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Evaluation of body weight/body mass index as a predictor of severity of dengue in children
Higher body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases and certain infectious diseases. Very less evidence is available that links body mass with dengue severity especially in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate any association between body weight/body mass index of children with severity of dengue illness. A retrospective, medical-records based observational study was conducted on 100 dengue-infected children in the age group of 2-15 years between August and October 2023. Dengue serology, complete blood picture, liver enzymes and coagulation profile were noted along with recording of anthropometric parameters like height and weight at the time of admission. Based on clinical presentation, patients were classified as severe and non-severe dengue. Most of the admitted dengue infected children belonged to underweight (67%) and normal weight (27%) category. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients in the age group of 2-5 years where the independent variable considered was z-score for weight-for-age and Group 2 which included patients between >5-15 years where z-score for BMI-for-age was taken as independent variable. Binomial logistic regression analysis was done to correctly classify the cases as non-severe and severe based on z-scores of weight-for-age / BMI-for-age (independent variable) of the effected children which was statistically significant in group 2 (p=0.000). The model correctly classified 61.8% of cases in group 1 and 86.4% of cases in group 2. Though the majority of cases were in underweight or normal weight category, the results indicate that those with higher weight and BMI for their age and gender are more likely to develop severe dengue infection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research (QAMER) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Yoga vs physical activity: A comparative study of stress and sleep in young adults
The high prevalence of stress and sleep disorders among medical students necessitates effective, non-pharmacological interventions. While both yogic breathing and physical activity are beneficial, their comparative efficacy on these specific outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of a structured yogic breathing intervention and moderate-intensity physical activity on perceived stress levels and subjective sleep quality in healthy medical students. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 170 participants allocated to either a Yogic Breathing Group (n=85) or a Physical Activity Group (n=85). The intervention lasted five weeks, with sessions conducted five days per week. The primary outcomes, psychological stress and sleep quality, were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively, at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Analysis of co-variance. Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in stress (p<0.001). However, between-group analysis revealed that the Yogic Breathing group achieved a significantly greater reduction in DASS-21 scores compared to the Physical Activity group (mean ?: -14.43 ± 6.21 vs. -3.69 ± 5.12; p<0.001). Conversely, the Physical Activity group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in PSQI scores than the Yogic Breathing group (mean ?: -0.96 ± 1.42 vs. -0.40 ± 1.05; p=0.012). Yogic breathing was superior for reducing perceived stress, whereas physical activity was more effective for enhancing sleep quality. The results indicate that both approaches complement each other rather than replace one another. Selecting the right approach should depend on the specific needs, helping to provide a more individualized plan for well-being.
Sleep bruxism and perceived stress: assessment using salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress
Sleep bruxism (SB) corresponds to physiologically based manducatory muscle reactions, with no identifiable neuropathic cause, in relation to anxiety disorders, respiratory disorders or behavioral "tocs". The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between SB and perceived stress by measuring salivary cortisol levels. The study included 61 consenting adult participants: 31 for the study group (bruxers) and 30 for the control group (no bruxers). The diagnosis of BS was made using a standard bruxism assessment questionnaire defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by clinical assessment according to AASM criteria. The BRUXi index, a tool proposed by Orthlieb, was used to determine the intensity of bruxism. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected and morning salivary cortisol levels were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The bruxers (study group) had significantly high levels of mean salivary cortisol (12.3±4.2 ng/mL or 34.5±14.6 nmol/L) than the non-bruxers (control group) (5.3±1.2 ng/mL or 14.5±4.6 nmol/L) (p<0.001). The elevated salivary cortisol level was positively associated with perceived stress and SB (p<0.0001) in the study group. These results suggest that bruxing activity is associated with higher levels of perceived psychological stress and salivary cortisol. Despite the absence of polysomnographic recording for the diagnosis of SB, a positive correlation between SB and salivary cortisol levels was observed in bruxers.
