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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
(80) swabs were obtained from children with otitis media who visited the ENT consulting clinics at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Diwaniyah Governorate between 1-2-2025 and 1-4-2025. A specialist physician assisted in the collection of samples from patients of both sexes ranging in age from (1-6) years. Microscopy and biochemical testing were used to identify the isolated bacteria based on their cultural and physical traits. 80 bacterial isolates were recovered and diagnosed from children with otitis media, which are distributed as follows: 35 bacterial isolates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a growth rate of 43.75%, while 35 isolates from the Staphylococcus species were distributed as follows: There were 20 Staphylococcus aureus isolates with a growth rate of 25% and 15 Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates with a growth rate of 18.75%. 8 isolates from the Streptococcus pneumoniae genus were also collected with a growth rate of 10%, and two isolates from Klebsiella pneumoniae with a growth rate of 2.5% by biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on every identified bacterial species, and the isolates' susceptibility to the antibiotics utilized varied significantly. P. aeruginosa showed 99% resistance to amoxicillin, it also demonstrated significant resistance to antibiotics (amikacin, ampicillin, and tetracycline), with rates of 75, 72, and 78%, respectively, and the lowest resistance rates to the drug cefotaxime, at 15%. St. aureus were resistant to antibiotics (amoxicillin, rifampicin, amikacin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim) at rates of 56, 50, 44, 39, and 36%, respectively, while cefotaxime sensitivity was documented at 98%. St. pneumoniae bacteria exhibited the highest resistance to amoxicillin, reaching 97%, while remaining sensitive to ampicillin at 88%. It also resisted the antibiotics (rifampicin, trimethoprim, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime) with rates of 40, 55, 59, and 64, respectively.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a complex metabolic condition that has a detrimental effect on both maternal and foetal outcomes. Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of GDM by causing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues and affecting insulin production from pancreatic β cells. Oxidative stress is defined as an increase in free radical activity and lipid oxidation levels. GGT could be utilised as an indicator of the GDM. Objective: To measure serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross sectional study was conducted the department of Clinical Pathology in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BSMMU, Dhaka from July 2015 to June 2016. Total 149 pregnant women at 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The WHO criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in 2015 include fasting plasma glucose 5.1-6.9 mmol/L and a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 8.5-11.0 mmol/L after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These criteria are used to identify women at risk of adverse neonatal outcomes due to gestational diabetes were included in this study. Women with previous diagnosis of DM, systemic disease (HTN, Collagen tissue disease, Heart disease. Renal disease, Chronic liver disease) and history taking Alcohol and some drugs that affects GGT (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Acetaminophen, HMG CO reeducates inhibitor, OCP) were excluded in this study. Results: The mean OGTT was found 4.43±0.50 mmol/L in first trimester and 5.17±12.9 mmol/L in second trimester and 6.60±1.26 mmol/L in third trimester respectively. That were statistically significant between each group. Mean blood glucose after 2 hours was 5.59±1.11 mmol/L and 7.25±1.87 mmol/L in first and second trimester and 6.60±1.26 mmol/L in third trimester respectively. That were statistically significant between each group. Mean GGT was 23.36±6.89 IU/L in 1st trim
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess risk factors of AMD and its demographic characteristics in the population. Age related macular degeneration is one of the reasons which affects quality of vision directly and eventually overall health. Materials & Methods: The prospective, observational, hospital-based study was conducted. Patients attending eye OPD above the age of 40 years with complaints of diminution of vision and distorted vision were evaluated and detailed ophthalmic examination was done. Particulars of patients were taken; detailed ocular history was recorded. Personal, family history and medical history along with smoking history in particular was recorded. FFA was done to confirm the diagnosis of AMD. Result: In 200 subjects, Mean age of presentation is 59.52 ± 9.19 years and median are 60.5 years, out of which 120 were males and 80 were females with male: female ratio as 1.50:1. Out of 200 subjects, 60 patients had a history of hypertension and 48 were diabetic. 140 subjects were smokers, 116 patients were illiterate and 108 patients belonged to urban areas. Conclusion: The study reported various risk factors of AMD as increasing age, smoking, illiterate population, patients living in urban areas as of the risk factors of AMD.
