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A diverse range of bone growth disorders known as skeletal dysplasias are brought on by new mutations in the FGFR3 gene, which cause abnormalities in the size and shape of the skeleton. We present a case of thanatophoric dysplasia diagnosed antenatally on ultrasound. G2P1L0, a 30-year-old woman, came to our radiodiagnosis department for her first pregnant ultrasound examination. The results showed a single live intrauterine baby with a head that was considerably bigger than the rest of the body, a hypoplastic nasal bone, an exceedingly thin fetal thorax, thicker soft tissue in the hands and feet, as well as bent long bones that resemble telephone receiver handles, along with bilateral club feet and trident hands.
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Ixodes ticks are known as carriers of pathogens of many infectious diseases with natural foci. 12 species of Ixodes ticks carrying the virus of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and lumpy skin disease (dermatitis nodulares) of cattle were found in the foothill zone of Kabardino-Balkaria. In the Republic of Dagestan, Hyalomma. p. plumbeum ticks are the carriers of pathogens of taileriosis of cattle (13.6%), and the incidence of animals is 24.4%. In the Kaluga region, infection with I. ricinus Borrelia reaches 16.9%, and with Dermacentor reticulatus it is at 12.3%. In the Omsk region, mixed infection with pathogens of infectious diseases with natural foci was found in 16.5% of Ixodes ticks. In the south of Eastern Siberia, the infection rate of taiga ticks with tick-borne encephalitis virus ranged from 0.5 to 4.5%, and on average it was about 1.2%. Infection of taiga ticks with Borrelia ranges from 10 to 34%, on average reaching 19%, of which 2.5% cases are with a high degree of infection. In Khabarovsk, 18.3% of ticks were infected with Borrelia, and the tick-borne encephalitis virus was found in 2.4% of ticks. In the south of Primorsky Krai, 13.3% of Ixodes persulcatus ticks have pathogens of viral and bacterial infections. In the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the virulence of ticks was 5.7 - 9.8%. The biological type of tick development does not change the fundamental side of brucella reservation and transmission of infection to healthy animals.
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Background: Technology continues to impact various spheres of life, including learning. Over the years, eLearning has experienced a steady rise in popularity. At Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), the influence of technology on education became more noticeable due in part to a policy directive. This directive, prompted partly by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized adopting online teaching to address the loss of instructional hours. This study addressed a specific gap in KMTC's internal quality assurance efforts by accumulating evidence related to the extent of E-learning and user satisfaction. Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing qualitative and quantitative techniques. It involved KMTC campuses conveniently selected from the Coast and Nairobi regions, with 1139 students selected through simple random, stratified, and proportionate sampling methods. A mixed questionnaire (both open and closed-ended questions) was used to collect data. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the level of eLearning utilization among students in selected KMTC campuses and identify the determinants of this utilization. Results: Most of the respondents (89.2%) participated in online classes; 11.8% of those who did not participate cited reasons such as lack of gadgets, bundles, and poor internet connectivity, among others. Despite widespread e-learning utilization, 76.8% of learners strongly preferred face-to-face classes. Conclusions: Key factors linked to e-learning utilization included effective instructional strategies, quality technical support, and well-conducted online classes. The choice of communication channels, particularly platforms like WhatsApp, was strongly linked to e-learning utilization. Therefore, this study recommends that KMTC should acknowledge the strong preference for face-to-face classes and offer hybrid learning options. Further, the KMTC should address accessibility challenges and competing responsibilities at home by supporting data connectivity, ensuring user-friendly online platforms, and providing flexible scheduling options for diverse learner needs.
