International Journal of Scientific Reports

Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema secondary to bilateral renal artery stenosis

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Bilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS) represents a notable etiology of renovascular hypertension, resulting in diverse organ complications. One of the rare complications associated with this condition is sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE). This is a case presentation of a man in the fifth decade presented with SCAPE in our ICU department.

A rare case of limb girdle muscular dystrophy with predominant scapulo-humeral involvement: diagnostic challenges and multidisciplinary management in a middle-aged male

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive proximal muscle weakness and varying patterns of scapular winging. Accurate subtype identification is often hindered by diagnostic complexities and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, particularly in resource-constrained settings. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a 10-year history of progressive upper limb weakness, scapular winging, and persistent fatigue. Electromyography (EMG) revealed a myopathic pattern, supporting the clinical suspicion of LGMD. Muscle biopsy and genetic testing were not performed due to patient unwillingness and financial limitations. A multidisciplinary management approach comprising low-dose corticosteroids, physiotherapy, and nutritional support led to symptomatic improvement and enhanced functional capabilities. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by the absence of advanced genetic and histopathological investigations and highlights the importance of accessible, patient-centered care. Scapular winging and proximal weakness were pivotal diagnostic features in this case, reflecting the hallmark manifestations of LGMD. The observed improvement with physiotherapy and corticosteroids demonstrates the value of a tailored management strategy in mitigating the impact of this progressive condition. This case emphasizes the need for broader access to diagnostic innovations and advanced therapeutic options to optimize care for patients with rare neuromuscular disorders.

Effectiveness of hysterectomy in endometriosis treatment

Anshu Jaiswal, Anushka S. Dube, Jatin Kaushik, Kalpana Upadhayay, Aman Kushwaha — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

A preliminary investigation into endometriosis risk factors, the majority of cases of endometriosis occur in reproductive-aged women. Subfertility, dysmenorrhea, and pelvic discomfort are the main symptoms. Ovarian cysts and other non-gynecologic causes can cause persistent pelvic pains. Age at menarche and cycle duration are two additional menstrual risk variables associated with endometriosis. The likelihood of endometriosis is greater in the majority of epidemiologic investigations that have examined the subject, which typically defines early menarche as occurring before or at the age of 11. A shorter cycle duration, commonly defined as 27 days or less, most of these research, along with others, have found that is linked to an increased risk. Period length and heavy flow are areas where there is less conclusive data. Given that endometriosis risk factors include early menarche and short cycles; endometriosis's pathophysiology can be better understood by delving into the underlying physiological reasons for these problems.

Marham-i-Raal: a natural multifaceted formulation for enhanced wound healing

Kausar Ansari, Mohd Rizwan, Javed Alam, Mohd Anzar Husain — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

A wound is a disruption in the skin's or mucous membrane's integrity caused by mechanical, chemical, or thermal injuries. The wound healing is complex and involves three overlapping stages: inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. The duration of healing of a wound can vary, and several factors may influence this process, potentially leading to delays or suboptimal healing outcomes. To address wounds and facilitate healing, various topical and systemic treatments, including antiseptics, antibiotics, antifungal, and analgesics, are utilized. In Unani System of Medicine wound is described as ‘Tafarruq-i-Ittiṣāl’ (loss of continuity) called ‘Jarāḥat’. Marham-i-Raal is in use for centuries and has wonderful effects in Qurūḥ-i-Muzmina (chronic wounds), Qurūḥ-i-Jarāḥiyya (surgical wounds), Shiqāq al-Maq‘ad (fissure in ano) and in other skin conditions like- Nār Fārsī (eczema), and Qūbā (dermatophytosis). It is valued for its effectiveness, affordability, and minimal side effects. This potent remedy is particularly beneficial for chronic ulcers, providing intensive and rapid therapeutic responses. This review explores the properties of Marham-i-Raal based on classical Unani literature and contemporary scientific research. An in-depth examination of research articles and significant scientific data from sources such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate was conducted. The findings indicated that Marham-i-Raal is a highly effective and safe wound healing preparation with potent desloughing, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.

Stem cell therapy: a promising solution for type 2 diabetes in Pakistan

Zoya Athar, Misha Mudassar, Anam Muzammil — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 58% of deaths in the Pakistani community. Diabetes mellitus being among the top four NCDS contributing to the stated percentage. It has been stated that 16.98% of Pakistan's population has fallen victim to type II diabetes mellitus, hence demanding the need for effective and innovative measures.

The role of social media in promoting voluntary blood donation during disasters: a short communication of the Lagos State bus-train collision

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Lagos State experienced a mass casualty involving a bus and a moving train on 09 March 2023. Despite only 0.58% of Lagos’s population donating blood, the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services (LSBTS) leveraged Twitter, community outreach and blood collection centre expansion, to mobilize voluntary blood donors and meet the sudden increased demand. This short communication describes the role of social media, in driving community engagement during disasters, while assessing changes in blood donation patterns and evaluating donor awareness. Within one hour of the disaster, the LSBTS official Twitter handle, posted information about the critical need for blood including, locations of designated donation centres. Number of likes, retweets and views of the post was monitored daily over five days. Information on first-time donors, donor deferrals and donation campaign awareness were captured from the donor registration form. The LSBTS records were assessed for changes in pre and post disaster donation patterns. Over five days, Twitter engagements reached a historic milestone of 3966 retweets, 1953 likes and 296,446 views, driving 70.4% of donor awareness. Compared to an average of 48 individuals recruited per donation drive, 372 voluntary donors were recruited on day 1, an increase of 87.1%. Additionally, 849 donors were recruited during the disaster response, comparable to eight weeks of routine collection. A deferral rate of 32. 7% was noted with 65% being first time donors. Effective public communication remains crucial for donor recruitment and overall operational efficiency in regions aiming to improve disaster-response readiness in blood transfusion.

