International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (3), pp.025-028, December, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Approach and responsiveness of health care workers towards nosocomial infections in a teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria

Woju E. A¹, Olufujana West², Asheshe V. O², Abiodun K. E^1* and Ogbunegbe Frank²

¹Department of public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Igbinedion University,Okada, Edo, Nigeria.

²Department of Epidemiology, School Of Medicine, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: dr.abiodun777@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 19 November, 2014

Abstract 

This study assessed Approach and responsiveness of health care workers in LAUTECH teaching Hospital Osogbo towards Nosocomial infections. Regardless of progress in health care system, Nosocomial infections still remains an avertable disease intimidating public health. Descriptive cross sectional study among hospital workers using multistage sampling method was used. Research instruments were semi structured self administered and pre-tested questionnaires, and data analyzed using the SPSS software. Eighty three (91.2%), 77 (84.6%) and 59 (64.8%) of the health workers were aware of patients, hospital staff and hospital environment, respectively as causes of nosocomial infections. Thirty one (34.1%) were aware of presence of their hospital policy on control of nosocomial infections, while 36(39.6%) were aware of presence of infection control committee in the hospital. Twelve (13.2%) has ever notified nosocomial infection. Preventive practices towards nosocomial infections were favourable for hand washing, and unfavourable for self reporting to the staff clinic when sick. There is no significant association between ever reported or willingness to report nosocomial infections and awareness of hospital policy or presence of infection control committee in the hospital (P > 0.05). There is a need to raise awareness on nosocomial infections among health care workers as well as preventive measures against these infections.

Key words: Infection control committee, health care workers, Nosocomial infection, responsiveness.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (2), pp.020-024, November, 2014.© International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study on the viewpoint of medical students about treatment and rehabilitation of patients with mental illness

^*1Fajure Kolawole, Osondu V.E², M. I Darlington¹ and Demola Bayo¹

¹Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.

²Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Benin, Edo, Nigeria.

E-mail: kola.fajure60@yahoo.com.

Accepted 15 October, 2014

Abstract 

Advances in treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness (PWMI) have generally improved their well-being. However, some people most especially the lay public and no-psychiatric health workers still hold a lot of reservation about the effectiveness of such management interventions. Thus, this study set out to explore medical students’ beliefs about treatment and rehabilitation of PWMI. A descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out among medical students of the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects were selected through multistage and systematic random sampling techniques, with age and sex-matched controls selected among dental students. They were evaluated with a Questionnaire adapted from an instrument earlier used by Sechrest et al. (1973) on cross-cultural study of attitude to mental illness among university students. A total of 130 medical students (subjects) and 57 controls (dental students) were studied. The mean age of subjects was 23.2 ± 3.0 years. Varying beliefs about mental illness (MI) were expressed by both subjects and controls. The study has found varying beliefs of the subjects about treatment and rehabilitation of PWMI, most of which are favorable. However, there is still need to emphasize on anti-stigma education on the subjects over their perceived negative beliefs about psychiatry.

Key words: Beliefs, treatment and rehabilitation, mental illness, medical students.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (2), pp.013-019, November, 2014.© International Scholars Journals

Review

Enhanced discovery of disease genes and availability of DNA- based diagnostic methods

Nwafor D. Celine

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Edo, Nigeria.

Email.nwafor77@gmail.com

Accepted 05 October, 2014

Abstract 

Contrary to the skepticism that characterized the planning stages of the human genome project, the technology and sequence data resulting from the project are set to revolutionize medical practice for good. The expected benefits include: improved discovery of disease genes, which will lead to improved knowledge on the genetic basis of diseases; availability of DNA- based diagnostic methods, which will find widespread application in preimplantation diagnosis, carrier screening, pre-symptomatic testing and population screening; the availability of more effective and more tolerant drugs, which will result in more effective therapies characterized by higher potency and reduced incidence of adverse reactions. However, there are still a number of technological, ethical, legal and social obstacles that must be addressed before these medical advances are incorporated into routine clinical practice. To justify the huge investments in the human genome project, the new advancements should be affordable by all, and must not result in a further widening of the gap between the quality of healthcare available in the resource-rich and the resource-poor countries.

Key words: Human genome, genomics, medicine, therapy, diagnosis, metabolise.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (1), pp.007-012, October, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Analysis of traditional Chinese medicine based on microbial fermentation and transformation

^*1Dilmurat Hwang, ¹Zhang Chelen, Jinping H.E² and Yong Xiaobao²

¹College of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.

²School of Medical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

E-mail: d.hwangresearch@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 28 September, 2014

Abstract 

Microbial fermentation and alteration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important way to achieve a amalgamation of modern biotechnology and TCM’s research, and gaining an increasing worldwide popularity as a new type of traditional Chinese medicinal processing approach to develop pharmaceuticals in therapeutic applications. This new technology not only broadens the scope of TCM’s research and application, but also provides us a new idea and way to understand and use TCM scientifically and effectively. This paper reviews the current status of microbial fermentation and transformation of TCM at home and abroad, mainly from TCM’s ideas, principles, existed problems and significances of research. The focus is on medicinal fungi fermentation and transformation of TCM. In the discussion of specific microorganisms, the emphasis is placed on Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa or Maitake) and Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), for which experimental work has been on-going actively in the authors' laboratories. Other selected microorganisms will be discussed only briefly, aiming primarily to illustrate the current status of research in this area.

Key words: Microbial fermentation, transformation, Grifola frondosa, microorganism, biotectnology.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN: 5414-9203 Vol. 1 (1), pp.001-006, October, 2014.  © International Scholars Journals

Review

Re-energized Interest of medical and veterinary Biochemists to DNA technology

*¹Sokarji E. A, ¹Nwagboh A. O and Odugbo O. George²

¹Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross Rivers, Nigeria.

E-mail: ea.sokarji333@gmail.com

Accepted 09 September, 2014

Abstract

The illumination of the structure, function and metabolism of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has led to the current global revolution in the recombinant DNA technology, with the possibility to modify these molecules in many ways for the benefit of man and animals. In this review, we considered the basic principles of genetic engineering (gene cloning), bioinformatics, and its applications in medical and veterinary sciences. The issue of ethical questions and fears about biotechnology is also discussed. The ultimate goal of this paper is to re-energized the interest of medical and veterinary personnels, biochemists and related scientists to this technology, which is well able to have an effect on the way all the biosciences will be practiced in this new millennium.

Key words: Biotechnology, medical, veterinary research, DNA technology, biochemist.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 4 (8), pp. 001-004, August, 2013. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Case Report

Open Flap Debridement in the Treatment of Periodontal Myiasis: A case report

Syed Ansar Ahamd¹ and Saif Khan²*

¹Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi, India.

²Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, Dr Z. A. Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U P, India.

Accepted 2 December, 2012

Abstract

Myiasis is an infestation of live vertebrate by dipterous larva, which feeds on living and dead host tissue, host products and byproducts. Here, we report a case of a female aged 35 years old, mentally retarded presented with severe pain, swelling, crawling worms in the upper teeth and lip region. She was a chronic mouth breather with very poor hygiene. On clinical examination, a larvae was seen in the periodontal pocket with relation to teeth #21 and 22, which was later by entomological examination identified as Chrysomya bezziana. The patient was managed by mechanical removal of the larvae from pocket using turpentine oil and then by open flap debridement with removal of all maggots. This case report emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene instruction, motivation and education in mentally challenged patients. Controlling fly vector population, maintaining good oral and personal hygiene contributes in checking this infestation.

Key words: Myiasis, mouth breather, oral hygiene, Chrysomya bezziana.