ABSTRACT
Background@#and Purpose Recent studies suggested an increased incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the volume of CVT hospitalization and in-hospital mortality during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the preceding year. @*Methods@#We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study of 171 stroke centers from 49 countries. We recorded COVID-19 admission volumes, CVT hospitalization, and CVT in-hospital mortality from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2021. CVT diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) codes or stroke databases. We additionally sought to compare the same metrics in the first 5 months of 2021 compared to the corresponding months in 2019 and 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04934020). @*Results@#There were 2,313 CVT admissions across the 1-year pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic year (2020); no differences in CVT volume or CVT mortality were observed. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT volumes compared to 2019 (27.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.2 to 32.0; P<0.0001) and 2020 (41.4%; 95% CI, 37.0 to 46.0; P<0.0001). A COVID-19 diagnosis was present in 7.6% (132/1,738) of CVT hospitalizations. CVT was present in 0.04% (103/292,080) of COVID-19 hospitalizations. During the first pandemic year, CVT mortality was higher in patients who were COVID positive compared to COVID negative patients (8/53 [15.0%] vs. 41/910 [4.5%], P=0.004). There was an increase in CVT mortality during the first 5 months of pandemic years 2020 and 2021 compared to the first 5 months of the pre-pandemic year 2019 (2019 vs. 2020: 2.26% vs. 4.74%, P=0.05; 2019 vs. 2021: 2.26% vs. 4.99%, P=0.03). In the first 5 months of 2021, there were 26 cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), resulting in six deaths. @*Conclusions@#During the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic, CVT hospitalization volume and CVT in-hospital mortality did not change compared to the prior year. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with higher CVT in-hospital mortality. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT hospitalization volume and increase in CVT-related mortality, partially attributable to VITT.
ABSTRACT
Bisphenol A is a chemical used primarily as a monomer in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is a synthetic chemical compound that is produced in billions of pounds annually, and tagged as an endocrine disruptor. Bisphenol A is a high production synthetic chemical compound that is used in the production of many consumables and equipments of daily consumption and use by man. Growing interest in possible health threats posed by endocrine disrupting chemicals (bisphenol-A inclusive), as these substances are in our environment, food, and many consumer products. Therefore, this study aims to determine bisphenol-A effects on the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis, and role of melatonin in this regard. Forty-two Wistar rats were bred, grouped into 7, with each group consisting of 6 rats. Experimental groups were administered low and high doses of bisphenol-A and melatonin, starting from day 19, and was continued for 7 weeks orally. They were left to develop into full adults and were sacrificed on day 120±4 days. Blood samples, hypothalamus, pituitary and ovarian tissues were excised for biochemical and tissue antioxidants assays as well as genetic studies. Results show elevated gonadotropin and androgen levels. There was disruption of reactive oxygen species in the ovarian tissues, as well as alterations in the expression of genes that regulate reproduction at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels. Conclusion of early exposure to bisphenol-A is associated with prolonged duration of disruption of reproductive functions in female Wistar rats, which persist long after cessation of the exposure. Melatonin antioxidant effects give some promising outturns against bisphenol-A induced toxicities.
ABSTRACT
Bisphenol A is a chemical used primarily as a monomer in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is a synthetic chemical compound that is produced in billions of pounds annually, and tagged as an endocrine disruptor. Bisphenol A is a high production synthetic chemical compound that is used in the production of many consumables and equipments of daily consumption and use by man. Growing interest in possible health threats posed by endocrine disrupting chemicals (bisphenol-A inclusive), as these substances are in our environment, food, and many consumer products. Therefore, this study aims to determine bisphenol-A effects on the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis, and role of melatonin in this regard. Forty-two Wistar rats were bred, grouped into 7, with each group consisting of 6 rats. Experimental groups were administered low and high doses of bisphenol-A and melatonin, starting from day 19, and was continued for 7 weeks orally. They were left to develop into full adults and were sacrificed on day 120±4 days. Blood samples, hypothalamus, pituitary and ovarian tissues were excised for biochemical and tissue antioxidants assays as well as genetic studies. Results show elevated gonadotropin and androgen levels. There was disruption of reactive oxygen species in the ovarian tissues, as well as alterations in the expression of genes that regulate reproduction at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels. Conclusion of early exposure to bisphenol-A is associated with prolonged duration of disruption of reproductive functions in female Wistar rats, which persist long after cessation of the exposure. Melatonin antioxidant effects give some promising outturns against bisphenol-A induced toxicities.
