Pub Date : 2022-12-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-01
C. Nkansah, L. Agyemang, Felix Osei-Boakye, S. K. Appiah, Kofi A Mensah, Gabriel Abbam, S. Bani, Samira Daud, H. A. Osumanu, C. Derigubah, D. Serwaa, F. A. Apodola, E. B. Ackah, Michael O. Tetteh, Nurain Abdul-Kareem, Fatima P. Abubakar, Candy A. E. Wilson, D. Afrifa, Y. Ishaq, Ruth A. A. Wedam, Fremah P. Agyeman-Duah, Kingsford O. Appiah, Yeduah Quansah, P. E. Agbadza, C. B. Dagungong, M. Owusu, F. E. Chukwurah
Background: Disturbance in naturally-occurring anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state in COVID-19. This study determined the plasma antigen levels of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin-III (AT-III), and thrombomodulin (TM) before treatment and after recovery from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from February to August 2022 at Kumasi South Hospital, recruited sixty-five RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 participants. A venous blood sample was taken for full blood count (FBC) analysis using a 3-part fully automated haematology analyzer, and PC, PS, AT-III, and TM antigen levels measured using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Severe COVID-19 participants had relatively lower haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001), but higher RDW-CV% (p=0.013), WBC (p<0.001), and absolute lymphocyte counts (p<0.001) compared to those with the non-severe form of the disease. The overall prevalence of anaemia among the participants was 58.5%, and 32 (84.2%) and 6 (15.8%) of the anaemic participants had mild and moderate anaemia respectively. Protein C (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001) and ATIII (p<0.001) levels were lower among the severe COVID-19 participants than in the non-severe group. But severe COVID-19 group had higher TM levels (p<0.001) than the non-severe group. Again, participants had higher haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p=0.049), absolute neutrophil count (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001) after recovery from COVID-19 than the values on admission. Additionally, after recovery, participants had higher levels of PC (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001), and ATIII (p<0.001), but reduced TM (p<0.001). Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients had higher PC, PS, and AT-III, but lower TM levels. The changes in circulating anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state of COVID-19. Blood cell indices are negatively affected during COVID-19. Complete recovery from the SARS-CoV-2 infection normalised the haematological indices. Assessment of naturally-occurring anticoagulants and the provision of anticoagulants are recommended in the management of COVID-19. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-01 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Circulating Naturally-Occurring Anticoagulants before Treatment and after Recovery from SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ghana","authors":"C. Nkansah, L. Agyemang, Felix Osei-Boakye, S. K. Appiah, Kofi A Mensah, Gabriel Abbam, S. Bani, Samira Daud, H. A. Osumanu, C. Derigubah, D. Serwaa, F. A. Apodola, E. B. Ackah, Michael O. Tetteh, Nurain Abdul-Kareem, Fatima P. Abubakar, Candy A. E. Wilson, D. Afrifa, Y. Ishaq, Ruth A. A. Wedam, Fremah P. Agyeman-Duah, Kingsford O. Appiah, Yeduah Quansah, P. E. Agbadza, C. B. Dagungong, M. Owusu, F. E. Chukwurah","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-01","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Disturbance in naturally-occurring anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state in COVID-19. This study determined the plasma antigen levels of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin-III (AT-III), and thrombomodulin (TM) before treatment and after recovery from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from February to August 2022 at Kumasi South Hospital, recruited sixty-five RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 participants. A venous blood sample was taken for full blood count (FBC) analysis using a 3-part fully automated haematology analyzer, and PC, PS, AT-III, and TM antigen levels measured using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Severe COVID-19 participants had relatively lower haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001), but higher RDW-CV% (p=0.013), WBC (p<0.001), and absolute lymphocyte counts (p<0.001) compared to those with the non-severe form of the disease. The overall prevalence of anaemia among the participants was 58.5%, and 32 (84.2%) and 6 (15.8%) of the anaemic participants had mild and moderate anaemia respectively. Protein C (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001) and ATIII (p<0.001) levels were lower among the severe COVID-19 participants than in the non-severe group. But severe COVID-19 group had higher TM levels (p<0.001) than the non-severe group. Again, participants had higher haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p=0.049), absolute neutrophil count (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001) after recovery from COVID-19 than the values on admission. Additionally, after recovery, participants had higher levels of PC (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001), and ATIII (p<0.001), but reduced TM (p<0.001). Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients had higher PC, PS, and AT-III, but lower TM levels. The changes in circulating anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state of COVID-19. Blood cell indices are negatively affected during COVID-19. Complete recovery from the SARS-CoV-2 infection normalised the haematological indices. Assessment of naturally-occurring anticoagulants and the provision of anticoagulants are recommended in the management of COVID-19. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-01 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45656856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-03