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Background: Breast cancer is clinically categorized into 4 major subtypes, ER (+), PR (+), Her2 (+), and TNBC. Although the correlation between sonographic features of breast cancer and immunohistochemistry markers expression is found, it is not still very clear; thus, this study aimed to investigate the ultrasound features of breast cancer and analyze the correlation between them. Methods: This was a prospective study, in which patients with breast lumps were sonologically categorized as BI-RADS 4 and above. Percutaneous biopsy was done. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry markers were correlated with ultrasound findings. Results: ER (+), PR (+) tumors were associated with irregular shape. ER (+), PR (+), and Her2 (+) tumors were associated with indistinct margin. TNBC tumor was associated with microlobulated margin. TNBC cases had more posterior acoustic enhancement. Conclusions: Young female with ultrasound features of oval/round shape, micro-lobulated margin, abrupt tumor interface, showing posterior acoustic enhancement, absence of microcalcification was significantly associated with TNBC. Tumor with an irregular shape, indistinct margin, hyperechoic halo, no change in posterior acoustic feature, and presence of microcalcification were significantly associated with ER (+) cancers. Tumor with irregular shape, indistinct margin, and no change in the posterior acoustic feature was significantly associated with PR (+) cancers. Tumour with indistinct margin, and hyperechoic halo is significantly associated with Her2 (+) cancers. Tumor with irregular shape, indistinct margin, hyperechoic halo, and no posterior acoustic feature was associated with NTNBC.
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Background: Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in world. Managing an epilepsy with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) either as monotherapy or polytherapy is necessary to reduce the deleterious effect of the disease and to provide neuroprotection. AEDs exert their negative effects on cognition by suppressing neuronal excitability or enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission. These neuropsychological side effects are found to be modest when the drug level is within the therapeutic concentration and used as monotherapy. Objectives were to assess the prevalence of neuropsychological side effects among epilepsy patients who were on antiepileptic drug therapy. Methods: An open label, cross-sectional, clinical study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, 126 participants were recruited. Participants demographic data, detailed medical and seizure history followed by neuropsychological tests was performed. The prevalence was assessed based on the number of participants scoring <15th percentile in one or more tests. Results: Out of 126 participants who were recruited, 82 participants were on monotherapy and 44 participants were on polytherapy. Levetiracetam was the most commonly prescribed drug as monotherapy, followed by phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate; whereas in polytherapy levetiracetam, clobazam followed by phenytoin were the commonly prescribed AED. The most common adverse effect was drowsiness, followed by headache, hypersensitivity reaction, giddiness, tremors, anxiety etc. The prevalence of neuropsychological side effects was 77.8%. The prevalence of impairment between monotherapy and polytherapy was statistically insignificant (p=0.727). Conclusions: In this study, levetiracetam was the most commonly prescribed drug and the most common adverse effect was drowsiness due to AEDs. The subgroup analyses between monotherapy and polytherapy did not show any statistically significant neuropsychological impairment when compared based on the gender, age groups, duration of epilepsy with medication and duration of current therapy.
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Background: There has been limited use of stage of change model in scaling up self-care for optimal adherence to ART. The study aimed to assess the pattern of behavior and its associated factors among recipients of care (RoC) receiving treatment in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 RoC between August and October 2022. The pattern of behavior of RoC was determined using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with behavior were assessed using chi-square analysis and subsequently binary logistic regression at an alpha level of <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 423 recipients on care interviewed, 85% were in maintenance phase, and 13% in action phase. The correlates of behaviors of RoC were HIV diagnosis and on ART for over a year (p<0.001), residing in rural settings (p<0.001), and those in clinically stable DSD models (p<0.001). Over 87% of those in maintenance phase were adherent to ART, however, this was not statistically significant (p=0.21). Conclusions: Almost all the RoC were in good behavior and majority of them were adherent to ART. The factors associated with behavior of recipients of care were those diagnosed and on ART for over a year, residing in rural settings, and those in clinically stable differentiated service delivery (DSD) models. Interventions that utilize stage of change model to scale up the self-care of RoC particularly among those in the urban settings is highly imperative.