ABSTRACT
There are still global variations in the epidemiology of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, although the clinical presentations may be similar. Outcome of management, however, may depend on the degree of evolution of management of the anomaly. This review aimed at evaluating the trends of reporting of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis from Africa. An evaluation of all publications from Africa on infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis focusing on epidemiology, evolution of management of the anomaly was carried out. Literature search of all publications from Africa on Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis was conducted from January 1, 1951, to December 31, 2018. The articles were sourced from the databases of African Index Medicus, OvidSP, PubMed, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar. Extracted from these publications were information on the type of article, trend of reporting, the country of publication, demographic details of the patients, number of cases, clinical presentation, pre-operative management, type of surgical approach, and the outcome of management. Overall, 40 articles were published from 11 countries. Of these, 16 (40.0%) were published in the first 35 years (Group A, 19511985) and 24 (60.0%) published in the later 33 years (Group B, 1986 2018). Case reports 8 (20.0%) and case series 5 (12.5%) were predominant in Group A, whereas retrospective studies 12 (30.0%) predominated in Group B. The countries of publication included Nigeria (27.5%), South Africa (15.0%), Egypt (12.5%), Tanzania (10.0%), and Zimbabwe (10.0%). A total of 811 patients diagnosed and managed for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) were reported. Their ages ranged from 1 day to 1 year with an incidence that ranged from 1 in 550 to 12.9 in 1000. There were 621 boys and 114 girls (M:F 5.5:1). All the patients were breastfed with an average birth rank incidence of 42.4% among firstborns, 19.5% in second borns, 15.2% in third borns, 13.2% among fourth borns, and 10.0% among fifth borns and beyond. Associated congenital anomalies were reported in 5 (12.5%) studies with an incidence of 6.920% occurring in a total of 28 patients. All but 3 (7.5%) studies reported that open surgery was adopted to perform Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy on the patients. Reported post-operative complications include mucosal perforation in 8 (20.0%) studies, surgical site infection in 7 (17.5%), gastroduodenal tear 2 (5.0%), and hemorrhage and incisional hernia in 1 (2.5%) study each. Mortality was reported in 26 (65.0%) studies with a range of 1.850% and a mean mortality rate of 5.2%. There has been a change in the trend of reporting IHPS in Africa over the years, with increasing comparative studies on the modalities of management compared to case reports and series. Still very limited work has been done in the aspect of genetics and etiology of IHPS among Africans. There is a need to increase funding in this regard and to encourage multi-center collaborations in the study of this relatively rare condition
Subject(s)
Humans , Pyloric Stenosis, HypertrophicABSTRACT
Introduction:Geographical Information System (GIS) has proven to be very useful for large scale mapping of ecosystems, land use and cover, disease prevalence, risk mapping and forecasting. GIS establish relationship or link between vector borne diseases and associated environmental factors thereby providing explanation for spatial distribution pattern, possible causes of diseases outbreak andimplications on the community.Aims and Objectives:Our approach in this study was to define and identify areas and places that are exposed to Malaria risk through proximity analysis and to compare geospatial risk with laboratory diagnosed malaria epidemiology. Methodology:Garmin GPS was used to capture the geographic coordinates of six (6) selected settlements and overlaid with georeferenced and processed satellite images in the study area. GIS modeling was performed on risk factors using weighted overlay technique to produce malaria risk map. A total of One hundred and thirty-five (135) vulnerable individuals were diagnosed for Malaria with light Olympus microscope and rapid diagnostic kit (RDT). Data were entered and analyzed using R-Package for Statistical Computing and Graphics.Results:Proximity to malaria risk follows relatively the order Apodu > Central Malete > Elemere > KWASU Campus > Gbugudu. Apodu being the largest place with proximity to malaria risk, within 500m radius. The risk index increases as one move away from the center of the settlement. The possible explanation for this high risk could be the presence of pond / lake in Apodu. This is a good breeding site for mosquito couple with dense vegetation