Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching alcohol — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Feb 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5405
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a range of health issues. We set out to identify inflammatory markers linked to alcohol consumption, which might ultimately offer novel insight into genetic underpinnings and have implications for alcohol-associated disease. Alcohol consumption and blood-based multi-omics data were collected by The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Treatment of Alcohol Dependence study. Plasma samples from patients with AUD were used for proteomics analysis using the OLINK “Explore Inflammation” panel (n=410). Liver enzymes were also measured. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to explore the relationship between genetic variants and plasma TREM2 levels. Our findings show thatplasma triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a key gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, was the most significant signal correlated with alcohol consumption, and has also been associated with liver enzyme levels in patients with AUD. We identified the rs7232 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MS4A6A as a key genetic variant associated with plasma TREM2 levels, with the minor allele (A) linked to higher TREM2 levels and increased alcohol consumption, particularly in men. Furthermore, MA4A6A is an ethanol-responsive gene in a SNP-dependent manner, and the variant genotype of the rs7232 SNP was associated with lower expression for MA4A6A due to proteasome-mediated protein degradation. In summary, this study provides insight into the relationship between plasma TREM2 levels, alcohol consumption, and liver function in AUD patients, shedding light on genetic factors underlying alcohol-related diseases.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-4036
A narrative review considers metabolic and neurochemical pathways implicated in passive exposure to alcohol consumers, discussing health effects and research needs.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3612
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) is a rare clinical condition. Prompt diagnosis is often difficult both clinically and radiologically and necessitates a high index of suspicion as the patients present with non-specific abdominal pain and may not offer a clear history. The depressant effect of alcohol further complicates the diagnosis. We report a case of a young male who was unable to seek medical support and was found dead within 12 hours of the onset of abdominal discomfort following acute alcohol intoxication. At autopsy, rupture of the urinary bladder with blood and blood clots was found in the pelvic cavity with no any corresponding external injury. Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder is a rare cause of death in acute alcohol intoxication. In order to further understand this rare condition, the review of related literature has been done.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3377
Introduction Sub-optimal dietary intake patterns have a major detrimental impact on the nutritional status of an alcoholic. These patterns exacerbate the status of alcoholism and the functioning of the alcoholic’s body. Objective This study aimed to examine alcoholic’s dietary intake patterns. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 alcoholics undergoing alcohol rehabilitation in selected rehabilitation centers. A 24 hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of the respondents. Factor analysis of food items and groups, cluster analysis of dietary intake patterns, and multivariate regressions were carried out. Results Three dietary intake patterns were identified among alcoholics namely a low calorie intake (described mainly by consumption of plant-based foods); a composite intake (distinguished by adequate consumption of both plant-based and animal-based foods) and a high calorie intake (characterized by high consumption of animal-based foods). Conclusion Optimal dietary intake promotion programs are needed to address the dietary intakes of recuperating alcoholics under rehabilitation to help prevent malnutrition and other associated comorbidities.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-19-2973
Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancer globally. The incidence of tobacco-induced HNC is gradually increasing in low and middle income countries. Among the various causative factors associated with HNCs, tobacco and alcohol play synergistic effect and are frequently associated with the risk of HNC. Tobacco-induced HNCs show distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to different clinical outcomes in comparison to HPV-infected HNCs. Tobacco-induced HNCs are often associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and low or nil prevalence of HPV infection. Apart from carcinogenic effects of these causative factors (use of tobacco products, alcohol intake and HPV or EBV infections), recent studies show that exposure to these factors alter/disrupt the regulation of non-coding RNAs including the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Altered lncRNA regulation is brought about by signalling networks that regulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways which play key functions in the genesis of different cancers including HNCs. There are numbers of studies supporting the emerging role of lncRNAs in development of HNC; however, reports connecting lncRNAs expression and addiction habits in HNC are still preliminary and sparse. Therefore, identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed upon exposure to risk-factors can serve as unique therapeutic targets and potential biomarker(s) for effective treatment of HNC subtypes. In this short review, we briefly reviewed the emerging role of lncRNAs in tobacco and alcohol induced HNCs.
