OJHAS: The Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

2005;1-1 - Editorial

Rao AN. Trace Element Estimation – Methods & Clinical Context

Abstract: Understanding the effects of trace metals on human health is as complex as it is fascinating. As mentioned earlier, the high concentrations may prove toxic, as also, depletion in the concentration of the essential trace elements may cause various metabolic instabilities due to enzyme dysfunction. In the era of rapid industrialization and technological advances, it is imperative to watch keenly for contamination of the environment and its vital composition from heavy metal wastes emanating out of industries. Many metabolic disorders in man are accompanied by alterations in the concentration of one or more trace elements in some body fluid, especially blood serum or plasma It is thus important to update ourselves with various techniques available for such determinations, their operational aspects, advantages / disadvantages etc. More recently, element analysis from hair and nail has been stated as the best indices of such contamination and has also been discussed in this article.
Key words: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, ICP-MS, Stripping Voltameter, Colorimetry, Electro Thermal Vaporization, Neutron Activation Analysis, Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis

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2005;1-2 - Original Article

Mahajan RK, Walia TPS, Sumanjit. Stripping Voltammetric Determination Of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead And Copper In Blood Samples Of Children Aged Between 3 Months And 6 years.

Abstract: Blood samples of 160 children, ranging age between 3 months and 6 years were selected from five different parts of Amritsar district of Punjab (India) and were analyzed for Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu using anodic stripping voltammetry. Large variations in the results have been correlated to the area inhabited, age differences and other factors. It was found that the areas, more prone to environmental stress, had shown more quantities of these metals in blood samples in comparison to those which were taken from safer sites. Similarly the younger children lesser exposed to environmental pollution had shown comparatively lesser quantity of these metals in comparison to older objects.
Key words: Stripping voltammetry, Blood, Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper

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2005;1-3 - Epidemiology

Ikaraoha CI, Taylor GOL, Anetor JI, Igwe CU, Ukaegbu QO, Nwobu GO, Mokogwu ATH. Demographic Features, Beliefs And Socio–Psychological Impact Of Acne Vulgaris Among Its Sufferers In Two Towns In Nigeria.

Abstract: There is paucity of reports in the demographic knowledge, belief and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris sufferers towards the disorder in a black population. This is the first study from Nigeria designed to address this issue. A total of 174 facial acne sufferers completed a self-administered questionnaire, which contained several items mentioning different areas in their belief, knowledge, perception, severity, socio-psychological impact and medication attention. The findings were discussed and compared to those of the Caucasians. The occurrence of the disorder was higher in females (65.0%) compared to the males (35.0%). About 54.0% of the female subjects indicated increase in severity of the disorder during their pre-menstrual period. Also 64.9% of acne sufferers indicated increase in severity during the rainy season, while 93.1% of the population implicated stress to perpetuate the severity of the disorder. Most (75.7%) of the acne sufferers believed that it is caused by oily diet, 40.8% thought that it is hereditary, while barely 5.2% had at sometime sought doctor's attention. Non- prescription products used by acne sufferers were cleansers and cream/lotions. Psychological abnormalities experienced by the sufferers included social inhibition, depression and anxiety. Pain and discomfort are the psychosomatic symptoms. No major differences were found in the beliefs, misconception and socio-psychological impact of acne sufferers in a black population (Nigeria) compared to the Caucasians. There is need to improve the understanding of the disorder in Nigeria through health education programmes.
Key words: Acne vulgaris, Beliefs, Nigeria, Perceptions, Severity

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2005;1-4 - Original Article

Menik HL, Sammanthi JS, Priyantha WT, Wijewickrama GS, Shalika P, Kotapola I. Genetic Association Between Insulin Resistance And Total Cholesterol In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Preliminary Observation

Abstract: We investigated the degree of genetic association between insulin resistance (IR) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and abnormalities in lipid metabolism in 42 patients. IR was assessed by fasting insulin test (FI), McAuley (McA), HOMA and QUICKI methods. IR was detected in 34 (81%) patients by FI, McA and in 39 (93%) patients by HOMA and QUICKI. 26 (62%) patients had family history of DM and 23 (89%) of them displayed IR by FI & McA. 24 of them (92%) displayed IR by HOMA and QUICKI. Our results suggest that association between the family history of DM and IR were statistically significant by chi-square test (P<0.05). Further, 29 (69%) patients had elevated total cholesterol levels. Association between elevated total cholesterol and IR as assessed by FI test was also statistically significant (x²=4.6; p<0.05). Results of our study indicate the statistically significant genetic association of IR with abnormal cholesterol metabolism and family history of DM.
Key words: Type 2 diabetes, Insulin resistance, McAuley index, Dyslipidaemia

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2005;1-5 - Original Article

Uhumwangho MU, Okor RS, Ayomanor M. Influence of Mucilage Viscosity On The Globule Structure And Stability Of Certain Starch Emulsions

Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the influence of mucilage viscosity on the globule structure (i.e. size and number) of certain starch emulsions. The starches investigated were cassava, potato and maize. The emulsions were prepared by mixing the starch mucilage of a predetermined concentration 4%w/v with arachis oil in the ratio 50:50, using a silverson mixer fitted with a dispersator head. The emulsions were stored at room temperature (28�2⁰C) for 7 days. Changes in globule size were monitored by photomicroscopy. Viscosities of the mucilage and those of resulting emulsions were determined using a capillary flow method. The viscosities of the emulsions expressed as time of flow (seconds), were 680 (cassava starch), 369 (potato starch) and 270 (Maize starch), and for the mucilage 510 (cassava), 336 (potato) and 248 (maize). The corresponding mean globule sizes of the fresh emulsions were (�m) 28�6, 42�6 and 45�5 respectively. The increase in globule size during storage (measure of globule coalescence rate) was 1.8�0.2�m day ^-1 (cassava), 3.5�0.2�m day ^-1 (potato) and 4.6�0.3�m day ^-1 (maize). Thus, a higher viscosity of the dispersion medium is associated with the production of finer and more stable emulsions.
Key words: Globule structure, Mucilage viscosity, Stability, Starch emulsions.

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2005;1-6 - Case Report

Sherigar JM, Dalal AD, Patel JR. Uterine Perforation With Subtotal Small Bowel Prolapse – A Rare Complication of Dilatation and Curettage

Abstract: Uterine perforation is the well known complication of induced abortion. We report a rare case of uterine perforation with subtotal prolapse of small bowel following first trimester abortion by an unqualified physician. Early surgical exploration with resection and anastomosis of bowel performed. Patient discharged uneventfully after postoperative recovery.
Key words: Abortion, Conception, Mesentery, Curettage, Jejunum and Ileum

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2005;1-7 - Case Report

Nair RP, Sebastian P. Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Presenting As Puberty Menorrhagia

Abstract: Endometrial stromal sarcomas are rare uterine tumours usually seen in perimenopausal females. We report here a case of low grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma in an adolescent girl, presenting as puberty menorrhagia. She underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic node sampling. She also received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is disease free at completion of one year of follow-up.
Key words: Endometrial stromal sarcoma, puberty menorrhagia, sarcoma uterus

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