Research Journal in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Journal in Medical and Health Sciences (RJMHS), is a peer-reviewed quarterly open access journal. The journal publishes experimental, translational and clinical approaches across all areas of biomedical sciences and clinical research and practice. primary objective to provide research and applications related to Medical & Health Sciences. The Research Journal of Medical & Health Sciences (RJMHS) aims to publish original research work that contributes significantly to enhance the scientific knowledge in Medical Sciences.
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Risk factors and histomorphological patterns of female patients suspected of breast cancer attending Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya
Background: Breast cancer is a significant public health concern globally, and it is the leading diagnosed cancer among females. In Kenya, breast cancer accounts for 25.6% of all female cancer cases and presents with a high incidence of late-stage diagnoses. Previous studies have shown that risk factors for breast cancer vary in their associations with histomorphological patterns. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the histomorphological characteristics and patterns of breast cancer in female patients suspected of having breast cancer at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), establish associations between these risk factors and the histomorphological patterns, and identify the most significant risk factors among female patients suspected of breast cancer attending KTRH. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at KTRH, reviewing 194 female patients’ breast lump biopsies collected between September 2022 and August 2023. Data from pathological slides and hospital records were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 28, with descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression applied to identify significant risk factors associated with histomorphological patterns of breast cancer. Results: The mean participant age was 39.53±17.47 years, with 23.7% being nulliparous. Most participants had a primary level of education (37%), and the majority had no history of smoking 92.8%) as well as alcohol consumption (78.9%). The most common histomorphological pattern was fibroadenoma (33.0%), followed by invasive ductal carcinoma (21.1%). Benign conditions were diagnosed in 66.5% of cases, while 33.5% were malignant. A significant association was found between age ( χ²=3.872, df=4, p≤0.0001); parity ( χ²=23.616, df=3, p≤0.0001), history of cancer ( χ²=4.204, df=1, p=0.003), and histomorphological patterns. Parity was significantly associated with all tumor types (ductal; OR=2.312, 95% CI=1.546-3.458, p<0.0001), (lobular; OR=2.919, 95% CI=1.190-7.159, p=0.019) and (mixed; OR=2.781, 95% CI=1.217-6.358, p=0.015). Conclusions: This study identified a high incidence of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses at KTRH, underscoring the need for enhanced education and screening programs. Socio-demographic factors, particularly parity and age, significantly influence breast cancer histomorphological patterns. These findings inform targeted public health interventions and policy development to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality in Kenya.
benign, breast cancer, histomorphological patterns, malignant, risk factors
Copyright (c) 2024 Job Marege Anunda, Collins Ouma, Bernard Guyah, Samwel Otieno https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Developing and Testing Methylated Nano-Structured Dipeptides that Inhibit Src Kinase Activity in vitro for Anti-Cancer Applications
Here, with the aim of developing a novel anti-cancer treatment, seven dipeptides were designed that contained methylated tryptophan and/or methylated arginine and were produced using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Overexpression of the Src tyrosine kinase enzyme has been implicated in the development of different cancers. Dipeptides containing unnatural amino acids such as methylated arginine (RCH3), dimethylated arginine (R(CH3)2), and/or methylated tryptophan (WCH3) residues have been earlier shown to inhibit the Src kinase enzyme. In this study, three such dipeptides W-RCH3, WCH3-RCH3, and W-R(CH3)2 were tested and were found to have IC50 values (the concentration at which 50% inhibition occurs) of 510 nM, 916 nM, and 1 μM, respectively, in acellular assays. The IC50 values of these dipeptides are considered low as in nanomolar concentrations compared to the cyclic penta to nano W-R ([W-R]5-[W-R]9) that are in the micromolar concentration scale for Src kinase.1 The IC50 values of these cyclic peptides are 0.81, 0.57, 0.35, 0.33, and 0.21 µM, respectively. 1 However, the unmethylated versions of these peptides did not show any inhibitory activity against Src kinase. All of these dipeptides (50 mM) did not show any cytotoxicity upon incubation up to 72 h with three different cancer cell lines, including leukemia (CCRF-CEM), breast adenocarcinoma(MDA-MB-231), and ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3) cell lines, indicating the limited permeability of the peptides through the cell membrane. Further study is therefore needed to improve the permeability of these peptides for anticancer applications such as using a peptide carrier or additional peptide functionalization. In summary, this study provides a protocol to synthesize and test peptides that inhibit Src kinase activity and, thus, possess promising anticancer ability as demonstrated using acellular and cellular assays.
