Methods Employed in the Prevention and Treatment of Malaria among Pregnant Women in a Riverine Community in Bayelsa State; Nigeria

Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria and is the most common cause of hospital attendance in all age groups of which children and pregnant women are the major risk groups; therefore this study was designed to explore various methods of prevention and treatment of malaria among pregnant women in riverine community in Bayelsa State.Method: A descriptive survey with a sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire and SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.Results: The finding of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were within 16-25; with a minimum age of 16; maximum age of 45 and a mean of 30. More than half of the respondents agreed that malaria can be transmitted to the fetus and can lead to intrauterine fetal death. Majority uses insecticide treated nets (ITNs); snapper; insecticide spray; window and door net in preventing malaria; while a good number of the respondent claimed to use drug when they have malaria; most of which were prescribed.Conclusion: Majority of the respondents employed good practices in the prevention and treatment of malaria. However; some of the respondents still use crude methods that are detrimental to health. Therefore; it was recommended that community awareness and enlightenment programmes should be put in place in order to eradicate the crude methods that are harmful; as well as promote the good methods used in the prevention and treatment of malaria

Analyses of bile from gallbladders of fish [Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis, Pomadasys commersonni and Kishinoella tonggol]

Bile from gallbladders of Arius platystomus [Singhara], Arius tenuispinis [Khagga], Pomadasys commersonni [Holoola] and Kishinoella tonggol [Dawan] were derivatised and analysed by GC-MS for identification of bile acids and bile alcohols. Cholic acid and Chenodeoxycholic acid were found as major bile acids in Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis and Pomadasys commersonni. Other bile acids identified in Arius platystomus were allochenodeoxycholic acid, allodeoxycholic acid, 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -trihydroxy-24-methyl-5beta-cholestane-26-oic acid, and 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha, 24-tetrahydroxy-5alpha-cholestane-26-oic acid. Cholesterol was found as major bile alcohol in Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis and Pomadasys commersonni. Cholic acid was the major bile acid identified in the bile of Kishinoella tonggol while other bile acids included 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -tridydroxy-5alpha-cholestanoic acid and 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -tridydroxy-5beta-cholestanoic acid. Bile alcohol 5beta-cyprinol was present in significant amounts with 5beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,24-tetrol being the other contributors in the bile of Kishinoella tonggol

Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in children with urinary tract infection in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

SUMMARY Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting children and therefore, prompt recognition and accurate antimicrobial management are vital to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to determine the bacterial pathogens and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance in children presenting with UTI. Methods: A retrospective study of 721 cases, involving children between the ages of 1-day old to 13 years old with culture-proven UTI in Selayang Hospital, Malaysia between January 2007 and December 2011. The bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in the total population, prophylaxis and no prophylaxis groups were studied. Results: The 3 most common organisms isolated in the total population were E.Coli (41.6%), Klebsiella spp. (21.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (11.0%). With regards to the antibiotic resistance, E.Coli resistance rates to ampicillin, cefuroxime and gentamicin were 67.7%, 15.3% and 7.3% respectively. Ampicillin-resistance was also highest in Klebsiella spp. (84.3%), Enterococcus spp. (15.5%) and Proteus spp. (55.5%). Conclusion: E.coli remains to be the leading bacterial pathogen causing UTI in children, with ampicillin-resistance occurring in more than half of these cases. Therefore, accurate choice of antibiotics is important to ensure optimal outcome. In our study, cefuroxime and gentamicin have lower antibiotic resistance rates and can be used in the treatment of UTI in children.

Evaluation of the safety and adverse effects of Goreisan/Wulingsan, a traditional Japanese-Chinese herbal formulation (Kampo), in a rat model: a toxicological evaluation

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children less than 5 years of age. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries in the tropical areas of Africa and South Asia. Goreisan/Wulingsan, a formula of Japanese-Chinese medicinal herbs (Kampo), has been used for the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting from ancient times in East Asia. Therefore, we planned a randomized controlled clinical trial of Goreisan/Wulingsan in Bangladeshi children. Although it is believed to be safe in East Asia, information regarding its toxicity on animals is scarce. Since Goreisan/Wulingsan has never been used in Bangladesh, it was necessary to ensure the safety of the formula in an animal experiment. Rats were assigned to a control group (normal saline, n=4) or various Goreisan/Wulingsan groups (n=26) receiving doses of 1 to 8 mg/g/day (7.7 to 61.5 times the recommended pediatric dose) over a period of 25 days. Their activities and health conditions were observed until they were sacrificed, after which blood samples were collected for biochemical liver function tests. The kidneys, liver and heart tissue were collected for histopathological study. No lethality was observed during the experiment. All of the rats consumed the doses completely and no constipation was observed, suggesting the absence of any inhibitory effect on intestinal motion. Also, no abnormal neurological activity was detected, nor any significant elevation of AST, ALT or ALP levels, except for AST and ALT at the highest dose of 8 mg/g/day. Histopathological studies of the kidneys, liver and heart tissues revealed no abnormalities. In conclusion, our results showed that Goreisan/Wulingsan is safe for rats, thereby justifying the use of the drug in a human trial.

