Vitamins are the organic compounds required by the human body and are considered as vital nutrients needed in specific amounts. They cannot be synthesized in a sufficient amount by the human body; so, they must be obtained from the diet. Thirteen different types of vitamins are known that are classified by their biological and chemical activity. Each one of them has a specific role in our body. Folic acid has a vital role in cell growth and development through many reactions and processes that occur in the body, e.g. histidine cycle, serine and glycine cycle, methionine cycle, thymidylate cycle, and purine cycle. When the body becomes deficient in folic acid, all cycles that are mentioned above will become ineffective and lead to many problems, in addition to other problems such as megaloblastic anemia, cancer, and neural tube defects. Vitamin B12 has a vital role in cell growth and development through many reactions and processes that occur in the body. When the level becomes elevated or lower than the normal, the whole process will collapse because each process is linked to another. Deficiencies can be treated by increasing their consumption in diet or by supplement intake.

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Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory effect of neem seed oil (NSO) on albino rats using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. Materials and Methods: The study sample was divided into six groups with each group consisting of six rats as follows: Group I: Control (distilled water 0.5 ml/rat); Group II: Standard (aspirin 200 mg/kg body weight orally); Groups III, IV, V, and VI (NSO 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 1 ml, and 2 ml/kg body weight, respectively, i.p.). The inflammation induced in the form of hind paw edema was produced by injection of 0.1 ml of 1% suspension of carrageenan in normal saline below the plantar aponeurosis of right hind paw of rats; the left hind paw served as control. The volume of edema was measured by water displacement method in microburette. Volumes of both the hind paws were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h of carrageenan injection. Results: NSO in the dose of 0.25 ml/kg body weight did not show any significant anti-inflammatory activity. NSO showed increased inhibition of paw edema with the progressive increase in dose from 0.25 ml to 2 ml/kg body weight. At the dose of 2 ml/kg body weight, NSO showed maximum (53.14%) inhibition of edema at 4 ^th hour of carrageenan injection. Aspirin in the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed maximum inhibition of hind paw edema. Conclusion: The present study concludes that NSO exhibits significant anti-inflammatory action.

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Much of the debate on mental illness has centered on cultural difference as a way of dealing with the health-care practices. The varieties of health-care practices induce medical pluralism. In India, this medical pluralism can be observed through the assortments of healers and healing practices. The cultural determinism of any health-care practice comprises traditional or indigenous and modern health-care practices which are embedded in the health culture of country's healing system. This medical pluralism not only provides different forms of healing practices but also addresses different ways of perceiving, explaining, and managing the illness. Nevertheless, consultation with a particular healer is governed by a set of sociocultural beliefs, background of the patients along with the family members which has also been followed through the accessibility and availability of such healers. By exploring the dominance of different types of healers and their healing practices toward mental illness from the preexisting research in India, the present paper tries to show how health-care system in mental illness also represents the kaleidoscope of medical pluralism. Furthermore, the authors have proposed a new model the “eclectic healing model” of mental illness.

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Introduction: Historically our culture has traditionally viewed even the normal menustral cycle as an aberration, ostracizing the reproductive aged women. Aristotle quoted Hippocrates writings by describing the process of heavy uterine bleeding as "In quantity, bleeding in excessive, saith Hippocrates, when they flow about eighteenth ounces". Aims and Objective: To study the various aetiopathological factors responsible for AUB in women ages 20-55 years, and to correlate the clinical presentation with ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and histopathological finding. Sample: In this study, 140 cases of 15-55 years of age group were randomly selected after the exclusion criteria who were willing to get admitted as well as prepared for follow-up. Inclusion Criteria: The cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, attending the gynecology OPD with complaints of menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhoea, and polymenorrhagia in the age group 20-55 years, were selected. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant patients and patients below 20 years and above 55 years are excluded from the study. Conclusion: It is seen that incidence of AUB is more common in 5 ^th decade of life and in multiparous women. Menorrhagia is the most common bleeding pattern followed by metrorrhagia. Histopathological examination of the endometrium revealed that whatever may be the pathology, proliferative endometrium is the most common pattern.

