ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder frequently associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, an aerobic bacterium. The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance in S. epidermidis has encouraged the exploration of alternative therapies, including herbal medicines. Binahong leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) are widely used in traditional medicine and have demonstrated potential antibacterial properties. Aims: To evaluate and analyze the gel formulation of binahong leaf extract (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) to identify a formulation with optimal physical characteristics and effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Method: The study employed a true experimental design with a post-test–only control group. Treatment groups received binahong leaf extract gel at concentrations of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Clindamycin gel served as the positive control, while a gel base without extract was the negative control. Staphylococcus epidermidis was used as the test organism. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: All gel formulations demonstrated acceptable physical characteristics. The inhibition zone diameters of binahong leaf extract gel against Staphylococcus epidermidis at concentrations of 40% (7.6 mm) and 60% (8.3 mm) were classified as moderate, whereas concentrations of 80% (10.86 mm) and 100% (12.80 mm) exhibited strong antibacterial activity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatment groups, with a p-value of < 0.05. Conclusion: Binahong leaf extract gel formulations at concentrations of 80% and 100% were identified as optimal, as they combined satisfactory physical properties with strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis.

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Introduction: Exercise is essential for maintaining physical fitness, and weight training is a popular form that can cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Although cold and warm water immersion are known to reduce DOMS, direct comparative studies are limited. This study compares their effectiveness in reducing calf muscle DOMS after weight training. Aims: This study aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of cold water immersion and warm water immersion on the intensity of delayed onset muscle soreness in the calf muscles following weight training. Method: This study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only three-group approach. A total of 36 participants were selected using total sampling. DOMS intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the left calf at 24, 48, and 72 hours after weight training. Results: This study showed that warm water immersion significantly reduced VAS scores compared to cold water immersion (p = 0.006) and the control group (p = 0.032), while no significant difference was observed between cold water immersion and the control group (p = 0.605), indicating the superior effectiveness of warm water immersion. Conclusion: Warm water immersion is significantly more effective than cold water immersion and the control group in reducing calf muscle DOMS after weight training.

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Background: Telemedicine has become a key tool for maintaining healthcare delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed remote consultation practices. In Senegal, the adoption of telemedicine remains partial and requires understanding healthcare professionals’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. Objectives: To assess knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals in Senegal regarding telemedicine, and to identify barriers and challenges to its adoption. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study from September 10 to 19, 2025, among healthcare professionals in Senegal. Questionnaires were administered online via KoboToolbox. Data were analyzed using RStudio version 4.4.0 and Excel. Informed consent and anonymity were fully respected. Results: Among the 495 participants, there were 170 physicians, 136 nurses, 58 pharmacists, 52 midwives, 38 dentists, 5 veterinarians, and 33 support staff. Mean age was 35.19 ± 7.48 years, sex ratio = 1.33. Most participants (87.5%) had previously heard of telemedicine, primarily through colleagues (169), scientific journals (118), and media (35). Actual use involved 336 participants at least once, with WhatsApp as the main tool for teleconsultation and remote monitoring. Only 114 participants (23.03%) were aware of the legal framework. Teleconsultation was considered most suitable for general practice by 240 participants, while chronic diseases and obstetrics-gynecology accounted for 82 (16.6%) and 52 (10.5%) responses, respectively. Most recognized the importance of informed consent (84.2%). Major barriers included lack of training, weak regulation, and poor internet connectivity. Conclusion: Despite limited knowledge, healthcare professionals in Senegal perceive telemedicine as a useful and necessary tool, especially for ensuring continuity of care post-COVID-19. Targeted training and a clear legal framework are essential to strengthen adoption and effe

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A food coma, also known as postprandial somnolence or after-meal dip, is a state of sleepiness or lethargy that can occur after eating a large meal. It's a common experience, and the science behind it involves the body's digestive processes and hormonal changes. Because many people see the effects in the early afternoon after lunch, it's also known as the post-lunch dip. Sleepiness, lethargy, physical tiredness, low energy levels, and poor focus are some of the symptoms you may experience. While it's not a true coma, the feeling of tiredness can be significant. The performance of an individual gets affected after the ingestion of a heavy meal. The prevalence of food comas is difficult to quantify precisely, but they are widely experienced and can affect cognitive performance. The hazardous medical condition ‘coma’ should not be confused with food comas.

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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. In addition to hepatic damage, HBV disrupts haematopoiesis, iron metabolism, and immune regulation, resulting in altered haematological and inflammatory profiles. Understanding these changes may improve disease monitoring and patient management. Objective: This study evaluated the serological status of HBV and the associated variations in haematological parameters, serum ferritin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) among individuals in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 adults recruited from selected healthcare facilities in Abakaliki. Venous blood samples (6 mL) were collected and separated into EDTA and plain tubes for haematological and biochemical analyses. HBV screening was carried out using a rapid diagnostic test, and serological markers were determined using ELISA. Haematological parameters were analysed using an automated analyzer, while ferritin and IL-6 were measured using ELISA and fluorescence immunoassay methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Active HBV infection occurred in 7.5% of participants, while 30.8% had inactive infection, 27.5% were vaccinated, and 16.7% were uninfected. Significant variations were observed in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, TWBC, and platelet count across the groups (p < 0.05). The active infection group showed the lowest RBC and platelet counts but the highest TWBC and IL-6 levels. Ferritin was lowest in active cases and highest in vaccinated individuals. Gender analysis revealed similar trends in males and females, though lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly higher in males with active infection. Conclusion: HBV infection significantly alters haematological indices and inflammatory markers, particularly in individuals with active disease. Routine m

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Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with Indonesia ranking second in TB burden. In East Nusa Tenggara, TB case detection and treatment coverage remains below national targets. A secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data from the 2025 Tuberculosis Information System (SITB), including TB notifications, treatment outcomes for drug-sensitive (DS) and drug-resistant (DR) TB, and population-based case characteristics. Drug-sensitive TB treatment achieved high success in several districts, while drug-resistant TB outcomes were lower due to mortality and treatment discontinuation. TB notifications remain suboptimal, influenced by environmental factors such as poor household ventilation and uneven distribution and activity of health cadres. Strengthening human resources and ensuring active, village-level cadre engagement are essential for improving TB case detection and treatment outcomes. Mapping epidemiological patterns can guide targeted interventions and support policy development to enhance TB control in East Nusa Tenggara.

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Introduction: Giant Hydronephrosis (GH) is characterised by an extensive collection of urine in the kidney due to ureteral obstruction, often exceeding one litre or a kidney weighing more than 1.6% of total body weight. It is commonly seen in under-resourced areas and is usually caused by congenital Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal distention, flank pain, dyspnoea, constipation, fever, and sepsis. Progressive renal damage can occur due to increased intrapelvic pressure. Case Report: A 17-year-old male from a rural area presented with a massive abdominal distention that had been growing since birth. The patient had limited access to medical care, leading to the condition being neglected for years. Upon examination, the abdomen was enlarged but not tender, and vital signs were normal. Laboratory tests and imaging revealed a massive fluid-filled mass, suspected to be GH. Surgery confirmed a hydronephrotic cavity due to a PUJ obstruction. The patient underwent a left nephroureterectomy and was discharged after an uneventful recovery. Discussion: Congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract (CAKUT) are a significant part of paediatric surgical cases worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible renal damage. In under-resourced areas, a lack of awareness and constrained access to medical care can delay diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: The reported case is notable for the large volume of urine retained in GH and the minimal symptoms, which delayed medical attention. A high index of suspicion is required for CAKUT in young patients. Early surgical management is recommended to preserve renal function.