Ram Bilakshan Sah, Ratna Baral and Nilambar Jha.
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic diseases constitute a global health burden in numerous developing countries mainly due to fecal contamination of water and food, lack of adequate basic sanitation, environmental and socio-cultural factors enhancing parasitic transmissions. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation and to identify risk factors associated with parasitic infestation among the school children of Biratnagar Submetropolitan. Materials and Methods: The cross?sectional study was conducted in Grade VI, VII and VIII in Government and private schools of Biratnagar. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The Chi?square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and parasitic infestation. Results: Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among the school children was 35.5 percent. Around 15.5% of the study population was found to be infested with helminthes and 20% of the study population was protozoa infected. Hookworm species was found higher (6.5%) in comparison to other worms i.e. Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%), Trichuris trichuria (2.5%) and Hymenolepsis nana (1.0%). Regarding protozoal infestation, Giardia Lamblia was seen higher (12.5%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (7.5%). Irregular bath, not using soap after defecation, not wearing sandals, unhygienic skin, nail and clothes cleanliness, habit of nail biting and thumb sucking were found to be significant relationship in the causation of intestinal parasitic infestation. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was found to be high in school children of Biratnagar. Poor personal hygiene and sanitary condition are supposed to play an important role in establishing intestinal parasitic infections.
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Silvia Cantara, Fabio Maino, Carlotta Marzocchi and Maria Grazia Castagna
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as a novel cancer therapy for patients with poorly differentiated, anaplastic or medullary carcinomas unresponsive to conventional treatments. The association between fasting mimicking diets and TKIs has been explored with encouraging results showing a better response with less side effects due to TKI toxicity.
Here we reportthe role of fasting in reducing cell survival and in potentiating the anticancer activity of TKIs (Lenvatinib, Sorafenib, Vandetanib and Cabozatinib) in cultured medullary, follicular, papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. In particular, fast mimicking diet reduced cell growth in all cell types but potentiated the anticancer activity of TKIs only in follicular, medullary and TPC1 thyroid cells. TKIs significantly reduced ERK1-2 activation after 1 h in all cell types. Prolonged exposure to TKIs resulted in an improvement of ERK1-2 phosphorylation which was inhibited in the presence of starvation.
We demonstrated thyroid cancer cell susceptibility to fasting and validated its role in potentiating anticancer activity of TKIs by strengthening ERK1/2 signalling inhibition.
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Zeru Yimer Kebede
Background and objectives: The production and productivity of dry beans in Ethiopia is hindered by multiple challenges; among these were biotic, abiotic and socioeconomic factors. Thus, this review paper highlighted and discussed those factors that impose dry beans not to give reasonable grain yield and acceptable quality there by to identify and discuss the main challenges of common beans under the study area, and to document the information generated from the paper for future improvement of dry beans.
Material and Methods: A number of peer reviewed papers were critically viewed and reanalyzed based on the current situation of legumes production. Based on the investigation and observations made the author distinguished and prioritized the major threats of beans production for the study area.
Results: Via different sources, information generated. The author also identified and prioritized the agents that limit the production of dry beans under the area and means of managing the challenges separately or by integration them.
Conclusion: Therefore, the author recommend and suggest that to cultivate our farmlands in sustainable way we have to follow and apply the cropping patterns and systems of rotation with legumes to achieve this we must made bridge between technology generated with producers.
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Dr Saloni Sethi, Dr Aditi Arora, Dr Vikash Kumari Kasana, Dr Premlata Mital , Dr Ishita Agarwal, Dr Isha Ramneek and Dr Sakshi Bansal
During pregnancy calcium demand increases due to increase requirement by the developing foetus. This demand is met by dietary calcium intake. Physiological changes in pregnancy tend to lower calcium and calcium homeostasis is maintained by various hormones. The present study was done to find association of sociodemographic factors of the pregnant women with hypocalcaemia.
Material and methods: 100 women in their third trimester of pregnancy were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. After detail history and examination, 5 ml venous blood is collected to measure serum ionic calcium. Data were entered in to MS Excel sheet and analysed.
Results: Normal serum ionic calcium range is 4.2 – 5.5 mg%. Out of 100 women 36% women had hypocalcaemia. There was no significant association between hypocalcaemia and age (p=0.8), residence (p=0.6), religion (p=0.1), socio-economic status (p=0.8). There was significant association between hypocalcaemia and literacy status (p-0.02). Women with past history of preterm birth and abortion had more risk of having hypocalcaemia. There was a negative correlation between maternal age and mean serum ionic calcium level.