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A study on effect of pre-sowing seed treatments with organics, chemicals and plant growth regulators on seed germination and seedlings growth of papaya cv. Arka Surya was carried out at YSRHU- College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta during the year 2021 - 2022, under complete randomized design with eighteen treatments and replicated thrice. The papaya seeds were subjected to various organic, chemicals and plant growth regulators treatments. Papaya seeds soaked in KH2PO4 @ 0.5% (T7) had recorded minimum days for initiation of germination (8.67) and 50% germination (10.34). The treated seeds had also recorded maximum germination percentage (86.66), germination index (1.16), dry weight of shoots (2.00 g), tap root length (26.33 cm), number of lateral roots per seedling (22.84), dry weight of roots (0.79 g), quality index of papaya seedlings (0.47) and seedling survivability (100.00%). In addition the same treatment exhibited higher chlorophyll content (3.51 and 3.91 mg/g), photosynthetic rate (15.32 and 17.76 µmol Co2m-2s-1), transpiration rate (4.61 and 5.69 mmol m-2 s-1) and stomatal conductance (2.73 and 4.12 mol m-2 s-1) at 35 and 45 DAS, respectively. While the lowest values for germination and growth parameters were observed in treatment salicylic acid @ 2 mM (T16). Among all the treatments, KH2PO4 @ 0.5% (T7) was found to be superior to the other treatments followed by KNO3 @ 0.5% for the enhancement of germination, growth and physiological traits.
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Context: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) comprises more than 90% of oral cancers and is the most common carcinoma affecting the oral cavity. Early stage T1/T2 OSCC have a heterogeneous prognosis and a significant number of patients develop loco regional recurrence (LRR) and have reduced disease free survival (DFS) with increased disease related mortality. Aims and Objectives: To assess the impact of the three parameters used in Brandwein-Gensler risk model along with lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), depth of invasion (DOI) and lymph node metastases in predicting LRR in early stage OSCC. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study on early stage T1/2 OSCC patients over a period of 2 years who received treatment by surgical resection and had follow-up data. LRR was assessed based on recurrence of OSCC at the initial site or in regional lymph nodes. Results: Out of 1135 OSCC cases during our study period a total of 207 cases befitted our inclusion criteria. Recurrence was noted in 113 (54.6%) cases. Univariate analysis identified LVI (P < 0.00001), DOI (P < 0.00001), nodal involvement (P < 0.00001), worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) (P < 0.00001), lymphocytic host response (LHR) (P = 0.004), perineural invasion (PNI) (P = 0.012) as strong statistically significant risk factors for LRR. Conclusion: Adequate assessment of simple parameters on routine H and E by incorporating Brandwein-Gensler histological risk scoring model at the initial presentation can help prognosticate and predict LRR and select patients for post-surgical adjuvant therapy.
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Background: Hypertensive emergency is defined by systolic blood pressure (SBP) ?180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ?120 mmHg with acute target organ damage. Hypertensive emergencies can be life threatening and fatal unless timely treated. In the present study we aim to study the clinical profile and outcome of patients admitted with hypertensive emergency in the medical intensive care unit in our hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of all cases with hypertensive emergency admitted in Medical Intensive care unit (ICU) in Government General Hospital, Srikakulam during the study period was conducted. The clinical profile and outcome of the patients were assessed. Results: Out of the fifty patients in the present study, about 36 (72%) were males and 14 were females (28%) and about one third of the patients (36%) belonged to the age group of 60-69 years. Diabetes mellitus (30%) and dyslipidemia (40%) were the commonly encountered comorbidities in the study population. Most frequent presenting symptoms were neurological deficits (50%) followed by dyspnoea (32%) and chest pain (24%). Intracerebral haemorrhage was the commonest target organ damage found in 30% of the patients. Patients presenting with hypertensive emergencies with neurological target organ damage had statistically significant increased chance of mortality (p=0.007). Conclusions: As hypertension emergencies are consequence of uncontrolled hypertension, it is important to educate and bring awareness among public regarding the screening, early detection, and adherence to prescribed medication for hypertension to avoid adverse clinical outcomes.
