being materialized or are on the track to hit the population. In this update, I present a benefits-and-risks map to show how the number of deaths caused by mRNA vaccines is grossly underestimated and why claimed benefits like 95% effectiveness rate and 90% death rate reduction are meaningless and misleading.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-22-4092
AGBA LéhlengCorresponding author
Neurology Department, Intercommunal Hospital of Poissy/Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Poissy – France
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a monophasic, multifocal, demyelinating, autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It usually occurs after a systemic infection, usually viral, including certain coronavirus infections. A 27-year-old girl presented with complaints of left interscapular pain, paresthesias and weakness in the ipsilateral upper limb. These symptoms followed paresthesias on the fingertips of her right hand the day before her admission. she was treated two weeks earlier for pneumonia with COVID-19. Her clinical pattern resulted in a moderate weakness of the left limbs associated with tactil and algic hypoesthesia in the lower left limb ascending until the C4 level in the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord showed diffuse spontaneous hypersignals on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images at the cerebral level and on T2-weighted images at the spinal level. These imaging lesions coupled with the medical history of a recent COVID-19 infection led to the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) post covid-19. The clinical condition improved rapidly with intravenous (IV) corticosteroid therapy and IV immunoglobulin combined with physiotherapy. ADEM is a demyelinating autoimmune disease which is increasingly reported during this current corona virus pandemic.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4067
O AmaewhuleCorresponding author
Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Nigeria.
Introduction Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart and intra-thoracic great vessels that are present at birth and may be of functional significance. They are the most frequently occurring congenital anomalies and babies born with severe forms of these defects are likely to die in the neonatal period. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CHDs among neonates delivered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Methods Using a stratified sampling technique, 530 neonates were selected from three hospitals in Port Harcourt. The biodata of the parents and socio-demographic information were obtained through an interviewer-administered questionnaire to the mothers. Physical examination and echocardiograghy were performed on all the neonates. Results Five hundred and thirty (530) neonates aged 0-7days (5.2±1.8) participated in this study and the male to female ratio was 1.1:1. Forty-three neonates were found to have CHD giving a prevalence of 8.1% 95%CI: 6.0. Thirty-nine were acyanotic and four cyanotic. Congenital Heart Defects were found in 21 (48.8%) males and 22 (51.2%) females. The more common heart defects were isolated Atrial Septal Defect in 16(37.2%), isolated Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 11(25.6%) and isolated Ventricular Septal Defect in 6 (13.9%). The most common cyanotic CHD was Transposition of the Great Arteries in 2 neonates (4.7%). The clinical features identified in neonates with CHD were tachypnoea, dysmorphia, cyanosis, hypoxia and murmur Conclusion The prevalence of CHD is considerably high in Port Harcourt and further studies need to be carried out to ascertain the risk factors.
Feb 2022
Ahmed Kamal SamiaCorresponding author
Professor Dr. Virology department, Animal Health Research Institute, Egypt
Cancer cells need strong drug to be eliminated. Cancer lesions cure could achieve by topical application of crude bee venom. Bee venom medication used to prevent malignancies in groups most at risk (predisposing factors). Bee venom crosses the blood brain barriers because its components are very small. However, Bee venom contraindicated administered by intravenous injection because it’s hemolytic substance, mellitin which is powerful anticoagulant. However, the cationic peptides mellitin govern the mode of action of bee venom as anticancer and antiviral in vivo; 1 there is a negative charge on cancer cells, viral infected cells, diseased cells, and generally any cells that contain toxins or damage, and viruses are carrying negative charge even when it is outside the living body. 2Bee venom component (melittin) carries a positive charge, it destruct negatively charged cancer cells. 3 The role that the herpes virus is likely to play in increasing the severity of cancerous diseases, worsen the conditions: herpes viruses are opportunistic viruses that strike the body whose immunity is weakened for any reason. Therefore, the role of herpes virus must be neutralized when you planning to treat a cancer patient. Fortunately, bee venom is a powerful antiviral, and thus we hit three birds with one stone, that is, we kill cancer cells, kill opportunistic viruses, and improve tissue immunity to participate in the fight against cancer and get rid of toxic exudates more efficiently.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-4059
Ford KristynCorresponding author
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne Australia, Address: 50 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052
Aim There is limited published data describing the characteristics of the paediatric population prescribed semi elemental formulas. This retrospective observational audit aimed to describe the characteristics of the paediatric patients who have been prescribed a hydrolysed whey protein, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) based formula, Peptamen Junior® and the nutritional outcomes. Methods A retrospective observation audit was completed on a cohort of patients that was prescribed a semi elemental formula between 2016 and 2019 from a single tertiary paediatric medical centre. Data variables were collated such as patient characteristics, indications and modalities of administration, duration and tolerance to the formula. Results Data was collated on 375 patients with a median age of 6.2 years. The main underlying medical conditions were haematological/oncology (67%), gastrointestinal disorders (10.7%) and neurological conditions (9.4%). The most common indications for use were chemotherapy related side effects (36.2%), post bone marrow transplant (25.8%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (17.9%). The formula was rarely used as a sole source of nutrition, with 88% patients requiring accompanying forms of nutrition support. The majority of orders prescribed were of standard concentration (80.8%) and tolerance was recorded in 82.8% of patients. Conclusion The semi elemental formula Peptamen Junior® appears to be well tolerated in paediatric patients with a variety of medical conditions that have complex pathologies and may have wider scope of use in a more diverse group of medical conditions than currently indicated.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4051
Alabdely MayyadahCorresponding author
Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background As COVID-19 immunomodulation has been a part of interest for studies, it has been found that severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hyper-inflammatory response and increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). This can progress to cytokine storm syndrome and eventually development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is a protein that is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) is a small cytokine that belongs to the CC chemokine family. Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is a protein secreted by several cell types in response to Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ). All of these have roles in the immune response and eventually development of a cytokine storm. Methods Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were measured in a cohort of 21 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on admission to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as in an approximately age-sex matched group of 4 uninfected controls. The study population was classified into severe, moderate, mild and controls. Results Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were found to be elevated before the clinical deterioration. Conclusion These cytokines may play a role in early detection of disease severity especially in the pre-storm phase. Medications that target cytokines may prevent the development of an overt cytokine storm.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4025
M. Quirit AllenCorresponding author
MD.
