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Research Article
Banana Peels Enhanced with Lactobacillus Acidophilus as Radiotherapy Against Radiation Exposures Hazards
Eman Hamdy Nawar*
,
Wael Abdalla Elhelece
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
1-13
Received:
28 September 2025
Accepted:
18 October 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
Abstract: Banana peel is a food by product, even it considered a waste and throw away, while it could be used as a food or in some cases as a drug according to its nutritional constituents. In this study we aim to use a mixture of dried banana peel powder (5% or 10%), lacteol forte (Lactobacillus acidophilus) enhanced diet to improve immunological parameters and overcome gamma radiation hazards. Examining effects of the diet enhanced with synbiotic mixtures previously mentioned on nutritional, haematological, liver profile, oxidative stress, immunological parameters as well as Histopathological examination in gamma irradiated male albino rats. 6Gy whole body single dose irradiated rats were randomly distributed into three groups, the first group was left as a positive control (C(+ve)), the second group was fed on a diet supplied with 5% dried banana peel powder and 109 lactobacillus colon forming unit (5% Ban.) group and the third group the diet supplied with 10% dried banana peel powder and 109 lactobacillus colon forming unit (10%Ban.) group the three groups were compared with the normal group (C(-ve) rats in the same conditions without any type of treatment). The results showed that hematopoietic system was damaged due to gamma radiation exposure. Also, Intestine tissue histopathology of the irradiated group (C(+ve)) was partially damaged compared to normal (C(-ve)). Diffuse and deep mucosal necrosis leading to severe loss of villi and crypts with prominent necrosis and depletion of lymphocytes in Payer's patches were obseved. All these effects were treated using the banana peels lactobacillus acidophilus symbiotic mixture and 10% group was the best.
Abstract: Banana peel is a food by product, even it considered a waste and throw away, while it could be used as a food or in some cases as a drug according to its nutritional constituents. In this study we aim to use a mixture of dried banana peel powder (5% or 10%), lacteol forte (Lactobacillus acidophilus) enhanced diet to improve immunological parameters...
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Methodology Article
Geometric Statistical Measures in the Analysis of Skewed and Zero-Valued Data: Implications for Biomedical Research
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
14-19
Received:
7 September 2025
Accepted:
30 October 2025
Published:
8 December 2025
Abstract: Research in fields such as biomedicine often generates data that do not conform to a normal distribution, exhibiting positive skewness (right skewness), as is characteristic of the log-normal distribution. In these scenarios, the use of the arithmetic mean (AM) and standard deviation (SD) can lead to misinterpretations of central tendency and dispersion, as the AM is sensitive to extreme values and overestimates wide numerical ranges. This paper presents a guide on the use of the Geometric Mean (GM), the Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD), and the Geometric Coefficient of Variation (GCV) as the most appropriate statistical tools for this type of data, as well as for sets with disparate numerical scales. The fundamental practical challenge of zero values, common in biomedical measurements such as viral loads or analyte concentrations, is addressed. A specific methodology for treating data with zeros is detailed and justified, consisting of the addition and subsequent subtraction of a unit to allow the calculation of geometric statistics. Finally, two approaches for calculating the Geometric Coefficient of Variation are analyzed and compared, highlighting its nature as a power basis rather than a simple mathematical ratio, and discussing its comparative utility despite its complex interpretation. The need for a better understanding and application of these metrics to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of data analyses is emphasized.
Abstract: Research in fields such as biomedicine often generates data that do not conform to a normal distribution, exhibiting positive skewness (right skewness), as is characteristic of the log-normal distribution. In these scenarios, the use of the arithmetic mean (AM) and standard deviation (SD) can lead to misinterpretations of central tendency and dispe...