Evaluation of the Safety and Adverse Effects of Goreisan/Wulingsan, a Traditional Japanese-Chinese Herbal Formulation (Kampo), in a Rat Model: a Toxicological Evaluation

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children less than 5 years of age. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries in the tropical areas of Africa and South Asia. Goreisan/Wulingsan, a formula of Japanese-Chinese medicinal herbs (Kampo), has been used for the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting from ancient times in East Asia. Therefore, we planned a randomized controlled clinical trial of Goreisan/Wulingsan in Bangladeshi children. Although it is believed to be safe in East Asia, information regarding its toxicity on animals is scarce. Since Goreisan/Wulingsan has never been used in Bangladesh, it was necessary to ensure the safety of the formula in an animal experiment. Rats were assigned to a control group (normal saline, n = 4) or various Goreisan/Wulingsan groups (n = 26) receiving doses of 1 to 8 mg/g/day (7.7 to 61.5 times the recommended pediatric dose) over a period of 25 days. Their activities and health conditions were observed until they were sacrificed, after which blood samples were collected for biochemical liver function tests. The kidneys, liver and heart tissue were collected for histopathological study. No lethality was observed during the experiment. All of the rats consumed the doses completely and no constipation was observed, suggesting the absence of any inhibitory effect on intestinal motion. Also, no abnormal neurological activity was detected, nor any significant elevation of AST, ALT or ALP levels, except for AST and ALT at the highest dose of 8 mg/g/day. Histopathological studies of the kidneys, liver and heart tissues revealed no abnormalities.In conclusion, our results showed that Goreisan/Wulingsan is safe for rats, thereby justifying the use of the drug in a human trial.

Preparation and in-vitro in-vivo evaluation of sustained release matrix diclofenac sodium tablets using PVP-k90 and natural gums

Conventional dosage form is nowadays mostly replaced by sustained release formulation in order to increase drug efficacy and patient compliance. The sustained release properties of the PVP K90 alone and in combination with guar gum, xanthan gum and gum tragacanth were evaluated using diclofenac sodium [100 mg/tablet] as a model drug. Tablets were processed using wet granulation method and evaluated for sustained drug release properties. The drug release from the formulations was studied in relationship with Commercially available Diclofenac Sodium SR, used as a reference tablets and results were expressed as similarity [f1] and differential factor [f2]. The tablets prepared using PVP K90 160 mg/tablet sustained the release of diclofenac sodium for 12 hours. Formulations where the PVP K90 was partially replaced with different gums also sustained the release of drug for 12 hours. The release of the drug from these formulations mainly followed Higuchi model and super case-II and Non-Fickian diffusion. The in-vivo drug release was studied in healthy human volunteers using non-blinded cross over, two period design using Diclofenac Sodium SR Tablets as a reference drug. The relative bioavailability of the formulation containing PVP K90 and gum tragacanth was 0.91. The studies showed that the use of the PVP K90 in combination with gum tragacanth both in-vitro and in-vivo sustained the release of the drug

Multifocal solitary subungual glomus tumors in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

We report a case of multifocal solitary glomus tumors in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. A 63-year-old female patient presented with severe pain in left ring finger and moderate pain in left little finger for past six years. Clinically, we diagnosed the case as neurofibromatosis type 1 with multifocal solitary glomus tumors. Patient underwent surgery for removal of glomus tumors from the affected two fingers as well as for two nodules in the face for cosmetic reason on patient's request. Typical pearl-like nodular glomus tumor was visible macroscopically during operation on the left ring finger, but not well defined in the left little finger. Histopathologically, they were glomus tumors. One of the two nodules removed from the face showed typical neurofibromatosis histopathologically and another showed sebaceous lesion. Postoperative follow up was uneventful and pain was relieved completely