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Background: Our objective was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Acacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos herbal extracts against Enterococcus faecalis- an invitro study. Methods: The extraction of Acacia nilotica bark powder and Aegle marmelos leaf powder was done with following three solvents (Ethanol, methanol and acetone) keeping vancomycin as a positive control. Then the study groups were assigned as follows: group I: Acacia nilotica, group II: Aegle marmelos, group III: Combination of Acacia nilotica and Aegle marmelos, group IV: vancomycin. Preparation of the E. feacalis inoculum with the help of Mueller Hinton Broth. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated by agar well diffusion assay to determine the zone of inhibition and Minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance and compared by the Mann-Whitney test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0. No zone of inhibition was identified for Aegle marmelos. Highest inhibitory zone against E. faecalis was seen for vancomycin (mean of 28.6 mm) followed by Acacia nilotica. Conclusions: Among the test groups, vancomycin exhibited highest antimicrobial efficiency. Compared with the herbal extracts which was statistically significant. The use of herbal alternatives might prove to be advantageous considering the several undesirable characteristics of vancomycin.
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Background & objectives: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) jeopardizes the treatment process with poor outcomes. Efflux pumps (EPs) belonging to the ABC transporter family in Mycobacterium tuberculosis confer resistance to rifampicin (RMP) besides genetic mutations thus serving as a target for a potential adjunct therapeutic inhibitory molecule. Rv1218c is one such pump that was previously reported to be active in multidrug-resistant TB clinical isolates. Methods: In this study, the inhibition potential of Rv1218c-EP was tested on 8 molecules that were shortlisted by in silico methods. These molecules were subjected to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, checkerboard drug combination assay, ethidium bromide-DNA binding assay, and in vitro and ex vivo cytotoxicity assay. Results: Based on the outcome of the study, two molecules dodecanoic acid (DA) and palmitic acid (PA) were found to be potential enough to decrease the MIC of RMP by 8 to 1000 folds against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates and Rv1218c expressing recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis. Interpretation & conclusions: These molecules were also found to reduce the time taken by RMP to kill these drug-resistant Mycobacteria to 48 h, unlike control isolates that survived more than 240 h of RMP exposure. The functional concentration of both molecules was non-toxic to the epithelial and blood mononuclear cells. With further comprehensive scientific validation, PA and DA could be recommended as adjunct therapeutic molecules with first-line anti-TB drugs to treat drug-resistant TB.
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ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate handgrip strength (HGS) as a diagnostic tool for frailty risk in elderly patients with asthma, as well as to investigate the prevalence of frailty in this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 96 patients ≥ 60 years of age diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma and treated at a tertiary referral center in Brazil. We measured HGS using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer. We used a frailty scale and the AUC to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the HGS test. Results: The median age of participants was 67 years. Most (78%) were women and non-White (91%) of low socioeconomic status. HGS identified those at risk for frailty, with an AUC of 71.6% (61.5-80.4%; p < 0.002), as well as a sensitivity of 73.58% and a specificity of 67.53%, on the basis of a cutoff of ≤ 19 kgf. Conclusions: HGS appears to be a simple, reliable tool for clinicians to determine frailty risk in older asthma patients in a point-of-care setting.
RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a força de preensão manual (FPM) como ferramenta diagnóstica de risco de fragilidade em pacientes idosos com asma e investigar a prevalência de fragilidade nessa população. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 96 pacientes com idade ≥ 60 anos e diagnóstico de asma moderada a grave, atendidos em um centro terciário de referência no Brasil. Medimos a FPM com um dinamômetro hidráulico manual calibrado. Usamos uma escala de fragilidade e a ASC para avaliar a precisão diagnóstica do teste de FPM. Resultados: A mediana da idade dos participantes foi de 67 anos. A maioria eram mulheres (78%) não brancas (91%) cujo nível socioeconômico era baixo. O ponto de corte de FPM ≤ 19 kgf identificou os participantes que apresentavam risco de fragilidade, com ASC = 71,6% (61,5-80,4%; p < 0,002), sensibilidade = 73,58% e especificidade = 67,53%. Conclusões: A FPM parece ser uma ferramenta simples e confiável para determinar, no próprio local de atendimento médico, o risco de fragilidade em pacientes idosos com asma.
