Showing papers in "The Journal of medical research in 2010"

Studies on the anti-ulcer properties of ethanolic leaf extracts of uvaria Chamae

Abstract: The leaf extract of the plant Uvaria chamae family Annonoceace was extracted with 70% ethanol, and the ethanolic extract were tested for antiulcer activities The LD50 done in albino mice (20 – 25g) showed safety margin above 5000mg/kg The ethanolic extracts were tested for anti-ulcer activities U-chamae showed a better anti ulcer activity on albino wistar rats compared to Cimetidine a standard anti-ulcer drug Ulcer was induced in the animals using Indomethacin, Histamine and Stress models In all these three models of ulcer induction, the ethanolic leaf extract showed a better anti-ulcer activities, which is statistical significant at P > 005 These antiulcer effects of the extracts may explain the rational for the use of the plant extract in traditional medicine as a popular anti-ulcer/stomach ache recipe

Assessment of pregnancy outcome with and without antenatal care.

Abstract: Background: Women with poor attendance for antenatal care have an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal care is an effective method of preventing adverse outcomes in pregnant women and their babies. Objectives: To assess and compare the pregnancy outcome in women with and without antenatal care and to see its effects on maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out in Allied hospitals (Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi General Hospital and District Head Quarter Hospital of Rawalpindi Medical College) for a period of 2 months in 2008. All women coming to labor rooms wards and emergency department of these hospitals for delivery were included in the study. Women who had at least 3 antenatal visits were categorized as “with antenatal care” while those with less than 3 antenatal visits as “without antenatal care”. Results: A total of 170 mothers were seen at these hospitals in 2 months. Of the total 137(80%) received antenatal care and 33 did not. Of those who received antenatal care 85% were immunized and 15% mothers who did not receive antenatal care were also immunized. Majority of women with antenatal care have had regular monitoring of blood pressure weight monitoring blood and urine tests during pregnancy. Forty seven percent mothers with antenatal care had spontaneous vaginal delivery with episiotomy as compared to 57.6% mothers without antenatal care who were delivered by caesarean section. Ninety seven percent and 85% newborns were delivered alive in the two groups respectively. Among mothers who received antenatal care 87% had satisfactory pregnancy outcome and 13% had unsatisfactory outcome. Conclusions: Pregnancy outcome in women taking antenatal care is far better and healthy than those without antenatal care. Policy message: Awareness about the effectiveness of antenatal care in safe mother and child delivery should be enhanced through various methods including media.

Analysis on Subtypes in Different Groups of HIV-1 Infectors

Abstract: Objective To study the subtypes distribution of HIV-1 newly infected individuals in different groups in Hebei Province during 2008. Methods We collected blood of 63 HIV-1 newly infected individuals and separated plasma specimens from the blood samples. RNAs were extracted and amplified by RT-PCR and nest-PCR. The PCR products were sequenced directly and phylogenetic analysis was performed.The subtypes distribution was studied in different groups. Results Among the 58 cases of HIV-1 infections who were diagnosed with the subtypes, there were 5 subtypes including B,CRF01_AE,CRF07-BC,CRF08-BC and C in 4 infected groups through sex transmit, drug-taking, blood transfusion and some unknown reason. The infected group through sex transmit mainly consisted of subtype B (42.1%)and CRF01_AE(34.2%)but the five subtypes of virus all existed.Those infected through blood transfusion were mainly B,and those of drug takings were all with CRF07_BC.Among the rest, subtypes were relatively complex, containing four subtypes except subtype C. Conclusion The subtypes distribution of HIV-1 newly infector in Hebei province had significant characteristic in different groups.

Discharge against medical advice (Dama) in children's ward the Awka, South East Nigeria experience.

Abstract: Background : Until recovery, discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is a rare thing that does happen when one is admitted in a Health facility, but these days it appears to be a common occurrence due to some factors. Objective : To evaluate the factors responsible for DAMA in children’s ward of Amaku general hospital Awka (AGHA) Patients and method - The case files of children admitted into the children’s ward of AGHA from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 were reviewed and analysed Results : Of the 498 patients admitted, 10 were DAMA giving a prevalence of 2%. Their ages ranged between 3 months – 9 years. Most of them (75%) belonged to lower social class. HIV/AIDS (62.5%) and protein energy malnutrition PEM (25%) were the predominant disease condition of affected patients. At the time of DAMA, 75% of them were too ill to go home. The major reason for requesting for DAMA was lack of finance. Conclusion : The findings indicate that lack of finance was the major reason for DAMA. Appeal for government at all levels to adopt policy of National Health Insurance scheme to cover all children in Nigeria, will help to discourage the issue of DAMA.