Methylated dipeptides Src kinases; Src kinase inhibitors; applications of modern nanotechnology
Copyright (c) 2024 Alaa Nahhas, thomas webster , alrayan nahhas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The applications of multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model on the assessment of the factors that affect the use of contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia
Background: Rapid population growth, which in many instances far outstrips economic growth and environmental sustainability, is the reality in most developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa .Ethiopia is the second most populous country in the sub-Saharan Africa next to Nigeria, with population growth rate of 2.6 percent per year and the total fertility rate approximate to5. The main objective of this study would be to assessing the factors which affect the use of contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 6141 women enrolled in Ethiopia demographic and health survey of 2019 which nested under nine regions and 2 administrative cities. Binary and multilevel mixed effect logistic regression was carried out for variables to assessing associated factors with the use of contraceptive method among women of reproductive age and its regional variations at ascertained of 5% level. Result: Result of this study show that wealth index of Women, religion, education level and place of residence had significant effect on use of contraceptive method when regional heterogeneity was included at 5% level of significance. Odds of Women who live in middle and poor households were about 0.841 and 0.860 times less likely to be use contraceptive method than that of women who live in rich households respectively. The associated odds for women who live in rural were 1.382 times more likely to have to use contraceptive method as compared to women who live in urban. Conclusion: The contraceptive use of women has significant association with geographical regions. use of contraceptive is likely to increase when woman educational level increases. This is because they understand the benefits and the side effects of contraceptives better when they are more educated. Women’s wealth status shows statistically significant effect on the utilization of contraception, the higher the level of women wealth status, the more they used contraception. This stud recommended that education about the importance of having smaller families should be intensified in communities. Furthermore, campaigns to empower women such as emphasis on their education, encouraging gender balance by changing community attitude towards position/status of women in a household and in a society as a whole should be strengthened.
contraceptive use, multilevel mixed effect logistic regression, odds ratio and Wald test
Copyright (c) 2024 Dagne Tesfaye, Marine, Marine https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Antibiotic residues in beef from the Public Slaughterhouse, Markets and Supermarkets of Lubumbashi
Abstract Background: Antibiotics are critical in managing infectious diseases in humans and animals globally. However, their irrational use in curative, preventive treatment or supplementation in animal feed has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes. This study aims to improve food safety by researching and measuring three antibiotic residues, namely Oxytetracycline, Tetracycline and Ceftiofur, in beef from public slaughterhouses, markets and supermarkets in the city of Lubumbashi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study (from April 1 to September 1, 2020). The study population consisted of beef carcasses, with 272 samples taken from public abattoir, markets and supermarkets. Physicochemical data were the results of analyses of meat samples. The search for and the dosage of the three antibiotics (Oxytetracycline, Tetracycline and Ceftiofur) were carried out on all the meat samples. Only the sample concentrations caught our attention. According to Beer Lambert's law, the UV/VIS T80 spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentrations of antibiotic residues in beef. Results: 99.6% (271/272), 97.1% (264/272), and 5.1% (14/272) of the samples showed antibiotic residues of Oxytetracycline, Tetracyclines and Ceftiofur, respectively. 1.1%; 2.3% of the samples of Oxytetracycline, and Tetracycline, respectively, showed concentrations of antibiotics going beyond the maximum residue limits. The association between the origin of animals/beef and the presence of antibiotic residues was not statistically significant (p = 0.71). Conclusion: The presence of antibiotic residues in beef marketed in Lubumbashi is a reality. Thus, improving techniques and developing new control methods to reduce the risk of consuming meat containing antibiotic residues is recommended. Keywords: Beef, Abattoir, Residues, MRL, Markets
Copyright (c) 2024 Kapopo Mwewa Christelle, Okombe Embeya Victor , Mukanda Gedeon Kadima , Mulang Irung Raphael , Mbutshu Lukuke Hendrick , Kahumba Byanga Joh, Ntambue Mukengeshayi Abel, Malonga Kaj Francoise https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Current Public Health Issues Globally and in Africa
Introduction: Public health focuses on disease prevention and the overall improvement of human life. Research makes it clear that the importance of public health cannot be understated. The Centre of Disease Control (CDC) defines public health as “the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities "Those served by public health can be as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. Objectives: to determine the public health issues and their solutions globally and in Africa. Methodology: desk review was carried out to determine the current public health issues globally and in Africa. Results: the current public health issues include public health authority, public health workforce shortage, public health spending, health equity, E-cigarretes, climate change, the environment, HIV/AIDS, rural health, data privacy. The global public health conditions include cardiovascular disease, HIV, obesity, subsance abuse, cancer, mental health and suicide. Conclusion and Recommendations: areas of public health responsibilty include Assure an adequate local public health infrastructure, promote healthy communities and healthy behavior, prevent the spread of communicable diseases, protect against environmental health hazards, prepare and respond to emergencies and assure health services. Whether African nations will be able to sustain these efforts and build on them will depend on: Country ownership of policies and programmes; leadership engagement and support; collaboration with international and bilateral actors for experience sharing, technology and capacity building.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lucy Namusonge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Surface colonization when exposed to medical grade (Manuka) honey alone or in combination with other disinfectants