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In the modern world, cardiovascular diseases have a special place among the most common causes of death. Naturally, this widespread problem cannot escape the attention of scientists and researchers. One of the main conditions preceding the development of fatal cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis. Despite extensive research into its pathogenesis and possible prevention and treatment strategies, many gaps remain in our understanding of this disease. For example, the concept of multiple low-density lipoprotein modifications was recently stated, in which desialylation is of special importance. Apart from this, sialic acids are known to be important contributors to processes such as endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which in turn are major components of atherogenesis. In this review, we have collected information on sialic acid metabolism, analyzed various aspects of its implication in atherosclerosis at different stages, and provided an overview of the role of particular groups of enzymes responsible for sialic acid metabolism in the context of atherosclerosis.
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Mosquitoes are a menace for millions of people around the world, they are vectors for destructive microorganisms which cause diseases like Malaria, Dengue fever and Lymphatic filariasis, affecting people in developing countries and areas with tropical climates. Anopheles, a predominant genus transmits malaria, and the World Health Organization have shown that 350,000 lives especially children and pregnant women are lost annually by it. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of eosin solution exposed to sunlight on larvae of Anopheles mosquito. The use of control method was aid at eliminating the larva stages of the mosquito life cycle. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) Anopheles mosquito larvae were harvested using dipper with handle and net from drainages at Eagle Island and Rivers State University both in Port Harcourt. Five different concentrations of Eosin solutions were prepared in volumes of 1000 microlitre (µl), 800µl, 600µl, 400µl, 200µl after a stock solution of 1gram(g) in 100ml and a control, the physicochemical parameters of the solutions were determined using Extech model DO700 measuring instrument. Twenty (20) mosquito larvae, were carefully introduced into each of the concentrations, exposed to sunlight and observed for 24 hours (hrs) for a period of six (6) days for susceptibility. A hundred percent (100%) mortality was recorded in eosin volume of 1000µl and 800µl. The separate solutions of eosin showed significant effects of their concentrations on the Anopheles mosquito larvae of P-value 0.017 at P<0.05. The result obtained for the physicochemical parameters were; pH 5.24, temperature 30.4oC, conductivity 168µS/cm, salinity 0.08%, total dissolved solids 118 milligram per litre(mg/L) and dissolved oxygen was 6.5mg/L for the control. Changes occurred in the values of the dissolved oxygen before and after exposure to sunlight in all the dilutions. The results obtained showed that after 24 hrs, the mortality rate of the larvae increased, indicating that Anopheles mosquito larvae expose to concentrations of eosin solutions results in their mortality within 48 hrs. It may be concluded that this study has provided some evidence of larvicidal effect of eosin solution exposed to sunlight on larvae of Anopheles mosquito.