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Research Article
A Multi-Center Assessment of Occupational Radiation Exposure Levels Due to Radio-Diagnostic Activities in Four Specialist Hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria
Peter Emmanuel Anzaku*,
Tijani Saleh Bichi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
20-27
Received:
23 July 2025
Accepted:
8 August 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Medical applications of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, and computed tomography, are indispensable for diagnosis and treatment but pose potential health risks to occupational workers. Concerns about ionizing radiation exposure highlight the critical need for effective radiation protection and continuous monitoring. This study evaluated occupational radiation exposure among workers in radio-diagnostic activities across four specialist hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria over a 12-month period (March 2024–March 2025). Using 20 thermo-luminescence dosimeters (TLDs) distributed across the centers, quarterly readings were processed at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Zaria, to determine annual surface skin dose (Hp(0.07)) and deep skin dose (Hp(10)). The mean annual Hp(0.07) and Hp(10) across all hospitals were 1.03 mSv and 2.16 mSv, respectively, with individual doses ranging from 0.11 mSv to 1.70 mSv for Hp(0.07) and 0.14 mSv to 3.92 mSv for Hp(10). One-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in mean annual doses among the four hospitals (F=0.335, p=0.800 for Hp(0.07); F=0.327, p=0.806 for Hp(10)). These exposure levels were consistently well within national (NNRA: 20 mSv/year) and international (ICRP: 5 mSv/year effective dose) limits, indicating effective radiation protection. The observed consistency across centers underscores the importance of continued personnel monitoring and adherence to the ALARA principle to minimize stochastic effects.
Abstract: Medical applications of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, and computed tomography, are indispensable for diagnosis and treatment but pose potential health risks to occupational workers. Concerns about ionizing radiation exposure highlight the critical need for effective radiation protection and continuous monitoring. Thi...
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Research Article
Case Report on Rare Presentation of Hepatic Cavernous Haemangioma with Diffuse Hemangiomatosis from Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
28-31
Received:
22 September 2025
Accepted:
4 October 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
Abstract: Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common liver tumors. They are usually small and asymptomatic, and most often detected incidentally due to the increasing use of imaging modalities. While hemangiomas can occur at any age, they are most commonly found in individuals in their 4th to 6th decade. The majority of haemangiomas are less than 5 cm in size, while those larger than 10 cm are classified as giant hemangiomas. Most of the hemangiomas are solitary, but in 40% of cases, it may involve both right and left lobes and in rare cases, it is associated with diffuse hemangiomatosis. Most hemangiomas are asymptomatic but rarely they may present as an abdominal mass or pain. Large lesions located in the left lobe of the liver may cause pressure effects on adjacent structures such as stomach and bile duct causing nausea leading to anorexia, nausea and jaundice. Rarely large hemangiomas may compress Inferior Vena cava and patients may present with lower limb edema. The diagnosis of hepatic haemangioma mostly depends on cross-sectional imaging. Modalities like CT and MRI are used to diagnose hemangioma and to rule out other differential diagnoses, such as cysts, hepatic adenomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, and distant metastases. Laboratory tests like α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) are important to help rule out malignant lesions. Most hemangiomas do not require any surgical management. However, in patients who present with bothersome symptoms, have a larger size (greater than 10 cm), experience complications like rupture, or have lesions where malignancy cannot be ruled out, surgical treatment should be considered. In our case, the patient presented with compression effects and was diagnosed with a huge hemangioma with hemangiomatous. Resection was performed, and the patient was relieved of symptoms after the surgical intervention.
Abstract: Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common liver tumors. They are usually small and asymptomatic, and most often detected incidentally due to the increasing use of imaging modalities. While hemangiomas can occur at any age, they are most commonly found in individuals in their 4th to 6th decade. The majority of haemangiomas are less than 5 cm in size, ...
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Research Article
Condom Utilization and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Community Based Cross-sectional Study
Solomon Amare Getahun*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
32-46
Received:
4 November 2025
Accepted:
14 November 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
Abstract: Condom utilization is a critical measure of the effectiveness of condom programming and is a key health outcome in assessing behavioral changes and progress in preventing human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections among high-risk groups, particularly female sex workers. This study aimed to assess individual and institutional factors influencing condom utilization among female sex workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The objectives to assess condom utilization and identify associated factors among female sex workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024, to inform for preventing new HIV/STI infections. A methods used cross-sectional study design, supplemented with qualitative methods, was conducted in communities from September 15 to October 15, 2024. Out of 403 FSWs in Addis Ababa, was sampled using a snowball sampling technique, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Data entry and completeness checks were performed using Epi Data version 3.1, and analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors significantly associated with condom utilization (p <0.05). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and described indirect words. The results response rate was 97.5%, with 393 FSWs participating. The overall condom utilization rate was 77.2% (95% CI: 73.1%-81.2%), which is below the national expectation of 90%. Factors significantly associated with condom utilization included workplace (AOR=6.77, 95% CI=1.43-32.17), communication (AOR=0.06, 95% CI=0.01-0.24), condom use skills (AOR=0.16, 95% CI=0.04-0.73), consistent condom use (AOR=0.12, 95% CI=0.04-0.35), availability (AOR=0.21, 95% CI=0.06-0.73), and health service visits (AOR=0.09, 95% CI=0.02-0.41). Conclusions of the study revealed that condom utilization among FSWs in Addis Ababa is suboptimal level (77.2%) compared to the national target (90%). Key barriers included limited workplace access, poor condom communication, lack of condom use skills, sexual behavior, poor quantification, and stock interruptions contributed to low utilization. Strengthening peer-to-peer education, improving supply accessibility and availability, and enhancing monitoring are essential to promote consistent condom use and sustainability among target groups.
