African Journal of Internal Medicine

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (11), pp. 001-003, November, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Colorectal cancer: What news after the 2014 ESMO GI congress?

Rajae Najib, Fatima Zahra Hijri, Yousra Akesbi, Samia Arifi and Nawfal Mellas

Department of Medical Oncology, Hassan II University Hospital, Route Sidi Hrazem, Fez, 30000, Morocco.

Accepted 05 December 2019

Abstract

In the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 16th World Congress on Gastrointestinal cancer which took place in Barcelona between 25 and 28 June 2014, colorectal cancer was the subject of various oral presentations and posters. A selection of the more innovative researches, likely to change the patients' management was performed.

Key words: ESMO GI congress, colon cancer, rectum.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (11), pp. 001-007, November, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Hepatotoxicity following concurrent administration of aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf and chloroquine sulphate in rabbits

Ucheya R. E.¹ and Ezenwanne E. B.²*

¹Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 05 May 2019

Abstract

Recently herbal medications have been introduced into modern health scheme for the treatment of diseases. Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica is commonly used in treatment of malaria in combination with chloroquine, especially now that a combined therapy is said to be more effective. This study is designed to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of A. indica leaf, and concomitant administration of chloroquine sulphate + aqueous extract of A. indica leaf on the weight and liver cells of rabbit. Eight adult male rabbits with average weight range between 1.29 to 1.52 kg obtained from Department of Zoology Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria, were used for this study. They were weighed at intervals of five days before and after the experiment. They were randomly divided into four groups (A - D) of two rabbits each. The chloroquine and aqueous extract of A. indica leaf was administered to the animals orally via a cannula inserted through the oral cavity. They were treated as follows, group A received (15 mg kg^-1 dry extract solution of aqueous extract of A. indica), Group B received (15 mg kg^-1 of chloroquine sulphate), group C received (10 0mg ml^-1 dry extract solution of aqueous extract of A. indica + 15 mg kg^-1 of chloroquine sulphate, and the control animals (group D) were given normal saline. Both treatment and control animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The liver was carefully dissected out and immediately fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histological studies. Groups A to D animals showed normal liver histoarchitecture and increase in weight: 2.1% (group A), 1.4% (group B), 0.7%, (group C) and 1.4% (group D) respectively. The average weight of the treated animal shows non-significant (P<0.05) increase compared with the weight of the animals in the control group. Our findings revealed that aqueous extract of A. indica leaf has no effect on the histology of the liver and weight of adult male rabbits, even when it is administered synergically with chloroquine sulphate at a reported and recommended safe dose.

Key words: Aqueous extract, Azadirachta indica leaf, chloroquine sulphate, weight, liver, rabbits.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Trichomonas vaginalis: the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) among female patients, a cause for medical care at Nagari Hospital (NH), Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Yako A. B.¹*, Maria F. I.¹, Hassan S. C.¹, Chassed G.³ and Katuka G.²

¹Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

²Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. ³School of Biological Sciences, Department of Zoology, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Accepted 21 March, 2019

Abstract 

Trichonomas vaginalis an etiologic agent of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection which was carried out among female patients at Nagari hospital, Keffi, Nigeria. Vaginal discharged with varying degrees of colouration and odour were collected into a normal saline added to the swab of 0.36 g of NaCl solution, the sediments were examined and the rate of prevalence observed were 17 (8.50%), positive with trichomonas infection through the months of April to August. In the category of patients, the unmarried women 5(9.62%) were most infected and 3(5.17%) married women were recorded the least infected and among female children with pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs) showed a significant difference in the positivity of infection (ᵪ²=1.07, p <9.49, df=4). However, between the aged group of 23 - 39 years olds were most vulnerable to T. vaginalis infection though, with a relationship in the rate of infection with T. vaginalis (ᵪ²=2.70, p <11.07, df=5). Importantly, most infected female patients had scratched-wounds at the superficial surfaces of the vagina due to severe itching with painful urination, this call for high personal hygiene and regular clinical checkups which should seriously be advocated and proper medical treatment strictly adhered.

Key words: Trichomonas vaginalis, STI, prevalent, medical.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Carrying angle of an adult Nigerian population

Mbagwu Smart Ikechukwu¹* and Aligwekwe Athanasius Ugochukwu²

¹Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

²Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Accepted 02 April 2019

Abstract

Apes and humans are distinguished from other primate species in possessing carrying angle at the elbow. No study exists in the literature regarding carrying angle of adult population of Southeastern Nigerians. 509 healthy volunteers from southeastern Nigeria with an average age range: 18-67 years participated in this study. The carrying angle measurements were performed first on the dominant extremity and then on the non-dominant extremity. The carrying angle was measured with a full-circle manual goniometer made of flexible clear plastic with 35 cm long arms. This device fulfilled the requirements of a universal goniometer. It was positioned on the volar surface of the arm and was aligned with the mid-axis of the humerus to the extended elbow and mid-axis of the fully supinated forearm. In the males, the right carrying angle was 16.9°±4.14° and the left carrying angle was 14.2°±3.53° (P<0.05). in the females, right carrying angle was 20.5°±3.82° and left carrying angle was 17.5°±3.87° (P<0.05). Right and left carrying angles of females were found to be higher than carrying angles of males. This study has established data on the carrying angle in Southeastern Nigerian adult population by anthropometric method. According to the study, the carrying angle of the females ranked higher than males and that of the dominant arm was found to be significantly higher than the non-dominant arm in both sexes. Greater carrying angle in female is considered as secondary sex characteristic. This study will assist the orthopedic surgeons and manufacturers preparing for elbow replacement implants.

Key words: Carrying angle, anthropometry, adults, Nigeria.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-008, September, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Analytical review of health care reforms in Uganda and its implication on health equity

Timothy C. Okech

Chandaria School of Business, United States International University, Kenya.  E-mail:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected].

Accepted 21 March, 2019

Abstract 

Uganda Government has continued to strengthen the country’s health system by initiating policy reforms aimed at enhancing equity in health care. In this report, analytical review health care reforms are provided with their corresponding equity outcomes. This report is based on a review of both published and unpublished reports from the government of Uganda and multilateral stakeholders in the health sector from the review, various health equity issues were identified including high incidences of inefficiencies in health care such as stock-outs, low quality of health care under-table payments, increase of out-of pocket payments which continue to contribute towards high incidences of catastrophic health expenditures. Others include dilapidated health infrastructure, low morale among the health personnel, and low levels of spending by the government on health. The reforms have however, contributed towards efficiency gains in terms of increased use of lower-level government health centers and concomitant reductions in the use of hospital services. Various recommendations were suggested in lieu of the findings. These include increased investment in the health sector; strengthening supply of essential medicines, rehabilitation of health infrastructure, provision of incentives to health personnel. Other recommendations include supporting the operations of community health insurance and other pre-payment schemes meant to caution the poor from health expenditure catastrophe. Political commitment in increasing government spending on health care in line with the Abuja Declaration of 2001 is also recommended while putting in place policies aimed at efficiency in health care delivery.

Key words: Equity, health care reforms, financial protection, catastrophic health expenditure.