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect a large swath of the global population. The Philippine records four hundred seventy-four thousand sixty-four (474, 064) confirmed COVID 19 cases since December 31 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic recently highlighted the role of systemic hyperferritenemia as a major cause of death. In this study, we were able to correlate the serum ferritin level and predict 30 day in hospital mortality in COVID 19 pneumonia. Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between serum ferritin level and disease mortality in COVID19 pneumonia with subset analysis on demographics and co-morbidities of patients with COVID 19 pneumonia. Methodology We reviewed the records of all laboratory confirmed COVID 19 patients from World Citi Medical Center from April 2020 up to April 2021.A statistically significant sample size of seventy nine (79) admitted patients were used in this study. A serum ferritin level was assayed using electrochemilumenescence immunoassay with a Roche COBAS analyzer. Results Result showed that high ferritin level is associated with in hospital mortality. With ferritin level of 1437.07ng/ml, poor clinical outcome and in hospital mortality was considered. We also observed that demographics and co morbidities of patients in this study were significant to predict in hospital mortality. Further sub-analysis of co morbidities such as Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Cerebrovascular disease showed poor outcome which were directly related to ferritin levels with p value of <0.0001. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that elevated ferritin levels were shown to correlate with 30 day in hospital mortality as well as medical comorbidities such as Hypertensive Cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and chronic kidney disease have shown significant evidence for in hospital mortality.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-3973
A Elmetwally MohammedCorresponding author
Departments of Theriogenology,
This review focused on the various methods for controlling estrous cycles in well-managed dairy cows. Because up to 70% of dairy cows may stay non-pregnant after an AI procedure, an effective approach for identifying and reinseminating open cows is essential for dairy herds to achieve optimal reproductive performance. Overall, well-managed dairy farms with effective estrus detection programs inseminate 50% or more of non-pregnant cows after behavioral estrus is detected. Cows not detected in estrus are admitted in a resynchronization of ovulation procedure to receive a timed AI (TAI) service to avoid a long interbreeding interval. In Egypt, a widely used program involves starting the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH-7 d-PGF2-56 h-GnRH-16 to 20 h-TAI) 32 days after an initial AI, regardless of pregnancy status. Previous studies have proven that there was no difference in pregnancy/artificial insemination (P/AI) between Ovsynch+P4 and Presynch-Ovsynch, both protocols were equally effective in improving the fertility of cows with a CL 15 mm. The review also addressed different methods for synchronization of ovulation and different factors affecting the selection of the management program.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-3977
Shakeel Iqubal S.M.Corresponding author
Department of General Science, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Al Mahajar Street: 31906, Jeddah 21418, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia most of the individuals give very little attention to issues like health or no priority to medical checkup. This investigation was carried out to measure knowledge, practice of periodic medical checkup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia people. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted among 1015 participants. A structured interviewer administered an online questionnaire were distribute by social media and whatsApp. We collected data and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Association between categorical variables were explored using bar chart and tables, Level of significance was set at 5%. The main age of the respondents was 21-30 years, 78.4% were females and 64.2% were married. About 42.1% have ever heard of periodic medical check-up , 57% of those who haven’t ever heard of periodic medical checkup and only 21.9% among those who had ever done it had frequent medical check-up and 78.1% didn’t do it. Attempt is required in ensuring that periodic medical check-up is urged. There is a need to study the factors associated with the uptake of medical check-up among the study population and effort should be made by health agencies to educate traders on the various types of medical check-up, their indications and benefits as well as its practice encouraged
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3950
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
This study aimed to assess factors influencing knowledge and practices of hospital cleaners towards hepatitis B prevention. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at in Northern Province of Rwanda. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from study participants. A total of 134 cleaners were recruited in the study. Data were entered using Kobo collect toolbox and exported to Microsoft office excel for data cleaning and to entered in SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was done and the significance level was 5%. More than a half of respondents were female (51.5%), and had primary level of education (54.5%). Results showed that only 9.7% of respondents had a high level of knowledge about HBV and only 2.2% had good practices on HBV practices. The odds of having high level of knowledge towards HBV prevention was 2.3 times (AOR=2.3, 95%CI: (1.1-27.3); p=0.045) among respondents with high school compared to those with no educational level. Respondents with work experience of 5-7 years were 1.5 times to have high level of knowledge towards HBV prevention than those with work experience of less than one year. Being aged between 20-30 years was associated with 2.5 times more likely to have good practices on HBV prevention than respondents aged less than 20 years. The odds of having good practice towards HBV had found to increase with work experience (AOR=2.3; 95%CI: (1.29-4.3); p=0.014). Considerable proportion of participants lacks the requisite knowledge of post-exposure treatment and prevention of HBV. Training programs on HBV infection, including PEP are highly recommended.
Sep 2021
J. Kavana NicholasCorresponding author
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences P.O Box 175 Ifakara, Tanzania
Background This study was done to assess knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards sexually transmitted infections among secondary school students in Mlimba Division, Ifakara, Tanzania. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2021. A total of 365 secondary school students (193 male; 172 female) aged between 12 and 23 years were surveyed by using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Results The study found the majority 95.9% had heard of STDs, 77.8% knew symptoms of STDs, 86.8% knew mode of transmission, 94.0% knew the importance of use of condom during sexual intercourse. Among the sexually-active students, 70.7% had practiced sexual intercourse and 42.2% used condom during sexual intercourse. Conclusion The risky behavior practiced by the sexually-active students in this study is alarming. There is a need to introduce STD education curriculum in secondary schools so that appropriate intervention on STDs can be implemented.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-20-3655
Kayani SumairaCorresponding author
Ph.D. Zhejiang University China
The present study examined the effects emotional intelligence on self-Efficacy of tertiary education students. Two scales Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale 44 and Schwarzer & Jerusalem Self Efficacy Scale 47 were used. The pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability of the instrument and main study was conducted to assess the results on sample of the study. A sample of 50 students (25 males, 25 females) were taken from universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Both questionnaire were administered to the sample. The psychometric properties of pilot study were found satisfactory. In second phase main study was conducted which considered of sample of 200 university students (100 males and 100 females). The psychometric properties of main study were also satisfactory. Scores were analysed using SPSS software. Results of demographic variables such as age, birth order, mother education, father education and number of siblings are positively correlated with both scales and sub scales. The results were significant at (p<0.05) of mean differences with gender, education and family system. This survey consists of three hypotheses, which were accepted.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-21-3912
Erkabu SamsonCorresponding author
Department of internal medicine, Ras Desta Damtew Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa –Ethiopia