Copyright (c) 2023 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research (QAMER) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Immunoglobulin stimulatory property of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea in male Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate
With regards to previously speculated hematinic/hematopoietic potentials of Justicia carnea, the present study set out to evaluate the effect of the administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea on the immunoglobulins levels in two sets of rats (non-lead intoxicated and lead- intoxicated rats). Forty (40) male Wistar rats were obtained and randomly distributed into eight (8) groups of 5 rats each as follows: Group 1 served as negative control/received 1ml of distilled water daily; Group 2 served as positive control/treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lead acetate (Pb); Groups 3 to 5 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea respectively daily and Groups 6 to 8 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bw extract + 10mg/kg.bw Pb respectively daily. At the end of 6 weeks of treatment, blood samples were harvested from the study animals via cardiac puncture after sedating them with 80% chloroform for laboratory analyses. The result of the present study indicated that immunoglobulins (Ig) G, M and A had significant (p<0.05) increases across all extract treated rats. In conclusion, this study has shown that extract possess humoral immunity enhancing potential. However, extrapolating from the present study, the frequency/consumption of the high dose of the extract should be checked in its ethnobotanical application as to prevent any possible consequent undesirable effects of autoimmune conditions.
Caffeine and Camellia sinensis enhance cognition and decrease acetylcholinesterase activity in scopolamine-induced memory loss in female Swiss mice
Caffeine and Camellia sinensis (green tea) has been known to have positive effect on memory. The present study investigated the possible effect of caffeine and green tea co-administration on oxidative stress markers, inflammatory marker and acetylcholine esterase activity in scopolamine-induced memory loss in female Swiss mice. Memory behavioral tests using Y-maze and Morris water maze was carried out, followed by oxidative stress biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase activity and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-?) evaluation from the mice brain tissues after caffeine and green tea administration. Scopolamine administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1mg/kg Body Weight (BW) for 7 days significantly reduced the percent alternation of the mice in Y-maze thus, increased acetylcholinesterase activity and increased TNF-? level. However, caffeine administered orally at a dose 50mg/kg BW and green tea administered orally at a dose of 60mg/kg BW increased the percent alternation significantly, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and reduced the TNF-? level significantly. Oxidative stress markers evaluated GSH and MDA, showed no significant difference across all groups. These findings showed scopolamine has a deteriorating effect on cognition by increasing acetylcholinesterase activities thus mopping out acetylcholine at a faster rate. However, caffeine and green tea singly and in combination restored cognition, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and restored TNF-? level. The neuroprotective effect of caffeine and green tea was compared to that of Donepezil, an established cognition enhancing drug and the effect was agonistic. The ability of caffeine and green tea to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity could be the mechanism for the ability to enhance memory. The ability of these compounds in restoring TNF-? level also further potentiates their neuroprotective capability.
Copyright (c) 2022 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research (QAMER) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing the effects of Instagram and WhatsApp use on behavior of population in south west region of Saudi Arabia
Social media not only have been proven to cause unhappiness, but it can also lead to development of mental health issues like stress or depression when used too much or without caution. The present study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the individuals regarding consequences of Instagram and WhatsApp usage on mental health. The web link of the online questionnaire was disseminated and data was collected for 15 days (16th to 30th January 2022). A total of 632 participants gave consent and took part in this survey. Majority of the participants (76.3%) don't think that WhatsApp use can violate their privacy but 54.6% users have knowledge regarding its negative effects on health and lifestyle. Interestingly, 57% participant refuses to stop using WhatsApp even after knowing the negative effects. Majority of respondents reported that they didn't get influenced about the “stuff” on Instagram. However, 31.80% participants accepted that their feelings get influenced by the number of "likes" they get, and 44.4% participant stated that Instagram have effect on their mood and 19.3% respondents reported that they feel pressure to fit into a certain image on social media. Even, 21.2% participants accepted that they face mental issues because of Instagram use. A small proportion of Instagram users in Jazan reported that it has negative impact on mental health. Majority of the participants are not willing to stop use of WhatsApp even after knowing the adverse effects. It is advisable for social media users to create a social-media free slot in daily routine if they feel sad, lonely or depressed after using social media apps.
