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Sirenomelia within a One-Year Period at Fallujah General Hospital: Two Case Reports
Samira Alaani,
Michael Musanzikwa,
Abdulqadir Abdulkareem Murie
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
64-67
Received:
30 April 2013
Published:
2 May 2013
Abstract: Sirenomelia also called as Mermaid Syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain aetiology. It is characterised by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformation. It should be suspected in antenatal period in cases presenting with severe oligohydramnios and intra-uterine growth retardation. This is a report of 2 cases of Sirenomelia in Fallujah general hospital within a period of about 1 yr., with an incidence of about 10.3 / 100.000 total births which was about 2 to 3 times the registered overall incidence.
Abstract: Sirenomelia also called as Mermaid Syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain aetiology. It is characterised by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformation. It should be suspected in antenatal period in cases presenting with severe oligohydramnios and intra-uterine growth ...
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Diagnosis of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection In High Risk Neonates
Ehab Abd Elmoniem Albanna,
Randa Saddek Abd El-latif,
Hend Alsayed Sharaf,
Maha Kamal Gohar,
Basem Mohamed Ibrahim
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
68-74
Received:
6 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and IgM detection using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) in diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Methods: This study was conducted from May 2011 to December 2012. Urine and blood samples were collected from 94 neonates with suspected congenital CMV infection. Serum and part of urine samples were stored at -20°C freezer, until the serologic and PCR tests were achieved. A 94 fresh urine samples were processed for cell culture. Nineteen (20.2%) out of 94 urine samples were proven positive for CMV infection by viral culture. For comparing PCR and IgM ELISA we used tissue culture technique as a reference, the 19 positive samples on culture (CMV group) and 20 negative samples (control group) were included in the comparison. Some characteristics of CMV and control groups were compared including sex, age, birth weight, gestational age < 37 and small for gestational age. Clinical and laboratory abnormalities were also compared in both groups. Results: This study showed that the sensitivity and specificity of PCR in relation to viral culture were 100% and 100% respectively, there was excellent agreement between both tests (Kappa coefficient was 1 and P=0.000). On the other hand, the sensitivity of IgM CMV ELISA in relation to viral culture was 63.2% and the specificity was 85%. There was good agreement between both tests (Kappa coefficient was 0.48 and P=0.002). By comparing CMV and control groups, there were high statistically significant differences between both groups as regard the birth weight, gestational age < 37 and small for gestational age items (P= 0.00, 0.03 and 0.01 respectively). There were statistically insignificant differences as regarding the clinical and laboratory abnormalities detected for neonates of both groups. In this study jaundice (63%) and hepato-splenomegaly (42%) were the most common clinical signs in both groups. Conclusion: PCR is more sensitive and specific technique for detection of congenital CMV infection than CMV IgM ELISA. Being more cost effective, less cumbersome and less time consuming in relation to viral culture, PCR may be used in detection of congenital CMV infection.
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and IgM detection using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) in diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Methods: This study was conducted from May 2011 to December 2012. Urine and blood samples were collected from 94 neonates with suspected congenital CMV...
