International journal of health sciences
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Long-Term occupational exposure to heavy metals (lead, mercury, aluminum) and risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Dementia, is a major global health challenge. Occupational exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum is common in several industries, yet their long-term contribution to dementia risk remains uncertain. Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze epidemiological evidence on the association between chronic occupational exposure to lead, mercury, or aluminum and risk of dementia or AD. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched through August 2025 for observational studies assessing long-term occupational heavy metal exposure and dementia outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled odds ratios (ORs), and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. Results: Fifteen studies involving over 10,000 participants met inclusion criteria. Chronic lead exposure was not significantly associated with dementia risk (OR ≈ 1.10, 95% CI 0.90–1.35). Mercury exposure showed a non-significant trend toward increased risk (OR ≈ 1.15, 95% CI 0.80–1.60). In contrast, chronic aluminum exposure was associated with a significantly higher risk of dementia (OR ≈ 1.50, 95% CI 1.20–1.90), with moderate heterogeneity. Conclusion: Long-term aluminum exposure appears to increase dementia risk, whereas evidence for lead and mercury remains inconclusive. Further longitudinal studies with precise exposure assessment are warranted
The influence of virtual reality approach on phantom pain in trans-tibial amputation: A randomized control trail
Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP): is a common complaint after lower limb amputation can be defined as discomfort or pain in a missing part of the limb. This study was conducted in the research laboratory section, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. Purpose: To investigate the effect of Virtual reality (VR) on phantom limb pain and lower limb Function in trans tibial amputation. Methods: sixty patient with phantom pain were enrolled into 2 equal groups: a study group and a control group. Outcome measures included pain intensity level was measured by McGill pain questionnaire and Lower Extremities Function was measured by Lower Extremities Function Scale. That were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks postintervention. Results: A statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001) of treatment and time was revealed in both groups for all measured variables. Between-group analysis implied a higher improvement in post-intervention results in group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that Using VR with conventional treatment is more effective in case of Phantom pain in trans-tibial amputation that in improving pain intensity level (reduce pain) and Lower Extremities Function than conventional treatment alone
Cryptosporidium disease of small ruminants in the region of El Taref and Mostaghanem: Epidemiological, bacteriological and histopathological characteristics
To identify and quantify Cryptosporidium infection in small ruminants in northern Algeria, specifically in the regions of Tarf and Mostaganem, a three-year survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021. The epidemiological investigation covered several aspects of the prevalence and etiology of Cryptosporidium, including various factors suspected to contribute to the spread of the causative agent of this disease. In addition, a confirmatory study was initiated, with bacteriological and histopathological tests performed on samples collected during the survey period from the various farms examined. The results showed that the epidemic takes several aspects for its spread as well as its persistence, the bacteriological results showed a coincidence of the presence of the pathogen in a significant proportion, and the histopathological interpretation of the slides revealed the diversity of lesions at the intestinal level with the predominance and inversion of enterocytes by sporozoites, resulting in the recurrence of lesions in the different organs collected in all species studied, cattle, sheep and goats
Sport and physical activity, sleep quality, perceived stress, and body mass index among Algerian individuals: A cross sectional study
This research aims to evaluate the sleep quality index and the level of perceived effort among individuals, in addition to measuring differences in body mass index among Algerian individuals based on gender and level of physical activity variables. A quantitative approach was used, where the study was correlational and predictive. The study sample consisted of 394 Algerian adults, and researchers used a set of measures including physical activity scale, sleep quality scale, and perceived stress scale. The study found a number of results, including: No statistically significant differences in body mass index based on gender and level of physical activity, Low level of sleep quality index, and high level of perceived stress index
Unraveling the connection: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in the absence of antiviral therapy: A case report and literature review
This case report presents a 40-year-old female with no prior medical history, who presented with symptoms of low-grade fever, shortness of breath, weakness, and pancytopenia. Upon examination, signs of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with decompensated cirrhosis and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) were evident. The patient did not receive any prior treatment for HCV. The case discussion explores the association between HCV infection and the development of AML, considering existing literature suggesting both direct viral effects and potential effects of HCV antiviral drugs on AML development. Despite collaborative efforts from hematology and oncology specialists, the patient's advanced AML stage precluded specific leukemia therapy. She succumbed to complications related to cirrhosis despite intensive care. This case emphasize the importance of investigating pancytopenia in patients with HCV, highlighting AML as a potential complication, whether due to the virus itself or its treatment, warranting further research
Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) drink spiked with spices-Immunomodulatory properties