Effect of aspirin administration on body weight and liver enzymes in male rats
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aspirin on body weight and some liver enzyme in rats. The study was done in Veterinary Medicine College, Baghdad University. We used seventy two male rats and randomly divided into three groups (24 in each group). Group-1 was considered as control, Group-2 animals were treated by 40 mg/kg body weight (low-dose) of asprin and the Group-3 was treated by 100 mg/kg body weight (high-dose) of aspirin. The results showed no significant difference in bodyweight gain from 0 to 10 days in all groups, while the low and high-dose asprin treated rats showed decline in bodyweight gain on day 20 and day 30 of aspirin treatment. The liver enzymes, AST and ALT, increased significantly in high-dose of aspirin treated group on day 20 and 30 while the ALP was increased on all time-points in high-dose asprin treated group.
Copyright (c) 2021 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research (QAMER) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Correlation study of socio-demographic factors like gender, age, body mass index and some cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive subjects of Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria
Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated arterial pressure to a level that places the patient at increased risk of organ damage. It is a non-communicable disease which constitutes a public health importance. Its risk factors include advancing age, high salt intake, excessive alcohol consumption and stress. This study was performed to determine the correlation between some socio-demographic factors like gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and some cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was carried out with 400 hypertensive subjects, whose blood pressures were determined using palpatory and auscultatory methods. The gender, age and body mass index of the subjects were also determined. Statistical analysis was done using Z-statistics. We found a significant positive relationship between the age and cardiovascular parameters. Gender and BMI were found to have an insignificant positive correlation with the cardiovascular parameters. The study demonstrated that body mass index, age and gender are closely associated with cardiovascular parameters, though the degree of correlation differed. The risk of hypertension is therefore expected to be higher among the aged and populations who are overweight or obese.
Perception of data quality and electronic health information system acceptance, reliability and satisfaction: A study at tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia
Electronic health information systems (EHIS) are considered a backbone for healthcare planning and quality services. This study was designed to explore the acceptance, reliability, and satisfaction of the end users' experience with the hospital electronic health information system. We also investigated the perception of data quality by the users who were directly involved in data entry. We conducted a questionnaire based cross-sectional survey to collect quantitative data from different EHIS users. The questionnaire contained six sections: demographic user information; general HIS assessment; accessibility and availability of computer terminals in the hospital; EHIS and the patient care; user satisfaction with the HIS and perception of data quality. Desktop computers were available throughout the hospital, but the hospital was lacking handheld computers or computers on wheels. Participants of the study were satisfied with the data entry and retrieval process but they were lacking job training related to troubleshooting. EHIS users were not aware and prepared for the downtime of the system and procedures were also not clear to them. Regarding the perception of data quality, most of the participants responded that data is of adequate quality. There is a need for proper technical support and enhance the hospital's networking speed for better response. Laptops and hand-held computers are the need of time for data entry in critical situations and during wards visit. This can also enhance the quality of data, and reduce the chances of data loss.
Evaluation of renal functions tests among Sudanese healthy pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at The National Ribat University Hospital in Khartoum State in 2019
Pregnancy involves remarkable physiological changes and the functional impact of pregnancy on the kidney physiology is widespread involving practically all aspects of kidney functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal functions in Sudanese healthy pregnant ladies during different trimesters. A cross sectional study was carried out during July to October 2019 on Sudanese healthy pregnant ladies attending antenatal care at the National Ribat University Hospital in Khartoum State. The study covered 60 healthy pregnant ladies (20 for each trimester). The purpose of the study was explained to all participants and they were assessed after taking their consent. Blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) were measured by standard techniques. A sample of five ml venous blood was taken in a suitable blood container for measurement of urea and creatinine using a fully automated Mindray BS-300 Chemistry Analyzer (Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), t-test was used to compare the statistical significant (p value ? 0.05 was considered statistical significant). The mean age of participants was 26.6±5.3 years with the range of 18-37 years. The mean BMI was 25.7±3.6 with the range of 18-31. The mean urea in the first, second and third trimester was 13.4, 13.9 and 13.2 mg/dl respectively with no statistically significant variation. The mean creatinine in the first, second and third trimester was 0.6, 0.6 and 0.5 mg/dl respectively with no statistically significant variation. To conclude, there was no significant variation of serum urea and creatinine during three trimesters of pregnancy in healthy pregnant women.
Copyright (c) 2020 Quench Academy of Medical Education and Research (QAMER) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0