Niger J Clin Pract
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Alopecia areata (AA) involves oxidative reactions in the hair follicle. Its treatment is difficult due to both the unknown etiology and the adverse drug effects. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of orally administered ginger powder on the oxidative stress markers of the plasma and blood cells in Iraqi patients with AA. ⋯ Consumption of ginger as a supplement by the patients with AA could improve the oxidant/antioxidant balance of the erythrocytes and lymphocytes and restoring the normal level of serum zinc.
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Observational Study
ICD detected patient activity is associated with arrhythmic events in heart failure patients.
Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) reduces mortality in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricle function, arrhythmic episodes are related with increased mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low patient activity predicts arrhythmic events in the heart failure patients with primary prevention ICD. ⋯ Detected low patient activity in ICD control may be a predictor of arrhythmic episodes and appropriate therapies. Increasing physical activity may potentially protect these patients from unwanted events.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A psychoeducation program for stress management and psychosocial problems in multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients should cope effectively with problems of life and with problems originating from the disease. This is important because it affects the course of the disease, psychiatric morbidity, and quality of life. ⋯ Based on the study, among the ways of coping with stress, problem-focused approach increased, whereas the emotional-focused approach decreased statistically significantly in the intervention group. Among the psychiatric symptoms, the levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization decreased. However, there was no significant change in the negative self-concept and hostility symptoms. The total quality-of-life scores increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the intervention group, these effects continued in the three-month-follow-up measurement. The control group showed no statistically significant change in the same parameters during the same periods. It is recommended that group psychoeducation programs should be carried out extensively in order for MS patients to cope with stress effectively and improve their mental health and quality of life.
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Hypertension is one of the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigerians. We describe blood pressure (BP) control and kidney disease markers in patients with hypertension as part of measures to curb the burden of this chronic debilitating disease. ⋯ A large proportion of hypertensive patients in north-central Nigeria have poorly controlled BP. Kidney damage is common among these patients.
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of presentation, anatomic anomalies, and treatment outcomes in patients presenting with acute testicular torsion in a tertiary health institution in southeast Nigeria. ⋯ Acute testicular torsion is a disease of young adults in southeast Nigeria. It is commoner on the left side with transverse lie being the most common predisposing factor. A new peak incidence in the 20-25-year age group is demonstrated. Late presentation is common but did not impact testicular loss in this study.