ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cholera is recurrent in Zambia particularly in Lusaka district where outbreaks occur with regularity, typically during the rainy season. Despite the progress in improving Water, Sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, outbreaks are still persistent. This research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Oral Cholera Vaccine in reducing cholera related mortality in the hotspot zones of Lusaka District, with a goal to inform public health strategies for cholera prevention and control. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study from April 2022 to April 2024, among 385 reported cholera cases meeting clinical/laboratory definitions in high-risk sub-districts (Kanyama, Matero, Mandevu, Chawama) on the effectiveness of the Oral Cholera Vaccine. Data was collected from health facilities, and surveillance databases. Descriptive statistics, and multivariable regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the outcome at a P value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the 385 cases reported, only 59.2% of the participants were vaccinated. Vaccination reduced cholera severity (coefficient=0.815, p<0.001), while hospitalization worsened outcomes (-0.193, p<0.001). Longer hospital stays improved recovery (0.108, p<0.001). Older age (0.002, p=0.020) and male gender (0.066, p=0.026) were linked to better outcomes. Access to clean water (-0.051, p=0.099) and improved water sources (-0.077, p=0.001) reduced the risk of disease. Sanitation and geographic location had no significant effects. Conclusion: OCV had a significant reduction on mortality and disease severity during cholera outbreaks in the hotspot zones. The results affirm the role of OCV in cholera prevention and emphasize the need to expand vaccine coverage, improve WASH infrastructure, and tailor healthcare interventions based on demographic differences.

ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was designed to test the antibacterial activity of Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) extracts in four different solvents i.e. petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Methodology: Each plant material was weighed and 20.0 grams of it was taken in four different bottles 500.0 mL of each solvent was added in the respective bottle. The extracts were filtered by whatmann’s filter paper, dried in vacuum desiccators and the powder mass obtained was weighed and then reconstituted in respective solvent to get the final extract of known concentrations. Bacteria were inoculated separately in the Nutrient Agar medium in a concentration of 106 CFU/ml and the media was poured in petri dishes and was allowed to solidify. Six wells of 1.0 centimeter diameter were cut in each plate with the help of sterile cork borer. In three wells equal volume of known concentrations of plant extracts was poured with the help of micropipettes. In 4th well, penicillin G (1600µg per well) and in the 5th well Gentamicin (1000µg per well) was taken as a positive control. In the 6th well, respective solvent was taken as a negative control. The plates were incubated at 37 degree Celsius for 24 hours and the DIZ was calculated in millimeters. Each experiment was performed in five replicates. Results and Discussion: Both plant extracts showed considerable activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Ocimum basilicum non-polar components had good activity against gram positive than gram negative bacteria while Glycyrrhiza glabra methanol extract showed greater activity against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: It was concluded that the extracts of both Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) in petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water have antibacterial properties except aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum.

ABSTRACT
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive mobility and postural disease that affects fetal and infant development. It is the outcome of an insult to the developing brain prior to, during, or after birth. Worldwide, cerebral palsy is the main cause of childhood disability. Physiotherapy has long been used to manage children with cerebral palsy, which is characterized by a motor deficit. Physiotherapy for this condition aims to improve function, movement, and maximize the child's potential. Some of the procedures employed include neurodevelopmental techniques, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Treatment options include exercise treatment, hydrotherapy, body weight support treadmill training, sensory integration training, and constraints-induced therapy. However, physiotherapy is often suggested by all members of the healthcare team. However, the effectiveness of physiotherapy varies. This evaluation summarizes the effectiveness of a regularly used physiotherapy method for managing children with cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to investigate the physiological processes through which lutein affects anxiety and depression behavior in Scopolamine-treated animal models. 30 male Wistar rats (105g-153g) were randomly assigned to six groups. Group 1: Negative Control, Group 2: Scopolamine only treated group, Group 3: Scopolamine + Lutein (20mg/kg), Group 4: Scopolamine + Lutein (40mg/kg), Group 5: Scopolamine + Lutein (60mg/kg), Group 6: Scopolamine + Imipramine (standard drug). scopolamine was administered intraperitoneally and lutein orally. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Post hoc Fischer’s LSD. Multiple comparison values were considered significant at P<0.05 Results. The administration of Scopolamine led to decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentration in Group 2 (P < 0.0001) and Group 3 (P < 0.01) when compared to the control group. The combined use of lutein and imipramine preserved Acetylcholinesterase levels between Groups 4, 5 and 6 after brain treatment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF-α) experienced a significant decrease in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0001) together with Group 4 (P < 0.001) whereas the levels in Groups 5 and 6 remained comparable to the control. Nitric oxide (NO) levels significantly increased in Group 2 (P < 0.01) but remained unchanged in Groups 3-6 compared to the control. The findings established that while scopolamine negatively affected AChE and BDNF-α levels, lutein and imipramine mitigated these effects. Scopolamine caused a decrease in neurotrophic factors (BDNF-α, AChE) and also increased the level of oxidative marker (NO) and depressive like behaviors. Lutein treatment, at moderate (40 mg/kg) and high (60 mg/kg) doses effectively normalized these biomarkers and augmented neurotrophic signaling.