Prevalence and factors associated with exercise in pregnant women in Dessie town health facilities, Ethiopia

Abdusellam Yimer, Seada Endris, Alemtsehay Wossen, Mengistu Abate — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Physical exercise (PEx) consists of planned, repetitive and intentional movements that can reduce the risk of pregnancy related complications. Worldwide, there is a high rate of physical inactivity during pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess prevalence and factors associated with practice of PEx during pregnancy among antenatal care attendants at selected health facilities in Dessie town, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 642 pregnant women receiving antenatal care service from 20^th May to 20^th July, 2023. The study participants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through pretested, face to face interviewer-administered. The data were cleaned, coded and entered into EPIDATA version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with practice of PEx during pregnancy. Finally, the AOR at 95% confidence interval with p<0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered to declare a variable is statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of practice of PEx during pregnancy in this study was 32.2%. Age of women (25 to 34 years), antenatal care follow-up (three and more times), hadn’t history of abortion, ever done PEx before becoming pregnant, and good knowledge towards PEx during pregnancy were found positively statistically significant association with practice of PEx during pregnancy.

Conclusions: In the current study, nearly one-third of the study participants practiced PEx during current pregnancy. Therefore, antenatal care providers should give advice pregnant women to strengthen antenatal care follow-up and offer health education and counseling regarding PEx during pregnancy during antenatal care follow-up.

Assessment of perceived social support and depression in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis attending state specialist hospital in Nigeria

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Elderly people are faced with decreasing physical capabilities due to some chronic diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, leading to a change in social status which increases the risk for depression. The study aimed to assess the pattern of social support, prevalence, and pattern of depression in the elderly with knee OA.

Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, conducted among one hundred and forty-seven elderly patients attending geriatric clinics, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire for data collection. Self-reported medical history form was used to capture current and past medical history and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MPSS) was used to assess perceived social support. Descriptive statistics was done for all variables with SPSS version 23; association was done by using Chi-square test and logistic regression and level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The study revealed a prevalence of 40.8% with a pattern of predominantly mild-moderate depression at 34.7%, while severe depression was 6.1%. The absence of depression was found to be 59.2%. A moderate level of perceived social support was seen in 61.9%. The level of social support was significantly associated with depression in the elderly with knee OA, p<0.05.

Conclusions: The prevalence of depression among the elderly studied was good and the perceived social support was good among the studied populations.

Evaluating the hair regenerative potential of plant-based hair serum formulation: a comparative study

Ratna Upadhyay, Mihir C. Gadani, Sneha Badak — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Hair loss, a multifactorial condition influenced by factors such as aging, hormonal imbalances, and genetics, has traditionally been treated with synthetic products like minoxidil and finasteride. However, these treatments often come with significant side effects, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of OZiva+ advanced hair growth serum, a formulation containing 3% Redensyl® and 1% Lindera root extract, as a potential treatment for hair loss.

Methods: The serum's hair growth-promoting effects were evaluated using the ex vivo Philpott test, involving hair plucks from androgenetic alopecia patients, and its safety was assessed through a clinical patch test on human volunteers.

Results: The results demonstrated a significant increase in hair follicle length with the OZiva+ advanced hair growth serum, comparable to 1% minoxidil. Additionally, the serum showed no irritation during the patch study, indicating its safety for use.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that OZiva+ advanced hair growth serum is a promising alternative to traditional hair loss treatments, offering comparable efficacy with fewer side effects. This natural formulation, supported by the synergistic action of Redensyl® and Lindera root extract, holds potential for further development as a safer, more effective solution for hair regrowth and overall hair health.

Risk factors for breast cancer among women reporting government tertiary care hospitals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Southern India: a cross-sectional study

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally and a major cause of cancer-related deaths, with 12% of women at risk during their lifetime. By 2030, global cases are projected to exceed 2 million annually, with India potentially reaching 200,000 cases per year. In India, breast cancer accounts for 13.5% of new cases and 10.6% of cancer deaths, being the most common in urban areas and the second most common in rural areas. Tamil Nadu has a high breast cancer burden, with the second-highest rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This study aims to analyze the risk factors contributing to high incidence and burden of breast cancer in Tamil Nadu.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from October 2021 to May 2022, involved five tertiary healthcare institutions in Chennai. Using a purposive sampling technique, 48 women diagnosed with breast cancer, from stage 0 to 4, were recruited. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Results: Participants were predominantly aged 41-50 years (35.4%) and from Northern Tamil Nadu (43.7%), with equal representation from rural and urban areas (50% each). Most were homemakers (58.3%) with a family income between ₹ 5,000-15,000 (58.3%). Significant risk factors included increasing age (OR=3.89), lower income (OR=3.35), and perceived importance of health (OR=2.09).

Conclusions: Increasing age, lower income, and general health importance are significant risk factors for breast cancer in Tamil Nadu. Enhanced screening programs, socioeconomic support, and health education initiatives are recommended to improve early detection and management.