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Comparative Effect of Natural Commodities and Commercial Medicines Against Oral Thrush Causing Fungal Organism of Candida Albicans
Reena,
T,
Rohitha Prem,
Deepthi,
M. S,
R. Beni Ramachanran,
S. Sujatha
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
75-80
Received:
17 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the comparative analysis antifungal efficiency of six natural commodities and four commercial medicines against the oral thrush causing organism of Candida albicans. From the present result along with the six natural commodities, Mayaca showed maximum inhibitory activity against C. albicans followed by garlic, gooseberry, wine, coconut oil and pomegranate. While, the significant antifungal activity noted in Mayaca ehtanolic extract against C. albicans at 50 and 100µl concentration (P<0.05), and other natural substances such as garlic and gooseberry antifungal activity also expressed significantly. In the GC-MS analysis ten bioactive compounds were identified in the ehtanolic extract. Besides the identified bioactive peak phytochemical compounds named as 3,4-Dimethyl-2-3-methyl with its Ret. time 19.050 followed by second and third peak compounds are Diethylpthalate and Bis-3,4 methylene Dioxy accompanied with them responsible RT was 21.004 and 28.666 respectively. The overall results clearly denoted ethanol extract of Mayaca act as significant antifungal C. albicans agent mainly it was possessed specific antimicrobial secondary metabolic compounds present than other five natural commodities and four commercial products. Hence, the present study focused that the Mayaca extract act as a potential antifungal agent for oral thrush causing fungi of C. albicans.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the comparative analysis antifungal efficiency of six natural commodities and four commercial medicines against the oral thrush causing organism of Candida albicans. From the present result along with the six natural commodities, Mayaca showed maximum inhibitory activity against C. albicans followed by garlic, go...
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Urban-Rural Differentials in Using Antimicrobials at Home among Under-5 Children with Diarrhea
Shahnawaz Ahmed,
Fahmida Dil Farzana,
Farzana Ferdous,
Mohammod Jobayer Chisti,
Mohammad Abdul Malek,
Abu Syed Golam Faruque,
Sumon Kumar Das
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
81-86
Received:
5 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: Due to self-limiting course of disease, use of antimicrobials in childhood diarrhea should be limited; however, irrational use is widely reported and is considered as a potential challenge for controlling its rational use. Thus, the present study aimed to describe urban-rural differentials with regard to socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, and etiologic distribution in antimicrobial use and identify predictors of its use at home before coming to the hospital. From the database (January, 2010 to December, 2012) of Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System (DDSS) of urban Dhaka Hospital and rural Matlab Hospital of icddr,b, we extracted relevant information of 4,245 under-5 children from Dhaka Hospital and 2,161 children from Matlab Hospital. In multivariate analysis, children from urban area were 1.53 times, children aged under 2 years were 1.31 times, better socio-economic status (monthly income >100 US$) were 1.34 times, distance to health facility >5 miles from home 1.63 times, use of oral rehydration solution at home 2.95 times, duration of diarrhea >24 hours 4.25 times, frequency of stool >10 times/24 hrs. 1.47 times, abdominal pain 1.30 times and rotavirus infection were 1.54 times more likely to use antimicrobials at home before coming to the hospital (all p<0.05). On the other hand, maternal illiteracy (OR-0.74), cough (0.83) and Vibrio cholerae infection (0.70) were less likely to influence antimicrobials use at home in study children (all p<0.05). Socio-economic characteristics, clinical features, and etiologic agents of under-5 children determine use of antimicrobials at home before presenting to health facility.
Abstract: Due to self-limiting course of disease, use of antimicrobials in childhood diarrhea should be limited; however, irrational use is widely reported and is considered as a potential challenge for controlling its rational use. Thus, the present study aimed to describe urban-rural differentials with regard to socio-demographic characteristics, clinical ...
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Burn Shock and Multiple Organ Failure Syndromes
Erkin A. Hakimov,
Babur M. Shakirov,
Bohodir H. Karabaev,
Komil R. Tagaev
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
87-91
Received:
14 May 2013
Published:
20 June 2013
Abstract: Critical condition, developing in patients with burns during the burn shock more often produce the development of nonspecific reactions in the body, manifested as the system or the organ insufficiency and are determined by the term «syndrome of poly organ insufficiency» (SPOI). The course and treatment of 189 patients with burn shock have been analyzed. With the purpose of investigation all patients with burn shock were subdivided into 2 groups: The first (control) group included 79 patients (23 children, 56 adults) and was treated according to traditional antishock infusion-transfusion therapy without inotropic therapy. The second (basic) group included 110 patients (33 children, 77 adults) with burn shock and underwent a complex, antishock infusion-transfusion therapy with employment of inotropic and organoprotective therapy depending on dysfunction of vitals and systems. All patients with burn shock underwent general clinical examinations of: cardiovascular and respiratory systems, functions of the lever, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract for revealing of polyorgan insufficiency (POI). The victims of burns - material prove high spread POI in patients with burns, that requires complex, purposeful conservative (local and general) and surgical treatment for its reduction and prevention of unfavorable results.