Background Liver disease has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its epidemiologic and clinical pattern, however, is not well characterized in sub-Saharan countries. Objective This study aimed to describe demographic, clinical characteristics, and patterns of liver disease in a community hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted on patients with liver disease admitted at Ras Desta Damtew memorial hospital, in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, from February 2015 to April 2020. Result Of the total 212 patients majority, 78.8% were male, 49.1% of patients were in the age range of 31-50 with a median age of 42. The most common initial clinical presentation was ascites (87.7 %), and more than half of patients (56.6%) had a history of alcohol misuse documented on their medical charts. Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) was found in 177 (83.5%), and Hepatocellular Cancer accounted for 7.5% of the patients. Alcohol misuse caused 45% of chronic Liver Disease, followed by Hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion Chronic liver disease is the most common form of liver disease, and the most affected were middle-aged men. The common cause of chronic liver disease was alcohol followed by hepatitis B virus infection.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3924
Siripassorn KrittaechoCorresponding author
Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
This study measures the impact of chloroquine (CQ) therapy in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in infected individuals and hence its transmissibility by describing changes in nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA kinetics in patients receiving standard of care (SOC) or CQ +/- ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). The nasopharyngeal (NP) samples were collected from mild COVID-19 patients admitted at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute between March and April of 2020. These patients either received SOC, or a high dose of CQ with loading dose, or high dose of CQ plus LPV/r. The samples were tested at AFRIMS using a quantitative RT-PCR assay. Levels of CQ in the plasma were measured 6 days post initiation of their treatment. In some instances, viral isolation was attempted to determine SARS-CoV-2 viability. Analyses of the clinical outcomes showed that CQ +/- lopinavir did not contribute significantly to decreasing the number of days with detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Viral NP GEs declined faster in the CQ group, but benefits diminished rapidly with delays in treatment initiation. Funding Global Emerging Infections Surveillance, Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (GEIS-AFHSB) for all research-related activities at the AFRIMS
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-21-3844
O. Oshadu DavidCorresponding author
Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
Acanthus montanusNees T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) has been employed in folk medicine for treatment of different kinds of ailment, but there is dearth of documented information on its therapeutic activities against parasites. In this study, pulverized Acanthus montanusleaf was subjected to four different extraction techniques. The percentage of yields were 25.58%, 31.42%, 11.58% and 3.00% weight by weight (w/w) of crude ethanol extract (CEE), aqueous (AQ), n-butanol (BUT) and chloroform (CHLO) portions, respectively. All the extracts, excluding the chloroform portion were administered to worm-infested mice per os at dose of 1.2 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg, 1.7 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg each for five days consecutive. Mice were euthanized and the adult worm counted for rates of deparasitization. The aqueous extract did not cause significant deparasitization even at the highest dose of 2.0 g/kg. The CEE caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rate of 72.35% at 2.0 g/kg dose. The n-butanol portion caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rates at doses between 1.4 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg (86.17% and 97.04% respectively) compared to figures from distilled water-treated mice (Control) as well as those from mice treated with the aqueous or crude ethanol portion. The 97.04% deparasitization produced by the 2.0 g/kg dose was not stastistically different (p>0.05) from the 100% deparasitization obtained using albendazole at the manufacturer’s recommended dose of 10 mg/kg. This study has demonstrated that the n-butanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaf has profound anthelmintic activity against experimental Heligmosomoidesbakeri infection in mice. Further phytochemical analysis and evaluation is being advocated in large animals and possibly human subjects.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-3869
Jain JuliCorresponding author
Neuroscience Research Lab, Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar – 470003 (MP), India.
Rotenone is well known environmental neurotoxin used to induce Parkinson’s disease (PD) model. Numerous studies are investigated its toxicity on the brain but few studies are available that examined its toxicity on the liver and kidney. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to explore the toxicity of rotenone on the liver and kidney and its protection through quercetin. Administration of rotenone orally at the dose of (5mg/kg b.w daily for 60 days) caused a significant increase in the levels of liver function and renal function biomarkers as compared to controls. A significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione, reduction in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in the liver and kidney as compared to control. The histopathological and SEM study in rotenone-treated mice showed alteration and signs of inflammation in the liver and kidney. While co-treatment of quercetin orally (30 mg/kg b.w for 60 days) together with rotenone, reversed the above parameters. In conclusion, rotenone significantly damages the liver and kidney, and the administration of quercetin along with rotenone shown a protective role. This study provides a new insight into where rotenone-induced liver and kidney dysfunction could be successfully protected by quercetin.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3874
J. Johnson JeremyCorresponding author
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Natural food preservatives in the form of herb extracts and spices are increasing in popularity due to their potential to replace synthetic compounds traditionally used as food preservatives. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is an herb that has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, and currently is being studied for anti-cancer and hepatoprotective properties. Rosemary also has been reported to be an effective food preservative due to its high anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. These properties allow rosemary prevent microbial growth while decreasing food spoilage through oxidation. Rosemary contains several classes of compounds, including diterpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which can differ between extracts depending on the extraction method. In particular, the diterpenes carnosol and carnosic acid are two of the most abundant phytochemicals found in rosemary, and these compounds contribute up to 90% of the anti-oxidant potential of the herb. Additionally, several in vivo studies have shown that rosemary administration has a positive impact on gastrointestinal (GI) health through decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in the GI tract. The objective of this review is to highlight the food preservative potential of rosemary and detail several studies that investigate rosemary to improve in vivo GI health.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3862
Wang LingCorresponding author
Department of Intensive Care Unit, People's hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, Guizhou, China
COVID-19 is a new infectious disease, which needs to explore the clinical value of white blood cell count and lymphocyte to provide help for diagnosis and treatment.COVID-19 cases were Selected that admitted to 2 hospitals in Guizhou, China. WBC and LYM in the 1st day, in the 4th day and in the 7th day after onset were collected. There were not any differences in The WBC and LYM in the 4th day and the 7th day between the two groups.WBC and LYM in the 1st day in the moderate group were lesser than in the mild group. WBC and LYM were no dynamic changes in the mild group. In moderate group, WBC and LYM in the 1st day were lesser than in the 4th day. The levels in the 4th day and the 7th day were no differences. The conclusion was In the early stage of COVID-19, the WBC and LYM in moderate patients were significantly decreased within 4 days after onset, and could be restored to normal level after 4-7 days. However, no dynamic changes were observed in mild patients within 7 days.
May 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-21-3814
E.E Enwereji,Corresponding author
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu Abia State.