Antimicrobial activities of the rhizome extract of Zingiber zerumbet Linn

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extract of Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (L.) Smith and its chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The fresh rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet were extracted in cold with ethanol (4.0 L) after concentration. The crude ethanol extract was fractionated by petroleum ether and chloroform to form a suspension of ethanol extract (15.0 g), petroleum ether fraction (6.6 g) and chloroform soluble fraction (5.0 g). The crude ethanol extract and its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity against thirteen pathogenic bacteria and three fungi by the disc diffusion method. Commercially available kanamycin (30 µg/disc) was used as standard disc and blank discs impregnated with the respective solvents were used as negative control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At a concentration of 400 µg/disc, all the samples showed mild to moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity and produced the zone of inhibition ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm. Among the tested samples, the crude ethanol extract showed the highest activity against Vibrio parahemolyticus (V. parahemolyticus). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions were within the value of 128-256 µg/mL against two Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria and all the samples showed the lowest MIC value against V. parahemolyticus (128 µg/mL).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It can be concluded that, potent antibacterial and antifungal phytochemicals are present in ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet (L).</p>

Phytoecological evaluation with detail floristic appraisal of the vegetation arround Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the present status of plant communities and their possible association with the habitat in Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A study on the phytoecology was conducted in various ecologically important sites of Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan from 2002 to 2004. The altitude of these sites ranged from 1 200 m to 3 200 m. Quadrat method was used for evaluation of plants communities and the data on these attributes was converted to relative values. The plant communities were named after 3 leading species with highest importance values. Biological spectrum of the flora based on the life form was prepared by following Raunkiar's life form classes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The floristic composition and structure of the study area were found to be 200 species belonging to 75 families. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae were important families in the study area. The biological spectrum showed that therophytic and hemicrytophytic life form and micro-nonophyllous leaf sizes were dominant in the area. The air and soil temperatures were decreasing with increasing elevation. Both the air and soil temperatures were relatively higher in south slopes than on the northeast slopes. The vegetation analysis of the area indicated eleven plant communities around the area. The present vegetation is the relics of moist temperate coniferous forest in the area. The communities reflect highly deteriorated conditions. Both the structure and composition of the surrounding vegetation were associated with the types of habitats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The conservation of the remaining populations of the reported communities will be best achieved by proper time of sustainable harvesting. It is only possible with the participation of local communities.</p>

Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from hands of healthcare workers in children hospital complex, Multan

To study bacterial contamination of healthcare workers involved in patient care in children hospital with particular reference to Staphylococcus aureus carriage. The study was conducted among one hundred [100] selected healthcare workers comprising of physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, sanitary workers and administrative staff from different wards of Children Hospital Complex, Multan. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by using disk diffusion method according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards Guidelines, 1993. Among 100 samples, 96 cultures yielded growth and four samples showed no growth Out of 96, six healthcare workers had two types of bacteria [Gram-positive and Gram-negative]. Gram-positive cocci were 88%. Of these 88% Gram-positive cocci, 54% were S.aureus, 26% were Staphylococcus epidermidis, 5% were coagulase negative staphylococci and 3% were other Gram-positive cocci. Gram-negative bacteria were only 6%. Males were having high prevalence of S.aureus 31[66%] compared to females 23[44%]. The highest prevalence of S. aureus [24%] was found in the age group of 24-29 years. S.aureus [37%] and S. epidermidis [18%] were isolated on hands of healthcare workers, who have been working for two years. Out of 54 S. aureus isolates 33[61%] were methicillin resistant. The samples collected from healthcare workers 82% isolates were resistant to ampicillin, 67% to methicillin, 51% to erythromycin, 48% to fusidic acid, 32% to amikacin, 29% to ciprofloxacin, but none was resistant to vancomycin. High prevalence and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus was found in physicians and nurses, as compared to technicians and administration staff. Hand washing practices should be promoted among health care workers

Childhood injuries seen at emergency department DHQ hospital Rawalpindi in 2007

To determine the frequency and pattern of injuries in children less than 15 years of age. 500 oases are studied in children less than 15 years of age at Emergency Department, DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. Emergency Department DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. Retrospective study to determine the relative frequency and pattern of injuries in children less than 15 yrs of age. A total number of 500 children were seen in ED and ages ranged from 1 month to 15 years. There were 321 males and 179 Females representing about 61.2% and 35.8% female respectively with ratio of about 2: 1. A total no of 210 children were injured by fall. In 0-5 year age group fall is either from stair furniture, beds or walker. In 5-15 years age group the playground injuries like fall from owings, slide and sea saws. The injuries were mostly on head and upper limbs

Vulnerability to emotional disturbances in fathers of neurotic and psychotic children

In the present research the level of anxiety among fathers of neurotic and psychotic children was studied. IPAT anxiety Scale was used followed by an interview to obtain information and history from them. Three hundred fathers participated in the study. Hundred fathers had neurotic children, hundred had psychotic children and hundred had normal children. A chi-square test was computed for the statistical analysis of the data and hypotheses were significant at. 05 level. It was concluded that the fathers of neurotic children have high sten scores on anxiety scale than the fathers of psychotic children

surgical treatment of pharyngeal pouch

Objective: to determine the anatomical results and complications associated with the surgical treatment of the pharyngeal pouch