Conclusion: Hypocalcaemia is common in pregnancy. Hypocalcaemia was more common in women who were above 25 years of age, muslim, illiterate, belonging to lower and middle socio-economic status and multiparous. Risk of hypocalcaemia was more in women with gestational age below 34 weeks. All women in their antenatal period should be screened for hypocalcaemia and calcium should be supplemented routinely to all women during antenatal period.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Amaechi Chukwudi Ofodile and Chetachi Blessing Okwuanaso
Diarrhea remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old worldwide. The burden is disproportionately high among children in low- and middle-income countries. Many studies have established that the diarrhea prevalence is higher in younger children, 6-11 months, and boys than girls. Some studies have revealed that children not washing hand before meals or after defecation, mothers not washing hands before feeding children or preparing food, children eating with their hands rather than with spoons, eating of cold leftovers, dirty feeding bottles and utensils, unhygienic domestic places were associated with risk of diarrhea morbidity in children. In general, the morbidity of diarrhea is lowest in exclusively breast-fed children; it is higher in partially breast-fed children, and highest in fully-weaned children. The preventive practices according to WHO include; breast feeding, improved weaning, use of plenty of water for hygiene and clean water for drinking, hand washing, use of latrines, proper disposal of the stools of young children and immunization against measles, exclusive breast feeding during the first 4- 6 months greatly reduces the risk of severe or fatal diarrhea and the risk of other serious infections are also reduced.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Uchenna Echefu and Uche George
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children with severe malaria is common and associated with adverse hospital outcome. It has become increasingly prevalent in both developed and developing countries and it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially in children. The recognized factors associated with acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria are sociodemographic factors (age, sex, age of parents and level of education of parents); clinical factors and laboratory factors such hyperparasitaemia, hypoglycaemia, low level of haemoglobin and thrombocytopenia. This review showed that there is a high prevalence of acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria. Acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria is associated with low level of education of caretakers, young age of children, history of receiving NSAIDs and anaemia. The mortality rate of children with AKI is high.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Yakubu Sunday Bot, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu, Esther U. Alum and Okechukwu Paul-Chima Ugwu
Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency indicator and health status in the world affecting about one third of the global population. Taking iron supplement during pregnancy is associated with reduction in anaemia among lactating mothers. The risk of anaemia in lactating mothers reduces with intake of iron supplement during pregnancy. Based on the study findings the researcher recommends the following. All lactating mothers should be encouraged by health team, starting with Village Health Team (VHTs) up to the facility level for regular haemoglobin checkup. Massive nutritional education should always be carried out on every antenatal and postnatal visit.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Hypertension means high pressure in the arteries; it is commonly known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure from 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg is called pre-hypertension, blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg is considered high. Elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage and stroke. These complications of hypertension are often called target organ damage, because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic high blood pressure. Most people with hypertension do not have any symptoms in the early stages, symptoms only appear after target organs are damaged. These symptoms are usually due to target organ damage and their manifestations depend on the affected organ. For this reason, regular screening of people with symptoms is essential for early diagnosis, treatment, and control of high blood pressure. Early diagnosis, treatment, and optimal control of hypertension are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from hypertension-related diseases. A family history of hypertension shows that people with high blood pressure are nearly 6 times more likely to have high blood pressure than people with high blood pressure. People without the disease and those with high income levels are three times more likely to have high blood pressure. The greater the body mass, the more blood is needed to supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles and other tissues. Salt consumption and hypertension Sodium and salt intake remains controversial as a risk factor for hypertension, although it is true that some people are particularly sensitive to sodium. Physical activity and hypertension Inactive adolescents are more likely to have high blood pressure. Excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Emmanuel Chinedu Onuoha and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) stands as a prominent hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by a mutated form of hemoglobin, culminating in diverse clinical complications. These paper endeavors to synthesize the multifaceted aspects contributing to SCA\'s onset and progression, delineating the intricate interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in shaping the disease\'s phenotype and severity. Genetically, variations in the HBB gene encoding beta-globin hold paramount importance in SCA, elucidating diverse mutation patterns and their correlation with disease severity. Furthermore, the influence of gene modifiers and their contribution to the wide spectrum of phenotypic diversity among individuals carrying the sickle cell trait is expounded upon. Beyond genetic predisposition, environmental elements wield significant influence. Geographical factors, climatic conditions, infectious agents, and socio-economic determinants are examined for their impact on disease prevalence and progression. The review extends its scope to encompass lifestyle factors, illuminating the roles of nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial stress in shaping the clinical course of SCA.A pivotal facet in mitigating the burden of SCA lies in early detection and intervention. Exploring current screening methodologies, prognostic indicators, and emerging technologies for timely diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies offers promise in ameliorating complications and enhancing patient outcomes.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Esther Ugo Alum, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Okechukwu P.C. Ugwu
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) stands as a paradigm of the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors shaping the complexity of this hemoglobinopathy. This comprehensive review endeavors to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between genetic determinants, environmental triggers, and individual lifestyle choices in the genesis, progression, and management of SCA. Genetically, SCA is rooted in mutations within the HBB gene, culminating in the production of aberrant hemoglobin and the characteristic sickled erythrocytes. This section scrutinizes the myriad of genetic variations, emphasizing their implications in disease severity and phenotypic diversity. The review further navigates the landscape of genetic modifiers, exploring their nuanced influence on disease manifestation among carriers of the sickle cell trait. Environmental determinants play a pivotal role in modulating the clinical course of SCA. Geographical disparities, climatic variations, prevalence of infections, and socio-economic factors intricately intertwine to influence disease prevalence, complications, and healthcare accessibility. This review meticulously examines the multifaceted impact of these environmental factors on the disease landscape. Moreover, lifestyle choices wield substantial influence over disease management and outcomes. Balanced nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being significantly impact disease severity and crisis occurrence. This section delves into the effects of lifestyle modifications, elucidating their role in minimizing complications and enhancing the quality of life for individuals navigating the challenges of SCA. This paper underscores the synergistic interplay of genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors in sculpting the multifaceted nature of sickle cell anemia. Recognizing these intricate interactions provides a holistic framework for devising personalized management strategies and therapeutic interventions. The synthesis of these elements emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive approach in unraveling the complexities of SCA and advancing tailored care for affected individuals.
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