Abstract: Condom utilization is a critical measure of the effectiveness of condom programming and is a key health outcome in assessing behavioral changes and progress in preventing human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections among high-risk groups, particularly female sex workers. This study aimed to assess individual and institutional f...
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Review Article
Dopamine Modulation by Antipsychotic in Schizophrenia
Verma Muskan*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
47-52
Received:
24 April 2025
Accepted:
2 July 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
Abstract: Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia posits that hyperactivity of dopamine pathways, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway, contributes to the positive symptoms of the illness. Antipsychotic medications, the primary pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia, exert their therapeutic effects largely through modulation of dopamine neurotransmission. This document explores the mechanisms by which antipsychotic drugs affect dopamine pathways. Both first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) primarily act as dopamine receptor antagonists, blocking dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 receptor subtype. However, SGAs exhibit a more complex pharmacological profile, often including serotonin receptor antagonism (e.g., 5-HT2A) in addition to dopamine receptor blockade. This serotonin antagonism is thought to contribute to the improved side effect profile and efficacy against negative symptoms observed with some SGAs. The document further examines the regional specificity of antipsychotic effects on dopamine release and metabolism, considering the mesolimbic, mesocortical, nigrostriatal, and tuberoinfundibular pathways. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing antipsychotic treatment strategies, minimizing adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and hyperprolactinemia, and developing novel therapeutic interventions targeting dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems in schizophrenia.
Abstract: Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia posits that hyperactivity of dopamine pathways, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway, contributes to the positive symptoms of the illness. Antipsychotic medications, the primary pharmacological trea...
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Research Article
Preformulation Study of an Antipsychotic Drug Aripiperazole
Subhasri Mohapatra*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
53-60
Received:
8 September 2025
Accepted:
13 October 2025
Published:
19 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmri.20250101.17
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Views:
Abstract: Aripiperazole is an atypical antipsychotic belongs to BCS Class IV, hygroscopic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder also helps to balance dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain with potentially fewer side effects like weight gain. So It has low risk of hyperprolactemia and lower incidence of sedation, Due to this reason doctors and patients often prefer it This comprehensive preformulation study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of aripiprazole and evaluate its behavior under various conditions relevant to pharmaceutical formulation development. To understand its physical and chemical properties to develop a safe effective and stable dosage form using this drug aripiperazole. Its preformulation study is require. The preformulation study encompasses solubility analysis, stability assessment, particle size distribution, polymorphism, hygroscopicity, and compatibility with common excipients e.g Magnesium stearate, Polyvinyl pyrollidone K30, Lactose monohydrate, Microcrystalline cellulose. Results indicate that aripiprazole exhibits poor aqueous solubility, with pH-dependent solubility profiles. Stability studies reveal sensitivity to light and elevated temperatures. Particle size analysis shows a tendency for agglomeration, while polymorphic studies confirm the existence of multiple crystal forms. Hygroscopicity tests demonstrate minimal moisture uptake under standard conditions. Excipient compatibility studies identify potential interactions with certain additives like Magnesium stearate and Polyvinyl pyrollidone K30 exhibiting a conclusion that during formulation aripiperazole needs special attention and care as well standard optimization studies which can be proved as useful side effect reduction. These findings provide crucial insights for the development of stable, effective formulations of aripiprazole, paving the way for improved drug delivery systems and therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract: Aripiperazole is an atypical antipsychotic belongs to BCS Class IV, hygroscopic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder also helps to balance dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain with potentially fewer side effects like weight gain. So It has low risk of hyperprolactemia and lower incidence...
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