Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Multi-drug resistance is a major concern to medical science across the globe. The inability of most drugs to destroy different pathogenic bacteria and fungi demands the use of natural products like phytochemicals to treat various infections. At this juncture, Cinnamomum verum is an active agent against various bacteria and fungi. C. verum or true cinnamon is widely used as a spice. It has several medicinal values and is widely accepted as traditional medicine. Cinnamaldehyde is the most active compound of C. verum that is responsible for its antimicrobial activity. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. verum leaf ethanolic extract was determined against different bacteria and fungi along with ethanol as a control. The extract showed remarkable antifungal action on Candida albicans and antibacterial action against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC value of only 0.039 mg/ml. The MIC value against other microorganisms ranges from 0.78 mg/ml to 25mg/ml. C. verum leaf extract can be used as an effective antimicrobial agent in fungal and bacterial infections.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: The endeavour of this study was to check the impact of trunk stabilization training on cricketers suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. Objectives: The objectives of the study was to examine the effects of trunk stabilizing exercises in cricketers with chronic low back pain for the change in level of pain, disability and improvement of endurance of trunk muscles. Methods: The related literature was searched and reviewed for the efficacy of interventions, reliability and validity of outcome measures. Quasi-experimental approach was chosen for conducting the study with pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluation of the outcomes. Convenient sampling and random allocation in to groups were used to select and assign the sample that comprised of 15 subjects in each groups out of total sample size of 30. Standardized tools such as VAS for evaluating the pain, modified Oswestry LBP disability questionnaire for evaluating disability trunk stabilization exercises to check improvement of endurance of trunk muscles were utilized. Trunk stabilization exercises with warm up, stretching and cool down were given to group A (experimental group). Heating pads and back care advice was given in the form of a leaflet to the group B (control group). Results: The data were analysed with help of SPSS version 21. Paired t-test was done for intra group analysis and un-paired t-test for intergroup analysis. The results of the study suggested that there was significant difference between the difference in mean values of pain, disability and endurance between the group-A&B. The findings also suggested that there was significant difference within group-A and group-B for pain, disability and endurance. Conclusion: This study concluded that on both groups, the significant reductions were seen in pain, disability and endurance of subjects after 8 weeks of intervention. However, there was more reduction in pain, disability and endurance in group-A ...........
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Indeed, AKI is a common complication in ICU patients, and it is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality as well as healthcare costs. Recognizing AKI risk factors in LMIC settings is important for intervention approaches. Objectives: The objectives of this study are as follows: To determine the incidence of AKI based on RIFLE criteria among the critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh and to analyze the impact of the presence of comorbidities on the development of AKI in these patients. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at the ICU of Community Based Medical College in Bangladesh from January to December 2023. The target subjects were adult patients who were admitted to the ICU for a period of 24 to 48 hours. Patients with AKI were categorized using RIFLE criteria based on serum creatinine and urine output. For the univariate and multivariate logistic regression, demographic data, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics were collected. Results: In the present study of 22 patients with a mean age of 42.16 years and 63.6% of male patients, 86.4 percent of the patients had AKI according to both serum creatinine and urine output criteria. Sepsis/septic shock ([OR] 2. 2, [CI] 0. 8–5. 8) and cardiac etiology ([OR] 2. 7, [CI] 1. 0–7.1) were significant predictors of AKI. The study revealed that respiratory disease [OR. = 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33–38.78] and hematologic malignancy [OR. = 4.20, 95% CI: 0.40–43.82] were the comorbid conditions most closely associated with AKI. Conclusions: This research shows a very high prevalence rate of AKI among the clients in critical conditions in Bangladesh. Sepsis, cardiac dysfunction, respiratory disease, and hematologic malignancies emerged as significant factors. The results are therefore informative for programs aimed at improving AKI awareness, early detection activities, and prevention efforts in low-resource settings.