Abstract: Critical condition, developing in patients with burns during the burn shock more often produce the development of nonspecific reactions in the body, manifested as the system or the organ insufficiency and are determined by the term «syndrome of poly organ insufficiency» (SPOI). The course and treatment of 189 patients with burn shock have been anal...
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Sputum Expectoration as a Useful non-Invasive Alternative to Bronchoalveolar Lavage for Collecting Human Alveolar Macrophages in Tuberculosis Research
Li M. Fu,
Charles D. Sohaskey,
Brenda Jones
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
92-97
Received:
12 May 2013
Published:
20 June 2013
Abstract: As tuberculosis (TB) still claims millions of lives in the world, more research should be directed toward understanding this disease and finding a more effective solution. In vivo human alveolar macrophages are an important focus in TB research since the causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be harbored within these cells in an inactive form for a long time before reactivation. To date, TB researchers collect alveolar macrophage samples using a special clinical procedure known as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in which a bronchoscope is inserted into the lung and the cell samples are collected after being washed out with fluid. BAL is an invasive procedure and its use for a clinical study would often meet with practical constraints and the patient’s psychological resistance. These concerns led us to seek a non-invasive approach. In the present study, we collected alveolar macrophage samples from patients with active tuberculosis using a simple sputum expectoration procedure and used the samples to assess the gene expression activities of these immune cells. In this work, we made contributions in two aspects. This study is the first to demonstrate that sputum expectoration is a useful non-invasive alternative for collecting alveolar macrophages whose gene activities would serve to monitor the disease activity. In addition, we analyzed the gene expression of alveolar macrophages in the in vivo samples obtained from TB patients, in contrast to related work where gene expression was profiled on alveolar macrophages collected from non-TB patients and then infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro.
Abstract: As tuberculosis (TB) still claims millions of lives in the world, more research should be directed toward understanding this disease and finding a more effective solution. In vivo human alveolar macrophages are an important focus in TB research since the causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be harbored within these cells in an inactive ...
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Risk Factors For Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Adult Nigerians With Clinical Features Of Liver Diseases In A Resource-Constrained Environment Of A Primary Care Clinic In Eastern Nigeria
Gabriel Uche Pascal Iloh,
Abali Chuku,
Agwu Nkwa Amadi,
Nnadozie Paul Obiegbu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
98-105
Received:
22 May 2013
Published:
20 June 2013
Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important contributor to the burden of liver diseases in adult Nigerians and constitutes a threat to socio-economic development in the sub-region. Screening for its risk factors in patients with clinical features of liver diseases is an important primary care challenge that is often neglected. Aim: To determine the risk factors for HBV infection in adult Nigerians with clinical features of liver diseases in a resource-constrained environment of a primary care clinic in Eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 140 adult Nigerians with clinical features of liver diseases at the primary care clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Clinical features of liver diseases were based on the presence of some constitutional, hepatic and extra-hepatic features. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was assayed using immunochromatographic method. A pre-tested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic variables and histories of HBV-related risk factors. Results: The HBV sero-prevalence was 50.7%. The age group 40 – 60 years (P=0.048) and artisans (P=0.019) were significantly infected. The behavioural risk factors significantly associated with HBV infection were histories of unprotected sexual exposures (P=0.001), blood transfusion (P=0.022) and non-hepatitis B vaccination (P=0.030). The most significant predictor of HBV infection was history of unprotected sexual exposures (OR=5.04, P=0.003). Conclusion: Risk factors of HBV infection exist in adult Nigerian patients with clinical features of liver diseases and HBV infection was significantly associated with age, occupation, unprotected sexual exposures, blood transfusion and non-hepatitis B vaccination.
Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important contributor to the burden of liver diseases in adult Nigerians and constitutes a threat to socio-economic development in the sub-region. Screening for its risk factors in patients with clinical features of liver diseases is an important primary care challenge that is often neglected. Aim...
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Osteoid Osteoma of Base of Coracoid process, a Rare Location. A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature
Paragjyoti Gogoi,
Kiran Makwana,
Anshuman Dutta,
Aditi Das
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
106-109
Received:
22 May 2013
Published:
20 June 2013
Abstract: Osteoid Osteoma is a little uncommon bony lesion. It rarely affects the scapula. Only a few cases are found in the literature. Even rarer is its occurrence at base of coracoids process. Osteoid osteoma of the base of coracoid process is a rare location. They may present simply as diffuse shoulder pain. Careful evaluation of the patient is important to diagnose this rare lesion. Clinical history is valuable, as well as the radiological investigations. Surgical treatment is definitive and rewarding. We are presenting a case of osteoid osteoma involving the base of coracoid process in a 12 year boy which was diagnosed clinico-radiologically and treated surgically by de-roofing and curettage of the lesion. The boy got complete relief of pre-operative symptoms.
Abstract: Osteoid Osteoma is a little uncommon bony lesion. It rarely affects the scapula. Only a few cases are found in the literature. Even rarer is its occurrence at base of coracoids process. Osteoid osteoma of the base of coracoid process is a rare location. They may present simply as diffuse shoulder pain. Careful evaluation of the patient is important...
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Antimicrobial Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Mint Plant
Basheer A. Al-Sum,
Abdullah A. Al-Arfaj
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
110-113
Received:
15 May 2013
Published:
30 June 2013
Abstract: In the present study, an antimicrobial activity of the Aqueous extract of Mentha species was assessed using both well diffusion and microdilution method in multi-well micro-titer plates. Mint extract investigated for its antibacterial activity against seven selected pathogenic bacteria: Bacillus fastidiosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella choleraesuis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia odorifera. Menth extract at different concentrations (1:1, 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20) was active against all tested bacteria except for S.aureus, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed against S. mutans using the well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of Aqueous extracts of selected commonly used Mint were screened against multi drug resistant bacteria ,which concludes that their extracts can be used against multi drug resistance bacteria capable of causing both nosocomial and community acquired infections.
Abstract: In the present study, an antimicrobial activity of the Aqueous extract of Mentha species was assessed using both well diffusion and microdilution method in multi-well micro-titer plates. Mint extract investigated for its antibacterial activity against seven selected pathogenic bacteria: Bacillus fastidiosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis...
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Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Risk Factors and Effectiveness of Antidiabetic Agents in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Aye Aye Myint,
Kyaw Soe Win,
Zaw Aung
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
114-121
Received:
24 May 2013
Published:
30 June 2013
Abstract: The aim of this review is to highlight the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cognitive impairment/Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and provide an updated summary of the evidence related to various potentially modifiable risk factors such as hyperinsulinaemia,insulin resistance,hypo-and hyperglycaemia, vascular risk factors like hypertension and obesity, micro and macrovascular complications, depression in AD.Treating modifiable risk factors can reduce the prevalence of AD.In addition we provide the information about potential benefits of antidiabetic agents for slowing of cognitive decline and AD in patients with type2 DM. There were studies demonstrating the novel effects of antidiabetic agents on neuronal functions by increased insulin signaling in an AD brain with a neuroprotective and neurotrophic effect. In this regard insulin, metformin and thiazolidinediones (in particular, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone ) would have potential protective effect for the development of AD.
Abstract: The aim of this review is to highlight the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cognitive impairment/Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and provide an updated summary of the evidence related to various potentially modifiable risk factors such as hyperinsulinaemia,insulin resistance,hypo-and hyperglycaemia, vascular risk factors like hyperten...
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