Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Hemorrhagic stroke is a highly debilitating condition with several rehabilitation problems.This study aimed to discern the effects of intensive TENS therapy for 2 weeks, on a motor-impaired haemorrhagic stroke patient’s recovery, with 6 weeks of conventional physiotherapy, to elucidate the effect of TENS and conventional physiotherapy on serum Creatine Kinase and serum Troponin T. Our outcome measures were serum Creatine Kinase, serum Troponin T, and modified Barthel Index scores. This was a pre-post convenient sampling controlled interventional study, conducted in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, with 10 control subjects and 10 TENS-therapy subjects. The intervention group underwent intensive TENS therapy and conventional physiotherapy for 2 weeks, then 4 weeks of conventional physiotherapy. The control group underwent 6 weeks of conventional physiotherapy. All three outcome measures were measured before and after 2 weeks of intensive TENS therapy and 6 weeks of conventional therapy. Results indicated Creatine Kinase and Troponin T were unaffected by 2 weeks of intensive TENS therapy and 6 weeks of conventional physiotherapy (Creatine Kinase p=0.521) (Troponin T p=0.632). The same also applied to 6 weeks of conventional physiotherapy alone (Creatine Kinase p=0.572) (Troponin T p=0.921). Conversely, modified Barthel Index score comparisons show significant increases in intervention group (p=0.040) compared to control group. This study is a pilot study for future research.

Abstract : Intelligence is defined as a general mental ability for reasoning, problem solving, and learning. To assess the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a child, many factors play a role such as genetics, family, social, cultural and environmental. Blood lead levels (BLLs) in 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or more are associated with decreased intelligence, behavioral disorders and learning problems. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low IQ and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in West Bangka. Data on 190 children aged 2-9 years and their mothers were collected. The subjects were divided into two categories on the results of intelligence assessment (IQ test) by Startford-Binet intelligence scale. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the prevalence and associated factors with low IQ. The total prevalence of BLL > 5µg/dL and low IQ in children were 57.9% and 62.3%, respectively. However, after adjustment for head circumference for age, height for age, maternal and paternal education level, BLL was not associated with low IQ in children. Children with microcephaly were more likely to be low IQ (adjusted OR : 4.304 95% CI : 1.602 – 11.563, p = 0.004) than children with normocephaly. Children whose mothers had low education level were at a higher risk for low IQ (adjusted OR : 3.785, 95% CI : 1.976 – 7.248, p = 0.000) compared to children whose mothers had high level education.

Abstract : For a proper activity of the drug, researchers study all factors that could impact the pharmacological action of the drug, including interactions between drug and juices which are the most important factor that alters the effect of a medicine. HPLC/MS technique helps analyze the concentration of drugs in plasma to identify the impact of co-administrated substances on it. In our review article, we concentrated on citrus fruit juices (Grapefruit, Seville orange, and Pomelo), Cranberry juice, and pomegranate and their effect on the pharmacokinetics of studied drugs (Cyclosporine, Warfarin, and Colchicine). In this review, it found that some of the interactions showed several changes in pharmacokinetics parameters Like T max, C max, AUC, and modification in Half-life. While others remained without any interference. In conclusion, the complexity of the fruit juice's composition makes it difficult to study, but healthcare providers should be aware of any possible side effects or unusual interactions that may occur while taking medication with juices. Keywords — Interactions, Juice(s), Drug(s), Pharmacokinetics, HPLC-MS technique, Cyclosporine, Warfarin, Colchicine, Pomelo, Seville orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Pomegranate.

Abstract : Background and Aim:The Coronavirus disease(COVID-19) pandemic has affected healthcare service delivery globally including gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy services at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods:This was a retrospective study of all Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopies(UGIE) and Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopies(LGIE) performed between February 2016 and February 2021. The Age, Gender, Procedure type and Number of procedures performed were obtained from the endoscopy register. The data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) version 21.0. Results:A total number of 208 UGIE were performed during the period under review, out of which 109(52.4%) were males and 99(47.6%) were females. Furthermore, a total number of 48 LGIE were performed during the period under review, out of which 34(70.8%) were males and 14(29.2%) were females. There had been a gradual rise over the years in the number of the UGIE performed, with 34(16.3%) procedures in 2016 to 57(27.4%) procedures in 2019 but declined to 31(14.9%) in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. There had also been a gradual rise over the years in the number of the LGIE performed, with 5(10.4%) procedures in 2016 to 15(31.2%) procedures in 2019 but declined to 14(29.2%) in 2020. Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic impacted negatively on the volume of endoscopy procedures performed.

Abstract : Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has spread worldwide, infecting more than 180 million people and 3.9 million deaths. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic or mild infection to severe illness. This study aims to examine the risk of severe COVID-19 illness associated with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted to the University Hospital in 2020. Patients ages < 18 years and pregnant people were not included in the analysis. Data were obtained from medical records. Cases were selected for the analysis only if the information was complete. There were 725 COVID-19 cases included for the analysis. We used adjusted PRs (and 95% CI) to estimate the risk of COVID-19 severity associated with obesity. Results: 178 had severe symptoms. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease were more likely to suffer severe COVID-19 symptoms. After taking into account on age, gender, diabetes and heart disease, obesity was associated with severe COVID-19 illness (PR 1.78 and 95% CI:1.32-2.38). The risk of COVID-19 severity associated with obesity were consistent on levels of age, sex, and comorbidities. Conclusion: Obesity increases the risk of severity in COVID-19. Maintaining healthy life style, including routine exercise, choice of healthy food and routine medical checkup may reduce the risk of COVID-19 severity