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Effect of Superfine Grinding on the Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities of Mulberry Leaves
Edwin H. Mena,
Tao Liu,
Xianyan Liao,
Tosin M. Olajide,
Junyi Huang
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
138-146
Received:
9 March 2016
Accepted:
18 March 2016
Published:
12 April 2016
Abstract: In this study, two species of mulberry leaves were used as materials and four different size powders (about 20-115 µm, 15-20 µm, 10-15 µm and <10 µm) were prepared. The effects of superfine grinding (SG) on the extraction of active components from mulberry leaves (MLs) and their antioxidant activities were investigated. The results indicated that the contents of the active component such as polyphenol, polysaccharides, alkaloids were increased markedly with the decreasing in the particle size, but there was a bit difference in flavonoids. Additionally, the antioxidants properties of MLs treated on 1,1-diphel-2-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were also increased, but the scavenging activity in hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (HAS) decreased in the size of D10. These results indicated that SG could improve the extraction efficiency of active components from MLs and make its antioxidant activity enhance, implying that SG can be an effective way to improve the quality and functionality of MLs in foodstuff and pharmacological field.
Abstract: In this study, two species of mulberry leaves were used as materials and four different size powders (about 20-115 µm, 15-20 µm, 10-15 µm and ...
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Physical Activity Levels at Work and Leisure Among Kindergarten Workers
Pål Lagestad,
Karin Kippe
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
147-154
Received:
1 February 2016
Accepted:
1 April 2016
Published:
25 April 2016
Abstract: Background: The low percentage of adults fulfilling the health recommendations standard of physical activity in Norway and in countries all over the world, is a major concern. The study examine how physical activity during work hours contributes to physical activity among kindergarten workers, and how these workers estimate their physical activity level. Methods: Accelerometers were used for seven days to derive percentages of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among forty-six randomly selected kindergarten workers in Norway. A questionnaire was used to measure the subjects’ estimation of their own activity. Results: The study found that kindergarten workers achieved 57% of their MVPA during work on work days and 44% of their weekly MVPA through their work. Furthermore, the subjects underestimated their own MVPA during work, but not during leisure. Conclusion and recommendations: The results suggest that physically active work may be a major arena for daily physical activity, and that workers in physically active professions may be unaware of the positive outcomes regarding the contribution of work time to the daily MVPA level. The results point to the importance of making people aware of the positive outcome of physically demanding professions in relaton to fulfill the physical activity reccomendation.
Abstract: Background: The low percentage of adults fulfilling the health recommendations standard of physical activity in Norway and in countries all over the world, is a major concern. The study examine how physical activity during work hours contributes to physical activity among kindergarten workers, and how these workers estimate their physical activity ...
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Determinants of Full Child Immunization; Evidence from Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
155-164
Received:
15 February 2016
Accepted:
26 February 2016
Published:
26 April 2016
Abstract: Background: Immunization is one of the main health interventions to prevent childhood morbidity and mortality. The health of under 5 children has been a major problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. Immunization will become more effective if the child receive the full course of recommended immunization doses. Objective: The main objective of this study is to statistically identify and analyze the various possible determinants of full immunization among children in rural and urban households of SNNPRS, Ethiopia. Design: The sampling technique employed was multistage stratified cluster sampling. Results: Analysis of the study revealed that only 18.3% of children under 5 years of age are fully immunized in the region. Results of the multiple binary logistic regression show that place of residence, age of the child, educational status of mothers, access to media and place of child delivery are the most important determinant factors affecting full child immunization (p-value<5%) in the region. It is observed that children living in rural parts of the region whose community is usually facing shortage of basic services like education, access to media and health services are at higher risk of complete immunization. Conclusion: Primary health care and education programs which would fit the features of the region should be designed and implemented to safeguard children from immunization deficiency.
Abstract: Background: Immunization is one of the main health interventions to prevent childhood morbidity and mortality. The health of under 5 children has been a major problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. Immunization will become more effective if the child receive the full course of recommended immunization doses. Objective: The main objective of...