Indian gooseberry juice (20% (v/v) was reconstituted with 5% ginger juice (v/v) extracted from freshly harvested rhizomes, 2% each of turmeric rhizome powder and black pepper powder (w/v), followed by raising the total soluble solids to 130Brix by adding sugar syrup. Finally, 5% acid lime juice of 2.45% of titratable citric acid was added to the entire mixture in order to impart a fruity flavour to the product. The entire mixture was homogenized at 175 Bar (2500 psi) with a speed of 235 rpm and was subsequently pasteurized at 1000C for 10 minutes. LC-MS/MS analysis detected phenolic compounds (2-galloyl glucose, 2,6-galloyl glucose), capsaicinoids, curcuminoids, gingerol and shogaol. Though cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited the relative weight of thymus from 0.193 ± 0.048 in normal mice to 0.077 ± 0.034, treatment with the herbal drink significantly increased the relative weight of thymus, showing increased T cell differentiation. Mice treated with the drink showed marginal increase in the WBC count, indicating recovery of immunity. Recovery of bone marrow cellularity in mice fed with the herbal drink was directly proportional to the concentration of the drink. Increase in a-esterase activity was also directly proportional to the concentration of herbal beverage
Prevalance of long-COVID-19 syndrome among patients of MMC, Mardan: A descriptive study
Introduction: The COVID-19 is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-COV-19 virus. As of 2022, 504M cases have been reported globally with a substantial death toll of 6.2M. Although the conventional symptoms remain the same at the time of onset, the post-recovery symptoms vary. The cause of these divers symptoms and their trigger is still under research. We have conducted this research in order to find out the post-infection sequelae among patients. Objectives: 1) To identify the post-COVID-19 manifestations; 2) To address the stigma associated with COVID-19 infection. 3) To determine the different environmental and social aspects of COVID-19 infection; 4) To find the effects of COVID-19 infection on overall quality of life. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted among 50 COVID-19 recovered patients in Mardan Medical complex. Data was collected from pathology laboratory, Mardan Medical complex. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages
The relationship of psychological capital, transformational leadership, and internal communication to work engagement in organizations
Organization A, which represents the country in the oil and gas industry and is tasked with managing oil and gas activities in Indonesia to ensure national energy security, requires employees with high work engagement. This requires enthusiasm, dedication, and perseverance to contribute fully to their work. However, human resource management surveys and several phenomena analyzed show that work engagement in Organization A is low. This research consists of two studies: a research study and an intervention study. This research aims to analyze the relationship between psychological capital (individual internal factors), transformational leadership (individual external factors), and internal communication (organizational factors) on work engagement using a sample of 267 employees of Organization A. Using a quantitative design supported by qualitative data, and found that individual psychological capital, transformational leadership style, and internal communication in the organization significantly predicted work engagement. Among these factors, internal communication predicted work engagement beyond psychological capital and transformational leadership. An intervention study involving 23 participants was designed to determine the effectiveness of an internal communication strategy training program in increasing work engagement. Results from the intervention study showed significant improvements in participants' pre-test and post-test scores, indicating the effectiveness of the program in increasing work engagement
A review on cardio-hepatic toxic macrolide: Azithromycin
Drug-induced cardio-hepatic toxicity is the foremost cause of heart and liver damage, with the use of antimicrobial-agent. Most patients, although recuperate after discontinuing the offending-agent, severe cases may consequence in progressive disease. Azithromycin is a rare cause of idiosyncratic drug-induced cardiac and liver injury. This semi-synthetic macrolide has a substantial potency against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms due to the presence of a nitrogen atom in its ring. A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Azithromycin divulges a lower number of interactions with proteins, whereas, QTc prolongation with torsades de pointes (Tdp) and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia are communally occurred in cardiovascular system, due to dysregulation of intracellular [Ca++] via the Na+-Ca++ exchanger activity, leading to delayed after depolarizations. In addition azithromycin-induced liver injury was more cholestatic in nature, with an ALT/ALP ratio of <2 ULN, contributing vanishing bile duct syndrome. This review hereafter revealed the adverse effect of azithromycin in relation with cardio – hepatic toxicity
Integrating nursing, pharmacy, and health records in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Protocols: Best practices for emergency responders in cardiology
Background: Cardiovascular illnesses are a leading cause of mortality globally, with coronary heart disease (CHD) being a common cardiovascular disorder that poses a significant health burden on communities. CHD is characterized by inadequate blood supply to the heart due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, resulting in chest discomfort, heart attacks, and potentially fatal outcomes. Aim of Work: The aim of the research is to recognize the risk factors contributing to CHD, explore prevention methods, evaluate suitable treatment options, and identify effective rehabilitation techniques, particularly focusing on the role of nursing care in managing patients with this condition. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase) up to 2018. The present research involved a comprehensive analysis of existing literature to examine effective nursing interventions and care strategies for patients with coronary heart disease, including monitoring, education, and emotional support. Results: Nurses play a crucial role in managing CHD by monitoring vital signs, administering medications, conducting diagnostic tests, and ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate therapies.