SciMedicine Journal, V. Oyetayo, O. Balogun
Ten herbal products, made up of five powdery and five liquid samples of different brands, were assessed microbiologically for the presence and types of microorganisms. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the samples above was also conducted to verify the presence or absence of bioactive components. Ten bacterial species, viz: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Clostridium botulinum, were isolated from these herbal products. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus Niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium oxysporium, and Mucor racemosus. Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. Alkaloid was the most abundant in the samples, with a value of 1070.04 mg/100g in sample F, while the least abundant in sample F was phenol (0.38 mg/100g). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of certain compounds such as thiophene, propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, ethyl ester, pentanoic acid, 2-methyl, toluene, and many others in sample F that exhibited significant antimicrobial effects. These compounds are known to possess antimicrobial properties. Results from this study revealed that, though these herbal products contain bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, they are contaminated with microorganisms of health importance. Hence, local herbalists preparing these herbal products need to be educated on good manufacturing practices (GMP). Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-03 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Antibacterial Property and Bioactive Compounds of Selected Herbal Products","authors":"SciMedicine Journal, V. Oyetayo, O. Balogun","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-03","url":null,"abstract":"Ten herbal products, made up of five powdery and five liquid samples of different brands, were assessed microbiologically for the presence and types of microorganisms. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the samples above was also conducted to verify the presence or absence of bioactive components. Ten bacterial species, viz: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Clostridium botulinum, were isolated from these herbal products. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus Niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium oxysporium, and Mucor racemosus. Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. Alkaloid was the most abundant in the samples, with a value of 1070.04 mg/100g in sample F, while the least abundant in sample F was phenol (0.38 mg/100g). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of certain compounds such as thiophene, propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, ethyl ester, pentanoic acid, 2-methyl, toluene, and many others in sample F that exhibited significant antimicrobial effects. These compounds are known to possess antimicrobial properties. Results from this study revealed that, though these herbal products contain bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, they are contaminated with microorganisms of health importance. Hence, local herbalists preparing these herbal products need to be educated on good manufacturing practices (GMP). Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-03 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47181265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-02
Hassan Khalife, F. Abdel-Sater, Zaynab Fatfat, H. Khalife, Kawthar H. Sharaf Al-Deen, Hala Khalife
Background: Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in children characterized by a decreased number of circulating platelets combined with impaired platelet production. There is limited literature data on the prevalence and treatment modalities, and outcome of ITP in children from Lebanon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic and clinical data of 59 patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with ITP between January 2007 and April 2016 in different hospitals in Beirut and the south of Lebanon. Results: ITP patients represented 2.5% of the total number of children admitted to these hospitals during this period. Among the ITP children, 55.93% were male and 44.07% were female. The greatest number of ITP children were in the 1–4 year group, followed by the 5–9 year group. As for the clinical course of the disease, 40.68% of the ITP children presented acute ITP, whereas 59.32% presented chronic ITP. Among the different therapeutic approaches adopted to treat these ITP children, intravenous immunoglobulin was the most commonly used, followed by steroids, a combination of these both agents, cyclosporine, and splenectomy. Interestingly, these therapeutic modalities induced a statistically significant increase in the patients’ platelet count. In addition, the clinical course of ITP was not significantly associated with each of the age group, the platelet count at diagnosis, and gender of patients. Conclusion:This study showed the prevalence of ITP among children from Lebanon, where more than half of ITP children presented a chronic disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate additional predictors of chronic ITP among children from Lebanon and help medical providers make informed decisions about treating childhood ITP. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-02 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura in Children in Lebanon: Prevalence, Treatment Modalities, and Clinical Outcomes in a Retrospective Study","authors":"Hassan Khalife, F. Abdel-Sater, Zaynab Fatfat, H. Khalife, Kawthar H. Sharaf Al-Deen, Hala Khalife","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-02","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in children characterized by a decreased number of circulating platelets combined with impaired platelet production. There is limited literature data on the prevalence and treatment modalities, and outcome of ITP in children from Lebanon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic and clinical data of 59 patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with ITP between January 2007 and April 2016 in different hospitals in Beirut and the south of Lebanon. Results: ITP patients represented 2.5% of the total number of children admitted to these hospitals during this period. Among the ITP children, 55.93% were male and 44.07% were female. The greatest number of ITP children were in the 1–4 year group, followed by the 5–9 year group. As for the clinical course of the disease, 40.68% of the ITP children presented acute ITP, whereas 59.32% presented chronic ITP. Among the different therapeutic approaches adopted to treat these ITP children, intravenous immunoglobulin was the most commonly used, followed by steroids, a combination of these both agents, cyclosporine, and splenectomy. Interestingly, these therapeutic modalities induced a statistically significant increase in the patients’ platelet count. In addition, the clinical course of ITP was not significantly associated with each of the age group, the platelet count at diagnosis, and gender of patients. Conclusion:This study showed the prevalence of ITP among children from Lebanon, where more than half of ITP children presented a chronic disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate additional predictors of chronic ITP among children from Lebanon and help medical providers make informed decisions about treating childhood ITP. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-02 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44195756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-04
S. Karachentsev
Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) became standard perioperative care in the western world. However, little is known about the implementation of fast-track pathways (FTP) in developing countries. The objectives of the study were to assess the feasibility of the FTP program and adherence to the ERAS protocol in general surgery patients implemented in low-resource setting. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we evaluated perioperative care for elective and emergency surgical population changed in accordance with the ERAS program in a second-level hospital in Zambia. Ninety-eight patients aged two weeks to 87 years (median 32 years) with a male to female ratio of 2.3:1 and categorised by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) in classes I to IV were included. Outcomes of interest were functional recovery, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and compliance with the protocol. Results: All elements of the ERAS protocol, including minimal access surgery (through mini-laparotomy incisions) and accelerated postoperative care, were employed. A successful recovery with discharge home by day 4 after the operation and the absence of complications and readmissions was achieved in 45.5% of patients. The postoperative period was complicated in 18.8% of cases, with a total mortality rate of 6.3%. The overall adherence level to the protocol was 72.2%. The highest levels of adaptation (≥95%) were reported for preoperative stratification, antimicrobial prophylaxis, modification of preanaesthetic medications, and prevention of intraoperative hypothermia. The poor compliance to the program was recorded for fasting and carbohydrate loading before surgery and postoperative thromboprophylaxis (17.9% and 21.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The study indicates that the employment of the ERAS program for the general surgery population at a second-level hospital is feasible and safe. It is possible to achieve a high level of adherence to the ERAS pathway in a resource-limited environment. A reasonable modification of the protocol can bring additional clinical benefits. Integrating elements of FTP into perioperative care and including the ERAS program in postgraduate education in developing nations is recommended. Further studies are needed, first, to frame ERAS pathways for application in emergency general surgery, and second, to present the local initiatives and identify barriers to the implementation of FTP in low-income countries. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-04 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol in a Second-level Hospital","authors":"S. Karachentsev","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-04-04","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) became standard perioperative care in the western world. However, little is known about the implementation of fast-track pathways (FTP) in developing countries. The objectives of the study were to assess the feasibility of the FTP program and adherence to the ERAS protocol in general surgery patients implemented in low-resource setting. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we evaluated perioperative care for elective and emergency surgical population changed in accordance with the ERAS program in a second-level hospital in Zambia. Ninety-eight patients aged two weeks to 87 years (median 32 years) with a male to female ratio of 2.3:1 and categorised by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) in classes I to IV were included. Outcomes of interest were functional recovery, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and compliance with the protocol. Results: All elements of the ERAS protocol, including minimal access surgery (through mini-laparotomy incisions) and accelerated postoperative care, were employed. A successful recovery with discharge home by day 4 after the operation and the absence of complications and readmissions was achieved in 45.5% of patients. The postoperative period was complicated in 18.8% of cases, with a total mortality rate of 6.3%. The overall adherence level to the protocol was 72.2%. The highest levels of adaptation (≥95%) were reported for preoperative stratification, antimicrobial prophylaxis, modification of preanaesthetic medications, and prevention of intraoperative hypothermia. The poor compliance to the program was recorded for fasting and carbohydrate loading before surgery and postoperative thromboprophylaxis (17.9% and 21.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The study indicates that the employment of the ERAS program for the general surgery population at a second-level hospital is feasible and safe. It is possible to achieve a high level of adherence to the ERAS pathway in a resource-limited environment. A reasonable modification of the protocol can bring additional clinical benefits. Integrating elements of FTP into perioperative care and including the ERAS program in postgraduate education in developing nations is recommended. Further studies are needed, first, to frame ERAS pathways for application in emergency general surgery, and second, to present the local initiatives and identify barriers to the implementation of FTP in low-income countries. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-04 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48344641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-03
B. Barros, F. Serranheira
Over the years, patients have been called upon to play a more active role in their health processes. An increase in radiological examinations has also been observed, which leads to increased exposure of the most sensitive population (women of childbearing age) to X-rays and subsequent stochastic effects. Therefore, it is important to understand what knowledge this group has about radiology, if they intend to increase/know more about exposure to radiation, as well as to understand their participation in their radiological process. For a month, and with the help of three Portuguese associations, it was possible to disseminate the data collection instrument (questionnaire) adapted to the Portuguese reality on all its digital platforms. In this way, it was possible to obtain 502 responses from women between the ages of 18 and 57. Through the data obtained, it was noticed that participation and knowledge are reduced, but there is a willingness on the part of the sample to obtain more information and participate more in the entire radiological process. For greater participation of users in their radiological process (before the radiological examination, during the procedure, and after the procedure), it is important to provide tools that help to increase knowledge in this area. Stimulating interaction between health professionals in the field of radiology and users is equally important. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-03 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Understanding Patient Knowledge and Participation in Radiological Examinations: A Study on Women of Childbearing Age","authors":"B. Barros, F. Serranheira","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-03","url":null,"abstract":"Over the years, patients have been called upon to play a more active role in their health processes. An increase in radiological examinations has also been observed, which leads to increased exposure of the most sensitive population (women of childbearing age) to X-rays and subsequent stochastic effects. Therefore, it is important to understand what knowledge this group has about radiology, if they intend to increase/know more about exposure to radiation, as well as to understand their participation in their radiological process. For a month, and with the help of three Portuguese associations, it was possible to disseminate the data collection instrument (questionnaire) adapted to the Portuguese reality on all its digital platforms. In this way, it was possible to obtain 502 responses from women between the ages of 18 and 57. Through the data obtained, it was noticed that participation and knowledge are reduced, but there is a willingness on the part of the sample to obtain more information and participate more in the entire radiological process. For greater participation of users in their radiological process (before the radiological examination, during the procedure, and after the procedure), it is important to provide tools that help to increase knowledge in this area. Stimulating interaction between health professionals in the field of radiology and users is equally important. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-03 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45032659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-01
S. K. Appiah, S. Bani, C. Nkansah, K. Mensah, Gabriel Abbam, Felix Osei-Boakye, Samira Daud, C. Derigubah, C. Nkrumah, D. Serwaa, Vincent Kawuribi, Deborah E. Nkansah, Benjamin O. Opoku, Catherine A. Avero, Yeduah Quansah, Candy A. E. Wilson, F. E. Chukwurah