as one move away from the centre of the settlements. Unlike Apodu, Gbugudu was at medium risk at 100m buffer (60%) but the risk index decreases as one move away from the settlement centre. The absence of thick vegetation and presence of numerous open farms and partly cultivated farmlands on the eastern part could have been responsible for reduction in risk index. Dense vegetation and ponds were observed within Apodu, while Central Malete was built up with dense vegetation are possible reasons for the high-risk index, while settlements within 1 km radius around KWASU campus recorded lower risk index possibly dueto low vegetation. The geospatial malaria risk analysis correlates with the laboratory-based test results. RDT kits and light microscopy results showed Apodu having the highest malaria prevalence with 46% and 58.7% followed by Elemere 41% and 30.3% respectively. When calculating prevalence by aggregating results across all communities, Apodu still had the highest malaria prevalence for the whole region. RDT and light microscopy results combined for all communities had Apodu with malaria prevalence of 21.48% and 27.4% followed by Elemere with 11.85% and 12.5% respectively. Gbugudu had the least malaria prevalence within the region with 3.7% and 7.4% respectively.Discussion and Conclusion:Findings of this study showed dense vegetation and ponds within Apodu, Elemere and Central Malete served as good breeding site for mosquitoes and were responsible for the high-risk index at these areas. Settlements within 1 km radius around KWASU campus recorded lower index possibly due to low vegetation. Results from this study indicate that the degree of malaria parasitaemia in the three major settlements correlates directly with the remote sensing data
ABSTRACT
Background: Many doctors who trained in developing countries always travelled to developed countries for specialization. After specialization, many of them do not return to their countries of origin but stay put in the host countries, and get absorbed into the health delivery system of the host countries. To stop this exodus of much needed man-power in the developing countries, many of these developing countries devised their own postgraduate programs so that there will be no need for doctors that aspire to specialize to leave the country any more. This review article is to assess the quality of the various postgraduate programs in the Third World countries. Study design: The postgraduate programs in some developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana and some countries in the South Pacific were studied and compared with some programs in the developed countries like the United States of America and Canada. There are differences in these programs. We therefore attempt to identify the weaknesses of the programs in the developing countries and make suggestions in some aspects of the programs so as to produce Residency training programs that will satisfy the needs and the peculiarities of the developing countries, and yet measure up to international standards. Results and findings: Many of the postgraduate programs in the developing countries, as they are now, fall far short of international acceptable standard. There are essentially two main reasons for this: some of the programs are directly under the control of the Governments in those countries, where the priorities are more economic than quality. Also, there is this notion among the doctors in the developing countries that surgical postgraduate training must be treated like preparation for a university PhD degree, even though university Senate has no in-put in awarding fellowship certificate. In the Third World countries, it is felt that “special breed” of surgeons must work in the university environment because it is considered “prestigious” to work in the universities. Conclusion:Even though the aim to retain doctors in their countries can be said to have been achieved, it came at a great price because the programs are very different from the well established residency training program as introduced by William Halsted and Churchill. This gives rise to a program comparative to residency training in the specialty of General Medical Practice, which is very different and of lower standard than internationally accepted surgical residency training program. It also equates the training, in some aspects, to that of a university Master's and PhD degrees. Abbreviations: RTP, Residency Training Program; LSP, Local Specialist Program; GCPS, Ghana College of Physician and Surgeons; NPGMC, National Post Graduate Medical College; WACS, West African College of Surgeons; LST, Local Surgical Training; MCQ, Multiple Choice Questions; OSCE, Objective Structured Clinical Examination; SRTP, Surgical Residency Training Program; MMed, Master's degree in Medicine.