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Non-market Factors Affecting Price Volatility of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Governance Mechanisms to Address Them
Shen Yuan,
Shen Jun-long,
Zhang Hai-bo,
Yuan Pan
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
183-190
Received:
3 May 2016
Published:
4 May 2016
Abstract: In recent years, prices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) resources have undergone abnormal fluctuations due to intense volatility. It is believed that there are special reasons behind these fluctuations. The prices of TCM resources should be set with regard to market equilibrium. A survey of nearly 15 years’ worth of data shows that non-market factors, namely social factors, are the main reasons for the price fluctuations of Chinese herbal medicines. This paper explores these factors and suggests reasonable control strategies to help stabilize the prices of TCM resources.
Abstract: In recent years, prices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) resources have undergone abnormal fluctuations due to intense volatility. It is believed that there are special reasons behind these fluctuations. The prices of TCM resources should be set with regard to market equilibrium. A survey of nearly 15 years’ worth of data shows that non-market...
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Unhealthy Habits of Rural Children in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt
Safaa Khamis Hassan,
Wafaa Yousif Abdel Wahed
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
207-213
Received:
1 April 2016
Accepted:
11 April 2016
Published:
13 May 2016
Abstract: Background: There is enough evidence that convenient nutrition in childhood is important for healthy development as well as for the prevention of several chronic morbidities later in life. Yet, many children consume diets that are not consistent with dietary guidelines. We aimed to describe unhealthy habits of rural children living in one of the poor governorates in Egypt. Research Methodology: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted among 1049 children aged 6 –17 and their parents living in rural area, Beni-Saleh, Fayoum Governorate over a period 10 months. Dietary habits were studied using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: A total of 1049 children in the age of 6 to 17 years were examined for their unhealthy habits. The results revealed that, 35% of the children were watching TV more than 3hours many. 90.8% not doing any type of physical activity on regular basis. 18.3% were smokers. Only 30.2% 0f children take fruits on daily basis with significant different regarding age and sex. 62.9% were consuming fresh vegetables 3+/week. Conclusion: children in rural areas may be at a great risk for malnutrition which affecting their growth and development. The need for healthy lifestyle programming directed to rural people.
Abstract: Background: There is enough evidence that convenient nutrition in childhood is important for healthy development as well as for the prevention of several chronic morbidities later in life. Yet, many children consume diets that are not consistent with dietary guidelines. We aimed to describe unhealthy habits of rural children living in one of the po...
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Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance Among Patients Seeking Medical Care in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria
Egbe Kingsley,
Ike Anthony C.,
Aleruchi Chuku
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
214-218
Received:
18 April 2016
Accepted:
25 April 2016
Published:
13 May 2016
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a clinical and public health challenge in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in patients from five selected health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The HIV serostatus and the CD4+ count of seropositive individuals were also determined. Using a combination of Zhiel Neelsen staining and WHO approved GeneXpert MTB/Rif device for M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, the presence of M. tuberculosis in sputum samples was detected and confirmed. A total of 346 samples were analysed, out of which M. tuberculosis was detected in 91 (26.3%) samples and rifampicin resistance in 6 (6.6%) of the positive samples. HIV prevalence was found to be 46.8%, HIV and TB co-infection 39.6%, while 83.3% of the rifampicin resistance was from HIV positive cases. Tuberculosis was found to be decreasing with increase in CD4 count. Statistically, there was a significant relationship (P < 0.05), between level of education, HIV, CD4 count and TB occurrence. However, no significant relationship (P > 0.05) between gender, occupation and age with TB was observed. Our results show that tuberculosis still remains endemic in Nasarawa state with a high prevalence of HIV and that the confluence of HIV and tuberculosis increased the rate of rifampicin resistance. Provision of Tuberculosis diagnostics with the capacity to detect TB drug resistance beyond rifampicin is highly recommended.
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a clinical and public health challenge in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in patients from five selected health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The HIV serostatus and the CD4+ count of seropositive indi...
