Rajesh Varma
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Overview of molecular subtype of medulloblastoma and role of MRI in their identification
No full textMedulloblastoma is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, accounting for roughly 15% to 20% of all malignancies of the Central Nervous System (CNS), for 40% of childhood, tumors are in the posterior fossa. Medulloblastoma is a heterogeneous combination of several subgroups with discrete characteristics, rather than a homogeneous illness. Genomic profiling of medulloblastomas revealed that the medulloblastoma may be further divided into four separate molecular subgroups. In this review, we aim to focus on the current state of understanding of the molecularity of the disease with a focus on genomic events that define the aforementioned subgroups and an overview of the molecular subtype of medulloblastoma upon discussing the following points (i) introduction to medulloblastoma and basic classification of the molecular subtype of medulloblastoma followed by their prevalence, age and gender discrimination, and specific molecular characterization. (ii) specific MRI features of the locality of a molecular subtype of medulloblastoma (iii) finally MRI distinguishable features for the identification of the specific molecular type. This review will enhance your knowledge regarding the subtype of medulloblastoma and the role of MRI in the identification of these subtypes. </p
Better neural images by combining ultrahigh field strength MRI with innovative MRI sequences
No full textBetter MRI scanning technologies and protocols can provide insights into neurological disorders. In this review, we describe the basic concepts of MRI and, in the process, we convey to the reader the relevance of MRI as a high-resolution imaging modality of tissue structure and metabolism. We outline the main parameters for improving MRI resolution and sensitivity for the ultimate goal of optimizing the diagnosis of neurological diseases. A key to obtaining high-resolution images by MRI is the strength of the magnet’s external field strength (Bo). The higher the field strength, the better the signal-to-noise (SNR) of acquired signals. Hence, this results in improved sensitivity and resolution of the reconstructed images. This article recapitulates the advancement of MRI technology towards Ultra-High-Field Strength (UHF) apparatus and the consequent benefits in SNR. Other keys towards improving MRI images include deftly modifying the parameters of longitudinal magnetization relaxation time (T1), transverse magnetization relaxation time (T2), repetition times between radiofrequency (RF) pulses (TR), and the time of reading post-pulse (TE). Such parameters can be controlled through acquisition software associated with the MRI machines. The review profiles the cumulative efforts by researchers to complement UHF-MRI hardware with innovative RF pulse sequences protocols such as Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Pulse Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE), Oscillating Gradient Spin Echo (OGSE), Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD)-MRI and Arterial Spin Label (ASL)-MRI. Collectively, these advances in both MRI hardware and software have pushed the field to attain a mesoscopic level of resolution. Further enhancements in analyzing MRI images through Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms may advance resolutions beyond the mesoscopic stage and perhaps even toward the microscopic resolution of living tissue.</p
Review on the prevalence and economic importance of camel tuberculosis in Ethiopia
No full textCamel tuberculosis is a chronic disease, which is portrayed by the development of granulomas, essentially in the respiratory tract and related lymph nodes, from which the mycobacteria are discharged and contaminate other susceptible animals. Camel tuberculosis has public health implications, especially in pastoral areas of Ethiopia due to the communities having the habit of consuming raw milk and its products and those who do have consistent or day-to-day contact with their camels. In the pastoral areas of Ethiopia, the camel is the spine of their everyday life and extraordinarily adjusted to cruel conditions camels are for the most part raised in Afar, Somali, and Oromia (Borena, Kereyu and Guji). Camels have a high contribution to the economic development of the country. The pastoral community utilized camel products, such as milk and meat, and used camels for various purposes for example, for transportation, drafting, ploughing land, festivity and rivalry as in dashing. In most parts of Ethiopia, camel milk is accepted as a treatment for gastritis, asthmatics, stomach inconvenience, HIV, Hamot (kar), tuberculosis, fever, urinary issues and hepatitis. Among significant illnesses, tuberculosis is one of the principles, which influence camel’s Health and has a zoonotic impact. In addition to this, the etiological agents are transmitted to humans through an aerogenous route from those animals with active cases in the herd. The infection has been reported from several parts of pastoral areas of the country essentially dependent on tuberculin tests and abattoir inspections. Therefore, attention should be given to the control of tuberculosis in livestock; public health education on the zoonotic importance of the disease or awareness creation and the national tuberculosis control needs to consider the one health approach and further epidemiological studies should be undertaken.</p
Nutritional, phytochemical and biochemical composition of (Moringa Oleifera) raw seed, seed cake, and leaf meal for Aquaculture feeds