Utilization of maternal health services in rural primary health centers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: Aim : The aim of this study is to determine the utilization of available maternal health services in the remote Primary Health Centres. Methodology : A descriptive study of the utilization of maternal health services in PHCs in rural communities in four health districts of Enugu state using structured questionnaires and focus group discussion interview guide. Results/Conclusions : Less than 50 percent of registered antenatal mothers actually delivered in the centres during the study period. The factors perceived to be responsible for the poor utilization of maternal health care services include “Reassurance” of pregnant mothers that their pregnancies were normal during antenatal care visits, hostile attitude of health workers, poverty and mode of payment. Majority of the PHCs provided antenatal, normal delivery, and post natal services. Rural mothers lacked access to essential care services, such as induction of labour, pre-eclampsia, manual removal of placenta and family planning. Recommendation: It was suggested that governments make specific budgetary provision for poor indigent pregnant mothers such as Deferral and Exemption funds established to assist poor rural pregnant women. There is need for further study on the factors responsible for the poor utilization of delivery services at the rural PHCs.

Prevalence of selected fall variables and relationship among them in a Nigerian stroke population

Abstract: Objectives - This study investigated the relationships among the three fall indices of fall incidence (FI), fall risk (FR) and fear of falling (FOF) among stroke survivors in a Nigerian population. Design : Ex-post facto study with co-relational design Methods -This correlation study involved 26 stroke survivors (17 males, 9 females) recruited through consecutive non-probability sampling technique from two South-Eastern Nigeria teaching hospitals. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and oral interview were respectively used to assess fear, risk and incidence of falls of participants. Results - FOF prevalence in the studied population was 81% while actual fall prevalence was 19.2% within the 6months period preceding data collection. Risk of falling was also present in about 70% of participants. FOF and FR both significantly correlated (p correlated significantly with FI. Conclusions -Significant relationships exist between FR and FOF. There is a need for physiotherapists to evaluate and modify these variables, using appropriate intervention strategies in order to positively impact on mobility and social participation outcomes among stroke survivors.

Anthropometric assessment of nutritional status and socio-demographic characteristics in children up to 2 years of age.

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children. It is important to realize that normal length and weight being attained at 1 year of age would predict the nutritional status at 3 years of age. Objectives: To asses the nutritional status and the associated socio-demographic characteristics in supposedly healthy children of up to 2 years of age and highlight the importance of anthropometric measurements in routine child health care. Setting and study design: A cross- sectional study using purposive sampling technique was conducted on children attending well baby clinic of National Institute of Child Health Karachi during the year 2003-2005. Subjects and Methods: Anthropometric measurements i.e. height and weight were measured and a standard questionnaire was used to interview the mothers regarding socio-demographic back ground information after a verbal informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. Height for age weight for age and weight for height of the children were compared with the National Centre of Health Statistics (NCHS) reference population of the United States and Z-score < - 2 SD were considered as stunted under weight and wasted respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS software package. Results: We observed stunting in 22% wasting in15% and under weight in 31.6% children. Majority of children with low weight were between 19 – 24 months of age. Regarding socio-economic status of the households 53.8% had family income less than Rs6000 /month and almost 50% had a family size of 6-10 persons. Parents’ education to the level of illiteracy (father 27% and mother 40%) and incomplete immunization (20%) were other associated factors for stunting wasting and under weight. Conclusions: About 32% of children up to 2 years of age in the selected population were under weight followed by stunning (22%). Policy Message: Anthropometric measurement of children is a useful in routine child care settings as it will facilitate early identification and timely interventions for emerging health problems.

Evaluation of haemopoietic properties of aqueous extract of mucuna pruriens leaf in albino rats

Abstract: The leaf of Mucuna pruriens has been used in folk-medicine in the treatment of various diseases in the tropical countries This preliminary study was to investigate the Heamatological properties of the aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens leaf in adult albino rats The leaves of Mucuna pruriens were harvested, dried and pulverized 65g of the powered leaves was soaked in 1 litre of water for 24 hours The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard method Acute toxicity test (LD50) of the extract was determined in albino mice intraperitonally using Locke Dietrich method Different concentrations of the extract were prepared and administered orally to grouped animals and ferrous sulphate was used as a positive control and the haematological effects in the animals measured The extract produced a significant (P haematological parameters which were concentration dependent It may be concluded that the plant leaf is a potential blood tonic and may be used in the treatment of anaemia