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Breast Cancer Screening: An Assessment of Awareness, Attitude and Practice among Female Clients Utilizing Breast Imaging Services in South-Western Nigeria
Olufunso Simisola Aduayi,
Victor Adovi Aduayi,
Caleb Adegbenro
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
219-223
Received:
22 April 2016
Accepted:
3 May 2016
Published:
13 May 2016
Abstract: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in many parts of the world and screening practices play a vital role in its prevention and early detection. This study sought to assess the level of awareness, determine the attitude and document breast cancer screening practices among respondents. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 150 respondents was conducted at the Department of Radiology of a tertiary health facility in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The study population consisted of female patients referred for breast imaging. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16, Chicago USA Inc. Respondents presented for breast imaging due to breast related complaints (75.2%) as opposed to routine medical screening for breast cancer (24.8%). A total of 43 (28.7%) respondents had breast ultrasound scan done previously, 105 (70%) had practiced breast self examination (BSE) before, while 54 (36%) had clinical breast examination (CBE) done previously. Among those aged 40 years and above (n=67, 44.7%) only 18 (26.9%) had a previous mammographic screening. Overall attitude to BSE was good (56%) but attitude to CBE was negative (69.3%). Respondents’ occupation was found to have a significant association with attitude towards BSE (p=0.001). The logistic regression analysis of predictors of awareness of mammography showed that women aged 40 years and above are more likely to be aware of mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer (OR=3.05,P= 0.012; 95%CI 1.28-7.27). There is a need for increased awareness and adoption of breast cancer screening practices in our environment in order to engender a reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality.
Abstract: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in many parts of the world and screening practices play a vital role in its prevention and early detection. This study sought to assess the level of awareness, determine the attitude and document breast cancer screening practices among respondents. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of...
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Prevalence of Asymptomatic Infection by Treponema pallidum in Pregnants of the Baixada Fluminense Region, Province of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ana Carolina Torres,
Antonio Neres Norberg,
Fabiano Guerra Sanches,
Jose Tadeu Madeira-Oliveira,
Alex Nagem Machado,
Paulo Cesar Ribeiro,
Nicolau Maues Serra-Freire
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
224-228
Received:
18 April 2016
Accepted:
27 April 2016
Published:
14 May 2016
Abstract: Syphilis is an infectious disease with worldwide distribution caused by Treponema pallidum, and has great clinical importance when the pathogenesis is in pregnant women. The congenital disease is the result of the infection by vertical transmission of the Treponema to the fetus and can be the cause of high morbidity of the concepts during intrauterine life. It can also cause serious problems during pregnancy such as expontaneous abortus, premature babies with low weight, stillbournes, neonatal mortality, and early or late complications in children who survive to the infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of syphilis in pregnants in obstetrics clinics in the Baixada Fluminense region and advise the seropositives for appropriate treatment and evaluate the intervention, contributing to the eradicate to the maternal diseases and preventing the transmission of the Treponema to the concepts. During the years 2010 and 2011, venous blood samples were collected from 1183 asymptomatic adult pregnants accompanied by obstetricians to detect anti-T. pallidum. The serum obtained from the blood was frozen and stored at -20°C until the analysis by serologic reactions of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and passive hemagglutination (TPHA). The results showed 28 cases were diagnosed with titers equal or superior to 1:16, suggestive of syphilitic disease, corresponding to the coefficient of prevalence of 2.37%. There were dominance of cases in pregnants in the etary group between 21 and 30 years old. There is asymptomatic infection among the examined pregnants of Baixada Fluminense region, with possible risk of vertical transmission of infection to their concepts.
Abstract: Syphilis is an infectious disease with worldwide distribution caused by Treponema pallidum, and has great clinical importance when the pathogenesis is in pregnant women. The congenital disease is the result of the infection by vertical transmission of the Treponema to the fetus and can be the cause of high morbidity of the concepts during intrauter...