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Introduction: In this era, health-care facilities have improved greatly which has increased the life expectancy of humanity, but all these costs and so the role of economic evaluations of health-care interventions has become increasingly important especially in developing countries like India. Objective: To estimate the expenses of a patient in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), disease wise expenditure and area of expenses (therapeutic and diagnostic). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospital of private setup in Mumbai region. The inclusion criterion was admitted patients in medicine ICU (MICU) on the basis of the clinical presentation during January 2014–February 2014 (2 months). The cost of treatment included the bed charges in the hospital ICU, diagnostic cost (routine and special investigations), therapeutic cost, cost of oxygen, monitor, nebulization, ventilator, cost of drugs, and other consumables were assessed. Results: Totally fifty patients were admitted in above period to MICU. The average stay of a patient in MICU amounts to 4 days (approximated for 4.01) with the least being 1 day for unstable angina and maximum 11 days for congestive cardiac failure. Conclusion: The major shares of expenses in treatment in MICU were on medicines, and this can be reduced using generic drugs.

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Aim: Million Veteran Program (MVP) is the largest ongoing mega-cohort biobank program in the US with 570,131 enrollees as of May 2017. The primary aim is to describe demographics, military service, and major diseases and comorbidities of the MVP cohort. Our secondary aim is to examine body mass index (BMI), a proxy for general health, among enrollees. Materials and Method: The study population consists of Veterans who actively use the Veterans Health Administration in the US. Data evaluated in this paper combine health information from multiple sources to provide the most comprehensive demographic profile and information on height and weight of MVP enrollees. A standardized cleaning algorithm was used to curate the demographic variables for each participant in MVP. For height and weight, we derived a final data point for each participant to evaluate BMI. Statistical Analysis Used: Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the differences in BMI categories across enrollment years adjusting for gender, race, and age. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using Statistical Analysis System 9.2. Results: The MVP cohort consists of 90.4% of males with an average age of 61.9 years (standard deviation [SD] = 13.9). MVP is the largest multiethnic biobank cohort within the Veteran population with 73.9% White, 19.0% Black, and 6.5% Hispanic. The most common self-reported disease was hypertension (62.6%) for males and depression (47.5%) for females. Mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m² (SD = 5.8) with 38.2% obese and 42.3% overweight. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that demographic representation in MVP is similar to the Veterans Health Administration population and contrasts with the overall National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey US population. The prevalence of overweight and obese is high among US Veterans, and future studies will examine the role of BMI and disease risk in the Veteran population.

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Schistosomiasis (SCH) is one of the neglected tropical diseases, and it is endemic over 78 resource-constrained countries. It is one the indicator of poverty as it is often ubiquitous among the poorest of the poor. A total of 172 potential articles were identified through premier academic-scientific databases, and 86 were chosen. Human beings (permanent-host) are often exposed to infested water (urine/stools of infected persons) that harbor susceptible snails during their routine domestic and occupational activities. The cercaria (released by snails [intermediate-host]) infects people by penetrating into their skin. Currently, several multi-faceted interventions are underway to combat the SCH, namely, (a) potable water, (b) environmental diagnostics, (c) prophylactic chemotherapy with praziquantel, and (d) scaling up of snail control. Although in the recent decades tremendous strides have been made to minimize the disease burden, they are so feeble to eliminate the infection in several poverty-stricken settings. Female genital-SCH is also one of the key parasitic cofactors of HIV transmission. However, it remains neglected in terms of priority in allocating sufficient resources to develop next-generation tools, i.e., vaccine. Therefore, there are challenges lying ahead in achieving our ambitious goal of global elimination. Nevertheless, it can be attained through the recent medical-technological advancements as well as by strengthening the ongoing multi-pronged interventions such as (1) generating awareness, (2) continual surveillance, (3) early case-detection, (4) mass deworming, (5) increasing the research funds, (6) developing sensitive diagnostic tools, (7) prophylactic vaccines, and (8) therapeutic agents. Besides, the improved disease surveillance and response systems could pave the way to build an SCH-free world in the near future.