Feb 2018
Introduction and aims Previous research has focused primarily on the severity of the alcohol hangover. Much less is known about the duration of the alcohol hangover. The objective of this analysis was to examine the average duration of the alcohol hangover. Design and Methods N=811 Dutch students, aged 18-30 years old, completed a survey on alcohol consumption and their latest alcohol hangover. Overall hangover severity was reported for every two hours after waking up (starting 4am until midnight). Hangover duration was calculated from the moment of stopping alcohol consumption until the first time hangover severity scores reached zero. Results During the drinking session that resulted in their latest hangover they consumed a mean (SD) of 5.9 (6.2) alcoholic drinks, followed by 6.5 (2.0) hours of sleep. The start of the alcohol hangover was not assessed, as it can be assumed that BAC approached zero while participants were sleeping. From the moment of stopping alcohol consumption, the average duration of the alcohol hangover was 18.4 (3.8) hours. For the majority of drinkers, hangover duration ranged from 14 to 23 hours. Alternatively, the hangover lasts approximately 12 hours from the time of waking up. Hangover duration correlated significantly with hangover severity and total sleep time, but no significant association was found with the number of alcoholic drinks that were consumed. Discussion and Conclusions The duration of the alcohol hangover ranged from 14 to 23 hours, with an average of 18.4 hours after stopping drinking, or alternatively, about 12 hours after waking up.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-17-1568
This study examined the mediating role of alcohol use in the relationship between PTSD symptoms and trauma-related psychotic reactions. A total of 231 participants including 181 females were recruited via web advertisement and flyers. Alcohol use condition, trauma-related psychotic experience, and PTSD symptoms were measured by Feeling the need to Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty about drinking, and need for an Eye-opener in the morning (CAGE), Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSU) and Short screening scale for posttraumatic stress disorder (SSSP). All the participants were asked to finish the questionnaire package on the Internet and were interviewed later to validate the screening. Logistic regression was used to estimate the mediating effect of alcohol use. Results showed that alcohol use played a mediating role between PTSD symptoms and auditory hallucination while this effect didn’t exist between PTSD symptoms and paranoia. Findings indicated that hallucination and paranoia in people with PTSD symptoms were influenced by alcohol use in diverse ways.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5613
Background Domestic violence among HIV discordant couples poses significant public health challenges, affecting treatment adherence and HIV transmission risks. This study examined factors contributing to domestic violence among HIV discordant couples in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 HIV discordant couples from eleven health centers using stratified systematic sampling. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results Domestic violence prevalence was 41.1% physical violence, 34.2% sexual coercion, and 52.3% emotional abuse. Key socio-demographic risk factors included female gender (56% vs. 29% males, p<0.001), older age (61% in ≥55 years vs. 32% in 18-24 years, p=0.004), unemployment (55% vs. 34% formal employment, p=0.014), and financial hardship (63% vs. 25% comfortable situations, p=0.002). Behavioral factors included alcohol use (58% vs. 38%, p=0.021), substance abuse (62% vs. 35%, p<0.001), and poor conflict resolution (72% vs. 25%, p<0.001). Contextual factors like hostile HIV disclosure reactions (68% vs. 34%, p<0.001) and HIV-related stigma (60% vs. 35%, p<0.001) significantly increased violence risk. Conclusions Domestic violence among HIV discordant couples is multifactorial, driven by socio-economic, behavioral, and HIV-related factors. Integrated interventions addressing economic empowerment, conflict resolution skills, stigma reduction, and couple-centered counseling are urgently needed.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-23-4799
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) technologies hold promise for sustainable energy solutions, yet pinhole-related challenges persist. Our research introduces a novel biohybrid approach to self-healing, enhancing multiple healing cycles with minimal membrane disruption. Initial steps involve immobilizing enzymes on a polymeric membrane. This study establishes the immobilization process and analytical framework through enzyme immobilization on polypropylene. Applicability and stability are investigated, laying groundwork for potential Nafion™ applications and advancing climate neutral energy. Qualitative analysis employs colorimetric p-NPA assay on polypropylene-immobilized lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) and Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB). Both enzymes hold their temperature optimum at 50°C which is increased by 10°C via immobilization. Diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) is optimal for immobilization. Synchronous enzyme and DIC addition is advantageous. After 8 reuse cycles, immobilized enzymes retain 54.3% residual activity. Immobilizates exposed to PEM fuel cell conditions show better stability due to covalent immobilization than free CRL. Yet, declines occur under stressors like 60 °C and concentrated alcohol. Immobilizates remain resilient at pH 3 and under oxidizing as well as reducing conditions constituted by varied gas atmospheres. Considering PEM fuel cells' operational range, in-depth investigations across conditions are vital. Future studies target long-term PEM fuel cell lifespans, focusing on extremophilic enzymes or modifications for high-temperature stability. Subsequently, the transferability of the immobilization method to Nafion™ shall be deliberated based on the outcomes.