Original Research Article
2024 Laboratory Inventory and Poliovirus Containment Survey in Zambia: Nationwide Assessment of Infectious and Potentially Infectious Materials
A.Phiri, M.Mwale, P. Sakubita, C. Mbwili-Muleya, P.Chipimo, B.Musonda, M.Muchanga, M.Monze, B.Chifwelu, Princess L.Kayeye, C.Simuntala, J.Soko, F.Nyoni, D.Tembo, Mundia H.Kangongwe, C.Mulenga, H.Malaw
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2025: 8(7): 266-274
https://doi.org/10.36349/easms.2025.v08i07.003
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ABSTRACT
In light of global commitments to eradicate poliovirus and ensure strict laboratory containment, Zambia conducted a nationwide laboratory inventory and survey in November 2024 to identify facilities handling or retaining poliovirus infectious materials (IMs) or potentially infectious materials (PIMs). This effort followed previous surveys conducted in 2015 and 2019 (WHO, 2020), amid recurring vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) outbreaks and cross-border risks (WHO, 2021). A total of 42 laboratories across all 10 provinces were surveyed using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool (CDC, 2020). Of these, 18 laboratories reported handling samples classified as PIMs, and three facilities UTH Virology, ZNPHRL, and TDRC were found to retain 95,455 PIMs (including stool and nasopharyngeal samples), while no facility retained infectious materials (IMs). The UTH Virology Lab remains the only WHO-accredited national polio lab authorized to retain such samples (WHO, 2015). Data were collected and analyzed using SQL Server and GIS tools, providing detailed insights into material distribution and lab categorization. Despite challenges with survey tool limitations and access to centralized databases, the findings underscore Zambia's continued vigilance in poliovirus containment, with only 0.03% of unusable OPV2 vials unaccounted for (WHO, 2021). The survey confirms that Zambia maintains a low risk of poliovirus spread and emphasizes the need for periodic verification visits, refined survey tools, and real-time inventory tracking to uphold global containment standards (Matapo, 2012).
ABSTRACT
Background: African trypanosomiasis, a disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei, remains a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural communities with limited healthcare access. Despite control efforts, the disease persists due to the parasite's complex immune evasion mechanisms, including antigenic variation and destruction of the host's humoral immune response. Current treatments face limitations, and the development of an effective vaccine is stalled by the parasite's genetic diversity and insufficient research funding. Objective: This review aimed to compile recent advancements in vaccine development against African trypanosomiasis, evaluate potential vaccine candidates, and identify challenges and future directions for developing an effective vaccine. Method: We adopted the PRISMA protocol to guide our systematic literature on Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies published between 2005 and April 2025. Results: The findings revealed several encouraging approaches to vaccine development against African trypanosomiasis. DNA vaccines targeting specific parasite proteins have demonstrated partial protection in animal studies, stimulating immune responses that delay disease progression. The T. brucei membrane surface protein B (Tbmsp-b) gene was cloned into a pVAX-1 plasmid and administered into a BALB/c mice model, conferring partial protection. Similarly, DNA plasmid encoding an invariant surface glycoprotein (ISG) of T. brucei provided partial protection against T. brucei in the BALB/c mice model. Plasmid DNA containing the 5′-terminal region of the T. brucei brucei trans-sialidase (nTSA) gene also provided partial protection in BALB/c mice. Innovative computer-designed vaccines, which combine multiple T. brucei epitopes, showed particular promise against the parasite's variability in terms of antigenicity. Finally, another promising approach involves the application of virus-like particles (VLPs) as vaccine a
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: The scientific study of human body measurements is known as anthropometry, which plays a crucial role in identification and analysis of any human being. Notably, height and hand length exhibit a strong correlation or relationship, enabling the estimation of one parameter based on one another, through statistical proof or demonstration. This relationship has significant implications for various fields, including forensic analysis, biometric identification, and ergonomic design. And by leveraging anthropometric data, informed decisions and estimate of unknown measurements can be made, thereby enhancing identification and analysis processes. Aim and Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between hand length and height in individuals. Methods and Material: The study was conducted among patients coming for investigations at Blue Cross Medical Diagnostic Center. Based on their agreement to participate in the study, their heights, hand lengths and weight measurements were taken using the standardized tool for each measurement. Results: The study found distinctive features between male and female genders: males with 20-25cm hand length fall between 170-179cm height range, while females with 15-19cm hand length are between 150-170cm height range. Conclusion: The study found that participants with longer hand length have a higher body height; with the highest population of those with longer hand length being male (22%), while those with shorter hand lengths are females (78%). Thus, allowing for possible categorization or sorting of body parts or estimates, prior to detailed identification either by sex, age and occupation in certain disasters such as accidents or explosions where body parts are not yet totally destroyed.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The research focuses on the anti-ulcerogenic potential of Amaranthus viridis L. evaluated through ethanol induced ulcer in Wistar albino rats of both sexes using omeprazole 0.6mg/kg as standard drug. Animals were divided into five groups i.e., normal, control, standard, and experimental groups (I & II). The experimental groups were treated with plant extract of doses 10µg/kg and 50µg/kg, respectively. Different physical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The extract showed a graded dose response as gastro-protective shield. Macroscopic assessment of gastric lining showed that extract reduced the severity score and the number of lesions. Results revealed that gastric juice volume and total acidity were also reduced as dose of extract increases. However, gastric pH increased with an increase in dose showing the neutralizing of acidic environment. Biochemical parameters including total protein content and mucus adherence to gastric wall showed the gastro-protective effect of the plant. The assessed parameters proved that methanol extract of Amaranthus viridis L. leaves may have anti-ulcer activity due to its antioxidant, anti-radical and anti-secretory mechanisms due to the presence of several secondary metabolites including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and triterpenoids.