Introduction Adolescence is a critical stage in human development that is characterized by peer pressure, confusion, exuberance and experimentation, particularly with sexual relationships. This is why attention should be paid to adolescents’ reproductive health issues so as to reduce their exposure to aggressive sexual activities which could expose them to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and others. This study aimed at reducing the factors and conditions that influence teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. Materials and Methods The study used a cross sectional descriptive study. A randomly selected sample of 416 adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years were studied. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, using frequencies, percentages and means were utilized for data analysis. Results The study found that 198 (47.6%) of the respondents were sexually active and that 89 (45%) of them had been pregnant. More than half 103 (52%) of the study group indicated that peer pressure influenced their sexual activities. About 46(51.7%) of the adolescents said they were pregnant so as to keep the new born baby with motherless babies homes. Conclusion Therefore, there is need for increased sex education for in-school adolescents so as to highlight the effects of teenage pregnancy on adolescents.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3778
Okiemute Rosa Johnson-AjinwoCorresponding author
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
This study aims at investigating the antipyretic activity of different solvent fractions of the root bark of Rutideaparviflora(Rubiaceae). This plant is used ethno-botanically by the people of Ethiope East-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria to treat various ailments such as inflammation, fever and pain. This necessitated this research to validate its local use, due to the scanty literature and information present about this plant. It has also shown some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity in previous researches. The present study is a randomized control study. Acetic acid induced writhing was employed for analgesic testing. Acetic acid was used to induce writhing in Wistar rats which were divided into fourteen (14) groups. The groups were administered extracts and fractions of the plant (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). The animals were observed for number of writing movements and the percentage writhing was calculated. Baker’s yeast induced pyrexia was employed for the antipyretic testing. The animal groups were administered extracts and fractions of the plant (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), with Paracetamol as the standard drug (100 mg/kg) and Normal saline (control) for both experiments. The body temperature of the rats was measured rectally over a period of five (5) hours. All values of P<0.05 were taken as significant. The organic extract, aqueous extract and various fractions (n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) produced significant inhibition of writhing responses and pyrexia in a dose dependent manner and time dependent manner respectively. The aqueous extract at a dose of 400mg/kg showed the greatest reduction in writhing, 91.58% compared to the standard drug (paracetamol) which may suggest that the fraction possesses better efficacy than paracetamol as an analgesic. The observed activities could be attributed to these bioactive compounds: Palmatine, Urs-12-ene-24-oic-3-oxo-methyl ester and Gallic acid contained in R. parviflora.
Feb 2021
E.E. Enwereji,Corresponding author
College of Medicine Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
Introduction Risk reduction intervention is meant to provide enhanced and desirable interventions for HIV prevention among adolescents especially the in-school. Adolescents have been identified as the most vulnerable groups that can easily acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, adolescents are the appropriate target for HIV prevention efforts. Most interventions for adolescents focus on providing AIDS-related education with the assumption that improving knowledge would enable adolescents to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. Numerous studies have shown that using class-room education alone is insufficient in reducing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviours. Therefore, this study used role-plays and peer facilitation for the study. Materials and Method The study used role-play and peer facilitation for the intervention strategy. The theme of the role-play was ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention which was aimed to reduce HIV risk behaviours among sexually inexperienced adolescents. The role-play was carried out by 4 peer leaders who were trained in the theoretical framework of role-plays and peer facilitation by a consultant. With mastery and experience they carried out the role play in a regular classroom section for over 3 class periods, co-facilitated with the assistance of a volunteer teacher. A unique feature of this intervention was the dual focus on strategies that influenced both individual risk factors (i.e., attitudes, behavioural skills) and social environments (e.g., peer resources). A school was chosen by simple random sampling for the intervention. In the school chosen, a total sample of 65 students in senior secondary classes 2&3 ( SS2&3) were included in the study. These were the students considered to be sexually active who can respond to the questions in the questionnaire. Self-administered pre-and post-questionnaire were completed by the students. The results were analysed using frequency tables, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The students studied were between the ages of 13-18 years. There was evidence that the role play ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention created positive effects on reduction of HIV risk behaviours among the sexually inexperienced participants aged 13–18. Perceptions on methods of preventing risk reduction behaviours were also positively impacted by the intervention as 12(18.5%) and 34(52.3 %) of the respondents realized after post- intervention that having sex with someone outside marriage and being transfused with infected blood respectively Will constitute risk to HIV infection. Conclusion The role play which used the theme ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention provided safer choices for reducing one or more measures of sexual risk behaviours among the sexual inexperienced respondents. It created the opportunity for the students to recognize that engaging in unprotected sex constitutes high risk for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3680
Jubayer AhmedCorresponding author
Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Background This study focused on nutritional status of the rickshaw pullers, their dietary energy and nutrients consumption along with their energy intake gap as compared to expenditure. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out at 15 different important locations of Dhaka city during December-January 2018. In total, 670 rickshaw pullers from these locations were randomly selected. Printed predesigned and validated semi structured questionnaire was used to record necessary information. Nutritional status was determined according to Asia specific BMI cut- off values. Energy expenditure was calculated using their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Physical Activity Level (PAL) value. 24-hour dietary recall method was administered for dietary analysis. Results About 65.4% of them were found within normal BMI range. About 11.5% were underweight and about 23.1% were found having more than normal BMI. Percentage of both underweight (39.0%) and overweight (35.8%) were found higher among those who were between 25 and 35 years. Average daily dietary energy consumption was 2391 kcal and energy expenditure were found 4608 kcal. Their energy consumption was found 2217 kcal less compared to their energy expenditure. Conclusion The current study revealed the nutritional status, dietary intake of the rickshaw pullers of Dhaka city and found energy gap in their dietary intake compared to their expenditure. For their better health and nutrition outcome integrated approach should be taken by the responsible authorities.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3383
Zhao BinCorresponding author
School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
With the spread of the new coronavirus around the world, governments of various countries have begun to use the mathematical modeling method to construct some virus transmission models assessing the risks of spatial spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19, while carrying out epidemic prevention work, and then calculate the inflection point for better prevention and control of epidemic transmission. This work analyzes the spread of the new coronavirus in China, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France, and explores the quantitative relationship between the growth rate of the number of new coronavirus infections and time. In investigating the dynamics of a disease such as COVID-19, its mathematical representation can be constructed at many levels of details, guided by the questions the model tries to help answer. Mathematical sophistication may have to yield to a more pragmatic approach closer to the ability to make predictions that inform public health policies. Background In December 2019 , the first Chinese patients with pneumonia of unknown cause is China admitted to hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Jinyintan , since then, COVID-19 in the rapid expansion of China Wuhan, Hubei, in a few months time, COVID-19 is Soon it spread to a total of 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China and neighboring countries, and Hubei Province immediately became the hardest hit by the new coronavirus. In an emergency situation, we strive to establish an accurate infectious disease retardation growth model to predict the development and propagation of COVID-19, and on this basis, make some short-term effective predictions. The construction of this model has Relevant departments are helpful for the prevention and monitoring of the new coronavirus, and also strive for more time for the clinical trials of Chinese researchers and the research on vaccines against the virus to eliminate the new corona virus as soon as possible. Methods According to the original data change law, Establish a Logistic growth model, we collect and compare and integrate the spread of COVID-19 in China, Italy, France, Spain and Germany, record the virus transmission trend among people in each country and the protest measures of relevant government departments. Findings Based on the analysis results of the Logistic model model, the Logistic model has a good fitting effect on the actual cumulative number of confirmed cases, which can bring a better effect to the prediction of the epidemic situation and the prevention and control of the epidemic situation. Interpretation In the early stage of the epidemic, due to inadequate anti-epidemic measures in various countries, the epidemic situation in various countries spread rapidly. However, with the gradual understanding of COVI D -19, the epidemic situation began to be gradually controlled, thereby retarding growth
