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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Histologically, fibroids are disordered smooth muscle cells buried in abundant quantities of extracellular matrix. The abundance of extracellular matrix in fibroids is responsible for the expansion of fibroids. Uterine fibroids are benign neoplasms. Materials and Method: Adult female Wistar albino rats (200 ± 20g) were used for the present study. Animals were acclimatized for fourteen days in the animal house before being grouped into four groups of six (6) animals each. The eight experimental groups are as follows: Group A: No fibroid induction, animals were provided with water and normal rat fed; Group B: Uterine fibroid induced without treatment; Group C:(treatment group): Mifepristone; Group D : (treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ Mifepristone; Group E:(treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ 500 mg/kg of extract ; Group F:(treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ 1500 mg/kg of extract; Group G:(treatment group): 500 mg/kg of extract; Group H:(treatment group): 1500 mg/kg of extract. Uterine fibroid was induced by administering Diethylstilbestrol (1.35 mg/kg/d), Progesterone injection of 1.0mg/180g intramuscularly three times a week, 0.9 mg/kg/d adrenal hydrochloride injection intramuscularly from week 5th to 6th week of the experiment (Zhao et al., 2018 method). Uterine fibroid induction lasted for six (6) weeks. Results: Results from the present study showed that estrogen and progesterone both increased in fibroid induced group when compared to the control, and both reduced in the treatment groups especially in the high dose group when compared to the fibroid induced group. Immunohistochemical studies showed weak positive stain for BCL-2 and strong positive stain for BAX in the ovaries. Weak positive stain for BCL-2 and strong positive stain for BAX in the uterus was also observed. Conclusion: Bay leaves significantly reduced the levels of estrogen and progesterone caused by induced uterine fibroids. Bay leaves may likely reduce the si
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Fibroid is a reproductive health problem which affects females of reproductive age in all parts of the world. Various health implications associated with fibroid which ranges from miscarriages, infertility etc. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of cocoa seeds on monosodium glutamate induced uterine fibroids in wistar rats. Forty eight (48) animals were used for the study. Animals were grouped into six(6) groups (control, fibroid induced, cocoa low, cocoa high, low dose+ MSG, high dose+ MSG group, MSG + high dose group and MSG + low dose) of 6 animals each. Extracts were administered for 14days, Control received 0.5 ml of distilled water; Fibroid induced received 200mg/kg bw of MSG; cocoa low group received 500mg/kg bw; cocoa high group received 1500mg/kg bw; cocoa low group +MSG received 500mg/kg bw+200mg/kg bw of MSG.; cocoa high group +MSG received 1500mg/kg bw + 200mg/kg bw of MSG, MSG + low dose group MSG was administered for 2 weeks, followed by 500mg/kg body weight of cocoa for 2 weeks. MSG + high dose group MSG was administered for weeks, followed by 1500mg/kg body weight of cocoa for 2 weeks. 24 hours after last administration animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assays. The uterus was harvested and fixed. Data obtained was expressed at Mean ± Standard deviation, values were considered statistically significant when p≤0.05. The results showed that ethanolic extract of cocoa seeds reduced the level of progesterone in the prophylactic groups when compared to the fibroid induced group. Results from the therapeutic studies showed that ethanolic extract of Cocoa seed reduced the level of progesterone only. It had no effect on the estrogen level of Wistar rats. The plant extract may arrest tumor progression and may be effective in prevention of MSG induced uterine fibroids in rats.
ABSTRACT
The article has three primary sections. The first section deals with the recent application of the Indigo dye. The second section deals with the reviews of the drug from multiple angles. The third section deals with the application of Indigo in dentistry & Homoeopathy. The article traces the history of Indigo not only in medicine but also in agriculture, horticulture, crops, plantation, economics, culture, arts, social science, rural economy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, dentistry & Microbiology. However, it touches upon all other subjects & deal in partial detail in the field of dentistry. Only Homoeopathy is the area that is touched upon in detail in the article. Indigo cuts across times across the globe as its use are multifaceted. The curiosity across era regarding Indigo just shows its importance especially in our country. Besides the synthetic use, it is good to know that the natural use of Indigo is on the rising trend. The natural use of Indigo has one of its tentacles in its Homoeopathic dimension. It is a broad spectrum drug in Homoeopathy that is used for various uses. The various systems of the human body that benefit from the use of Indigo in Homoeopathy are the Central Nervous System (CNS), Gastro Intestinal System (GIS), Excretory System, Musculoskeletal System & Cardio Vascular System (CVS).