This study explored the use of medical grade (Manuka) honey as a surface disinfectant for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The killing mechanism of this honey is almost entirely due to the presence and activity of methylglyoxal, H2O2, and other reactive oxygen species producing agents. To enhance the activity of Manuka, this study further added porphyrins, or light activated chemicals that produce reactive oxygen species. Results of this in vitro study showed that after 24 hours, a solution with 1mL of 1% Manuka honey reduced MRSA colonization by 1 log when seeded at a starting concentration of 108 colony forming units (CFU/mL) of MRSA. Similar results were found when this Manuka honey was paired with: 1) 1mL of a 1% v/v isopropyl alcohol solution, 2) 1mL of a 1% v/v isopropyl alcohol + 1mL of a porphyrin solution (0.01mg/mL Zn porphyrin solution), and 3) 1mL of 100mg of citric acid added to the solution that contained Manuka honey, isopropyl alcohol, and the porphyrin solution. All formulations with Manuka honey demonstrated antibacterial behavior. Moreover, it should be noted that all samples, between Manuka honey alone, Manuka in addition to isopropyl alcohol, Manuka in addition to isopropyl alcohol and porphyrins, and Manuka + isopropyl alcohol + porphyrins + citric acid were all deemed stable (after heat assays) at durations of one hour, one day, and one week. In this manner, the present study indicates that Manuka honey could be a suitable, safe, environmentally friendly, and effective MRSA disinfectant for everyday household use and should be further investigated either as a stand alone disinfectant or in combination with other disinfectants.
Manuka, honey, porphyrins, MRSA, disinfectant
Copyright (c) 2023 Ethan Walsey, Thomas J. Webster https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The association of household socioeconomic status, neighbourhood support system and adherence to cardiovascular fitness among persons with diabetes mellitus in Ghana a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk-factor for cardiovascular diseases, and Physical Activities (PA) is known to reverse this risk-factor. However, some human attributes could influence adherence to PAs. This study therefore, investigates the association of household-socioeconomic-status (SES), neighborhood-support-system and adherence to PAs among persons with DM in Ghana. Facility-based cross-sectional-study was conducted among 530 T2DM patients in Ghana. Structured-questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, anthropometric, and clinical variables. SES was assessed using composite-wealth index and adherence to PAs was assessed using WHO PA-short form questionnaires. SPSS version-22 was used to analyse the data. At the end of the study, we found significant mean difference in low (P = 0.010) and high (P = 0.0001) social supports according to residential status. After we adjusted for age and diabetes duration, High-SES (quintile 3) Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) =0.68, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) (0.22, 0.07), Moderate-SES (quintile 3), AOR=3.16, 95%CI (1.01, 9.89) and High-social support system (quintile 2) AOR =3.29, 95%CI (1.02, 10.58) were significantly associated for adherence to PA. Low-SES (quintile 3) AOR= 3.52, 95%CI (1.44, 8.59) and low social support system (quintile 1) AOR=1.05, 95%CI (1.05, 1.09) were significant for adherence to sedentary-lifestyle. This study therefore concludes that SES, and Social-support systems maybe associated with adherence to PA. Clinicians should prioritized these variables as modifiable-factors in diseases preventions and health promotion
Diabetes mellitus, Social/neighborhood supports, Adherence, Physical activity, Ghana.
Copyright (c) 2023 Dominic Doglikuu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Prevalence of food taboo during pregnancy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Back Ground: Food taboos influence intake of vital nutrients which required for optimal maternal health and fetal development during pregnancy. Pregnancy is the most delicate stage of human life and targets of food taboos. Even though there are fewer studies conducted on food taboos during pregnancy, there is no pooled estimate among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The smaller studies reported the different prevalence of food taboos which were difficult to help health planning at a national level. Thus, this study was expected to provide a pooled prevalence of pregnancy related food taboos in Ethiopia. Methods: The relevant studies were identified by manual and electronic data base searching method. Important information from the original studies was presented in a table and the quantitative results were presented in the forest plots. The Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistic were used to test heterogeneity across studies. The Pooled estimate of prevalence of food taboo was computed by a random effects model. Results: 175 articles were identified; nine studies meet inclusion criteria. A random effect meta-analysis of the results from these nine studies was carried out to provide pooled prevalence of food taboo during pregnancy. Analysis showed, the pooled prevalence of food taboo among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 38.50 (95% CI = 24.33-52.67); a significant heterogeneity was observed among studies (I2 = 99%, p value <0.001). Subgroup analysis shows the highest prevalence of food taboo found in Somali region 67.38% and the lowest prevalence seen in Tigray 11.45% region. Conclusion: This review found pooled estimate of food taboo during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Variation in the magnitude of pregnancy related food restriction was seen across the regions. Therefore, integrating nutrition education with the basic antenatal care program was recommended in all regions of Ethiopia to prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with food taboo.