ABSTRACT
Background: Artificial inseminations of donor semen (AID) involve use of heterologous donated semen for conception in infertile couple when indicated or in a single woman desirous of pregnancy. Its practice often requires regulation to address possible ethical and legal issues which may arise. In formulating acceptable guidelines/policies, the perspectives of health professionals and the participants should be considered. Therefore, we sought to explore the knowledge and perception of semen donation for artificial insemination among health professionals.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted on consenting health workers in a single health institution using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and perception on artificial insemination of donor semen (AID). Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied to the data collected with a statistically significant value of <0.05.Results: One hundred and twenty-one health professionals completed the questionnaires. The mean age of the respondents was 27.58±5.5years. Sixty of the respondents were males while 61 were females. Eighty-four of the respondents (69.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of AID while 37 (30.6%) had poor knowledge. Cadre of health professionals and marital status influenced the knowledge of respondents. Perceptions on AID varied among the respondents mostly influenced by psycho-social factors and possible legal disputes on third party reproductive process. None of the male respondents has ever donated semen and willingness to donate semen was low; with anonymity preferred by the willing donors.Conclusions: Substantial knowledge gap of AIDS existed among health professionals which were influenced by cadre and marital status. Psycho-social factors and possible legal disputes influenced their perceptions of AID.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the phytochemical components of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) and the in-vitro susceptibility of Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysen-teriae to the aqueous extracts of A. precatorius leaf, seed and root. Methods: The leaf, seed and root of A. precatorius were collected and homogenized separately after drying at 40 °C for seven days in hot-air oven. The aqueous extracts of each of the parts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening. Dilutions of 400, 300, 200, 100 mg/mL, of each of the extracts were used for broth dilution in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination against clinical isolates of Sal-monella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae, while 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 mg/mL dilutions were used for the agar diffusion test and 100μg/mL and 10μg/mL of gentamycin were used as controls for broth dilution in MIC determination and agar diffusion test, respectively. Results: Qualitative study reveals that tannin, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpe-noids, steroids and phenols were present in all of the plant parts. The leaf has the highest quantities of tannin and phenol. The root generally showed the lowest quantity of all the compounds. The pathogens were susceptible to aqueous extracts of the leaf, stem and root of A. precatorius at 50 mg/mL. At concentrations of 40, 30 and 20 mg/mL, all the aqueous extracts of A. precatorius showed variation in MIC, but produced no minimum bactericide effect upon subculture. There were variations in diameter of zone of inhibition against the organisms at lower concentrations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that A. precatorius is a valuable source of phyto-chemicals with promising antibacterial activity. Considering this bioactivity, A. precatorius could be probed further for toxicity, and to obtain some novel antibacterial molecules.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the phytochemical components of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) and the in-vitro susceptibility of Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae to the aqueous extracts of A. precatorius leaf, seed and root. Methods The leaf, seed and root of A. precatorius were collected and homogenized separately after drying at 40 °C for seven days in hot-air oven. The aqueous extracts of each of the parts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening. Dilutions of 400, 300, 200, 100 mg/mL, of each of the extracts were used for broth dilution in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination against clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae, while 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 mg/mL dilutions were used for the agar diffusion test and 100 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL of gentamycin were used as controls for broth dilution in MIC determination and agar diffusion test, respectively. Results Qualitative study reveals that tannin, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and phenols were present in all of the plant parts. The leaf has the highest quantities of tannin and phenol. The root generally showed the lowest quantity of all the compounds. The pathogens were susceptible to aqueous extracts of the leaf, stem and root of A. precatorius at 50 mg/mL. At concentrations of 40, 30 and 20 mg/mL, all the aqueous extracts of A. precatorius showed variation in MIC, but produced no minimum bactericide effect upon subculture. There were variations in diameter of zone of inhibition against the organisms at lower concentrations. Conclusions These findings suggest that A. precatorius is a valuable source of phytochemicals with promising antibacterial activity. Considering this bioactivity, A. precatorius could be probed further for toxicity, and to obtain some novel antibacterial molecules.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug with various threats of personality syndrome, and Nigella sativa has been widely implicated as having therapeutic efficacy in many neurological diseases. The present study investigates the ameliorative efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on cannabis-induced moto-cognitive defects. Methods: Scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) was given to induce dementia as a standard base line for cannabis (20 mg/kg)-induced cognitive impairment, followed by an oral administration of NSO (1 ml/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze (MWM) paradigm was used to assess the memory index, the elevated plus maze was used for anxiety-like behaviour, and the open field test was used for locomotor activities; thereafter, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed for histopathologic studies. Results: Cannabis-like Scopolamine caused memory impairment, delayed latency in the MWM, and anxiety-like behaviour, coupled with alterations in the cerebello-hippocampal neurons. The post-treatment of rats with NSO mitigated cannabis-induced cognitive dysfunction as with scopolamine and impaired anxiety-like behaviour by increasing open arm entry, line crossing, and histological changes. Conclusions: The observed ameliorative effects of NSO make it a promising agent against moto-cognitive dysfunction and cerebelo-hippocampal alterations induced by cannabis.