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Introduction: In India, the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls is estimated at 56%. The underlying sociodemographic factors and menstrual practices need to be studied in adolescent girls and a way to reduce the anemia not only by supplementation of iron and folic acid tablets and deworming but ensuring its regular consumption. Hence, the present study was undertaken to know the effectiveness of deworming and iron and folic acid supplementation in reducing the prevalence and severity of anemia in adolescent school girls. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls in urban area and effectiveness of iron supplementation in them. Materials and Methods: The present interventional study was conducted at Sharada Kanya Vidyalaya, in Amravati city. Total 350 adolescent girls were selected by random sampling from August 2013 to November 2013. All the girls were given a single dose anthelminthic and the girls who were anemic were given iron and folic acid tablets for daily consumption. The hemoglobin was again assessed after three months. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test of significance and standard error of difference between two means using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls was found to be 55%. Mean and standard deviation of Hb% in adolescent girls significantly increased from 10.57 (±1.09) before to 11.78 (±0.99) after intervention. Conclusion: The contributing factors of anemia found in the present study were low socioeconomic status, onset of menarche, small family size, and vegetarian diet.

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Microsurgery, this terminology itself is self-explanatory, where a surgical procedure is performed making use of the magnification obtained by an operating microscope. The instruments like a microscope which provides the magnification is made use of, in the fields of medicine since decades. Now the use of such magnification systems is a very popular practice in dentistry as well. Before adopting visual magnification systems such as microscopes and successfully applying it in the dental procedures, it is mandatory to understand the principles and the physics of such instruments. Microsurgery in dentistry has more advantages in terms of efficiency, improved ergonomics, minimally invasiveness and less fatigue. This review paper, highlights about the various magnification systems, its principles and the application of microsurgery in various fields of dentistry.

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Water is one of the most important elements for all forms of life and is indispensable to the maintenance of life on the earth. Safe drinking water is the important need for every human being. Water may be contaminated by natural sources or by industrial effluents. One such contaminant is fluoride. The problem of excess fluoride in ground water was detected in many states of India. Till 1999, 17 states have been identified with the problem of excess fluoride in ground water sources. Several materials like aluminium salts, calcined alumina, magnesia, lime, activated carbon sulphonated carbonaceous materials, and ion exchange resins have been screened for their utility in defluoridation of water. On the basis of results and extensive investigations, different researchers had developed a simple and economical domestic defluoridation processes. This article attempts to critical review of the past work on defluoridation studies by using conventional and unconventional materials, and to compile the various pros and cons of these defluoridation methods including Nalgonda, Activated Alumina, bone char, fly ash, brick, and reverse osmosis.

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Introduction: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia is a most common problem in developed and developing society. Abnormal increase level of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and LDL caused cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dyslipidemia is a known marker for CVD in the common population. Significant abnormal total cholesterol, LDL, TG, VLDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are present in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, we tried to find out the levels of lipid profile and antioxidant levels in CKD patients and its correlation with CVD. This study included 159 human subjects of age group between 40 and 65 years, out of which 78 patients were CKD and rest 81 patients are matched healthy subjects (control group). Results and Discussion: Our study showed a significant increase in Blood Pressure compared to control subjects. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, VLDL, TG, and LDL) was found significantly deranged (P < 0.001) and there was a decrease in the levels of HDL-cholesterol compared to control subjects. Conclusion: Enzyme level (superoxide dismutase) was significantly decreased, and malondialdehyde level was significantly increased compared to control subjects which show the effect of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with the chronic kidney disorder.

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Aim: Incidents of vandalism on doctors is increasing by alarming rate. It has been observed in all types of government and private set ups. This trend is observed pan India as well as globally. Methods: A descriptive analysis of reported data on vandalism on doctors from the Google search engine, all national and local news websites of the last 11 years from January 2006 to May 2017. Results: The number of cases reported was counted yearly which showed a remarkable increase in crime against doctors. Majority of the cases have been reported in media from Delhi and Maharashtra in the last 11 years. Out of 100 cases reported majority were witnessed in 2015 and 2016 (17 each) and followed by 2017 (14). Majority of the males suffered grievous injury (52.1%); this distribution was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The night shift contributed higher proportion of grievous injuries (52.9%) (P = 0.003). Conclusion: The source of this intolerance toward health-care providers stems from unlimited expectation (magic cure) from doctors on the one hand and unjustified expectation and limited health education of patients and their caregivers (attendants and bystanders) led them to believe that medical science has a curative solution for all the health problems even in the resource-rich settings.