No full textThe study was conducted on the nutritional and biochemical composition of the Moringa oleifera plant (Seed, Seed Cake, and leaf meal) at two different locations. The proximate and mineral composition were carried out at the Central Laboratory of the National Institute for Fresh-water Fisheries Research (NIFFR), New Bussa, Niger State, while the Biochemical and phytochemical analyses were conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The result for the proximate composition of the M. oleifera plant revealed that the moisture content for the M. oleifera leaves sample (8.88 ± 0.39%) was significantly higher when compared with the M. oleifera seed (4.81 ± 0.99%) and seed cake (7.43 ± 0.24%) while the seed having the lowest moisture content (4.81 ± 0.99). The crude protein content for M. oleifera seed cake (53.23 ± 0.42) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of M. oleifera seed (40.66 ± 0.34%) and the leaves meal had the lowest crude protein (27.26 ± 0.55). The ash contents for M. oleifera leaves meal (10.61 ± 0.14%) were significantly higher compared with M. oleifera seed cake (8.34 ± 0.07%), and the seed had the lowest ash content (3.44 ± 0.14%). The lipid content of M. oleifera leaves meal (17.17 ± 0.65%) was significantly higher when compared with M. oleifera seed, and the seed cake had the lowest lipid content (13.51 ± 1.23). The fiber content for M. oleifera seed (17.08 ± 0.61) was significantly higher when compared with M. oleifera leaves meal (8.91 ± 0.33%), and the seed has the lowest fiber content (2.48 ± 0.16). The NFE for M. oleifera leaves meal (27.17 ± 0,45%) was significantly higher when compared with M. oleifera seed (18.24 ± 0.94), and the seed cake had the least NFE content (15.02 ± 1.42%). The result of mineral composition showed that the plant contained a higher amount of some minerals; This includes potassium, calcium sodium, magnesium, and manganese. For the amino acid composition, it clearly stated that the plant contains some essential and non-essential amino acids. The results of the phytochemical test revealed that all the plant parts analyzed contain anti-nutritional factors. Further research should be carried out to test the nutritional and biochemical values of Moringa oleifera seed cake and leaf meal using culture fish species.</p
A microwave-based system combines drying, extraction and sterilization under low-temperature vacuum conditions
No full textThis study develops a simultaneous system combining low-temperature drying, extraction, and sterilization under low temperature, by comprising a microwave source and a vacuum chamber. The study commences by investigating the reduction in moisture content under microwave heating in vacuum conditions as a function of the drying time, the material load, and the microwave output power. Subsequently, the study compares the results obtained for the yield and composition of the essential oil extracted from Coleus amboinicus Loureiro leaves using the proposed system with those obtained using a conventional steam distillation technique. Finally, the study investigates the performance of the developed system in inactivating Bacillus subtilis spores using a low-pressure plasma sterilization technique. The experimental results show that the low-temperature vacuum conditions established in the proposed drying system accelerate the rate of moisture removal. Furthermore, the microwaves penetrate the interior of the material, heating the internal moisture directly. This not only reduces the drying time but also preserves the original flavor and appearance of the dried material. The extraction results show no significant difference between the final yield percentages and compositions of the essential oils extracted using the proposed system and the distilled steam technique, respectively. However, the extraction time is reduced from 90 minutes in the distilled steam method to just 30 minutes in the proposed system. Finally, the plasma sterilization results demonstrate that the proposed system reduces the number of colony-forming units of Bacillus subtilis from 170 to 7 within a treatment time of 1 s, and achieves complete sterilization following 180 s.</p
The current status of Barbus species in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya: A review
No full textLake Victoria is known for its rich fish biodiversity having been home to over 500 fish species. However, over 200 species have become extinct and as a result, it is classified as a world hotspot of species loss. Some of the examples of endemic species that disappeared from the lake and are endangered include the Haplochromines and the Barbus species. The Barbus species is currently not seen in the fish landings from Lake Victoria. It is deemed to have sought refuge in the riverine ecosystems, dams and the adjacent satellite lakes within the Lake Victoria Basin. This has resulted in several gaps emerging including its current status as its taxonomical identification still remains a puzzle to many scientists. This paper, therefore, tries to unearth the foregoing by reviewing the already available literature with an emphasis on the LVB Kenyan part. The Labeobarbus altianalis is still named Barbus altianalis even in the most recent publications thus complicating further. In its distribution, the Barbus species does not occur in the lake currently but is a common candidate in the rivers, dams and satellite lakes within the basin. Some of the cited reasons for its disappearance: are predation by Lates niloticus, overfishing, competition from exotic species, pollution and climate change. However, different studies try to pinpoint its presence in some rivers and this according to an observation made in this study is due to biased sampling, which excludes some rivers in the basin. It is concluded that the taxonomic identification of Barbus species in LVB Kenya remains elusive and this has been blamed on skewed sampling with little regard to all ecosystems in the basin. The paper recommends that an elaborate simultaneous study be done in all the rivers within the LVB, Kenya to collect reliable data for use in Barbus species taxonomy and general biology. Further, county governments in the basin should develop sound policy frameworks on how to sustainably manage riverine fisheries including the domestication of the species in aquaculture.</p