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Study on the Causes and Governance Path of Blood Supply Shortage in China Mainland
Feng Weiping,
Lin Xiaojuan
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
229-234
Received:
16 May 2016
Published:
19 May 2016
Abstract: In the past five years, the situation of blood supply shortage in China mainland was increasingly grim. The occurrence of blood supply shortage has inevitable objective reasons, but more are subjective reasons that can be avoided originally. The purpose of this paper is that through the analysis of the subjective reasons for the formation of blood supply shortage, to seek the effective way to solve the problem. Analysis shows that the main four causes of blood supply shortage are imperfect incentive mechanism, crisis of confidence, in short supply and the weak foundation. The governance path of blood supply shortages should be multi-governance dominated by the government and involved with multi-organization participation. The government should play a leading role; Blood collection and supply department should improve its service level; Medical institutions should improve the level of scientific and reasonable blood use; Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should play their own advantages, to participate in the propaganda and the donation work; The news media should actively participate in social public welfare publicity of blood donation; The general public should trust and support for acquisition and use of blood. For the immediate interests of the public, the relevant departments and personnel should work together and perform its own functions, only in this way the blood supply shortage problem can be effectively alleviated or thoroughly solved.
Abstract: In the past five years, the situation of blood supply shortage in China mainland was increasingly grim. The occurrence of blood supply shortage has inevitable objective reasons, but more are subjective reasons that can be avoided originally. The purpose of this paper is that through the analysis of the subjective reasons for the formation of blood ...
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Discussion on the Use of Chinese Medicine and Institutional Innovation in Community Health Management
Shen Jun-long,
Wang-qi,
Zhang-yan,
Ma Hong-yao
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
235-240
Received:
22 May 2016
Published:
23 May 2016
Abstract: The eighth session of the Third Plenary put forth that social reform and innovation, institutional innovation and social governance, and community health management are an important part of social governance. With characteristics such as simple and inexpensive testing, and the service features and advantages of chronic disease prevention and control that are more fully realized in community health management, Chinese medicine is based on the ideology of Heaven and the harmony between man and nature, which is applied to the treatment of diseases, health care methods, and maintenance and improvement of the body. Thus, with the appropriate technology, Chinese medicine can be a good fit for community health management and improvement of immune function. The traditional community governance model failed to take advantage of medical services in the implementation of chronic disease prevention and control. A new economic theory, the multi-center collaborative governance theory, provides a theoretical basis for using the characteristics of Chinese medicine in community health management innovation. This new economic model integrates the community health management needs of the government and the market, fosters the participation of social organizations and residents, and creates opportunities to apply the characteristics of Chinese medicine to community health management through the Governance of Pluralism.
Abstract: The eighth session of the Third Plenary put forth that social reform and innovation, institutional innovation and social governance, and community health management are an important part of social governance. With characteristics such as simple and inexpensive testing, and the service features and advantages of chronic disease prevention and contro...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community on Traditional Medicine in Jara Town, Bale Zone South East Ethiopia
Ahmed Yasin Mohammed,
Muhammedawel Kasso,
Ashebir Demeke
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
241-246
Received:
28 April 2015
Accepted:
10 December 2015
Published:
26 May 2016
Abstract: Traditional medicine is an ancient medical practice that is still widely used in prevention and treatment of various health problems for majority of global population particularly in rural developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of the community on tradition medicine in Jara town. A community based cross sectional study was carried out in the community of Jara town from April 5 to April 10/2013. Face to face interview was carried out using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequency and percentages were calculated. The study involved 271 participants recruited by systematic random sampling technique. Participants of the study were interviewed with a structured open and close ended questionnaire. From the total of 271 participants who were identified for the study all of them participated in the study. Two hundred sixty one (96.3%) of the respondents answered that they have heard about traditional medicine. One hundred forty eight (54.61%) of the respondents think that there are diseases that are not cured by modern medicine while 123(45.38%) believe that there are no diseases that cannot be cured by modern medicine. One hundred nineteen (43.91%) of our respondents have planned to use traditional medicine in the future. Two hundred (73.8%) of the respondents have used traditional medicine at least once in their life time. The study concludes that many of the respondents found herbal medicine to be safe, effective and beneficial. Despite many of the respondents believe that herbal medicine rarely produce adverse effect, a few experienced them mildly and moderately.
Abstract: Traditional medicine is an ancient medical practice that is still widely used in prevention and treatment of various health problems for majority of global population particularly in rural developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of the community on tradition medicine in Jara town. A co...