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Various researches have been conducted for the improvement of diagnostics and therapeutic systems of health care. Novel and advanced technologies focus more on diagnosing and identifying diseases and then providing an effective therapy conjugated with the diagnostic agents itself. Theranostics based on nanotherpay with personalized medicines do have better prognosis and prevent turning up of curable disease into fatal one due to late diagnosis, especially for the common poor from the third world nations. In the treatment of cancers, various biofluids and tumors are isolated and then analyzed for various biomarkers such as soluble markers, immune histocomplexes, proteins as products from mutated genes, altered proteins, antigens, or differently expressed proteins. Providing treatment on right time depends very much on right-time diagnosis with high specificity and accuracy. Improved diagnosis helps in prescreening the profile of target molecules to develop biomarkers based on disease-specific therapy. With making it the less expensive, with less off-target toxicity and high efficacy and specificity, with real-time analysis for thorough observation and guidance and studying effects and side effects to develop further therapeutic options. This review focuses more on personalized medicines with theranostic approach.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of nonalbicans Candida (NAC) along with their associated risk factors, clinical outcome, and antifungal susceptibility pattern among inpatients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study comprising 94 isolates of Candida species obtained from various clinical specimens of hospitalized patients. The clinical charts of patients were reviewed retrospectively who stayed in the hospital for more than 7 days irrespective of their diagnosis. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used which involves the use of simple percentage and bar chart to analyze the data. In addition, Chi-square test was performed and P value was calculated. Results: NAC was identified in 72 (77%) patients and Candida albicans in 22 (23%). Factors associated with Candida krusei were stay in hospital ≥15 days (78%), broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy (72%), prophylactic fluconazole therapy (67%), preterm newborn with low birth weight (LBW) (67%), stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ≥10 days (67%), indwelling devices (67%), and mechanical ventilation (67%); Candida glabrata infection as broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy (69%), preterm newborn with LBW (62%), stay in ICU ≥10 days (62%), and indwelling devices (62%); Candida tropicalis as indwelling devices (86%), broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy (71%), stay in ICU ≥10 days (71%), stay in hospital ≥15 days (71%), pulmonary tuberculosis (71%), neutropenia (71%). Amphotericin B was effective against both C. albicans as well as NAC with susceptibility of 91% and 89%, respectively. Mortality was similar in patients infected with C. albicans and nonalbicans species (27.27% vs. 27.77%). Conclusion: The study concludes higher prevalence of NAC with majority of patients having multiple underlying illnesses and other associated risk factors. Continued surveillance of Candida infections will be required to document changes in epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities.

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Aims: There is an increase in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity across the globe. Blood pressure (BP) has been found to increase among populations with high body mass index (BMI). Overweight and high BP both have independent fatal health consequences as they carry serious risk factors for several noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and even death. It is against this background that this research was carried out to corroborate similar result in Ghana. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation of BMI and BP of adults of 30–50 years. Materials and Methods: the WHO STEPwise questionnaires modified to obtain information on demography and lifestyle. Weight and height were measured using seca scale and stadiometer, respectively. BP was also recorded using digital sphygmomanometer. A 24-h recall method was used to assess the dietary intake of participants. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 20.0% and 7.5%, respectively. About 32.5% of the participants (200) were hypertensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg). A significant difference existed between high and normal SBP of the participants (P = 0.01). Conclusion: An increase in BMI positively influenced BP among these study adults' population.

