Introduction: Viral Hepatitis B (VHB) is a real concern for international organisations in general and the Cameroonian authorities in particular; our work aimed to determine the serological status of VHB as well as the associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in the city of Douala.Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of two months from 01 August to 02 October 2022.For the detection of serological markers, we used immunochromatographic tests [HBV 5-in-1 Hepatitis B Virus markers Rapid Test Panel (batch number; China, 2022)] and enzymelinked immunosorbent assays [Hepatitis B Virus surface Antigen (HBsAg) ELISA Test Kit, batch number: HBSG37310B, China, 2022], both of HIGHTOP brand.The markers investigated by the immuno-chromatographic tests were HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and cHbAb.Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the degree of association with HBsAg carriage at the 5% significance level.Results: A total of 87 participants were included in the present work, with a mean age of 29.66 ± 6.24 years, ranging from 18 to 43 years; furthermore, the serological profiles obtained in these TS were distributed as follows: 1% (1/87) of the participants were infected with the presence of viral activity; 7% (6/87) were infected with the absence of viral activity; 19% (17/87) had received a vaccine; 13% (11/87) had been in contact with the virus; 7% (6/87) had been in contact with the virus in the past and were cured; and 53% (46/87) were not infected; However, univariate regression analyses showed that primary education (OR= 0.042; 95% CI = 0.002-0.973;P=0.048); secondary education (OR= 0.034; 95% CI = 0.003-0.459;P=0.011); barmaid activity (OR= 0.030; 95% CI = 0.002-0.495;P=0.014) and shopkeeper activity (OR= 0.056; 95% CI = 0.003-0.923;P=0.044) were significantly associated with HBsAg carriage Conclusion: The present study shows that a variety of serological profiles of HBV were found among SWs in the city of Douala; however, the implementation of large-scale sensitization campaigns (via the media, social networks, and within schools) and expanded vaccination programmes against HBV throughout the country would help reduce its prevalence.
In the last few decades, natural products have enjoyed an extensive range of acceptability for the prevention, treatment and management of various health conditions. Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a common phytoalexin found in grapes, peanuts, cocoa, and berries of Vaccinium species, together with blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. Research interest in resveratrol has been increasing due to growing evidence of its many health benefits. This review is aimed at highlighting the various benefits of resveratrol in health and diseases. The present study reviewed published advances in the health-promoting benefits of resveratrol in human clinical trials as well as in animal experimental models with a focus on postulated molecular mechanisms of action. We discussed the sources, biochemistry, bioavailability and biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-platelet, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory and cardio-protective, anti-obesity and neuroprotective effects. The study observed that these varieties of biotic influences are initiated by multiple molecular targets and pathways involving cyclooxygenases/lipooxygenases, kinases, sirtuins, transcription factors, cytokines, DNA polymerase, adenylyl cyclase, ribonucleotide reductase and aromatase and thus, enhancing their potential to influence many physiological processes. The study concludes that resveratrol has demonstrated a potent effect against several disease conditions, however, its low bioavailability greatly limits its applications. This review recommends further research direction in the development of health maintenance and therapeutic agents from resveratrol.
Cardiovascular physiology is a foundational basic medical sciences course essential for safe clinical practice. Teaching and learning physiology are done traditionally using didactic lectures and practical sessions. However, the world is becoming tech-savvy and echocardiography is a critical player in the evaluation of cardiac physiology and pathology. This important tool is gradually gaining recognition as a useful tool for learning at the undergraduate level. This review aimed to provide evidence-based summaries that could guide and aid the incorporation of echocardiography into the teaching of cardiovascular structure and function among undergraduate medical students in Nigeria. This is a narrative review. Relevant literature was sought with the aid of academic databases and search engines using keywords. Appropriate information on the use of echocardiography for teaching cardiovascular to undergraduates within and outside Nigeria was synthesized and summarized taking cognizance of their relevance and applications. Evidence showed that in developed countries, integration of echocardiography into cardiovascular physiology education has been done and this was associated with a better learning experience and early formation of lifelong knowledge in the use of point-of-care ultrasound but data is sparse on this aspect of medical education in Nigeria. In conclusion, echocardiography is relevant, accessible, and applicable to teaching cardiovascular physiology at basic medical sciences faculty. Integration of echocardiography into the curriculum of the medical undergraduate in Nigeria is practicable.
Previously, it was shown that positively charged water is able to hydrate both salts and biopolymers, while negatively charged water is not able to hydrate them. Reflections on the biological significance of this dependence made it possible to assume that cells are able to accumulate predominantly positively charged water and that it is this accumulation that stimulates both cell proliferation and the growth of tumors, including cancers; accordingly, it was proposed to use negatively charged water to stop both cell division and tumor growth. Over time, it became clear that this hypothesis was proposed without taking into account the peculiarities of the interaction of electrified waters with fats. This understanding initiated additional research, which proved to be very productive. In particular, such studies made it possible to establish that positively charged water is attracted to oils and is able to form stable emulsions with them, in contrast to negatively charged water, which does not interact with oils and does not form stable emulsions with them. Thus, the discovered shortcoming of the proposed hypothesis was eliminated. This, in turn, gave additional grounds for re-proposing negatively charged water as an antitumor agent.
Vaginal hydrocele is one of the common reasons for surgical outpatient consultation. Surgery for vaginal hydrocele i.e. eversion of vaginal sac (EVS) is common elective intermediate operation mostly performed under local anesthesia. The aim of this study is to share vaginal hydrocele surgery in Lumbini Provincial Hospital (LPH), Butwal. This is a retrospective analysis of vaginal hydrocele surgery done over a period of five years (2012 to 2016) in LPH, Butwal was done after the approval from Hospital ethical committee. All required information was retrieved from the medical record section. Total 164 vaginal hydrocele surgery was done for different sizes during the study period. The number of cases increased in 2016 because of free hydrocele surgery programs conducted by government of Nepal was well informed to ordinary people. The age distribution of the operated patients was 15 years to 92 years and common in productive age (21-60 yrs) i.e. 78%. Most of the hydrocele surgeries were done under local anesthesia i.e, 129 (78%). Most common complications found post operatively were 2.5% haematoma, 7.5% surgical site infection (SSI), 10% scrotal oedema and 2% recurrence. In our study chylocele was found in 10 (6/9%) cases of hydrocele. No testicular malignancy and tuberculosis of epididymis found during study period. No fatality cases during our study period. Vaginal hydrocele surgery is one of the common intermediate and mostly day care elective surgery done under local anaesthesia with relatively satisfactory outcome in LPH, Butwal.