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3671
K. Ceesay EbrimaCorresponding author
University of Gambia, Banjul, Gambia
Assesses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the social and economic situation in Africa. The data use in this paper was generated from online survey questionnaire, in which the participants were asked about certain questions in which covid-19 affect their social-economic live. The questionnaire was design to help Africa to understand covid-19 impacts. The results reveal that covid-19 affected Africa; 1) 51.6% responded said that coronavirus affect their job search 2) Over the past three months, 47.1 percent of the respondents said their private financial situation remain unchanged 3) 61 percent did not trust the true existing of the Covid-19. 5) According to this online survey administered using Google form, 51.8 percent of the respondents said services sectors are most impacted sector pandemic, follow by industrial sector, 31.3 percent and agriculture is least sector at 8.4 percent. Policy implication is that it has serious impacts on social-economics interactions.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3247
Z A Soliman GhadaCorresponding author
Prof Biochem, NNI, Cairo, ARE
Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that represent one of the greatest worldwide medical problems nowadays. Recently, an increased attention/ interest for natural antioxidant/ hypercholesterolemia as WG/WGO is increasing. Wheat germ/ Wheat germ oil (WG/WGO) is an excellent source of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It is one of the richest natural sources of tocopherol. This work aims to evaluate the effect of administration of wheat germ (WG) /wheat germ oil (WGO) for 6 weeks on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (liver malondialdehyde) in hypercholesterolemic rats. One hundred and twenty maleSprague Dawelyrats weighing 180-192 gm were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into six groups (20 rats/ group) as follow: g1: normal control, G2: hypercholesterolemic rats; G3: Normal rats treated with WG; G4: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG; G5: Normal rats treated with WGO; G6: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WGO for 6 weeks. Also WG was analysed for its nutritive value, while WGO was analysed for fatty acid profile, and studied for its physico-chemical properties. The results showed significant elevation of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lipid profile in untreated rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. Hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG/WGO showed an improvement in the biochemical assay of their lipid profile compared with untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. WG/WGO may be able to protect against atherosclerosis and CVD. The administration of WG /WGO to diets of rats caused a marked reduction in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG and MDA. This improvement effect may be mediated via enhancement of the antioxidant defence system and other factors. However, further clinical studies on human beings are required to assess the efficacy and safety of the WG/WGO.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3629
K QuenumCorresponding author
Neurosurgery Departement of Parakou University Chud/Ba, Republic of Benin
Introduction The extra dural hematoma is a blood collection between the cranial vault and the dura mater. It is a neurosurgical emergency whose statistical data are poorly known in the Republic of Benin. Objective The aims of this study are to assess epidemiology, therapeutic and outcome of traumatic extra dural hematomas for children admitted to the surgical department of CHUD-B/A from 2012 to 2017. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study over a period from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2017. Results One hundred and seventy-eight cases of children aged between 0-15 years were examined for brain traumatic injury. Twenty-seven 27 (15.2%) cases of extra dural hematomas were retained. The most represented age group was between 11-15 years with a frequency of 42.1%. The male sex was more represented (78.9%). Road traffic accidents were the main aetiology (57.9%). 52.6% had a mild head injury, 26.3% had a moderate head injury and 21.1% had a severe head injury. On brain scan the frequently observed location was temporo-parietal (31.6%). Acute anemia was observed in 16 children. Seventeen children were operated on. The operation involved evacuation of extra dural hematoma by cranial bone flap with suspension of the dura mater. There were no deaths. Conclusion The availability of brain CT makes the diagnosis of extra dural hematoma easier. Its management is neurosurgical with a favourable post-operative evolution in all cases in this series.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-20-3580
Enwereji,E.ECorresponding author
Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu Abia State.
Introduction This study assessed the awareness of cervical cancer screening test among women in the rural area of Imo State. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the cause of death in women. The need to ascertain the level of awareness of cervical cancer screening test and the level of uptake among rural women motivated this study. Materials and Methods The study design was cross sectional descriptive survey. The sample for the study, which was statistically determined by Taro Yamane formula was 420. Administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables. Results The result showed that 270(64.3%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer screening test and only 135(32.1%) used cervical cancer screening test . Majority of the respondents, 400(95.2%) have never taken vaccination for human papilloma virus . The main place where 234(55.7%) of the respondents learnt about cervical cancer screening was the hospital. A good number of the respondents 225(53.6%), had low uptake services because of the views that cervical cancer screening is mainly for the elderly women, and also 140(33.3%) felt that the investigation process is painful. Conclusion Therefore, adequate and substantial measures should be taken to health educate women on benefits of cervical cancer screening tests.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-20-3562
Amoo AbimbolaCorresponding author
University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria
Introduction Health care personnel are exposed to a variety of material occupational health hazards while handling biological material and contaminated equipment. The use of appropriate and good qualitypersonal protective equipment in work places cannot be over emphasized. Several years ago, this need was highlighted to several physicians like Sir Thomas Morrison Legye. He identified the role of the employer of labour and those of the employee in reducing workplace hazards and consequently achieving a healthy workplace environment. Objectives This study was to determine level of awareness and utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Medical Laboratory workers. Methods A questionnaire was structured with two sections and a total of 92 were administered. A pilot study was also carried out before the administration of the questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed on Microsoft excel spreadsheet in duplicate. It was then exported into EPI info version 3.4.1. Data was presented using frequency tables and chi square. Results About 77.3%, 72.9%, and 72.7% were aware of the use of goggle, gloves, and importance of hand washing in preventing exposure to Healthcare associated infections while working on patients’ samples. However, under the socio- demographic characteristics of the respondents and awareness level at P-value < 0.5 the results were 0.02. 0.5, 0.85, 0.92 for education, gender, years in service and age respectively. Hence, there is no significant relationship between respondents’ gender, age and year in service, and level of awareness. Conclusion The hospital management should ensure regular provision and supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure continual usage. Also, regular training and re-training should be conducted to keep the laboratory workers at briefs with latest innovative and benefits of PPE developments to this end.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-19-3115
D Mwalimu CharlesCorresponding author
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences - Dar es Salaam
Africa Region has the highest burden of malaria with an estimated of 3.5 million more malaria cases in 2017 compared 212 million cases in reported in 2016. Data collected from 2015 to 2017, shown no global progress in reducing malaria cases. In Mainland Tanzania, malaria control interventions have significantly led to the reduction in malaria prevalence from 18.1% in 2008 to 7.3% in 2017. Despite of these achievements, malaria burden is still highly heterogonous with some regions including urban peripheral areas of Dar es Salaam, presenting persistent malaria transmission ranging from 2 to 57%. Material and Methods A cross- sectional population based survey was carried out in Ilala Municipality in Dar es Salaam; data was collected from 2nd to 31 April, 2019. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select the households where individual member were conveniently selected to participate in the study. Structured questionnaire were administered by the trained researcher assistants to assess individual risk factors for malaria. Rapid Malaria diagnostic test (mRDT) was used to identify individual exposed to malaria infection. Measure of association used was prevalence odds ratio (POR). Multivariate regression model used to determine prevalence odds ratio, variable with p- value < 0.05 were considered as independent risk factor for persistent malaria transmission. Results A total of 830 participants were recruited in the study, mean age was 24yrs ±20.4SD. Majority 489 (58.9%) were female, 459 (55.3%) were >18 yrs old, primary or no education were 687 (82.8%), farmer or unemployed were 639 (77%). Msongola ward contributed 406 (48.9%). Overall malaria prevalence in the study areas was (4.5%). Nets ownership was 141 (16.9%), usage was 121 (85.8%).Low proportion of net ownerships (POR: 7.67, 95% CI: 4.23, 24.6), residing in the households surrounded by mosquito breeding sites POR: 20.07, 95% CI: 7.03, 57.29) and residing in houses with unscreened windows (POR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.40) were independently associated with malaria infection. Conclusion Low nets ownership, residing in the households surrounded by mosquito breeding sites and in households with unscreened windows was independent factors associated with risk of malaria in the areas. Promotion of ITNs coverage, application of biolarvicides through community engagement and house screening was recommended to reduce the risk of malaria infection in the areas.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3369
Kishan Gupta BalCorresponding author
Senior Professor, In-charge Medical ICU, Department. of Medicine, S.P.Medical College, Bikaner.