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Background: Defaulting from tuberculosis (TB) treatment has been one of the major obstacles to treatment management and an important challenge for TB control. Understanding of various factors accounting for treatment default could help to achieve better compliance from patients. Thus the aim of the study is to estimate number of defaulters out of total TB patients registered under DOTS from January to June 2005 and to study the reasons for default in Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done by interviewing 41 defaulters using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to elicit reasons for default. Data was analyzed using Epi-info-(3.5.1), to find statistical significance among the variables. Results: Of the total 41 defaulters among 550 patients registered, only 31 could be interviewed, 10 were untraceable at the address provided. Default rate in our study was 7.5%. Majority of patients (73%) had defaulted during intensive phase of the treatment. A higher default rate associated with age group of 40-60 years, males and employed groups. The main reasons for default was due to drug toxicity (42%), feeling better so discontinued (35.5%), alcoholism (19.4%), migration (6.45%), wrong ideas (6.45%), DOTS provider absent (3.2%), DOTS provider rudeness (3.2%), and other reasons (9.7%), which includes family problems, timing inconvenient, and carelessness. Risk factors significantly associated were male, age, alcoholism, and distance of more than 5 km from treatment center. Conclusions: The majority of patients have defaulted in intensive phase of treatment. All efforts should be made to retrieve these patients and return them to treatment to achieve the expected goal of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).

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Context: Oral health status plays an import role in patient quality of life, affecting mental, physical, and psychological wellbeing and complete social development by interfering with word pronunciation, social life, and alimentary function. Aims: To evaluate self-perception of elderly about the effect of oral health on quality of life using the geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI) index. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 376, elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, residing in residential homes of Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using GOHAI scale comprising of 12 items to measure the patient-perceived oral functional problems. In addition, a self-reported questionnaire was used to elicit demographic information. Statistical Analysis Used: A descriptive statistics along with Chi-square test was used. Results: Out of 407 individuals, only 376 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and constituted the final number of the participants. GOHAI was statistically significant with age (0.036*), gender (0.045*), dentition status (0.019*), and smoking status (0.042*), which showed a predictor for low oral health functional status. A majority of the subjects (66.1%) were "always" unhappy with their appearance of their teeth gums or dentures and 74.5% of the subjects were "always" concerned about their problems with their teeth, gums, or denture. Conclusions: The GOHAI final score was considered low, indicating a low self-perception by the elders of Indian residential homes.

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Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the oral health status of cement factory workers. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was carried out at Sirohi, Rajasthan. A total of 90 study subjects were included. They were all males who were in the age group of 20-58 years and are permanent employees of the cement factory. For recording the oral hygiene status and dental caries status, The Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (Greene and Vermillion, 1964) and The DMFT Index (Henry T. Klein, Carrole E. Palmer, Knutson J. W., 1938) are used, respectively. Wasting diseases were also recorded. Chi-square was used to find association of dental caries, oral hygiene status, oral lesions and wasting diseases with age, education, brushing habit, frequency of brushing and tobacco use. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Tooth wear was seen among 50% of the study subjects. Forty percent of the subjects had adverse habit. Significant association of wasting diseases was found with age (P = 0.004), education (P = 0.022) and adverse habit (P = 0.014). Adverse habit was also significantly associated with oral lesions (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Most of the factory workers had dental caries and poor oral hygiene. Fifty percent had tooth wear. So, there is a need of oral health education and motivation for these workers along with oral health care facilities in the premises.

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Background: Undernutrition is the leading underlying cause of death among under-five children in Nigeria. The few functioning inpatient health facilities are unable to carry the heavy prevalence burden. The community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) targets children aged 6–59 months with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), providing maximum access, coverage, and appropriate clinical and nutritional care before life-threatening complications set in. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of the outpatient therapeutic program (OTP) component of CMAM using the SPHERE indicators,a rural Nigerian community. Settings and Design: Jigawa state is located in the Sahel region of Northwestern Nigeria. It is a prospective cross-sectional study. Statistics: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.5 statistical software. Descriptive statistics was used. Materials and Methods: Prospective data were collected from 16 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)-assisted CMAM OTP sites in three local governments areas between its inceptions in July 2010 and end in August 2011 in a rural Nigerian state. The estimated number of children with SAM in communities and the actual number of children with SAM enrolled into the CMAM program was used to calculate the point treatment coverage in the CMAM program was used to calculate the point treatment coverage. Results: were represented in tables and graphs. Analyzed data were compared with the minimum SPHERE indicators as cutoff points for outcome performance. Result: A total of 24,419 children were admitted to the program accounting for 12% of the SAM target population with 12,073 children seen in in the three LGA that are assisted by UNICEF. Of 7,742 (64%) children who exited the program, 58% were cured and 40% defaulted, and all these children fell below the accepted minimum SPHERE standards. Death occurred in 2% and none were discharged non-recovered. Only 27% of the government-owned health facilities in these the selected local government areas were utilized to provide CMAM services. Conclusion: The performance of the CMAM program in Nigeria is 58% cure rate, 40% defaulter rate and 2% death rate standards. Large number of children with SAM were cured and prevented from dying.