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Background: Bitter leaf and palm oil combination in treating diarrhoea is common in Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the synergistic and antimicrobial potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Elaeis guineensis on bacteria isolates from diarrheic stool.Methodology: One hundred and fifty (150) diarrheic stool samples from the Diagnostic Laboratory in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, were inoculated in Selenite F broth, MacConkey, Nutrient and Salmonella-Shigella agar plates using standard methods. Fresh and dry bitter leaf extracts were prepared by mashing, weighing and dissolving 100 grams(g) and 150 g concentrations of each in 100 milliliters(mls) of ethanol and sterile distilled water respectively. Undiluted mixture of bitter leaf and palm oil were prepared by mixing 2 mls of each in a sterile beaker. Zero-point one milliliter (0.1ml) of each undiluted extract, their mixture, ethanol and palm oil were separately dispensed into appropriately labeled wells using sterile pipette for sensitivity test on the isolated bacteria. The pH, temperatures and the phytochemical contents of the bitter extracts and palm oil were determined using pH meter, thermometer and spectrophotometric method.Results: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp. were isolated. The pH and temperature of bitter leaf extract and palm oil were 7.2 and 26?C and 6.7 and 26?C respectively while the pH and temperature for bitter leaf and the palm oil mixture was 6.9 and 26?C. The bitter leaf and palm oil extracts, their combination, ethanol and distilled water used on the isolates as antibiotics did not show any sensitivity. The phytochemicals identified in the bitter leaf were saponins, alkaloids and tannins while carotene was detected in the palm oil.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the bitter leaf extract, palm oil and their combination did not inhibit the growth of bacteria as a result of lack of bioactive components from the bitter leaf. The nature of the diluents used for the extraction may not have been the right one as it would have caused the low concentration, dilution and disfiguring of the molecules of the bioactive compounds that prevented the proper reaction between the bacteria and the extracts used.
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Aim: This study was aimed at identifying bacterial and fungal contaminations in used face masks from different secondary schools in Port Harcourt during COVID-19 EraStudy Design: The study employs statistical analysis of the data and interpretation.Place and Duration of Study: Five Secondary Schools–Three public schools: Federal Government College Rumuokoro; Rumueme and Rumuokuta Girls’ Secondary Schools; Two Private Schools: Solid Steps and Istan Secondary Schools; all located in the city of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Sample collection lasted for a week and the analysis lasted for six months.Methodology: The research study was facilitated through Laboratory analysis and the use of questionnaire to get the age and sex from the school children. A total of 25 used face masks samples were collected from school children between ages of 12-18years and they were examined microbiologically. Sterile swab sticks soaked in sterile nutrient broth were employed to swab the inner surface area of the used face mask of circular diameter 10 cm. The swabbed samples were dipped and shaken in 9ml of sterile saline water for 1-3 minutes to dislodge the organisms; the mixture was then diluted through a ten-fold serial dilution, after which an aliquot of 0.1ml were inoculated unto Nutrient Agar (dilution used 10-6, incubated at 370C for 24h), Mac Conkey Agar (dilution used 10-3, incubated at 44±0.20C for 24-48h) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (dilution used 10-3; incubated at 370C for 5-7 days). Frequency evaluation and identification of isolates were carried out using standard microbiological techniques.Results: The entire face masks sampled were found contaminated with microorganisms. The Microbial load (Log10 CFU/cm2;) and Percentage (%) occurrence of bacterial isolates from used facemask were; Bacillus spp (6.10±2.13)(30.81) > Staphylococcus auerus (3.89±3.01)(19.57%) > Proteus spp (2.25±2.45)(11.35) > Paenibacillus spp (1.55±2.52)(7.82) > Escherichia coli (0.36±0.81)(1.82) while fungal isolates were Aspergillus spp (2.20±0.55)(11.09) > Mucor spp (2.19±0.96)(11.04) > Penicillum spp (1.29±0.61)(6.51). The contaminated used face masks with microorganism were highest in school children of ages 16-18years (72%) and the lowest occurred in children of 12-14years of age (12%).Conclusion: The presence of potential pathogen such as Staphylococcus auerus, Bacillus spp etc. are of public health significance. It is therefore recommended that crowd should be controlled in such environments with high bacterial and fungal load such as schools and COVID-19 protocols duly observed.