Background Since swine flu has been declared pandemic in 2009 it has become a major challenging public-health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. 25(OH)D deficiency is also pandemic and has been reported to be clinically correlated with decreased immunity and respiratory infections. The possible role of vitamin D in infections is implied from its impact on the innate and adaptive immune responses. This study is planned to evaluate clinical significance of 25(OH)D status on course and outcome in hospitalized cases of swine flu and to compare it with normal healthy subjects living in the same vicinity to evaluate if vitamin D is having any protective effect. Material & Methods Present prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 79 RT-PCR confirmed cases of swine flu admitted during recent epidemic. All patients were evaluated thoroughly by clinical history physical examination and laboratory investigations as per Performa and followed-up during hospital stay. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) estimation was done by electro-chemiluminescent Assay in all the cases and it was also done in 36 normal healthy family members of study patients living in the same vicinity (control group). Results High prevalence (70.9%) of low (≤30ng/ml) status of 25(OH)D was observed in cases of swine flu as compared to control group. 25(OH)D status was associated with severity of illness. Mean value of 25(OH)D in mechanically ventilated patients was 9.81±6.43 while it was 22.76±11.35 ng/ml in patients who do not required ventilation (p<0.05). Mean 25(OH)D level in patients who stayed in hospital for <5 days was 28.60±8.79 ng/ml, 24.18±11.67 for 6-10 days and 8.23±2.12 for >10 days (p<0.01). Mean value of 25(OH)D in patients who died was 9.59±5.90 ng/ml as compared to 23.13±11.62 ng/ml who survived (p<0.01). Conclusion Our study suggests that 25(OH)D may have preventive role for swine flu infection. Low level of 25(OH)D is associated with high morbidity in terms of increase requirement for mechanical ventilation, multiorgan dysfunction and long duration of hospital stay. 25(OH)D deficiency is associated with high mortality in swine flu. 25(OH)D status should be given due consideration in high risk patients especially during winter season.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3526
Bekele AnbessaCorresponding author
Pharmacy School, Health Institute, Jimma University, Ethiopia
Background Self-medication (SM) can be defined as the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. A number of individuals in developing countries do not attend physicians for their illnesses; instead they commonly use self-medication. Self-medication could be using drugs existing in home like over the counter (OCT) drugs, traditional medicine, prescription only drug. Self-medication is not always bad, hence for the over the counter drugs it is beneficial. Inappropriate storage and use of medicines at home could have a direct influence on public health, the environment and the health-care services and it increases the risk of self-medication. Objective To assess the practice of self-medication and drug storage among South Sudanese community in Addis Ababa. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study design was conducted in Addis Ababa city from April 22 to April 26/2019. Data was collected by semi structure-questionnaire consisting questions on general demographic, socio-economic as well as on perceived illness/ symptoms in the past four weeks and actions taken for it. The data collected was screened before it is analyzed. Data analysis was done by using calculator. Results From the total 297 respondents 286 (96.2%) had reported self-medication in the last one month before the study period. The most common types of ailments for which the respondents reported to have practiced self-medication were cough, cold and sore throat 90(30.3%), followed by headache 66(22.2%), diarrhea 52(17.5%) ,abdominal pain 47(15.8%), fever 21(7.07%) and vomiting 10(3.3%). The reasons given for self-medication were; the illness was minor 226(76%) and previous experiences with similar ailments 31 (10.4%) were found to be the two major reasons given by the respondents for self-medication in this study. The majority of the respondents 242(81.4%) who practiced self-medication obtained information on self-medication from friends and 29(9.7%) obtained information from family members. The most frequently used group of drugs used for self-medication were analgesics/antipyretics 177(59.5%) and antimicrobial which account 75(25.2%) each followed by antihelmenthics 24(8.08%).The main source of drugs for SM was in pharmacy 220(74.07%) followed by leftover drugs 41(13.8%) while drug retail outlet, and neighbors and relatives were the suppliers to 12.13% respondents each. Conclusion and Recommendation A significant number of respondents (96.2%) use S/M from those perceived illness. Majority of the self-medicated individuals used due to minor illness. The most common category of drugs used was analgesics/antipyretics and antimicrobials. And the reason reported for using S/M was minor illness and previous experience with the illness. Most of respondents obtained drugs easily from pharmacy. So, pharmacies are the major sources of drugs used for S/M. The increased of drugs storage to treat similar illness/symptom and drugs left over from previous use contribute to the increase in the S/M practice. Common drugs store reported by respondents who store modern drugs were analgesic/antipyretic. Most of the respondents stored the drug in locked cabinets. A lot is need to be done in educating the public including the health care providers on the type of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated, the type of drugs to be used for S/M, and the proper use of drugs. During dispensing of drugs emphasis should be given to all drug consumers and dispenser because of resistance and side effects of drug is the main challenging problem even in the world. Food, Medicines and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) needs to effectively implement laws on drug handling and dispensing so as to take necessary measures on illegal providers of drugs.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-20-3494
I. Kheder SalahCorresponding author
Faculty of Pharmacy, National University, Khartoum, Sudan
Introduction Antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) is of the utmost importance as a way to optimize the use of antimicrobials to prevent the development of resistance and improve patient outcomes. So, it is worthwhile to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals. Objective The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of prescribers towards antimicrobial stewardship at hospitals in Khartoum state and to identify the associations between prescriber’s demographic information and their knowledge. Methodology This descriptive cross-sectional study multi-centered study conducted in 10 hospitals at Khartoum state -Sudan, during period from November to December 2018. Study population included all prescribers who is available at study’s hospitals during study period and willing to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire addressing participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic resistance and ASP distributed in the selected hospitals among attending house-officers, registrars and consultants completed then analyzed. Results Of the 294 medical staff targeted, 287 responded to the survey (response rate 97.6%). Only (26.4%) were familiar with the term ASP and (31.5%) claimed that it is effective in reducing resistance. (43.0%) of respondents believe that ASP play vital role on antibiotic prescribing. Only (9.5%) had ASP in their hospital and (13.5%) having policy and team. (45.3%) of participants had good level of knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship, but majority show negative attitude (63.1%), and poor practices (92.0%) regarding ASP. There was no observed correlation between knowledge and attitude, knowledge with practice (p-value ≥ 0.05). Only attitude with practice shows significance correlation (P=0.0001), which means that prescribers with positive attitude had the better practices towards antimicrobial stewardship. Age, occupation and experience are the only significant predictors of prescriber's knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic stewardship, while no association between these factors and practice. Conclusion The present study concludes that the knowledge of prescribers regarding ASP is moderate and their attitude is negative. Unfortunately, practices regarding ASP were poor, despite, the good knowledge regarding the effects of ASP on antimicrobial resistance.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-20-3428