ABSTRACT
Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f., Cucurbitaceae, is a leafy vegetable used in soup and folk medicine in southern Nigeria. This study was conducted to investigate the anxiolytic and sedative activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of T. occidentalis in mice. The hole-board, elevated plus maze, open-field, light-dark, and social interaction tests were used in this study. T. occidentalis (50-400 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) were administered p.o. to different groups of mice and appropriate observations were made. T. occidentalis increased the number of sectional crossings (p<0.01) and duration of head dips (p<0.05) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively; increased number of entries into open arms (p<0.01) at the dose of 100 mg/kg; increased number of central squares crossed (p<0.01) at the dose of 50 mg/kg; and increased number of social interactions (p<0.001) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. At the dose of 400 mg/kg, T. occidentalis reduced number of head dips and sectional crossings (p<0.01); reduced time spent in open arms and increased time spent in closed arms (p<0.01, 0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; reduced number of assisted rearings (p<0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; increased latency of entry into and time spent in dark box (p<0.01, 0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; and reduced number of social interactions (p<0.001) at the dose of 400 mg/kg. The findings in this study suggest that T. occidentalis possess anxiolytic property at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and sedative activity at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg.
ABSTRACT
Nasal parameters measurements are useful in anthropology to distinguish people into racial and ethnic groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among Nigerians aged 18 to 70 years of Nigerian parentage randomly selected at the ENT Clinic of the University of Ilorin teaching hospital (U.I.T.H.), Ilorin, Nigeria without gender discrimination had measurement of their nasal parameters done using a sliding caliper: Nasal height, width, tip protrusion, alar thickness, nasal septal thickness and nares diameter. RESULTS: 105 subjects were seen, the age range 18 to 70 years (mean of 28.63 + 13.06 years). There was 58 males and 47 females with a male/female ratio of 1.2:1. The mean nasal width/height (Nasal index -NI) was 90.7 in males and 88.2 in females. Males had a higher NI compared to female (p < 0.03). The commonest type of nasal variability is Type A (70.5 percent), Platyrrhine nose, Type B (26.7 percent) especially in females (mesorrhine) and Type C (leptorrhine) (2.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant association between the sex of an individual and type of Nose. Platyrrhine nose, among males and mesorrhine among females, only 2.8 percent being leptorrhine. The nasal indices were higher in males than in females.
As medidas de parâmetros nasais são úteis em antropologia para distinguir pessoas em grupos étnicos e raciais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Pesquisa transversal entre nigerianos com idades entre 18 e 70 anos, filhos de pais nigerianos, aleatoriamente selecionados na clínica de otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Universitário de Ilorin (U.I.T.H.), Ilorin, Nigéria; sem discriminação de gênero, tiveram seus parâmetros nasais medidos usando-se um compasso deslizante: altura nasal, largura, protrusão da ponta, espessura alar, espessura do septo nasal e diâmetro das narinas. RESULTADOS: 105 indivíduos foram avaliados, e suas idades variaram entre 18 e 70 anos (média de 28,63 + 13,06 anos). Havia 58 homens e 47 mulheres, com coeficiente entre homens de mulheres de: 1.2:1. A medida largura/ altura nasal média (Índice nasal - IN) foi de 90,7 em homens e 88,2 em mulheres. Os homens tiveram IN mais alto quando comparados às mulheres (p < 0,03). O tipo mais comum de variabilidade nasal foi o Tipo A (70,5 por cento), Platirrinia, Tipo B (26,7 por cento), especialmente em mulheres, (mosorrinia) e o Tipo C (leptorrinia) (2,8 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Há associação significativa entre o gênero do indivíduo e seu tipo nasal. A platirrinia, entre homens, e a mosorrinia, entre mulheres; somente 2,8 por cento sendo leptorrinia. Os índices nasais foram mais altos em homens do que em mulheres.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Nose/anatomy & histology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Nigeria , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
Fertility pattern and reproductive behaviours affect infant death in Nigeria. Household food insecurity and poor care practices also place children at risk of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of family size, household food security status, and child care practices on the nutritional status of under-five children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 423 mothers of under-five children and their children in the households selected through multistage sampling methods. Food-insecure households were five times more likely than secure households to have wasted children (crude OR=5.707, 95 percent CI=1.31-24.85). Children with less educated mothers were significantly more likely to be stunted. The prevalence of food insecurity among households in Ile-Ife was high. Households with food insecurity and less educated mothers were more likely to have malnourished children (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[4]: 123-132)