Severe polycystic liver disease: An unsual cause of chronic Budd-Chiari Syndrome
No full textAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disease, characterized by the development of cysts in the renal parenchyma with extra-renal manifestations. Liver damage is rarely a source of complications. A Budd-Chiari syndrome could occur following the compression of the supra-hepatic veins by the cysts. It is an exceptional mechanical complication. We present a case of a 54 year old woman, with a diagnostic of an asymptomatic autosomal dominat polycystic kidney disease since childhood was admitted to our hospital due to significantly increased abdominal girth. The physical examination showed grade III ascites. A paracentesis for relief at admission disclosed an exudative fluid. A abdominal computed tomographic scan showed multiples cystic lesions in the kidneys and liver, with a large hepatic cyst responsible for compression of the suprahepatic veins and the inferior vena cava resulting in chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome. The treatment was radiological drainage followed by percutaneous sclerosis of cysts to alleviation of the compression. Unfortunately, the patient died a few days after an intraperitoneal cystic rupture. </p
Non adherence to physical activity recommendations and associated factors among Type 2 Diabetic patients in Illubabor zone, South West Ethiopia
No full textIntroduction: Diabetic patients’ poor adherence to lifestyle recommendations leads to poor glycemic control and associated micro and macro-vascular complications; however most patients have difficulty in adhering to the lifestyle modifications including physical activity recommendations. This study assessed the magnitude of non-adherence to physical activity recommendation and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients attending follow up at government hospitals in Ilu Abba Bora Zone, southwestern Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 19 to May 19, 2018, among 422 diabetic patients attending regular follow up at government hospitals in Illuababor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, participants were selected using systematic sampling method. Physical activity adherence was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ]. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diabetic patients’ non-adherence to physical activity recommendations. Results: The study found that 38% of diabetic patients were non-adherent to physical activity recommendations. The odds non-adherence to physical activity recommendations was independently associated with patients’ sex (AOR=2 (95%CI:1.2, 3.4)), perceived severity of the illness (AOR=1.7 (95%CI:1.1, 2.8)) and self-efficacy (AOR=2.6 (95%CI:1.6,4.4)). Conclusion and recommendations: High proportions of diabetic patients were non-adherent to physical activity recommendations. Evidence based and Patient centered management plan should be practiced. The results imply that integrating lifestyle modification education focussing on physical activity recommendations should be integrated into diabetic care.</p
Relationship between death anxiety and health-related quality of life among diabetic patients: The predictive roles of experiential avoidance
No full textThis study investigated the predictive roles of experiential avoidance on the relationship between death anxiety and health-related quality of life among diabetic patients. A total of one hundred and five (105) participants (62; 58.5% females) participated in the study. The participant ages ranged from 21-75 years with a mean age of 53.45 and a standard deviation of 14.44. Participants were drawn using the convenience sampling technique and were administered the questionnaires before their consultations. Three instruments were used in data collation namely; the Death Anxiety Inventory-Revised (DAI-R), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ), and the Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQOLQ). Four hypotheses were tested and the results showed that there was no significant correlation between death anxiety and HRQoL (r=-.036), also, experiential avoidance didn’t significantly predict HRQoL (.411, p<.05), experiential avoidance didn’t significantly predict death anxiety (.534, p<.05), while experiential avoidance didn’t predict the relationship between death anxiety and HRQoL (.757, p<.05). The researchers suggest that medical professionals in charge of diabetic patients should look beyond HRQoL and death anxiety in investigating whether there will be an occurrence of experiential avoidance. </p
Return to sport after capsuloplasty with a bone block in shoulder instability
No full textObjective: Propose a post-surgical rehabilitation program identifying the steps necessary for a progressive recovery of the joint function in compliance with the surgical needs.Material & method: In the anterior and posterior glenohumeral instability, the presence of bone defects, especially at the glenoid side requires surgery and the use of the bone block, associated with the repair of the soft tissues (capsuloplasty). The arthroscopic technique, compared to open surgery, allows respecting the periarticular anatomical structures, essential for optimal functional recovery.Results: The post-surgical rehabilitation program follows a progressive recovery timing, divided into 3 phases: phase 1 pain control and joint mobility recovery, phase 2 the recovery of strength and specific sport movements and finally phase 3 the return to sports activities. The rehabilitation progress must achieve two objectives: ROM recovery without disturbing the bone graft area, to achieve its integration.Conclusion: the rehabilitation program is ultimately guided by the surgeon considering the strategy adopted in the operating room, the use of the bone-block technique and above all the sealing of the grafts. The physiotherapist following the proposed steps will optimize the final functional result.</p