Original Research Article
Assessment of Dichlorvos, Cypermethrin, Synthetic Camphor, Pinenes, and Kerosene: Impact on Testosterone Levels, Glutathione Concentration, and Testicular Histology in Male Wistar Rats
Anthony Olalekan Akande, Titilayo O. Aladesanmi, Olumide Stephen Akinsomisoye, Oyedayo Phillips Akano, Joan Ifeoluwa Akande
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2024; 7(7): 285-297
DOI: 10.36349/easms.2024.v07i07.004
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172 Downloads | July 13, 2024
ABSTRACT
Pesticides are integral to modern agriculture and public health but pose significant risks to human and environmental health. This study investigates the impact of selected pesticides on male reproductive health via inhalation in an improvised chamber. Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups and exposed to individual pesticides and a combined mixture to determine lethal doses. Tissue samples from 54 rats were analyzed histologically and biochemically for effects on testes and epididymides, with measured serum testosterone and GSH levels. Sniper consistently showed the highest significant decrease in GSH levels across all exposure levels (p < 0.05). A significant dose-dependent relationship was observed in the recovery groups from 25% to 75% exposure (p < 0.05). Pesticide exposure led to a substantial decrease in serum testosterone levels in male Wistar rats at 25% (all pesticides, p < 0.05), 50% (DD Force, Sniper, Kerosene, Combined, p < 0.05), and 75% (DD Force, Industrial Camphor, Edible Camphor, Kerosene, p < 0.01) concentrations. Escalating damage in testicular and epididymal structures, with a more pronounced severity at higher exposure levels, including epithelial degeneration, Sertoli cell vacuolation, seminiferous tubule derangement, and ductal atrophy. Increased exposure to high doses of pesticides induces oxidative stress in male Wistar rats which could potentiate decreased testosterone levels and adversely impact the histological architecture of the testes and epididymides. Pesticide detoxifications are somewhat evident following withdrawal from the environmental insults. Significant and persistent damage occurred at higher levels, suggestive of substantial reproductive toxicity following exposure.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by the inflammation of piriformis muscle representing pain, tingling and numbness in the buttock region and in the course of sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome can be painful, but it is very rarely alarming and needs surgical interventions. It can be managed effectively by conservative means such as NSAIDS, analgesics and physiotherapy interventions like stretching, electro therapeutic modalities, myofascial release, thermo therapies, etc. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of sciatic nerve gliding exercise with hip abductor strengthening exercises versus piriformis stretching exercises in software professionals who are sitting for prolong hours in office and diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. Materials & Methods: 30 patients with piriformis syndrome, reporting at the OPD of Physiotherapy Department were evaluated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into Group A (experimental) N=15, Group B (control) N=15 randomly. Their baseline data with respect to age, sex, pain in VAS, hip internal rotation range by goniometer, and disability evaluation by MODQ were taken on day 1 of the treatment and day 15 of the treatment. Data analysis was done by Mann Whitney ‘u’ test for subjective data and unpaired ‘t’ test for objective data analysis with 95%confidence interval. Results: The patients treated with sciatic nerve sliding exercise and abductor strengthening (Group A) showed statistically significant decrease in pain (p=0.00), increase in range of motion for hip internal rotation (p=0.00) and decrease in disability level according to MODQ (p=0.00) after 15 days of interventions as compared to Group B who were treated by piriformis stretching exercises. Conclusion: This study has shown significant improvement in the experimental group (group A) in respect to pain relief, hip internal rotation range of motion, and .......
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess ocular findings among patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy at Nazareth Leprosy Center. Methodology: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted at Nazareth Leprosy Center in Morogoro region, from June to December 2021.All patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy patients who were available at Nazareth during the study period were interviewed and examined. A total of 88 participants were enrolled in the study and their socio-demographics, clinical history and ocular examination findings were analysed. Results: There were 53 (60.2%) males and 38 (43.2%) of participants were between the age of 54 to 70 years with a median age 64 years. Majority, 66 (75%), were unemployed and 46.6% had no formal education. Participants with multibacillary type of leprosy were 72.7% and forty three (48.9%) resided at the leprosarium Center. Ocular findings were present in 69% of study participants. Cataract was the most common (45.5%), 15.6% had lagophthalmos, 9.1% had keratitis and 9% uveitis. There were 19 (21.6%) patients who were blind with the best corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 in the better eye. Conclusion: Patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy have significant prevalence of ocular pathologies which affects their vision. Patients with low socio-economic status and Multibacillary type of leprosy are more affected. Cataract is the most common cause of visual impairment, however other sight threatening conditions like lagophthalmos, exposure keratitis and uveitis are also common.
ABSTRACT
Work related stress is the adverse reaction as a result of excessive work pressure. As new diseases such as Corona virus, Ebola, Lassa fever, Monkey pox, etc evolves each day, so technology and new skills to tackle such diseases are required. In addition to clinical nursing care, the need to learn and practice how to use modern equipment in patients’ care to combat such diseases imposes more stress on the nurses. The world population is also on the increase, hence the need for healthcare services is also increasing. Contrarily, there are (six) 6 million global nurses’ shortage presently. The recent Covid 19 pandemic is also putting on more stress on the nursing workforce forcing many nurses to leave their job as a result of work-related stress. The study aimed at investigating key interventions that will reduce work relate and enhances nurses work performance.