Subject(s)
Child Care , Child, Preschool , Family Characteristics , Food Safety , Infant , Nigeria , Nutritional StatusABSTRACT
There are various criteria that could be used to rate a tertiary institution. One of these is the productivity of the members of staff which is shown by the research conducted; publications submitted and manuscripts published in indexed journals. Manuscripts submitted and published in one of the highly rated indexed journals in our locality were analysed with a view to identifying how the institutions add to knowledge by their contributions. Our findings show that the four top-rated institutions in terms of manuscripts published in West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM) are University College Hospital (UCH); lbadan; University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH); and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
Subject(s)
Manuscript/analysisABSTRACT
Over the years; the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease seems to be based on beliefs and scattered facts with weak scientific basis. There is little evidence that the use of antacids; anti-secretory drugs; diet regulation; sedatives and pepsin inhibitors; even though they reduce the ulcer pain; prevent recurrence of ulcer and healing of ulcer in all cases. Recently; the finding of Helicobacter pylori in association with peptic ulcer disease seems to confirm that this is probably a most important aetiological factor for peptic ulcer disease. Presently; treatment of peptic ulcer is directed at eradicating this bacterium. This review paper highlights the evolution of the surgical procedures for peptic ulcer disease
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Helicobacter pylori , Peptic Ulcer , Surgical Procedures, Operative , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
The formalin test is widely believed to provide a more valid model for clinical pain than tests with phasic mechanical or thermal stimuli. However; the different implementations of the test in use pose the possibility of confounding results. This study evaluated the effects of different injection sites on the pattern of nociceptive responses. The responses to forepaw injection was found to be significantly higher than that of hind paw injection in the first phase while the response to plantar injection was found to be significantly higher than that of dorsal injection. We conclude that the choice of injection site has some effects on the pattern of nociceptive responses
Subject(s)
Injections , Pain MeasurementABSTRACT
The study investigated whether the relationship between sex and experimental pain report was explained by blood pressure at rest; or during pain task; or both in healthy; young adult females. Univariate analyses indicated significant positive correlation between baseline systolic blood pressure; systolic blood pressure reactivity; and heart rate reactivity ; but not baseline diastolic blood pressure; diastolic blood pressure reactivity; heart rate; weight; height and pain sensitivity. However none of the positively correlated parameters could significantly predict pain threshold or pain tolerance
Subject(s)
Adult , Blood , Bread , Female , Heart , Pressure , SpleenABSTRACT
Apart from errors in the fundamentals of writing a clinical research paper; things that mitigate against manuscript acceptance by highly rated journals include: lack of objective; irrelevantand unimportant subject matter; questionable and flawed methodology; lack of originality and inadequate ""packaging"" of the report.The delay in the turn-around time of many articles is due to the authors themselves; and not necessarily due to the assessors or the Editorial Board
Subject(s)
Peer Review , ResearchABSTRACT
Against a backdrop of neurological effects; the effects of acute and chronic administration of vitamin C (600mg/kg) on pain processing were investigated in male rats. Chronic administration of vitamin C induced significant thermal hyperalgesia while acute administration had no effect. In addition; the intraperitoneal administration of vitamin C produced observable abdominal writtings similar to what has been observed with acetic acid. We conclude that chronic vitamin C exerts facilitatory central nervous system effects and a possibility of using intraperitoneal injection of vitamin C as an animal model of pain is suggested
Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid , Bread , HyperalgesiaABSTRACT
Based on the modality of treatment historically the management of enterocutaneous fistula has been grouped into three periods. The era of antibiotics [1945-1960], the era of intensive nurse care [1960-1970] and the era of intravenous hyperalimentation [1970-1975]. Schein's modification of sitges serra classification of enterocutaneous fistula is now preferred to the old classification of high output type and low output type. A major cause of enterocutaneous fistula is technical failure. Serum level of short turn over proteins such as albumin retinal binding protein, thyroxin binding pre albumin as serum transferring are predictors of mortality and spontaneous fistula closure. Immediate surgical correction of the fistula is not a priority of treatment. The control of sepsis and adequate nutrition are the two most important aspects of management. The use of somatostatin and octreotide has been shown to shorten the period of spontaneous closure of the fistula