Background: The study evaluated the effects of regular blood donation on serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptor levels at Wenchi Methodist Hospital. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Medical Laboratory Department of the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono Region of Ghana. A total of eighty-nine (89) venous blood samples from apparently healthy blood donors were analyzed. Complete blood count parameters were analyzed using an automated haematology analyzer and serum transferrin and transferrin receptor using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Haemoglobin (p<0.001) and HCT (p=0.004) were significantly lower among the regular blood donors compared with the first-time donors. Regular blood donors had relatively higher serum transferrin (p<0.001) and soluble transferrin receptor levels (p<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between Hb and serum transferrin (r=-0.552, p<0.001), as well as Hb and serum soluble transferrin receptor (r=-0.552, p<0.001). Remunerated donors had lower Hb (p=0.001) and HCT% (p=0.001) but a higher transferrin receptor (p=0.041) than non-remunerated donors. Conclusion: Regular blood donors had relatively lower erythrocyte parameters but higher serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors, indicating a possible reduction in serum iron and iron stores. Moderate negative correlations exist between Hb and both transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors. Again, remunerated donors had lower erythrocyte parameters but higher transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors than non-remunerated donors. Periodic assessment of iron parameters among regular blood donors is recommended. A future longitudinal study to assess the entire iron profile of regular blood donors is recommended. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-01 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Serum Soluble Transferrin Receptor and Transferrin Levels among Regular Blood Donors","authors":"S. K. Appiah, S. Bani, C. Nkansah, K. Mensah, Gabriel Abbam, Felix Osei-Boakye, Samira Daud, C. Derigubah, C. Nkrumah, D. Serwaa, Vincent Kawuribi, Deborah E. Nkansah, Benjamin O. Opoku, Catherine A. Avero, Yeduah Quansah, Candy A. E. Wilson, F. E. Chukwurah","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-01","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The study evaluated the effects of regular blood donation on serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptor levels at Wenchi Methodist Hospital. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Medical Laboratory Department of the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono Region of Ghana. A total of eighty-nine (89) venous blood samples from apparently healthy blood donors were analyzed. Complete blood count parameters were analyzed using an automated haematology analyzer and serum transferrin and transferrin receptor using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Haemoglobin (p<0.001) and HCT (p=0.004) were significantly lower among the regular blood donors compared with the first-time donors. Regular blood donors had relatively higher serum transferrin (p<0.001) and soluble transferrin receptor levels (p<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between Hb and serum transferrin (r=-0.552, p<0.001), as well as Hb and serum soluble transferrin receptor (r=-0.552, p<0.001). Remunerated donors had lower Hb (p=0.001) and HCT% (p=0.001) but a higher transferrin receptor (p=0.041) than non-remunerated donors. Conclusion: Regular blood donors had relatively lower erythrocyte parameters but higher serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors, indicating a possible reduction in serum iron and iron stores. Moderate negative correlations exist between Hb and both transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors. Again, remunerated donors had lower erythrocyte parameters but higher transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors than non-remunerated donors. Periodic assessment of iron parameters among regular blood donors is recommended. A future longitudinal study to assess the entire iron profile of regular blood donors is recommended. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-01 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42689331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-02
Abdullah R. Alanzi, M. A. Parvez, Abdulrahman R. Alruwaili, M. Parvez
We statistically analyzed 31 published studies comprising 113 water samples collected from 17 countries for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The pooled estimated prevalence of viral RNA in the tested samples was 64.1% [95% CI:51.6%, 74.9%] with considerable heterogeneity (I2: 90.1%, P<0.001). Notably, wastewater, sewage, hospital septic-tank, biological sludge, and effluent demonstrated statistical significance (P<0.05) for RNA positivity. The country-wise pooled estimated prevalence for Germany, India, Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, the USA, and Japan were 88% (76%, 94%), 85% (33%, 98%), 83% (43%, 97%), 78% (54%, 92%), 60% (41%, 77%), 53% (36%, 70%), 53% (27%, 77%), and 25% (13%,43%), respectively. Further subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the tested water samples was significantly higher in middle-income countries compared to high-income groups. Our data, therefore, suggests wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance as an important tool for community-wide monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-02 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"A Prevalence Risk Analysis of Waterborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2","authors":"Abdullah R. Alanzi, M. A. Parvez, Abdulrahman R. Alruwaili, M. Parvez","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-02","url":null,"abstract":"We statistically analyzed 31 published studies comprising 113 water samples