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Background: Water pipe smoking (WPS) is associated with many adverse health effects, diseases, and cancers. Few studies exist on the effects of WPS on the human body and, to our Knowledge, this is the first study on levels of glucose and electrolytes in WP smokers. Aim: This study was done to determine the effects of WPS on concentrations of glucose and some electrolytes in WP smokers compared to concentrations in nonsmokers. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 85 randomly chosen healthy controls (21 female and 21 male WP smokers, and 21 female and 22 male nonWP smokers) with an age range of 20–35 years from Jeddah and Al-Muzaylef, Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected to determine the plasma concentrations of K⁺, Na⁺, P⁻³, Mg⁺², Ca⁺², Cl⁻, and glucose. Results: The results show no significant differences for electrolytes and glucose levels in female and male smokers compared to female and male nonsmokers respectively, with the exception of a significantly higher Cl⁻ concentration for male smokers. Comparing female and male smokers, Na⁺, Mg⁺², Ca⁺², and glucose concentrations were significantly lower for females, whereas the remaining electrolytes were not significantly different. Comparing female and male nonsmokers, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca⁺², and glucose concentrations were significantly lower, and Cl⁻ concentration was significantly higher in females, while the remaining electrolytes were not significantly different. Conclusion: The data suggest that WPS affects Cl^- levels in males and affects K⁺, Mg⁺², and Cl^- levels when comparing the differences between female and male smokers with nonsmokers.

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Objectives: Anxiety is a serious condition, leading to depression. The statistics of anxiety is alarming and needs an effective, low-cost remedy. Drumstick tree is known as Moringa oleifera belonging to the Moringaceae family. In previous studies, drumstick leaves revealed a storehouse of active ingredients possessing anxiolytic property. In this study, the anxiolytic effect of drumstick leaves was studied using elevated plus maze (EPM) and staircase models at four doses 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Materials and Methods: It is a randomized control study. Albino mice were used in this study, a total of 72, divided into six groups, each group consisting of 6 mice. Group I: Control (normal saline orally at 2 ml/kg body weight); Group II: Standard (diazepam 10 mg/kg orally); Group III, IV, V, and VI (ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera [EMO] 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively). EMO leaves were administered at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses orally 1 h before the experiments and their effects observed. Results: In the EPM method, the time spent in open arm and closed arm before and after drug administration was analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's test. In the staircase test, the comparison of steps climbed and rears before and after drug administration were done by nonparametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney's test. In both models, the extract showed a significant response at 200 and 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: Thus, EMO leaves exhibited anxiolytic activity in both models at higher doses.