Material and Methods: this study was conducted in ENT department of Postgraduate Medical Institute Lady Reading Hospital from the period of 1997 to 2001. All Ten patients were suffering from dysphagia and the diagnosis was confirmed by barium studies. Most of the patients were above the age of 55 years not associated with any co morbidities . All patients were subjected to open exploration with removal of the pouch and crico pharyngeal myotomy

Results: all patients treated by external approach were asymptomatic as compared to inversion and suspension procedure. 2% patients developed complications associated with this procedures. The postoperative radiological appearance of all these patients showed no evidence of any residual pouch

Conclusion: the study shows that excision of the pharyngeal pouch with crico pharyngeal myotomy treats the patient symptoms effectively and is associated with low recurrence rate

Hepatitis C seropositivity among chronic liver disease patients in Hazara, Pakistan

Hepatitis C is rapidly emerging as a major health problem in developing countries including Pakistan. The present study was conducted to document the frequency of Hepatitis C seropositive individuals reporting for hepatitis testing at a referral laboratory. Serum samples were collected from 614 people [436 males and 178 females] referred for chronic liver disease from all parts of Hazara division during the period July 2000 to July 2002. Hepatitis tests were performed by DOT immuno-chromatographic method for anti HCV antibodies. A total of 251 [40.8%] sera tested positive for anti HCV antibodies, including 184 males [73.3%] and 67 females [26.7%]. Of 436 males, 184 [42.2%] tested positive, while among females, 67/178 [37.6%] tested positive; this difference is not statistically significant. However the male/female ratio referred for testing was 2.4:1. There is a high frequency of HCV seropositive individuals of both sexes among patients referred for chronic liver disease. The frequencies obtained for Hazara division compare well with figures from other parts of Pakistan as well as developing countries. The male/female ratio could simply be a reflection of more males coming for treatment and testing in our setting

review of vertebral haemangioma

Vertebral haemangioma is an interesting clinical entity regarding presentation, radiological findings and management strategy. We reviewed the literature and found that they can be incidental radiological findings, present with pain or significant neurological deficits. We believe that classifying them according to the extent of vertebral involvement is useful in deciding a management plan. This is based on the three column concept of spinal stability by Denis. Management could range from follow-up in cases with mild symptoms to surgical decompression, embolization and radiotherapy among other measures in cases of more progressive lesions

Hydatid disease of liver: management of cysto-biliary communication

A prospective study of 18 cases of hepatic hydatidosis revealed a high incidence [72.22%] of cystobiliary communication and its relation to the large size of the cysts. T-tube drainage of the common bile duct was found to be an effective method in treating and/or preventing biliary fistulae. High complication rates of surgery emphasize the need for early diagnosis and use of newer, less invasive techniques in managing this disease

prospective study of goitre

During three year period ending in December, 1990 Thyroid surgery was done on 110 patients. The clinical presentation were mainly swelling in neck, dyspnea, dysphagia and Hoarseness, 51, had solitary nodules, 22 were multinodular 18 were Adenomatous, 5 were thyroiditis, 5 cystic nodules, one hot nodule, while 8 were malignant in nature. A non functioning nodule on I131 and technetium scan was the primary criteria for operation. Partial throidectomy was done in 44, while total thyroidectomy with removal of secondary glands was done in 8 cases. Total body scan and I131 ablative dose was given in all malignancies. The commonest area where the disease is prevalent is northern area of N.W.F.P. The joint approach with the radiotherapy department reduces morbidity and mortality in malignancies

Facial palsy; its surgical management

Facial distortion due to facial nerve paralysis is very distressing condition. Inability to close the eyes leads to lacrimation, keratitis and corneal ulceration, while the drooping of angle of the mouth gives bad cosmetic look besides. functional disability. We present a case of the mouth and inability to close his left eye for the last 7 years. One stage reconstruction was done with temporalies muscle graft to correct occular disability while excision of ellipse of nasolabial skin was made for drooping of the mouth. Patient improved and was sent home after 10 days with satisfactory recovery

Carbon dioxide [CO2] laser as a surgical knife: a short report

This is a preliminary study of 20 cases having lesions in the head and neck region treated with CO [2] laser. Two cases [10%] were having squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity, four cases [20%] were having squmous papilloma, six cases [30%] were having leukoplakia of the cheek mucosa, three cases [15%] were having nasal papilloma, two cases [10%] were having Navi, while three cases [15%] were having laryngeal polyp on vocal cords. All are free from disease except one having squamous cell carcinoma with multiple lesions in the oral cavity and retromolar region and was referred for chemotherapy and radiotherapy