Bhargava AksheyCorresponding author
Ex. Rajasthan Pollution Control Board, CEPT University, India
Urbanism and urbanization is a complex term in as much as that it is highly diversified in terms of culture, traditions, religion, social behavior and life, size and capacity, supporting infrastructure, governance, administration, planning approach, trade, so on and so forth. The present scenario is highly sophisticated and alarming in the context of growing and continuous expansion of the urbanization world over leading to associated problems and pose threats to social, environmental, and economic. An effort has been made by the authors of the present paper to conceptualize the parameters for environmental sustainability in urban development.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3442
Cameron Y. S. LeeCorresponding author
The Covid-19 pandemic has swept rapidly from Wuhan, China to the entire globe in less than six months, infecting over 7 million people and claiming the lives of over 500,000. In the United States, greater than 2 million individuals have become infected and over 110,000 people killed. With no evidence of slowing of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, public health authorities must prepare for possible sustained transmission of Covid-19, or a second wave into the Fall 2020, but with the presence of the influenza A virus. In the Fall 2020, schools will reopen from kindergarten to 12th grade. Dual pandemics or epidemics will result in high morbidity and mortality not observed when either virus was solely active. Community leaders, educational administrators and public health systems must be prepared for simultaneous outbreaks of both Covid-19 and influenza. Although there are no clinical studies that have evaluated the benefits on the use of face masks during an epidemic or pandemic, public health non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) measures should include the routine use of face masks during school sessions. Using face masks with other NPI may interrupt viral transmission as it has been established that respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19 and the influenza virus are transmitted via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and environmental surface contact.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3403
V. K AbodunrinCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
This study evaluated the effects of aluminum sulphate exposure on the histology of adrenal gland of Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were used for this study. The Wister rats were divided into three groups; group A was the control animals and tagged C, group B animals received 10g of alum dissolved in 1000cm3 of distilled water and were tagged T1, group C animals received 50g of alum dissolved in 1000cm3of distilled water and were tagged T2, via drinking water for duration of four weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The adrenal gland was excised and preserved in 10 % formosaline after which it was routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). Histological observations showed normal cell distribution in the control group but treated group revealed evidences of cellular obliteration& hemorrhagic necrosis. The results obtained from this study suggest that aluminum sulphate has a damaging effect on the structure of the adrenal gland.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3324
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
Knowledge of tuberculosis has been shown to influence health seeking behaviour. The study aim was to assess knowledge of tuberculosis and identify the associated factors. This study was a cross sectional descriptive research design with quantitative approach. The target population was the TB patients visited health facilities in Gakenke District. A sample of 376 TB patients was randomly selected from three health centers. Interview-administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 376 TB patients. Data was analyzed with SPSS-version 22. The study protocol was approved by Mount Kenya University Rwanda. The majority of respondents 71.0% were male, 51.6% were aged 45 years and above, 81.9% were married, and 65.2% had completed primary education. Few respondents identified a germ as the cause of TB (24.7%). This study revealed that 54.3% of TB patients had good knowledge about TB. The findings from multivariate analysis show that male were three times more likely to have good knowledge about TB compared to female (AOR=3.31, 95%CI: 1.98-5.53, p<0.001). Compared to TB patients aged 45 years and above, respondents aged 25-34 years old were more likely to have good knowledge about TB (AOR=38.71, 95%CI: 9.22-162.48, p<0.001). TB patients who live between 2-5 km from nearest health facility were more likely to have good knowledge about TB compared to those who live at more than 5 km (AOR=33.58, 95%CI: 14.95-74.40, p<0.001). The ministry of health and other stakeholders in health sector need to continue the interventions that aim to reduce TB infection.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3322
Omozemoje Ayobami AigberuaCorresponding author
Department partment of Environment, Research and Development, Anal Concept Limited, Elelenwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
In spite of the popularity of open-air waste dumping in Nigeria, it remains a relatively less effective waste management option across the globe because of its associated environmental impacts which includes the release of green house gases (GHGs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and metal micro-pollutants amongst others. This study aims to assess the potential environmental risks associated to metals released and vertically delineated across the soil profile within surroundings of dumpsite. Heavy metals in soil samples were acid-digested using the aqua-regia mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid, followed by instrumentation analysis using the GBC 908 PBMT model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Contaminated sites showed metal concentrations ranging from 1.493 to 109.460 mg/kg, 0.133 to 4.237 mg/kg, and 5.200 to 25.367 mg/kg for lead, cadmium and chromium respectively, with location 1 land area showing the most contamination. Only soil chromium was observed within regulatory stipulations in all cases. There was significant variation (p < 0.05) between the different sample locations, thereby indicating variations in composition of dumped wastes. Lead and cadmium showed the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.855, p < 0.01) and the application of some heavy metal pollution indicators revealed relatively higher metal loads and degree of contamination, as well as depicting potential ecological risk for soils of location 1. The significant heavy metal contamination of soils in the Tombia-Amassoma waste dumpsite requires that the local environmental sanitation and regulatory authorities take necessary remedial action to forestall the escalation of public health concerns that may emanate from this open-air dump.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3296