Food taboo, prevalence, pregnant women, Ethiopia
Copyright (c) 2023 Shiferaw Gelchu Adola https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Anthelmintic and Drug Resistance in Ruminants
The chemical compounds include various groups such as Benzimidazoles, Imidazothiazoles, Tetrahydropyrimidines, Salicylanides, Piperazines, Ivermectins, etc. These drugs should be used properly to get the desired results, worms be controlled and drug resistance against worms is reduced to a minimum.
Anthelmintics, Drug resistance, Ruminants.
Copyright (c) 2023 Yagoob Garedaghi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Challenges and solutions of immunization safety surveillance in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia: Mixed methods
Abstract Background: Adverse Events Following Immunizations (AEFIs) reporting has increased over the past sixteen years worldwide, and requires strengthening in majority of Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) including Ethiopia. Additional efforts are needed to ensure and improve data quality, AEFI reporting and surveillance of immunisation safety in every country. Immunisation Safety Surveillance (ISS) is vital to identify AEFIs. Objective: to assess challenges and solutions of immunisation safety surveillance in Assosa zone, Ethiopia, Methods: Health facility based parallel convergent quantitative and qualitative data collected from 300 and nine respondents respectively. Result: Only 14 (4.7%) respondents had ever reported AEFI case to a higher level and 69 (23%) ever treated it. All the zone and woreda level experts mentioned the performance related immunization safety surveillance is very minimal. The major challenges stated by respondents were; in-availability or denial of AEFI case presence (60%), no clarity on how to do immunisation safety surveillance (22%), no standard reporting forms (20.7%), thinking AEFI is mild problem which could resolve by itself or care takers could manage it at home (14.6%), there is no road and electricity access (9.3%), and health care providers has the ability to treat the case at health facility level (8.3%). Similarly, the in-depth interview participants mentioned that the performance related to immunisation safety surveillance was minimal due to poor infrastructure, lack of adequate information about AEFI, absence of proper AEFI reporting system; no training for AEFI, community members are not informed to report AEFI and experience of home treatment for mild cases. A total of 40 possible solutions to improve AEFI surveillance were proposed from one time to 185 times. The first five top solutions were; Providing training for health care workers (185), Sharing information or Create Awareness (129), Provide training for Health Development Armies or involve HDAs (100), Strengthening supervision (76), and Avail supplies (drugs, manpower, kits) for AEFI reporting (75) Conclusion: the major obstacles for immunization safety surveillance were; lack of clarity on how to report, lack of attention from higher bodies, lack of ownership for the work and unavailability of reporting formats. The responsible bodies need to solve the existing challenges in line with the proposed solutions.
Copyright (c) 2023 Muluken Asres Alemu, TMM Maja https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Minimum dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in government health facilities of Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in government health facilities of Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: This is a facility-based study conducted in government health facilities of Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia from Oct. 2020-Jan, 2021. Cross sectional study design was undertaken by using systematic sampling on 422 pregnant women attending antenatal care. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association of independent variables with outcome variable. Results: From the total of 422 study subjects, 416 pregnant women attending antenatal care were participated in the study and making the response rate 98.6 percent. The overall prevalence of pregnant mothers who have met the minimum dietary diversity was only 7.9%. Maternal educational status being grade nine and above, eating meal more than three times per day and women being currently not married were found to be significantly associated with achieving the minimum dietary diversity among pregnant mothers. Conclusion: The prevalence of the minimum dietary diversity among pregnant women attending ANC in public health facilities of Soro district was very low and far from national and international recommendations to enhance the maternal food diversity. Inter-sectoral collaboration is very important to increase the coverage and level of the maternal education. Moreover, health workers should strengthen the channel of counseling pregnant mothers during the antenatal care visit sessions and design an appropriate way to address their partners to enhance maternal adequate meal frequency and dietary diversity.