collected from 17 countries for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The pooled estimated prevalence of viral RNA in the tested samples was 64.1% [95% CI:51.6%, 74.9%] with considerable heterogeneity (I2: 90.1%, P<0.001). Notably, wastewater, sewage, hospital septic-tank, biological sludge, and effluent demonstrated statistical significance (P<0.05) for RNA positivity. The country-wise pooled estimated prevalence for Germany, India, Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, the USA, and Japan were 88% (76%, 94%), 85% (33%, 98%), 83% (43%, 97%), 78% (54%, 92%), 60% (41%, 77%), 53% (36%, 70%), 53% (27%, 77%), and 25% (13%,43%), respectively. Further subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the tested water samples was significantly higher in middle-income countries compared to high-income groups. Our data, therefore, suggests wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance as an important tool for community-wide monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-02 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46106525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-04
Carla Marmelo
It has been proven that the interactions or relationships established between humans and animals in livestock production significantly affect both. Therefore, it is extremely important that the quality of these interactions be positive and reflect a genuine sense of caring on the part of the people who deal directly with the animals. This study draws on some of the most important publications on the subject from 1986 to 2022 found in article databases; presents the main concepts used to understand the subject; lists the main reasons for what can be considered mistreatment of animals in animal husbandry (negative behaviours); and proposes solutions based on the literature and the author's experience. The purpose of this article is to help a) shift the paradigm and prioritise the definition of a personal profile that should work with animals, rather than focusing exclusively on the technical training of animal caregivers or on the common definition of “stockperson"; b) propose an analytical solution that can be applied during the recruitment process; and c) serve as a basis for the most relevant literature on the subject, given the already large number of publications, and d) encourage mutual reflection. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-04 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Examining the Attitudes of Livestock Keepers within Animal Production Systems","authors":"Carla Marmelo","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-03-04","url":null,"abstract":"It has been proven that the interactions or relationships established between humans and animals in livestock production significantly affect both. Therefore, it is extremely important that the quality of these interactions be positive and reflect a genuine sense of caring on the part of the people who deal directly with the animals. This study draws on some of the most important publications on the subject from 1986 to 2022 found in article databases; presents the main concepts used to understand the subject; lists the main reasons for what can be considered mistreatment of animals in animal husbandry (negative behaviours); and proposes solutions based on the literature and the author's experience. The purpose of this article is to help a) shift the paradigm and prioritise the definition of a personal profile that should work with animals, rather than focusing exclusively on the technical training of animal caregivers or on the common definition of “stockperson\"; b) propose an analytical solution that can be applied during the recruitment process; and c) serve as a basis for the most relevant literature on the subject, given the already large number of publications, and d) encourage mutual reflection. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-04 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44755482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-03
Viraj Brahmbhatt
The improvement of quality care is a major goal for modern healthcare. Quality of care is often measured through readmission rates for specific conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, total arthroplasty of the knee/hip, etc. This data has been used by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to adjust reimbursement rates for hospitals with excessive readmissions. Different hospital operations and management models possess structural differences that may impact the rates of readmission. This study investigated whether there were significant differences in the readmission rates for academic, non-profit, and for-profit hospitals. The results may be important in reshaping guidelines to assess hospitals based on readmission rates. The average excess readmissions for heart failure were in non-profit hospitals for 1.0047, for-profit hospitals for 1.013, and academic hospitals for 0.975. The ANOVA for this set returned a p-value of 1.70284E-05, meaning that the results were statistically significant. As such, academic hospitals have statistically lower readmission rates for heart failure. The excess readmission rates for pneumonia yielded 1.025 for non-profit, 1.024 for for-profit, and 0.99 for academic hospitals. The ANOVA returned a p-value of 2.4899E-09, which suggests the differences seen are statistically significant. As such, academic hospitals also have a statistically lower rate of pneumonia readmissions. The study has implications for consumer decision-making when choosing a hospital. In addition to this, algorithms for benchmarking as well as CMS adjustments to reimbursement rates may consider factoring in the hospital ownership type. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-02-03 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Excess Readmission rates for Heart Failure and Pneumonia by Hospital Type","authors":"Viraj Brahmbhatt","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-03","url":null,"abstract":"The improvement of quality care is a major goal for modern healthcare. Quality of care is often measured through readmission rates for specific conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, total arthroplasty of the knee/hip, etc. This data has been used by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to adjust reimbursement rates for hospitals with excessive readmissions. Different hospital operations and management models possess structural differences that may impact the rates of readmission. This study investigated whether there were significant differences in the readmission rates for academic, non-profit, and for-profit hospitals. The results may be important in reshaping guidelines to assess hospitals based on readmission rates. The average excess readmissions for heart failure were in non-profit hospitals for 1.0047, for-profit hospitals for 1.013, and academic hospitals for 0.975. The ANOVA for this set returned a p-value of 1.70284E-05, meaning that the results were statistically significant. As such, academic hospitals have statistically lower readmission rates for heart failure. The excess readmission rates for pneumonia yielded 1.025 for non-profit, 1.024 for for-profit, and 0.99 for academic hospitals. The ANOVA returned a p-value of 2.4899E-09, which suggests the differences seen are statistically significant. As such, academic hospitals also have a statistically lower rate of pneumonia readmissions. The study has implications for consumer decision-making when choosing a hospital. In addition to this, algorithms for benchmarking as well as CMS adjustments to reimbursement rates may consider factoring in the hospital ownership type. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-02-03 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45247659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-01DOI: 10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-01
M. Naghynajadfard
Regeneration of the central nervous system after injury using appropriate cells for transplantation is a controversial issue. Accessibility of allograft olfactory ensheathing cells to transplant in the spinal cord of patients is not applicable. Therefore, in this study, an attempt has been made to xenotransplant cells from mouse into a corticospinal tract lesion in a rat in order to achieve a plausible preclinical approach for future application to a clinical study. Adult rats were trained to use their forepaws for retrieving. The dorsal corticospinal tract was lesioned by a stereotactic radio-frequency lesion maker at the level of the first/second cervical segments. Rats that had shown no forepaw retrieval by 8 weeks were xenotransplanted with a suspension of cultured olfactory ensheathing cells derived from the mouse olfactory bulb. Starting between 1 and 3 weeks, 10 rats with transplants bridging the lesion site resumed ipsilateral forepaw reaching. After transplanting cells into the lesion side, the cross and horizontal sections of GFAP and NF staining of 10 animals that have the Directed Forepaw Reaching (DFR) function returned showed the regenerated CST fibers in the lesion area after 8 weeks postoperative. Xenotrasplant of olfactory ensheathing cells from the mouse olfactory bulb into a rat corticospinal tract lesion was promising and positive. Animals that had difficulty in Directed Forepaw Reaching had returned the function 8 weeks postoperatively. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-02-01 Full Text: PDF
{"title":"Delayed Xenograft Transplantation of Mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Adult Rats","authors":"M. Naghynajadfard","doi":"10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.28991/scimedj-2022-04-02-01","url":null,"abstract":"Regeneration of the central nervous system after injury using appropriate cells for transplantation is a controversial issue. Accessibility of allograft olfactory ensheathing cells to transplant in the spinal cord of patients is not applicable. Therefore, in this study, an attempt has been made to xenotransplant cells from mouse into a corticospinal tract lesion in a rat in order to achieve a plausible preclinical approach for future application to a clinical study. Adult rats were trained to use their forepaws for retrieving. The dorsal corticospinal tract was lesioned by a stereotactic radio-frequency lesion maker at the level of the first/second cervical segments. Rats that had shown no forepaw retrieval by 8 weeks were xenotransplanted with a suspension of cultured olfactory ensheathing cells derived from the mouse olfactory bulb. Starting between 1 and 3 weeks, 10 rats with transplants bridging the lesion site resumed ipsilateral forepaw reaching. After transplanting cells into the lesion side, the cross and horizontal sections of GFAP and NF staining of 10 animals that have the Directed Forepaw Reaching (DFR) function returned showed the regenerated CST fibers in the lesion area after 8 weeks postoperative. Xenotrasplant of olfactory ensheathing cells from the mouse olfactory bulb into a rat corticospinal tract lesion was promising and positive. Animals that had difficulty in Directed Forepaw Reaching had returned the function 8 weeks postoperatively. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-02-01 Full Text: PDF","PeriodicalId":74776,"journal":{"name":"SciMedicine journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46952611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}