Sep 2023
Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare type of segmental chronic pancreatitis that affects the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and the common bile duct, referred to as the groove area. Most patients with groove pancreatitis are males aged 40–50 years with a history of alcohol abuse. The prevalence of this condition was not determined due to rarity of cases.The clinical symptoms commonly reported were weight loss, upper abdominal pain, postprandial vomiting, and nausea due to duodenal stenosis. It is considered difficult clinically and radiographically to distinguish this form of chronic pancreatitis from other differential diagnoses of inflammatory conditions or malignancies affecting the pancreas or adjacent structures to that groove area. We report a challenging case of GP in an asymptomatic female patient during routine gastric ulcer screening. Our objective is to draw attention to this rare and atypical type of chronic pancreatitis and the importance for early detection on screening EGDs prior to its symptomatic sequelae and complications.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4381
Background Ageing is a life process in which progressive molecular, cellular, physiological and anatomical changes manifesting in humans and animals including other organisms lead to the decline of biological functions. Immunoglobulins (Igs) are glycoprotein molecules produced by white blood cells mainly B lymphocytes following signal transduction as a result of their interaction with pathogenic microbes or poisonous substances introduced into the body systems. They elicit responses against the side effects of pathogens and poisons in which their response efficiency usually declines as we are ageing. Objective Thus, the similarities between Igs’ immune response against the different amounts of xenobiotics and the biological changes associated with ageing have been systematically assessed using the reports of different study results on humans and animals. Methods First, a literature search was carried out in google, PubMed and google scholar using planned search terms related to the title of this study. Review and original articles were retrieved, downloaded and saved on a computer. And then the effects of different factors i.e. xenobiotics, age, sex and lifestyle-based practices on the levels of serum Igs (IgG, IgA and IgM) in animals and humans have been studied using a systematic review of different literature sources. Finally, the relationship between the findings of various studies has been assessed and judgment on the possible cause of ageing has been made. Results The findings of different research have demonstrated that the signaling efficiency of immunoglobulin M (IgM) has been limited by the amount of test compounds administered to study Balb c mice in the oral route. The response efficiency of IgM immune response against the lower doses of test compounds were high compared to the higher doses of test compounds which was low. The results of different other studies also demonstrated that the decline of serum IgM levels was associated with ageing. The relationship between alcohol consumption and the concentration of serum Igs was also described in the report of different studies. These studies have shown that there was lower level of IgG in the blood serum of alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. The study has also demonstrated a lower level of serum IgM with higher alcohol consumption and higher serum concentration with moderate beer consumption. Conclusion The trajectory of Igs’ immune response against different amounts of xenobiotics was highly associated with the trajectory of biological changes during ageing. These research findings might be the possible evidence to conclude that ageing is caused by the foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs we usually consume, the lifestyles we usually experience and the way of life we usually live in the environment which gradually defiling the natural processes of the body.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-21-4010
Background: HIV / AIDS affects all social strata and including female sex workers who are a particularly vulnerable group at risk of HIV infection. Objective To assess the risky sexual behavior of female sex workers in Bamako, Mali. Methods This is a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 288 female sex workers in the city of Bamako, Mali. This study used a questionnaire to collect information from January to April 2021. Results Out of 288 sex workers, 41% came from neighboring countries (Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mauritania). More than half of the participants had started working as sex workers before the age of 20. More than half of sex workers do not always use a condom. About 32% of female sex workers had previously had anal sex, 20% had experienced group sex, and less than a quarter smoked or drank alcohol before sex. A significant relationship was found between the behavior or practice of sex workers with the following variables: ethnicity (P = 0.04); marital status (P = 0.01); monthly income (P = 0.001), age at first sexual intercourse (P = 0.03); the presence of STDs in the past (P = 0.02), knowledge of HIV status (P = 0.04) and nationality (P = 0.03). Conclusions This study highlights negative risk behaviors of sex workers such as not using condoms consistently, anal sex, alcohol, and smoking. It is therefore important to develop education actions to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sex workers related to HIV/ AIDS in Mali.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-21-3912