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Background: Bacteria present in the atmosphere often show predicable patterns across space and time. and these patterns and properties of the bacteria can be affected by presence of soot which is generated by artisanal refining and excessive burning of fossil fuel. These bacteria are being inhaled by humans on daily basis and this can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Aim: This work was carried out to investigate the microbial load and antimicrobial susceptibility of an environment associated with artisanal refining activities. Methodology: The eight samples were taken randomly from four different locations in a high artisanal refining state Rivers State (Ojoto Roundabout, Nembe Waterside, Rumuokalagbor Village, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Rivers State University Microbiology laboratory and Mile 1 Park) all in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and compared to two locations from another state Kano state (No. 33 Lamido Crescent and God is Good Motors Park, Kano State) without artisanal refining activities all in Nigeria and tested for viable bacteria load. The six test and two control samples were collected on prepared dry nutrient agar exposed to free air for a period of five (5) minutes and were covered properly and transferred to the laboratory and incubated at 37OC for 24 hours. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically determined and identified. Results: The Total Heterotrophic count indicates that samples from Rumuokalagbor village have a high number of bacteria growth colonies with a colony forming unit of 1.43 x 106 while sample from Rivers State University Teaching Hospital had lesser colony forming unit of 7.5 x 105,. However, the Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Count from our control is seen to be very low with 3.2 x 105 and 2.8 x 105 respectively. Microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species and Staphylococcus species. were identified from the various locations. Few isolates were gotten from the entire laboratory with a total of 22 isolates, 18 Bacillus species (77), 3 Staphylococcus species (18%) and 1 Staphylococcus aureus (5%). The antimicrobial sensitivity results revealed Ciprofloxacin (77%) having higher sensitivity followed by Levofloxacin (66.6%). Norfloxacin (0%), Rifampicin (0%) and Ampiclox (0%) were seen to be highly resistant to the bacteria isolated. Conclusion: This work was able to identify Bacillus species,Staphylococcus species and Staphylococcus aerues. as bacteria associated with artisanal refining at the different sampled sites. Strict implementation on stopping artisanal refining in our communities is recommended to reduce the public health risk posed by soot inhalation.
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Purpose: To determine the magnitude and direction of association of anxiety and depression and the quality of life (QoL) in persons with glaucoma. Methods: This prospective cross?sectional study in conducted in a tertiary eye center in north Kerala included glaucoma patients and normal subjects aged 40–80 years. The Patient Health Questionnaire?9 (PHQ?9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder?7 (GAD?7), Glaucoma Quality of Life (GQOL), and glaucoma evaluation were performed for all participants. One?way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study included 148 subjects with glaucoma and 150 subjects without glaucoma. The prevalence of depression (35.81%) and anxiety (25.0%) was significantly higher in glaucoma patients. In a multivariate regression model, PHQ?9 (adjusted OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.31–4.38, P < 0.001), GAD?7 (adjusted OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.01–4.19, P = 0.01) and GQOL (coefficient: 6.92, 95% CI: 4.52–9.31, P = < 0.001) was significantly associated with glaucoma. The GAD?7 score was significantly higher (P = 0.02) in PACG compared to POAG in moderate and severe anxiety. ADL scores (one?way ANOVA, P = 0.001) and GQOL scores (one?way ANOVA, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with vision impairment and blindness. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are common in glaucoma patients, indicating the need for screening protocols using PHQ and GAD scales to identify persons at risk. The lack of ophthalmic risk factors associated with depression and anxiety emphasizes the importance of psychological evaluation and combined management with a psychiatrist in glaucoma management.
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Introduction: Globally, around 264 million people suffer from depression according to World Health Organization (WHO). As per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), in the year 2015-2016, one in 20 people over the age of 18 years have ever had depression in India amounting to 45 million persons with depression in the year 2015. This study aimed to find out the self-perceived reasons of depression among married working women residing in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This is a qualitative study done on married working urban women above 18 years of age visiting an UHTC of a private medical college at Anakaputhur. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess whether they have depression. Data was collected by in-depth interviews, and it was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Based on the responses obtained from the participants the following themes and subthemes are formed like Workplace factors, Factors related to family, social factors and Mental Health seeking behaviour. Among the workplace factors job satisfaction, long working hours and relationship with peers were common reasons elicited. Conclusion: Most of these problems could be overcome only if the society changes their mentality about women and practice gender equality and social justice.