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Gingivitis and Associated Factors Among Children in Boxes Toddlers in Senegal
Daouda Cisse,
Aida Kanouté,
Massamba Diouf,
Sylvie Azogui-Levy,
Boubacar S. Dankoko,
Astou Mbengue Niang,
Mbathio Diop,
Cheikh M. Mbacké Lo,
Daouda Faye
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
259-264
Received:
29 April 2016
Accepted:
10 May 2016
Published:
26 May 2016
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis and the factors associated in boxes toddlers among 3-6 year-old preschool children in 3 regions in Senegal. This was a descriptive and cross sectional study covering 984 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years and attending boxes toddlers in the regions of Dakar (urban area), Saint-Louis (semi-urban and urban areas) and Kaolack (semi-urban and rural areas). They were selected through both a cluster sampling and a stratified sampling and the clusters were drawn at random. These children obtained parental permission to participate in the survey. The socio-demographic data, the gingivitis status and the parental knowledge on oral preventive methods applied to children, were collected. The data was analysed using SPSS Version 19 software with a significance level of 5%. In total 901 children were examined: 299 in Dakar, 302 in Saint-Louis and 300 in Kaolack with respective completeness rate of 93%, 91% and 90%. Girls constituted 56.6% of the sample; children aged six were less represented (10.7%), while children of non-salaried parents constituted 77.3% of the sample. Fourteen percent of the children had an inflamed gingiva. The distribution of gingivitis according to socio-demographic data does not show a significant association. Depending on the region, gingivitis differently distributed (p<0.01). Between Dakar and Saint-Louis (p<0.01) and between Dakar and Kaolack (p<0.02), the differences were significant. However between Saint-Louis and Kaolack, there was not a significant difference (p>0.90). Gingivitis is significantly associated with the frequency of brushing (p=0.03), it is not significantly associated with visiting the dentist (p>0.20). These results suggest the importance of hygiene and perhaps the parent oral health literacy in the prevention of this infection often overlooked because painless most of the time. To avoid damage as noma more prevalent in rural area, health officials may develop integrated community programs against gingivitis in boxes toddlers in Senegal.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis and the factors associated in boxes toddlers among 3-6 year-old preschool children in 3 regions in Senegal. This was a descriptive and cross sectional study covering 984 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years and attending boxes toddlers in the regions of Dakar (urban area), Saint-Lo...
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Maternal Sensitive Determinants of Nutritional Status Among Children Below Five Years in Obunga Slums
David Omondi Okeyo,
Peter Kirabira
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2016
Pages:
265-270
Received:
1 May 2016
Accepted:
11 May 2016
Published:
27 May 2016
Abstract: Malnutrition remains a major proxy determinant of child mortality common among under five children and account for about one-third of malnourished cases worldwide. This chronic condition is a severe public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa that requires continuous critical attention. This study explored maternal sensitive factors that are important in the etiology of malnutrition with urban slum setting. The study was conducted among 400 eligible households systematically samples at random. Analysis was based hierarchical regression with principal axis factoring for selective variables. Psychosocial indicators did not have any observable association with nutritional status. Seeking immediate medical attention from the nearest health facility (HSB-1) and Average duration of introducing a child to the first liguid in hours (FP-4) significantly reduced stunting. Clean my hands with running water and soap before feeding a child (FHP-1) significantly reduced stunting among other indicators. HSB-1 somehow increased stunting. Wasting was significantly reduced by HSB-1 but increased by consulting a private doctor to examine a child (HSB-3). Underweight had no association at all with all indicators of maternal factors except at crude odds ratio level where FHP-1and HSB-1 were somewhat associated with underweight. In conclusion, this study revealed that food hygiene practice, health seeking behavior and feeding practice were all significant associates of stunting (p<0.05). Wasting was only associated with health seeking behaviour (p<0.05) while underweight had association with food hygiene practice and health seeking behaviour (p<0.05). However, it is noted that in these factor domains only selected indicator measures exhibited significant associations.
Abstract: Malnutrition remains a major proxy determinant of child mortality common among under five children and account for about one-third of malnourished cases worldwide. This chronic condition is a severe public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa that requires continuous critical attention. This study explored maternal sensitive factors that are import...
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