Background Liver disease has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its epidemiologic and clinical pattern, however, is not well characterized in sub-Saharan countries. Objective This study aimed to describe demographic, clinical characteristics, and patterns of liver disease in a community hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted on patients with liver disease admitted at Ras Desta Damtew memorial hospital, in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, from February 2015 to April 2020. Result Of the total 212 patients majority, 78.8% were male, 49.1% of patients were in the age range of 31-50 with a median age of 42. The most common initial clinical presentation was ascites (87.7 %), and more than half of patients (56.6%) had a history of alcohol misuse documented on their medical charts. Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) was found in 177 (83.5%), and Hepatocellular Cancer accounted for 7.5% of the patients. Alcohol misuse caused 45% of chronic Liver Disease, followed by Hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion Chronic liver disease is the most common form of liver disease, and the most affected were middle-aged men. The common cause of chronic liver disease was alcohol followed by hepatitis B virus infection.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3758
“Health Promoting Village” concept named as “Happy Villages” started in 2007 in Badulla District in Uva Province was a community mobilization process through which village communities have been empowered to look after their community health. The areas included were Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) prevention , Alcohol and drug abuse. Gender Based Violence. The programmed used many interactive tools as “Mood Chart” or “Happiness Calendar” which was giving a visualizing effect. Continuous assessments done from 2009 to 2013 showed that the Health promotion strategies used in the Happy Village concept in the Uva Province can effectively and efficiently be utilized for improvement of nutrition and achievement of milestones in children. From 2017 a National program is launched named “Happy Villages”. During the Covid 19 outbreak health promotion approaches were initiated to change in lay communities successfully. Villagers had actively engaged, collectively acted in responsible manner, and identified measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission in their households, neighbourhood and community. The use of village empowerment had become a fruitful source to face the Covid pandemic in Sri Lanka. Almost 300 “Happy Villages” around the country have made facing the Covid epidemic their chief task. Many innovative ideas and practices in facing Covid 19 pandemic at village level including a visualizing calendar to identify the risk behaviours of the family members as well as the Happiness calendar to identify the family stress levels are among them. Health promotion concept is getting rooted around the country with active participation of the villages with a multisectoral support. Continuous monitoring and evaluation and sharing best practices will show the world the effectiveness of Health Promotion and the ability of empowered people in facing pandemic situations
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-20-3672
Background Prevalence of Metabolic syndrome is high among Asians including Indians, and is high among those having sedentary occupations. Teaching is one of the important occupations, which demands no strenuous physical activity. However, there is little information available about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among teaching staff of engineering college. Hence, the present study was conducted to study its prevalence, certain risk factors and co-morbidities among teaching staff of engineering institutes. Methods Teachers from engineering colleges of Nagpur city were the study subjects. Data was collected by interview technique. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations like Fasting blood glucose, High Density Lipoproteins and Serum Triglycerides were done. National Cholesterol Evaluation Programme (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel Three (ATPIII) criteria were used to study Metabolic syndrome. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements like height, weight and waist circumference were obtained by standard methods. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 20.5%. It was 25.32% in females and 19.31% in males. It was more common in subjects of higher age group, muslim religion, and among widows and separated. Alcohol consumption, smoking and sedentary life style was found to be significantly associated with presence of metabolic syndrome. Frozen shoulder, fungal infection and stroke were common co morbidities found among subjects having metabolic syndrome.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3367