prevalence, minimum dietary diversity, Ethiopia, pregnant women
Copyright (c) 2023 Tegegn Arficho, Lonsako Abute, Dewit Sulamo, Dewit Sulamo, Mengistu Handiso, Lire Lema, Abera Beyamo, Belay Erchafo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Road traffic accident risk indicators among traumatized patients visiting emergency outpatient clinics in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This study sought to assess the magnitude and factors associated with road traffic accidents among traumatized patients attending at emergency outpatient departments of public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed on 381 samples. All traumatized patients who attend at emergency department of public hospitals in Addis Ababa city was population of the study. Systematic random sampling technique were employed to select study unites. The data was entered and cleaned by Epi-info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 23.0 and presented using tables and figures. A total of 373 samples were collected in the study and the most of samples were in the 30–40 years of age range. The magnitude of the road traffic accident was 57.1%. Most of the study participant (64.83%) were male and the maximum age was 79 with a mean of age is (+/- 34 years) responders. Road traffic accident is more prevalence among the most productive and economically active age group. Being Females are 0.48 times higher protective for RTA than Males. Occupation (driver) 5.3 times higher risk to road traffic accident than students, weather condition(cloudy) 0.4 times protective than sunny for RTA and driving at a day time 2.1 times higher risk for RTA than at night. Improve the traffic system and community-based awareness creation could decrease the incident of car accident.
Copyright (c) 2023 Eyob Hailu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The relationship between screen time and overweight/obesity among adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The study aimed to ascertain how screen time and adolescent overweight/obesity relate to one another. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula, and the final sample size was 550. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. SPSS software version 20 was used to perform descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The study found that the mean screen time in the study population was 4.12.2 hrs. per day, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 12.3% and 1.85%, respectively. Female sex, high socio-economic status, high screen time, eating habits while watching TV, and physical activity were found to have a significant association with overweight/obesity. This study demonstrated a 53.7% prevalence of screen time above the recommended amount and a positive association between longer periods of screen time and overweight/obesity among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Parents and adolescents should be aware of this association and encouraged to involve their children in other forms of recreational activity.
Copyright (c) 2023 Wubetsh Asnake https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Determinant of time to default from treatment during treatment period of congestive heart failure patients in case of Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Background: Like all other organs the Heart is susceptible to disease. The main objective of this study was to identify the factors that affect time-to default from treatment of congestive heart failure patients at Felege- Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Method: A retrospective study design was conducted on congestive heart failure patients selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria at FHRH under a follow-up period from January 1st 2016 to December 31th 2019. Cox-Proportional hazard model for survival part time to default were used to identify factors that affect the time to default from the hospital. Results: On the New York Heart Association Classification (NYHAC), 5.2% of the patients were class I and 14.9%, 36.1%, and 43.7% were found in classes II, III, and IV respectively. Patients with co morbidities like anaemia, pneumonia, chronic kidney disease were less likely to default as compared to patients without co morbidities. Patients’ New York Heart Association Class, Marital Status, Hypertension status of patients and TB co-infected status of CHF patients were found to be significant determinants of time to default. Conclusion: the variable NYHAC, TB co-infected status and LVEF were common factors for time to default of CHF patients. The risk of defaulting for TB co-infected patients were higher as compared to non-TB co-infected patients with HR=8.24. Hence in hospital health professionals should be needed give special attention to the patients who had the co-morbidity disease. And government should allocate appropriate budget to hospital for hospitalization of CHF patients for the long time until recovery.
Keywords: time to default, Cox-Proportional hazard model, CHF
Copyright (c) 2023 Berhanie Addis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
It’s all in the noise: A review of noise stress on gastric secretions via the stimulation of corticosteroids and management options
One of the toughest sources of restrictions on the environment and the workplace is noise. Numerous impacts of noise on the immune system, hormone levels, and the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems have been well recognized. In this regard, noise induced stress imparts a very serious effect on the body and is considered one of the richest elements of pollution in the environment. It is well documented in the research arena that noise affects immune function, hormonal levels, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems through the secretion of hormones and other biomolecules. For example, the excessive secretion of acids leads to an acidic bounce or the peptic juice over secretion that can end with gastric as well as the peptic ulcers. This review article was focused on the latest information concerning gastric acid secretion through noise induced corticosteroid hormones. The pathophysiology of noise stress-induced disorders is heavily influenced by the disruption of the brain-gut axis. Noise stress enhances visceral sensitivity, affects gastrointestinal (GI) motility, increases intestinal permeability, and profoundly activates mast cells, which release a variety of proinflammatory mediators. The main aim here is to make clear that the effects of noise of varying intensities can alter gastric stimulation and key health issues so that the medical community can focus on probable treatment options, something that has not been acknowledged in medicine to date.