Rezapour BarataliCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Assistant Professor, PhD in Health education and promotion, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Preventable factors such as infectious diseases (pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria), malnutrition and neonatal complications are still the leading cause of child mortality worldwide 1 In 2013, it is estimated that 6.3 million babies born worldwide died before the age of 5, and approximately 9.2% of these deaths were due to diarrheal diseases 23 in simple, accessible ways, and effective treatment can reduce diarrhea-related mortality and make hospital admissions unnecessary, and the role of mothers is the most important 4. Since the presentation of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in 1979, mortality has reduced. Diarrhea has had a steady downward trend 5. If mothers who have children under 5 years of age, used correctly ORS, they could easily resolve the problem of dehydration in acute diarrhea 6. Mothers didn’t use correctly ORS because of their Low literacy and lack of knowledge and wrong attitude about ORT7. Some health care workers provide mothers’ required equipments, regardless of their educational needs, and mothers may not use ORS. In this study, health workers identified mothers' educational needs and subsequently they trained them about using ORS at home in acute diarrhea in children under 5 years of age.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3175
Cyril Abang AgborCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, Collage of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Local Nigerian men have been using AuriculariaPolytricha as a treatment for sexual dysfunction without supporting evidence from scientific experiments. This study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of A. Polytricha on testicular DNA expression and some oxidative stress markers using STZ-Induced diabetic rats as a model. The experiment included six groups, Group A (Normal Control, treated with normal saline), Group B (treated with 65mg/kg.bw of STZ), Groups C, D, and E (treated with 250mg/kg.bw, 500mg/kg.bw, 1000mg/kg.bw AP after inducing diabetics), and Group F (treated with 40mg/kg.bw metformin after inducing diabetics). The experiment lasted for 35 days. After termination of the experiment, Fuelgen nuclear reaction was used for DNA demonstration to assess testicular DNA distribution while serum Superoxide Dimutase (SOD), Catalase and Melondialdehyde where evaluated using reagent based antioxidant enzyme assay. Results reveals that SOD and Melondialdehyde activities were remarkably (p<0.05) higher in diabetic control animals when compared with the normal control group. Values in Groups C, D and F that were administered with 250, 500mg/kg.bw A. polytricha and metformin respectively were also significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with the normal control group. However, diabetic animals placed on 1000mg/kg.bw A. polytrichadid not show any statistical significance in comparison with normal control group but was remarkably (p<0.01) decreased when compared to the diabetic group that received low dose A. polytricha, an indication that the reversal is dose dependent. Catalase concentration in diabetic control animals was remarkably (p<0.05) higher when compared to the normal control but was not significantly (p<0.05) different in groups D (DM+500mg/kg.bw A. polytricha) and E (DM+1000mg/kg.bw A. polytricha) when compared with the normal control group. Diabetic control animals showed reduced magenta colour intensity of DNA and increased clustering and cross linking of DNA strands when compared with the normal control. However the degree of cross link in DNA strands was reduced in the diabetic animals placed on 1000mg/kg.bw A. polytrichawhen compared with the diabetic control group. Reversal in DNA damage and values of serum oxidative stress markers following administration of graded doses of A. polytricha could be attributed to essential phytochemical and therapeutic constituents in A. polytricha like polyphenol and flavonoid which can be found useful in prevention and treatment of diabetes induced testicular dysfunction. In summary, AP can contribute to a reversal in DNA damage and levels of serum oxidative stress markers in treating diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3232
Linus Anderson EnyeCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti
Objective Exposure of dichlorvos-contaminated foods, water and environment can lead to decrease in proper liver function. Thus, Mimosa pudica(MP)is being investigated in the present study to determine its protective effect on dichlorvos induced hepatotoxity in Mice. Methods Fifty adult male BALB/c mice weighing between 20-30g were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 10 animals each (Groups A, B, C, D, and E). Group A as the control Group received normal feed, group B received 0.1 ml of MP, group C was given 40 g of 2.5% Dichlorvos (DDVP) for 28 days. While, group D were given 40 g of 2.5% DDVP with 0.1ml of MP and group E animals were given DDVP for half the period of administration, normal feed and 0.1ml MP for 14 days. Histological and biochemical preparations of the liver were processed and data were expressed as mean± SEM. Significant difference was set at p<0.05. Results ALT activity and the total protein level of the liver show no significant increase (P < 0.005) when compared with the control. AST and ALP activities were significantly increased in animals given DDVP with subsequent MP treatment when compared with the controls. Histological studies revealed distortion of normal hepatic histoarchitecture in DDVP group B and MP groups mitigated these changes in the treated groups. Conclusion Dichlorvos caused tissue distortion in the mice with prominent toxic effects on the liver while MP extract showed ameliorative effects on the liver that was exposed to DDVP
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3215
O. Atinuke AnjorinCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Since oxidative stress impairs the cardiovascular function, the hypothesis from the present study is that the treatment of paraquat-exposed adult Wistar rats with methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentusseed would reduce paraquat-induced cardiovascular damage. Thirty healthy female Wistar rats weighing 120-150 g were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each (Groups A, B, C, D, E and F). Rats in groups A served as control and received normal saline while groups B, C, D, E and F received a single dose of paraquat (7mgkg-1i.p.). Rats in group B was sacrificed 24hours following paraquat administration while daily administration of 100 mg kg-1and 200 mg kg-1 of methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentusseed extract were given orally to groups C and D while group E received daily oral dose of Vitamin E at 100mgkg-1 and group F was left untreated. Histological and biochemical preparations of the heart was made and data were expressed as mean± SEM. Significant difference was set at p<0.05. Results showed no significance difference (p<0.05) in nitric oxide activity, Glutathione reductase activity, and troponin I activity across the paraquat-exposed groups when compared with control. Histological studies reveal distortion of normal cardiac histo-architecture in paraquat-exposed group B compared with control rats while Abelmoschus esculentus reversed these changes in other treated groups. The study concluded that paraquat caused significant distortion of the cardiac histo-architecture and methanolic extract of immature Abelmoschus esculentus seed had antioxidant and ameliorative effects similar to Vitamin E on paraquat-induced myocardial injury.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-20-3217
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancers. In this case report, we evaluated a patient applied our outpatient clinic with acute urinary retention, whose pathology reported as pure small cell carcinoma of the prostate. A 73-year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with acute urinary retention. Digital rectal examination was normal. The PSA value was 1.81 ng/dl. Prostate size was 101 cc. Open prostatectomy was performed. The pathology of the patient was reported as pure small cell prostate carcinoma. Four cycles of etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy were administered to the patient. The patient died 13 months later after the first diagnosis. We evaluated the pathological and clinical findings of small cell carcinoma of the prostate.