We explore the global evidence of major health crisis potential impacts and the factors influencing the mental health outcomes among the population during the outbreak of COVID-19. Preparation measures for a COVID-19 focus on rapid quarantine of social isolation and economic concerns have risen metal health considerations that become an integrated part of the pandemic outbreak. This outbreak of novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is swayed an overall 213 countries, areas or territories, with over 2,921,439 confirmed cases and 203,289 confirmed deaths reported till 26 April 2020. This created a lot of strain and fear; fear of falling ill and dying of being infected leading to heightened levels of insurmountable psychological pressure. This scrutiny attempt to assess the widespread outbreaks of COVID-19 on mental health professionals, healthcare workers and general population in association with adverse mental health sequelae like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depressive symptoms, insomnia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, suicidal behavior, delirium, psychosis, harmful alcohol consumption, and drug use. There is a need for more evocative exploration to intensify awareness to address the potential psychological and behavioral risks that will remain elevated as long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in the community. In conclusion, incessant surveillance of the subsyndromal mental health problems for outbreaks should be part of galvanized global action during the quarantine.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-19-2804
Many therapies are available for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), from medical therapy to invasive, mininvasive and non-invasive methods. There is no a unique indication concerning the choice of treatment; we report our indications for gasserian ganglion compression with balloon by percutaneous approach. Out of 421 patients affected by TN treated with various methods from 2004 through to 2014, we present 46 patients treated by gasserian ganglion compression with balloon catheter. Patients selected for this procedure were only those refractory to medical therapy and refractory to the other available therapies (radiofrequency, microvascular decompression, radiosurgery, glycerolization, peripheral alcoholizations): balloon compression was performed as third line therapy. After the procedure, twenty-eight patients were classified as BNI pain intensity score grade 1, seven other as grade 2, three other as grade 3, six were classified as BNI grade 4, and in one patient no improvement of pain occurred (BNI grade 5). After an average period of follow up of 8,6 years, four cases of pain recurrence occurred. Because balloon compression is an ablative and non-selective procedure and all three trigeminal divisions are damaged to achieve stable pain remission, the procedure was performed only in patients affected by recurrent TN refractory to the other available methods.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-19-2725
Background Romantic partners living alongside veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) appear at increased risk of secondary traumatic stress (sPTSD) and common mental health difficulties (CMD) compared to the general population. The severity of symptoms implies the need for structured, bespoke and evidence-based interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of offering a community support programme (The Together Programme, TTP) for military partners. TTP was developed based upon a number of US programmes and consisted of 10 hours of group-based support delivered over a five-week course. 56 participants engaged in TTP over a year at nine locations across the UK and were followed up three months later. Methods Measures of CMD, sPTSD, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction were used to assess benefits. Data were also collected on attendance and participant feedback. Results Significant reductions were observed for symptoms of sPTSD and CMD at follow up. 51/56 (90.1%) participants completed TTP. The majority of participants reported positive experiences. However, several individuals stated wanting more sessions and that barriers such as work, and family commitments made it difficult to attend. Conclusions Whilst limitations exist, the data presented suggests cautious optimism for the efficacy of offering a structured programme of support to address the needs of military partners living alongside PTSD.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2684