Copyright (c) 2022 Tom Webster, Afzal Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Evaluation of polytheretherketone (PEEK) cages in surgical treatment of multilevel cervical degenerative disease
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) with autograft spacer is a traditional surgical treatment option to correct cervical degenerative disc disease and maintain intradiscal height. There is not a clear consensus on what type of interbody spacer is the best treatment option for patients undergoing ACDFs, so this study seeks to mitigate the gap in available literature. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical findings and radiographic outcomes in ACDFs using polytheretherketone (PEEK) cages in the surgical treatment of multilevel cervical degenerative disease between C2 and T1. We examined 72 consecutive patients with degenerative cervical disorder from C2-T1 who underwent ACDFs with PEEK cages between 06/01/19 and 05/05/21. The collected measures were pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), intraoperative and postoperative (post-op) complications, and radiographic outcomes. The average VAS score was 5.7 out of 10 preoperatively (pre-op), 3.5 out of 10 two weeks post-op, 2.4 out of 10 three months post-op, and 3.06 out of 10 six months post-op. Pre-op symptoms were resolved in 69 out of 72 patients (95.8%). Durotomies were observed in 4 out of 72 (5.6%) patients intraoperatively. Post-op complications included dysphagia (13.9%), wound healing (12.5%), cervical hematoma (0%), hoarseness (0%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (0%), infection (0%), and death (0%). Spinal fusions were seen in 65 out of 72 patients (90%) over a six-month period. While there were no abnormal instrumentations noted, malalignment was observed in 2 out of 72 patients (2.8%). None of the patients required revision spinal surgery. Most of the patients experienced an improvement of pain and relief of symptoms post-op. A majority of individuals achieved fusion with minimal complications. This study suggests that PEEK can be a viable interbody spacer in multilevel ACDFs for the treatment of individuals with degenerative cervical disorders. Additional evaluations of different interbody spacers can confirm these findings to identify the most effective spacer that will yield optimal patient outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2022 Siri Tummala, Katelyn Bowman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Factors influencing patients’ decisions to undergo recommended spinal surgery
Spinal surgery is the final option recommended to individuals with spinal conditions when conservative treatment has failed in treating patients’ symptoms. In this prospective study, we examined 21 patients agreeing to undergo recommended spinal fusion between August 2021 and January 2022 with a virtual questionnaire. The mean age was 61.2 years. The majority of patients were male (13 patients, 61.9%), white (19 patients, 90.5%), and privately insured (11 patients, 52.4%). Patients reported that the most important factor contributing to their interest in surgery was the severity of symptoms (14 patients, 66.7%), confidence in the neurosurgeon (4 patients, 19%), and evaluation of potential adverse outcomes (3 patients, 14.3%). Their ideal outcome in consulting with a neurosurgeon for their symptoms was surgery (16 patients, 76.2%), exercise for pain relief (2 patients, 9.5%), and being told their problem is not a neurosurgical condition (3 patients, 14.3%). There is a multitude of factors that influence patients’ choices to undergo spinal surgery. These findings suggest that even though not all patients felt that surgery was their ideal outcome, all of them underwent surgery. Additional evaluations are needed to explore patients’ trust in neurosurgeons’ recommendations.
Controlling implant shape remotely: 4D printed materials for improved health and medical applications
The objective of this study was to develop 4D printed materials for biomedical applications. 4D printed materials are materials which can change shape over time and on-demand upon exposure to external stimuli (i.e., heat, humidity, light, etc.). Here, a simple cytocompatible material is presented which can change shape in a controllable way when heated to body temperatures (37 °C), retain that shape at room temperature, and then change into its original shape when heated again to 37 °C. As an in vitro proof of concept for the promise of 4D printed materials, this present in vitro study examined stem cell delivery to treat neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease). Specifically, this material was seeded with model neurons (PC-12 cells), underwent a shape change from a flat shape suitable for cell culture to a tubular shape suitable for cell delivery and back to a flat shape showing no change in PC-12 cell number or neurite extensions per neuron, thus, demonstrating its suitability as a novel stem cell delivery device. This is in contrast to conventional cell delivery techniques which can significantly decrease cell viability by up to 70% due to the use of harsh enzymes (such as trypsin) needed to lift cells from flat tissue culture polystyrene to an injectable form. Although requiring more study, such 4D printed materials can also be used to straighten the spine of scoliosis patients, close aging weakened sphincters to treat acid reflux, and for the on-demand increase in pressure to regenerate intervertebral disk tissue for spinal applications, among many other applications.