ABSTRACT
Background: Kinesiophobia, defined as an excessive fear of movement due to pain or reinjury, has emerged as a significant psychological factor influencing recovery in musculoskeletal conditions. In fracture rehabilitation, where early mobilization is essential, fear-related avoidance behaviors may compromise functional outcomes despite adequate biological healing. Objective: To evaluate the role of kinesiophobia as a predictor of functional outcomes following fracture rehabilitation and to synthesize current evidence regarding its prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using evidence from peer-reviewed literature indexed journals. Studies examining kinesiophobia in fracture populations, its association with functional outcomes, and related rehabilitation strategies were analyzed and synthesized. Results: Kinesiophobia is highly prevalent in fracture populations, affecting approximately 50–60% of patients. Evidence demonstrates a consistent negative association between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes, with reported correlation coefficients ranging from r = –0.40 to –0.77. Higher levels of fear are linked with reduced mobility, lower functional independence, and delayed recovery. Mechanistically, kinesiophobia contributes to avoidance behavior, altered motor patterns, reduced rehabilitation adherence, and physical deconditioning. Longitudinal findings suggest that early kinesiophobia may predict long-term functional limitations. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia is a significant and modifiable predictor of functional outcome following fracture rehabilitation. Integrating psychological assessment and targeted interventions such as graded exposure and cognitive-behavioral strategies into physiotherapy practice may enhance recovery and reduce disability. Further high-quality research is required to establish standardized protocols and optimize management approaches.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the results of the Demographic and Health Survey of Mali, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the Koulikoro region and the Bamako district is 65.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Anemia remains a public health problem in Mali and one of the most common pathologies during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary factors associated with anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center. Methodology: This was a case-control study conducted at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center from August 5 to 31, 2025. The sample size was calculated using Epi Info 7 software version 7.1.2.0. It included 324 pregnant women, comprising 108 cases and 216 controls. Data were entered using the Kobocollecte tool and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. We performed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses with a significance level of 5%. Results: The multivariate analysis showed that anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Kalaban-coro Reference Health Center was associated with consuming fewer than three meals per day (p=0.00), low dietary diversity (p=0.00), low fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.00), low consumption of roots and tubers (p=0.00), and low dairy consumption (p=0.03). Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend strengthening awareness and nutrition education activities to promote better dietary diversity among women of reproductive age.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
In the realm of medical mycology, Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe fungal disease primarily affecting individuals with weakened immunity. Because conventional diagnostics like fungal cultures are often slow and lack sensitivity, this study focuses on evaluating two advanced testing methods- Aspergillus-specific PCR and galactomannan ELISA (GM-ELISA)- to identify which delivers more reliable and timely results across sample types and patient profiles. The research was conducted over 13 months in a hospital setting, analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum samples from patients suspected of having IA. GM-ELISA targeted the presence of fungal antigens, while PCR was used for genetic detection and species differentiation. Thorough statistical methods were applied to assess the performance and correlations between both techniques. Patients aged 61–70 years, predominantly male (60%), were most affected. GM-ELISA showed more positives than PCR, though overlap between methods was limited. Antigen levels were higher in BALF than serum, and PCR cycle thresholds inversely correlated with GM-ELISA values, indicating higher fungal loads lead to quicker detection. Aspergillus fumigatus showed the highest antigen burden, while Aspergillus flavus had lower nucleic acid levels. No significant link was found with haematological markers or conditions like diabetes and renal issues.Radiological findings often matched IA pulmonary changes, and Voriconazole was the most common treatment. In conclusion, GM-ELISA proved to be a sensitive tool, particularly for respiratory samples, while PCR contributed valuable specificity and early-stage detection. When used together, they offer a more complete diagnostic picture, enhancing early identification and treatment strategies for IA.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health issue affecting over 8–16% of the global population, with significant health consequences. The incidence and financial burden of managing this condition are substantial, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is about 3–4 times more common. An often overlooked but important effect of CKD is the alteration of sleep patterns, which impacts quality of life. Objective: This study sought to describe the characteristics and factors associated with sleep disorders among CKD patients at the Yaoundé General Hospital. Methodology: This case-control study was conducted at the Dialysis and Nephrology outpatient units of the Yaoundé General Hospital in Cameroon from November 2016 to April 2017. Consenting CKD cases and controls were assessed for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a validated clinical tool. Sociodemographic, medical, and other relevant data were obtained from hospital records. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 with a significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 244 participants were included, with 141 CKD cases and 143 controls. Mean age was 48.32 ± 14.66 years for cases and 50 ± 14.19 years for controls. Hypertension/vascular nephropathy was the leading CKD cause (41.2%), and 83% of patients were on dialysis for an average of 36 ± 5 months. Poor sleep affected 60.3% of CKD patients versus 14% of controls, OSA risk was 61% versus 11.5%, RLS occurred in 42.5% versus 16.1%, and EDS in 58.9% versus 20.6%. Poor sleep was associated with anemia, hypertension, sex, diabetes, dialysis, and physical exercise. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are more frequent in individuals with CKD than in the general population in our setting, with a negative impact on quality of life.