AS Jacob, OR Simon, D Wheatle, P Ruddock, K McCook
In Jamaica, the slug, (Diplosolenodes occidentalis) is used in folklore practice to alleviate the symptoms of an asthmatic attack. A pure bioactive compound, glyceryl trilinolenate (GT) was isolated from the crude slug extract. Glyceryl trilinolenate is a non-toxic and specific H1 antagonist acting non-competitively to produce relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle. It also reduces cutaneous wheal formation and inflammation. This is the first scientific documentation of the actions of GT.
The leaves and root of Strophanthus preusii have proven to be potent natural antioxidants which could justify their traditional use in the management of stress-related diseases.
K Mitchell-Fearon, N Waldron, K James, H Laws, D Holder-Nevins, D Eldemire-Shearer
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes and hypertension in the older Jamaican population has significantly increased over the last 20 years. Immediate, short-term activities that target the individual are necessary if NCDs are to be prevented and/or be properly controlled.
KA Mani, M Hoo Sang, NO Younger-Coleman, TS Ferguson
Ischaemic heart disease accounted for 12.1% of medical admissions at the University Hospital of the West Indies for the years 2005–2010. Inpatient mortality rate for acute myocardial infarction was 18.9%.
Fatal cases of penetrating injuries are most often stab wounds, are more common in young men and constitute a drain on scarce resources. Autopsy documentation of injuries at the University Hospital of the West Indies requires improvement and synoptic reporting may be of value.
This study has aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma in Khorramabad. The prevalence of asthma in Khorramabad in our study was more than in other similar studies in Iran and other countries. Doing analytical studies on the prevalence of asthma and its risk factors is recommended.
TT Semei-Spencer, S Kinthala, M Fakoory, P Gaskin, H Seetharaman, YK Areti
There is an inverse correlation between Short Form 36 scores and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score. The health-related quality of life, 90 days after the patients were discharged from the intensive care unit, is average or above average in the majority of the patients.
As the world’s population ages, the incidence of femoral neck fractures will rise. The cost of treating such fractures poses a significant challenge to most countries. Jamaica’s cost is similar to that of other developing countries.
Adding haemoglobin to total lymphocyte count improves the sensitivity of the marker to predict CD4 count <200/mm3, thus ensuring initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy and thereby reducing investigational costs.
A prospective study was conducted on 162 umbilical cord blood samples of healthy term neonates at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital in Trinidad to determine reference values for interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein.
H Kahveci, MI Turan, A Çayir, F Laloglu, V Ertekin, Z Orbak
Silent coeliac disease may occur in parents especially in mothers of preterm and small gestational age infants even in the absence of apparent clinical indications.
This study compares the cardiac pacemaker implantation rates in Trinidad and Tobago in 2005 and 2009 and examines the rate of implantation compared to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Trinidad and Tobago and other countries.
Painful crisis in patients with sickle cell anaemia is associated with severe pain in 75% and most will require second line therapy for adequate resolution. Physicians need to provide adequate pain relief to decrease morbidity in these patients.
The results of this study highlight that there is a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance of the facts relating to the function of the foreskin in children. There is an obvious need for better parent education.
The levels of satisfaction with the dental care at The University of the West Indies School of Dentistry were measured using the dental satisfaction questionnaire developed by Davies and Ware (1982). High levels of overall satisfaction with dental care were found at this facility.
The levels of satisfaction with the dental care at the University of the West Indies School of Dentistry were measured using the dental satisfaction questionnaire developed by Davies and Ware (1982). High levels of overall satisfaction with dental care were found at this facility.
Consent in stroke management may be required for treatment, intervention or for research reasons. Stroke patients may be prone to impulsive decision-making in real life and this may negatively impact on consent decisions made by the patient.