Copyright (c) 2022 Tom Webster, Ebrahim Mostafavi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Health-seeking behaviour among Ghanaian urban residents: A quantitative exploratory case study
Health seeking behaviour is important for personal and social reasons, and several health problems can be adequately treated if they are reported early for appropriate health intervention. We examined the health-seeking behaviour of residents of a suburb in the capital of Ghana, the point in ill-health that they seek healthcare, their first point of call for healthcare, and the determinants of choice of first point of call. Simple random sampling was used to select 316 eligible respondents. Quantitative data were collected with questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression were used to interpret the findings at 95% confidence intervals. Most respondents (50.6%) sought healthcare days to months after their first experience with ill-health, 15.5% sought healthcare when they were severely ill, and about 34% sought healthcare immediately they experienced ill-health. Most of the respondents’ (54.2%) first point of call for healthcare was self-medication with herbal sources or faith-based healing, and 45.8% sought attention from orthodox sources. Males were 1.97 times more likely than females; married individuals were 2.33 times more likely than the unmarried; and health insurance holders were 1.55 times more likely than the uninsured to use orthodox outfits as first point of call for healthcare. Healthcare stakeholders and policy makers need to intensify education on the need to seek orthodox healthcare in ill-health, encourage increased enrolment on the national health insurance scheme and strengthen social support systems that encourage good health-seeking behaviours.
Ghana, Greater Accra Region, Health-seeking behaviour, Residents
Copyright (c) 2022 Lily Yarney https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Renal function parameters and hematological indices among artisans occupationally exposed to lead in Suleja metropolis, Nigeria
Lead exposure at work has been linked to significant health impacts, including a detrimental impact on organ functions, including nephrotoxicity and hematologic impairment. The above cross-sectional study was carried out to examine renal function status and hematological indicators of artisans working in the Suleja metropolis who had occupational lead exposure. There was a maximum of 137 persons studied: 67 artisans (car mechanics, generator repairers, petrol attendants, battery chargers, and spray painters) compared with 70 age-matched healthy control subjects between 17 and 50 years. Everyone had a 10ml venous blood sample drawn in order to determine biological markers (potassium, sodium, urea, uric acid, chloride and creatinine levels) and the complete blood count using standard laboratory methods. Results revealed that occupationally exposed artisans have significantly elevated blood lead of (82.25%, 37.6±0.8 µg/dL), White blood cell count (WBC) 8.5±1.4 x109/L and decreased heamoglobin (Hb) (72.51%, 9.8±1.1 g/dL, P<0.05), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (76.2 ± 5.4 fL P<0.05), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (25.3±1.9 pg, P<0.05) as compared with unexposed subjects (lead: 12.7±1.8 µg/dL, Hb: 14.3 ± 1.5 µg/dL. WBC: 6.5±1.8 x109/L, MCV: 83.4 ± 2.7 fL, MCH: 28.7±1.4 pg; p<0.05 in all cases). Significant elevations were also observed in the mean concentrations of serum urea (8.1±1.6 mmol/L), creatinine (1.3±0.3 mg/dL), sodium (163±32 mmol//L), potassium (6.1±1.3 mEq/L), as well as a considerable decrease in the mean serum chloride levels (86.7±18 mmol/L) of occupationally exposed artisans compared to unexposed subjects (110.5±21 mmol/L), indicating impaired renal and hematologic functions in occupationally exposed individuals.
lead exposure, occupationally exposed, artisans, renal impairment, hematologic impairment
Copyright (c) 2022 Aliyu Haruna Sani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
COVID-19 Pandemic: Pharmacological uses of plants to boost immune system
Background: The global pandemic novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) now has taken the form of worldwide disaster. The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 cause 12 million cases that have been reported in about 190 countries and territories resulting in about 1,013,951 death. The viral agent shows rapid outburst due to increased adaptation in different environments of different countries. Patients infected by this pathogen show various symptoms like common flu, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell and other complicated problems like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome etc. There is no known vaccine and therapeutics, ongoing diagnostics for COVID-19 have been discussed. Patients with strong immunity can survive through production of antibodies known as immunoglobulins. Aim: World Health Organisation (WHO) and many researchers have been emphasised on maintenance of strong immunity mediated by consumption and use of medicinal plants in different ways in our daily life. Discussions: These plants contain bioactive substances known as phytochemicals that are essential for us to build our immune shield defence against the fatal disease. Conclusions: In this review we discuss various medicinal plant’s property to boost our immune system.