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Background: Most X-ray centers recruited for this study admitted that there have been no maintenance checks on the energy output accuracy of their X-ray machines. Most centers complained of recurrent machine breakdown due to poor power supply, while others pointed out that X-ray machine age could be a contributory factor to poor image quality. Aim and Objectives: To determine peak kilovoltage (kVp) accuracy of individual X-ray unit and to compare their values with recommended standards and to further establish if machine age has a significant effect on mean kVp accuracy. Materials and Methods: One dedicated conventional X-ray unit in each of the ten diagnostic centers was used for this study denoted as D ₁−D ₁₀ . kVp was measured using a noninvasive Unfors ThinX RAD kVp meter. The kVp accuracy test was carried out by positioning the Unfors ThinX RAD kVp meter at the center of the beam axis of the patient's couch at a focus to image distance of 100 cm. The X-ray machine technical factors were varied by selecting tube potential within the range of 50−120 kVp at a fixed tube current of 20 mA. Data analysis value was done using GraphPad Prism version 5.0 statistics software (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, California, USA). Results: The kVp accuracy test for X-ray units D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₅ , D ₆ , D ₇ , and D ₈ were within an acceptable limit of ±5% at all selected tube potential from 50 to 120 kVp, X-ray units D ₂ and D ₆ showed accurate compliance at much lower kVp accuracy values. X-ray units D ₃ and D ₁₀ were above ±5% accuracy limit at all selected kVp tube potential. No statistically significant differences exist between machine age and mean kVp accuracy (P = 0.770). Conclusion: One-fourth of the total kVp accuracy results were above ±5% limit. Old X-ray machine had higher chances of failed kVp accuracy. Traces of failed test were also noticed in X-ray machines below 5 years.

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Background: Reports have identified a rising prevalence of bronchial asthma, with the highest pediatric burden in the 6–11 years old. Aim: This study aimed at determining the epidemiology of asthma among primary school pupils, aged 6–11 years in Kano metropolis. Settings and Design: This study was prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 811 primary school pupils in Kano metropolis from October 2012 to December 2013. Materials and Methods: Information was obtained using pretested questionnaires, and enlisted pupils had their spirometric values recorded. Diagnosis of asthma was based on two or more of the following: recurrent cough, especially nocturnal, recurrent wheeze, recurrent difficulty in breathing with a response to a bronchodilator, and spirometric features of airway obstruction. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed with SPSS version 16 using percentages, mean values, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multiple logistic regression. P value was significant at ≤0.05. Results: Asthma prevalence was 12.5%. The disease prevalence was comparable across ethnic groups and socioeconomic classes. Neither weight nor height differed significantly between the asthmatic and nonasthmatic pupils. Family history of asthma and physical stigmata of cutaneous atopy were significantly associated with the disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of bronchial asthma among the pupils studied suggests a current local disease burden that is comparable to those of communities in the industrialized countries. There is a need for improved health education and campaigns about the disease not only for Nigerians but also for other countries with the high prevalence.

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Dengue is the fastest growing mosquito-borne viral infection and is prevalent in the tropical regions of the world. It causes a wide spectrum of illness from mild asymptomatic illness to severe fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome. Its impact today is thirty times >50 years ago. Global incidence of dengue has drastically upped in the last few years. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 390 million cases of dengue fever worldwide, and of the total number of cases, 96 million require medical treatment. Worldwide, it has been seen a doubling up of cases on dengue from 2015 to 2016 and it can cause infection in all age groups. As vaccines or antiviral drugs are not available for dengue viruses, the only effective way to prevent dengue is to control the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti and prevent its bite.

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Background: Epilepsy, a chronic noncommunicable disease is recognized as a major public health concern. Stigma is an important factor that has a negative influence on people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families. The burden for people with epilepsy and their families is greatest in poor countries. Aims: The aim of this study is to elicit the lived experiences of individuals who had experienced burden of stigma while they live and care for patients with epilepsy. Settings and Design: The participants in this study are relatives who are the caregivers of patients with epilepsy who visited the mental health unit of a tertiary health center in Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Sociodemographic data of participants were collected in addition to recorded significant statements following extensive interactions held with the participants. Thematic analyses of varying experiences of participants, as recorded, were done using the phenomenological method of Colazzi. Results: Nineteen participants were engaged in the study with 12 (63.2%) of them being females and half of the females being mothers. Child and spouse of patients of epilepsy were least likely as care givers. The mean age of participants was 38.3 years and mean duration of patients' illness was 5.6 years. Four major themes including prejudice, fear, shame, and social isolation were the most recurring of the -33 significant statements recorded from the participants. Conclusions: It is pertinent to have enhanced and sustained self-efficacy with great empathy toward the patients and their family members.

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