Yeast as unicellular organism, has shown multiple application due to exhibition of noble ability in its cells. And engineered yeast has found more suitability in bioprocesses application as well as adverse conditions adaptation. Different types of yeast strains showed their best capability to adapt the salt and sugar rich environment with their optimal growth capability. These strains, used as suitable and novel cell factories for production of value added bio-products (via utilization of fermentation processes) and also for different types of bioprocesses. Application of yeast species in biotechnology field, enhanced in current periods, due to conversion of its wild to engineer strain, suitable for bioprocesses utilization and also for different types of biochemical synthesis. Different yeast species identified due to known their genetic, regulatory mechanism and also competitive metabolic pathways. In this regards, different type of engineering approaches (for genetic or pathways modification), applied to construct the optimal and suitable cell factories for different types of bioprocesses as utilized in different sectors (foods with mineral or protein rich, bread, brewing, cosmetics, chemical, agriculture, pharmacy and distillation industries) via improving the quality of bio-products. Further, in silico designed based metabolic engineering technique showed the improvement in performance of yeast strain. System and synthetic biology with engineering approaches applied to further improve the yeast mediated bioprocesses as well as biochemical products formation for industrial or biotechnological application. Some bio-products such as functional bio-molecule, different types of alcoholic biofuels, organic acids and enzymes etc are good examples of yeast mediated biochemicals products, utilized more frequently in our life. Author will focus recent research and development on bio-product formation or bioprocesses with their regulatory control mechanism in different yeast strains.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2503
Since the 2nd part of last century neo-shamanic rituals using mind-altering extracts from plants or animals have become increasingly popular in Europe and the USA. The first rituals coming to the west were based on drinking a special Amazonian tea, Ayahuasca, based on 2 different plants, with active compounds belonging to the class of the beta-carbolines (harmala alkaloids) and tryptamines. The use of such compounds will be described from the perspective of the transformative psychopharmacology: that part of psychopharmacology studying the use of psychoactive compounds to achieve a new balance, a transformation or healing and sometimes even leading to a cure. Examples of curing are meanwhile well documented, for instance the positive influence on drug abuse and addiction, alcoholism. The importance of the healing aspects of these rituals however are often neglected or overlooked. For users, these are key however. As medicine becomes more and more personalized and postmodern, it will be relevant to understand why patients and healthy people decide to participate in healing rituals based on psycho-active compounds. We will present the pharmacology, the transformative psychopharmacology, the effects and adverse events of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and its place in postmodern medicine.
Jul 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2166
Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel synonym Diospyros peregrina Gurke (Family: Ebenaceae) is a medium sized evergreen tree commonly known as Kendu in Assamese. The plant has ethnomedicinal significance and used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea malaria, ulcer and wounds. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore, the present work was carried out to perform morpho-anatomical and physicochemical analysis of D. malabarica stem bark. The bark is externally dark brown to black in color and rough having characteristics odor and astringent taste. The microscopy of bark reveals the presence of polygonal thick walled cork, 3-4 layered phellogen, 7-8 layered phelloderm, stone cells, phloem fibers and medullary rays. Stem bark powder showed thick walled cork cells, thick walled elongated phloem fibers, lignified stone cells and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash as 6.2, 5.6, 1.1, 2.45, and 5.7% w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 10.6 and 16.8% w/w respectively. The result of preliminary phytochemical screening indicates presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of an herbal monograph for the species.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-18-2115
Background: The human mouth harbors over 700 microbial genera. The large number of them is normal bacteria; few of them are opportunistic pathogens. Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the bacterial population of drug addicted persons and compare it to that of a normal healthy person. Methods: Five different samples of human saliva; alcohol drunken person, oral moist snuff user, cigarette, hashish and shisha smoker were investigated the involvement of bacteria in them. One sample was collected from normal non-addict person. The bacterial population in drug addictive persons were compared that on normal non-addictive person. Results: The bacteria observed were: Gram negative cocci, mono cocci, streptococci, vibrio, gram negative rod, gram positive staphylococcus, gram positive streptococci and gram-positive rod. Conclusion: The order of bacterial population was; alcohol drunken person<oral moist snuff user ˂ cigarette smoker ˂ hashish smoker ˂ shisha smoker˂ normal non addictive person. From the findings in this study it is concluded that all these drugs have some antibacterial activities.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-17-1806