Covid-19, immunity, pathogen, phytochemicals, Medicinal Plant, Immune system
Copyright (c) 2020 Sudip Chakraborty, Rohit Mondal, Ritesh Kumar Singh, Mayukh Majumdar, Mirgissa Kaba
Psychological impacts of COVID-19 on health professionals: A cross-sectional survey of 1000 nurses across ECOWAS countries
Purpose: Nurses have to adapt to various emotional and behavioral responses to provide care for COVID-19 Patients, manage the situation and follow established health protocols. This study aimed to investigate the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak among Nurses rending care in Ecowas Countries (West Africa). Design/Methodology: This present study employed an online cross-sectional survey to collect and accumulate responses from registered nurse giving care in these countries amid this coronavirus pandemic. The survey link was shared on all social networks and online platforms across the West African Region. Findings: The results of the study showed 52% of normal anxiety level,18% mild anxiety,20% moderate anxiety and 10% severe anxiety. Moderate and Severe stresses were 78% and 10% respectively among the nurses whereas those with normal or low-level stress was 12%. In ordinal logistic Analysis, Nurses feel more relieved against stress and anxiety when they are not living with family members (relatives and spouses), nursing patients (with the infection) and or have any acquaintances with COVID-19 infected persons (Odd ratio< 1.0). Practical Implications: It is suggested that the psychological well-being of nurses during this pandemic revolves around their exposure to the infection and their daily interaction with people well known as close contacts.
COVID-19, Ecowas Countries, Health Professionals, Nurses, Psychological Impacts
Copyright (c) 2020 Emmanuel Lamptey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Experiences of Sickle Cell Patients in Ghana: A Qualitative Study at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
Background: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become sticky and sickle in shape. Statistics in Ghana showed in 2016 that the prevalence of sickle cell disease was about 25% with an estimated 2% of births, resulting in an approximate number of 15,000 babies born with the disease yearly. This study was aimed at finding out the experiences of sickle cell patients, the care they receive from family and healthcare providers, to gain insights into what can be done effectively by stakeholders to prevent and improve care. Methods: Qualitative methodology was employed with in-depth interview guide to collect data. Thirty-one participants consisting sickle cell patients, caregivers and healthcare providers were purposively selected at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for the study. Data were recorded, transcribed, coded and categorized into themes in tandem with the study objectives and analyzed using grounded theory principles. Results: Sickle cell patients have several experiences with ill-health, homecare, facility-care, socio-economic, psychological, and emotional issues, among other fears. Conclusion: Individuals with sickle cell disease are vulnerable, their care must therefore be of priority importance to the government and all stakeholders to alleviate their suffering.
Experiences, Ghana, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Sickle cell Patients
Copyright (c) 2020 Lily Yarney https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Overview, statistics, clinical management and impact of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Kenya up to 20/05/2020
Background: The 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was first announced in Wuhan, China and was regarded as a worldwide security threat. As of 20th May 2020, there were 5,083,411 cases and 329,239 deaths reported by 212 nations. Kenya has affirmed 1029 cases, 50 fatalities and 366 recoveries since the Government of Kenya (GoK) confirmed its first COVID-19 case on 12th March 2020. Objective: This short communication aimed to discuss the overview, statistics, clinical management and impact of COVID-19 in Kenya. Method: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has executed border screening, activated laboratories in Namanga, Wajir and Busia, enacted multi-agency teams and the Nyumba Kumi initiative as key strategies to curb COVID-19 spread. Of the 47 Counties, 26 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 496 (48.2%) and 316 (35.1%) cases registered in Nairobi and Mombasa. Thus, within these counties, the MOH has launched mass testing at hot spots. To report cases and mental health issues, respectively, the Government introduced toll-free lines such as 719 and 1199. Here the data presented is from government agencies and media houses and focuses on statistics, prevention, clinical management, quarantine centers, donations and impact of COVID-19. Results & Conclusion: As of 20/05/2020, the Government had screened 49,405 individuals with test kits in 20 approved laboratories and screening is still ongoing. Such data are first of their kind for the correspondence and save for future knowledge and coherent verification.
Clinical management, COVID-19, impact, Kenya, prevention, statistics
Copyright (c) 2020 David Muriithi Nyagah, Rosemary Muchiri Ngunju, Milcah Njoki Nyagah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Evaluation of ulcer-protective effect of the ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves on ethanol-induced ulcer
Bryophyllum pinnatum extract has been employed for different pharmacological uses ranging from antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive and anticancer activity, antitumuour, anthelmentic, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, nephroprotective, antioxidant activity, analgesic, anticonvulsant, neuropharmacological, antipyretic, haemostatic and wound healing properties. However, the use of ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum leaves (EEBPL) in the management of ulcer not known. The phytochemical analyses, acute toxicity studies and ulcer studies of ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum leaves was carried out using standard methods. Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves extract contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenols and carbohydrates. Acute toxicity study revealed that EEBPL was not toxic at all doses studied. Ulcer protective studies demonstrated ulcer-protective activity of EEBPL which compared favorably with the standard drug (omeprazole). We hereby submit that EEBPL is safe regarding toxicity in ulcer protection and could be used in anti-ulcer formulations.
Copyright (c) 2020 Augustine Madueke, Asumpta Anosike, Valentine Nwanelo, Benjamin Amadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0