Original Research Article
Assessment of Plasma Homocysteine in Patients with Hypothyroidism in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Dalili M.S, Hadiru G.M, Dungus M.M, Aisha S.K, Amali A.A, Hassan A.A, Gademi F.M, Fatima M.L, Halima M.A, Musa A.H, Mshelia D.S
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2024; 7(7): 317-320
DOI: 10.36349/easms.2024.v07i07.008
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170 Downloads | July 24, 2024
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been seen to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. The plasma levels of homocysteine and its relationship with hypothyroidism was assessed. Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients aged 20 – 60 years comprising of 60 hypothyroid and 60 euthyroid controls were assessed for the study. Evaluation of plasma homocystein was done using human homocysteine ELISA my BioSource. FT3, FT4 and TSH were also evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using stat fax-2100. Result: In our study, we have found the values of FT3 in the subjects as 1.21+ 0.89pg/ml lower than controls values of 1.92+0.66pg/ml, values of FT4 in subjects as 0.60+0.53ng/dl as compared to control group value of 1.40+0.30ng/dl, values of TSH as 2.07+1.19µiU/ml higher than the control group of 0.48+1.67µiU/ml. The mean values of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) for subjects was 34.50+10.01µmol/L higher than the control group with 9.30+2.11µmol/L. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that patients with hypothyroidism also have a high plasma homocysteine known to pose cardiovascular complications.
Case Series
Effectiveness of Femm Approach in Managing Women with Subfertility in Mwanza, Tanzania
Sr. Juliet Macharia, Albert Kihunrwa, Edgar Ndaboine, Dismas Matovelo, Fridolin Mujuni, Richard Kiritta, Elieza Chibwe, Sr. Clotilda Chuma, Godfrey Kaizilege, Edmund Ngaiza, Sr. Happy Mbena, Prosper S
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2024; 7(7): 321-323
DOI: 10.36349/easms.2024.v07i07.009
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194 Downloads | July 24, 2024
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Approximately one in six people have experienced infertility at some stage in their lives. In Tanzania, the prevalence of infertility is 16%. Most couples suffer from this condition silently without knowing what to do. FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) has come to bring back hope and happiness in these patients. Case series: Here we present four cases of women with subfertility who have suffered for more than five years without being able to conceive. Very interesting they all conceived within two to four months after using the FEMM approach. Currently, they are all pregnant at different gestation ages. Conclusion: Women who are not ovulating cannot conceive. Many times the answers to infertility are hiding in plain sight within the patterns of a woman's menstrual cycle. Failure to ovulate is the first sign of an underlying health condition in a woman followed by irregular cycles. Observing characteristics of cervical mucus is a simple and non-expensive biomarker any woman can tell you about. Fertility awareness together with medical management helped these women to conceive.
ABSTRACT
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart disease characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, with outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification are essential. This case report discusses a 52-year-old female with family history of sudden deaths, presenting with acute coronary syndrome symptoms. Investigations revealed atrial fibrillation, ST-elevation, and a thrombus in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Echocardiography and cardiac CT confirmed a left ventricular apical aneurysm, multiple apical thrombus, and hypertrophic septal wall with systolic LV dysfunction. The report highlights the risk of thromboembolic events and SCD in patients with LV apical aneurysms. Meta-analyses and guidelines emphasize the importance of integrating risk markers like LV apical aneurysms and late gadolinium enhancement into clinical assessments. Given the patient’s family history, aneurysm, and LV dysfunction, primary SCD prevention with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was deemed suitable. HCM patients with LV apical aneurysms represent a high-risk phenotype requiring comprehensive management, including SCD and stroke prevention.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Increased cholesterol levels are one of the causes of obesity. One type of obesity is central obesity, characterized by the amount of accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) measurement is more potent than Body Mass Index (BMI) in predicting cardiovascular disease risk. WHR is also used to identity the occurrence of central obesity, which is a risk factor for elevated cholesterol levels. This study aimed to analyze the difference in total cholesterol levels in the group of normal and above normal WHR employees at El Tari Airport, Kupang. This study was an observational analytic type with the cross-sectional method and used venous blood samples to measure total cholesterol levels and WHR. Data analysis using independent sample t-test. The results of the independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in total cholesterol levels between obese employees (above normal WHR) and non-obese employees (normal WHR). The significance result is 0.027 (p < 0.05) in the independent sample t-test. This indicates that WHR can be used to identify central obesity in a person and also person with above normal WHR tend to have high total cholesterol levels.