Background Hypertension is one of the most prevalent risk factors for myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive cardiac failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD)and its prevalence is significantly higher inthe elderly population. Objectives To assess the demography, various presentations and the prevalence of risk factors among elderly hypertensive patients followed up in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods This was a cross sectional descriptive study involving 250 patients whoseage was 60 years or above onantihypertensives for at least 6 months. Results Approximately 65.2% of the study population was female. The mean age was 70.17.Dizziness and chest pain were the most prevalent symptoms.The mean age at first detection was 58.17 years.Mean SBP and DBP were 128.5mmHg and 81.14mmHg respectively. The prevalence of alcohol consumption and smoking among men were 70.1% and 72.4% respectively. Approximately 54.7% were either overweight or obese.Approximately 81.6% females and 41.4% males had a waist circumference ofmore than therisk level with p-value<0.05. Approximately 36% had diabetes mellitus and 27.6% of the patients had at least one parent and 36.8% had at least one sibling diagnosed with hypertension. Approximately 61.3% of the patients hadadequate levels of physical activity while 31.8% had IHD,11.5% had stroke and 3.8% had CKD. Conclusion Dizziness and chest pain were the most disturbing symptoms while abdominal obesity among females,and alcohol consumption and smoking among males were the major risk factors in elderly hypertensive patients
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-5424.jgm-16-1170
Background: Skin is one the most important sites for administration of drugs to obtain desired pharmacological effects either locally or through systemic bioavailability; and this has placed the transdermal route of drug delivery as an attractive and as one of the most innovative areas for conducting drug delivery research. However the stratum corneum in skin creates hurdles and acts as significant barrier for the permeation of drugs through skin. Penetration enhancers play a pivotal role to overcome such barriers and help enhance the permeation of drug through skin. However, penetration enhancement technology is challenging development and needs to be properly and skillfully addressed. Objective: The present investigation aimed to study the penetration enhancing effect of a newly synthesized alcohol derivative of an acyclic monoterpene (Tetrahydrogeraniol-THG). Methodology: The new derivative, 5,9-Dimethyl-1-Decanol (DIMDOL), has been synthesized by a chemical reaction of the THG with Grignard reagent and ethylene oxide. Permeation enhancing effect of the synthesized derivative was explored for better transdermal penetration of the two model drugs viz. tramadol hydrochloride and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) through the excised rat skin by conducting in-vitro permeation experiments employing Franz diffusion cells apparatus. The standard enhancers Azone and THG were used to compare penetration enhancing effect of the enhancers. Results: It was revealed that DIMDOL could effectively enhance the permeability of both the drugs by 18.60 and 73.19 folds across the skin used with a lag time of 3.35 and 1.20 h, respectively. The newly synthesized derivative was found to significantly increase the partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient values. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that DIMDOL can more effectively enhance the permeation of these model drugs, expectedly by affecting the stratum corneum and interacting with both lipid-rich layers and keratin-rich layers of the excised rat skin.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-16-1060
The low level of women autonomy and the key pre disposing factors affecting household decision makings among many population groups in Ethiopia is not well understood among scholars, and is less investigated. This study examined the status and the micro level factors associated with women autonomy in Sidama, the most populous zone in Southern Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique (using the available complete listing of households) was used to select the 231 sample households from one of the districts of the zone. Sidama zone was selected due to its historically strong customs of patriarchal family system. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Household, women and husband characteristics were used as explanatory variables while women autonomy index, developed from a set of questions, served as the dependent variable. The study revealed that women’s decision makings on core household and personal issues were very low in the study population. The predicted probability, using Ordinary Least Square Regression shows that women’s education, alcohol intake by husbands, household size and land size were the main determinants of autonomy in decision makings in the study area. The study recommended that concerned bodies should capitalize on educating women and girls through both formal and informal learning platforms, promote income generation activities through entrepreneurship, increased access to property and economic assets, training, microfinance and markets.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-15-762
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric illness impacting patient functioning and quality of life. Medication produces improvement in many patients and remission in some, but there is minimal understanding about why some patients improve and others do not. Our goal was to identify demographic, psychosocial and comorbid variables associated with outcomes in BD. Charts of 121 outpatients treated with medication and supportive psychotherapy were reviewed. Forty four percent attained euthymia for 12 months while 56% did not. Poorer outcome was associated with economic stress, missed appointments, life stress, and presence of pain (p < 0.05). Those employed were more likely to improve (p < 0.02). Patients with BP-II reported more frequent life stressors, headache and use of alcohol (p <0.05) and were less likely to achieve euthymia than BP-I. Gender, education, and co-morbid medical illness did not affect results. Our findings suggest that poorer outcome is related to psychosocial factors. Increased attention to these variables may increase providers’ ability to manage challenging patients with BD.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-14-416
Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) affect all levels of society and drivers are considered as vectors of HIV transmission because of the mobility of their work. The aim of this study was to assess struck drivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV and AIDS in Burkina Faso. Methods: Quantitative method and cross-sectional survey using questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha 0.76 were used in this study. SPSS, version 18.0 was used for analysis. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 150 truck drivers participated in the study with a mean age of 38.71 years (SD=8.87), and ranged from 25 to 68 years old. It was observed that misconceptions about HIV transmission are quite prevalent among truck drivers. About 61 (40.7%) felt that AIDS can be transmitted by sharing meals, 35 (23.3%) stated that it can be spread by mosquito bite and 65 (43.3%) were of the opinion that AIDS can be transmitted by using same toilet and cloths. High-risk behavior was established in the study. 78% have other sexual partners besides their wives and 34% often visit sex workers in which 26 % had unprotected sex with sex workers. Alcohol seems to have a big role in their sexual behavior; thus 22 % of truck drivers declare drink alcohol before sex. There were significant association in demographic factors and knowledge, attitude and practice. Conclusion: The study findings underline the negative risk behaviors of truck drivers. Safe sex and use of condom have to be promoted through education program among truck drivers in Burkina Faso.
Nov 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-14-391
Oxidation of 1-Proponol, 1-butanol 1-Hexanol and benzyl alcohol using chloromethylated polystyrene (6% Cross link) DMG (Dimethylglyoxime) copper complex or Poly(S-DVB)-DMG-M Where M= Cu) as catalyst and tert.butylhydroperoxide(TBHP) as oxidant, was studied. The polymer supported Cu Complex was characterized by some physicochemical and spectroscopic methods like elemental analysis IR Scanning electron micrographs (SEM). In the oxidation of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and benzyl alcohol. It was found that Product yield of these alcohols corresponding the order 1-Butanal >1-hexanone >Benzyldehyde > 1-Propanone. Kinetic data indicates that catalyst could be recycled without significant degradation of polymer
Feb 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-157
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are found to be strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Data are sparse on the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors among people being treated for HIV in South Asia region. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 103 HIV patients (51 women and 52 men) attending routine follow-up consultations at the largest ART centre in Nepal was conducted. Data on several cardiovascular risk factors were collected through interview questionnaires, biophysical measurements and consulting medical records. Results: The most common cardiovascular risk factors observed were central obesity 34.6% 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 25.3% to 43.9%, chronic kidney disease {20.7% (95% CI: 11.6% to 29.7%)} and tachycardia {20.6% (95% CI: 12.7% to 28.5%)}. Females were significantly more likely to have central obesity (male 9.8% vs. female 60%, p=0.016) and chronic kidney disease (male 15.4% vs. female 26.3%, p=0.003) as compared to the males. Participants were fairly active but a large proportion, especially men, had smoked {65% (95% CI: 57%-72.3%)}, used tobacco products {66% (95% CI: 56.4%-74.4%)} or drugs (53.8% of the men) and consumed alcohol {60.2% (95% CI: 50.5%-69.1%)}. Conclusion: A high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors was observed among patients being treated for HIV in Nepal. Further larger studies are warranted to better understand the relevance and public health impact of cardiovascular risk factors in this region.