An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 7

Antifungal Properties of Kalanchoe luciae Raym-hammet: A Traditional South African Remedy for Ear Infections

Sinorita Chauke — 2025-11-01

Background: Kalanchoe luciae Raym-Hammet plant species is generally used for the treatment of ear infections. Traditional health practitioners use leaf juice extract directly from the leaves of K. luciae to treat ear infections.

Aim of the Study: This study aims to evaluate the antifungal properties of leaf extracts of K. luciae against Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans.

Methodology: The plant species was selected from the database of Ethnomedicinal Plants’ Laboratory, comprising over 300 medicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases in humans, Limpopo province, South Africa. In this study, mature and young leaves of K. luciae were extracted with acetone and methanol. The leaves were squeezed separately to extract juice from the leaves. The leaf extracts were tested for antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans using a serial dilution assay.

Results: The methanol and juice extracts had the highest antifungal activity against A. fumigatus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.04 and 0.10 mg/ml. C. neoformans was most susceptible to acetone mature leaf extract, followed by both mature and young leaf extracts at a mean MIC value of 0.09 mg/ml and 0.16 mg/ml, respectively. In the bioautography assay, there were no active compounds observed in all extracts against the tested fungal pathogens.

Conclusion: K. luciae can serve as a potential plant that could be used as a source of antifungal compounds that can be incorporated into antimicrobial drug production.

Vitamin D Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Classical Functions to Pleiotropic Actions and Implications for Chronic Kidney Disease

Samuel Adinoyi Adavba — 2025-11-01

Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate balance, as well as promoting bone health. However, its roles extend beyond these traditional functions, engaging in complex interactions with various metabolic processes that have important implications for global health. Despite the body's ability to produce vitamin D through sun exposure, deficiency has become a widespread problem affecting people of all ages and regions. The physiological effects of vitamin D are mediated through its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) found throughout the body. This binding controls the expression of hundreds of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and inflammation. These mechanisms explain why vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of various non-skeletal diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases. Adding to this complexity is the phenomenon of non-classical activation. In many extra-renal tissues, such as immune cells, the endothelium, and the parathyroid gland, 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) is expressed, allowing for local production of active vitamin D. This enables tissue-specific regulation independent of the body’s systemic calcium needs. Understanding this non-classical pathway is especially important for addressing the pathology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients with CKD, the gradual loss of renal 1α-hydroxylase activity hampers classical vitamin D activation. At the same time, disruption of local non-classical vitamin D activation in various tissues has become a key factor in increased inflammation, immune imbalance, and higher cardiovascular risk in this population. This study offers a comprehensive review of vitamin D metabolism, covering its synthesis and both classical and non-classical modes of action. It underscores the serious consequences of vitamin D deficiency and emphasises the importance of maintaining optimal levels, particularly for high-risk groups such as those with CKD.

Assessment of Human Papillomavirus and HPV Vaccines in West Africa: Literature Review

Foluso Bamidele Afelumo — 2025-11-01

Background: Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted aetiologic agent causing cervical carcinoma. It is the second most common cause of female cancer. Concerned about the prevalence and mortality associated with HPV and cervical cancer, the World Health Organisation (WHO) made a passionate appeal in 2020 on the necessity and urgency of eliminating cervical cancer and made it a top priority public health issue and hoped to achieve success through cervical screening, case management, and HPV vaccination as a primary preventive strategy globally. Human Papillomavirus vaccination is a novel primary prevention initiative aimed at reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer globally. For this altruistic effort to succeed, it is imperative to determine the knowledge and willingness of parents to present their adolescent girls for vaccination before they become sexually active.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the study is to evaluate the degree of knowledge and perception of the aetiologic factors of cancer of the cervix and the attitude of people to the HPV vaccine in West Africa.

Methods: A systematic computerised search was conducted across four databases. The review included peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2018 and 2023.

Findings: Some of the papers reviewed showed poor knowledge, awareness of HPV and cervical cancer, and a poor attitude towards HPV vaccination, while a few participants in some studies showed a fair understanding of HPV and cervical cancer and were interested in accepting the HPV vaccine. However, there were barriers against a sizable uptake of the HPV vaccine in West Africa. Some of the militating factors against a high uptake of the HPV vaccines found were people’s poor health-seeking behaviours, poor enlightenment about HPV on the part of the sub-regional governments about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, exorbitant cost of the vaccine and the unwillingness of parents to allow their eligible adolescents obtain the HPV vaccine in West Africa which were related to their cultural beliefs and poor knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. However, some of the results were confounded from region to region.

Conclusion: Poor knowledge and lack of awareness of what the aetiologic factors of cervical cancer are, and the poor health-seeking attitudes of people in the West African subregion are the harbingers of the increasing prevalence of cervical carcinoma in the region. Rigorous health education and enlightenment campaigns are urgently needed to inform and help people make informed decisions about the HPV vaccine and increase its uptake by adolescents. So, cultural beliefs, parents’ knowledge, and vaccine recipients’ knowledge about HPV and its many pa- pathologies and barriers, which may militate against a sizable vaccine uptake, have to be taken into consideration before an effective vaccination programme can succeed in West Africa. The study’s limitations include heterogeneity in findings and focus on only two countries, highlighting the need for broader, more representative research.

Epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Maranhão State, Brazil: Demographic and Socioeconomic Insights

Maria Eduarda Santos Ferreira — 2025-11-01

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in endemic regions such as Brazil. This chapter delves into the epidemiological landscape of CL within Maranhão State, Brazil, aiming to elucidate the intricate interplay of factors contributing to its persistent prevalence. Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of epidemiological data, we explore the demographic characteristics of affected populations, the environmental determinants influencing disease transmission, and the broader socioeconomic contexts that shape vulnerability to this neglected tropical disease. The narrative highlights the specific challenges encountered in controlling CL in Maranhão and proposes forward-looking strategies for enhanced disease management and prevention. Through a detailed examination of risk factors, this chapter seeks to provide a didactic overview for researchers, public health practitioners, and policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding of CL and informing more targeted public health initiatives. These findings underscore the critical role of sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, and educational attainment, in shaping the disease's burden, thereby reinforcing the imperative for integrated health education and preventive policies. From 2020 to 2024, 6,406 cases were registered, marked by a significant number between the years 2020 to 2023, with a substantial decrease in the year 2024, with only 676 cases. A higher prevalence was observed in the ages between 20 and 39 years, and in the ages between 40 and 59 years, with males disproportionately affected. Individuals with incomplete elementary education had a higher incidence of confirmed cases, highlighting that lower educational levels tend to be more vulnerable to infectious diseases due to a limited understanding of the forms of transmission, prevention, and symptoms. This often delays care-seeking, treatment initiation, and ongoing health monitoring. Therefore, there is a need for health education in rural areas with the aim of informing and raising awareness among the population about the disease.

Mitigating Pandemic Impact: A Systematic Model for Public Health Action

Miztli David Aguilar-Caballero — 2025-11-01

Population growth, as well as the current ease of global interconnectedness, has created an environment conducive to the rapid emergence and spread of infectious diseases, posing a significant threat to global health security. This document describes a systematic framework for the containment and management of these threats, focusing on the principles of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience, and Response (EPRR). The initial and therefore most critical containment barrier is the effective surveillance of primary care physicians, who must maintain a high level of suspicion to detect unusual or epidemiologically suspicious cases. The response to this type of crisis includes the immediate isolation of patients with suspected or confirmed disease, infection control measures, and rapid reporting, all of which are crucial to gain as much time as possible and thus prevent further transmission of the pathogen. If infections cannot be contained, an Outbreak Control Team is deployed to lead a public health response that integrates epidemiology, logistics, and risk communication. The strategic measures required at different levels of care are also detailed, ranging from adapting hospital workflows and managing resource shortages to orienting primary care to manage large patient volumes. Emphasis is placed on the use of traditional public health tools such as screening, isolation, contact tracing, and social distancing in the face of the uncertainty generated by the crisis. The conclusion of the acute phase then gives way to a crucial stage of recovery and learning from the experience, where a structured post-incident review and ongoing training strengthen the future resilience of systems. This approach, with its three proposed interdependent pillars, is intended to be the cornerstone for society's adaptation to the unpredictable nature of biological crises.

New Social Order in the Pandemic Era: Covid-19 and Human Sociology in Makassar

Darwis, Darwis — 2025-11-01

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global event in recent history. Beginning with the initial outbreak occurring in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus rapidly spread across the globe, causing millions of deaths and creating an unprecedented health, economic, and social crisis unlike anything experienced over the past hundred years. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social interactions and community behaviour in Makassar, Indonesia. This study employed a phenomenological approach and is classified as qualitative descriptive research. Both primary and secondary data sources were included in this study. The results showed that the transmission of Covid-19 was a form of human interaction that, in their social life mutually greeting, intertwining, chatting, and apparently through this kind of interaction, the virus then spread. Physical and social distancing efforts are said to be an effective effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Community disobedience to distancing causes Covid-19 pandemic to become worse, and more victims falling, this is in persevere because of social behavior of the community in interacting with various issues that tend to affect the physical condition so as to cause the condition of the body to get sick so that this condition makes the virus easy to get into the body. While the public understands healthy is a condition, not sick. Pain can occur due to a germ or microbial infection into the human body and its infectious nature. There is also a degenerative pain that damages the body's organs (heart, stroke, hypertension, diabetes) because the diet and lifestyle are not appropriate. Covid-19 is a viral infection that is currently spreading rapidly and difficult to overcome because it has not found a vaccine to prevent the virus. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of strengthening community awareness, promoting healthy living habits, and ensuring consistent government health campaigns to prevent future outbreaks.

Nutritional Assessment and its Associated Risk Factors of Adult Tuberculosis Patients in Namibia: A Cross Sectional Study

M Musuuo — 2025-11-01

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a big problem for public health around the world, especially in developing countries. In Namibia, the incidence of TB is notably high and is often exacerbated by malnutrition and other socio-economic factors. Namibia is ranked 10th highest in the world, due to the incidence rate of 457 per 1000 population; with a population of about 3 million, it shared a percentage of the global TB burden. The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of nutritional status and risk factors militating against the health and well-being of newly diagnosed TB patients in Windhoek, Namibia. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and non-probability, convenience sampling techniques were used. The study adopted a dynamic uncontrolled process, assessing the nutritional intake of TB patients and not testing an intervention. A total of 111 newly diagnosed TB patients participated in the study. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect demographic information such as age, gender, education level, marital status, employment status, type of occupation, and household income level, as well as behavioural variables such as smoking habits and alcohol consumption. To get the Body Mass Index (BMI) of participants, height and weight were measured at Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) clinics. The BMI was measured and taken during the last four months of the treatment regime, taking measurements once a month as the participants were coming back for follow-up treatment. BMI evaluated their nutritional status. Males formed a significant majority, representing 67.6%, and females represented 32.4%. The study revealed that 38.7% of patients were malnourished. Malnutrition was more common in males than in females (27%). The result shows a significant association with age group (0.018), marital status (0), educational status (0.0252), and employment status (0.0106) with nutritional status. The data analysis and findings from this study highlight significant insights into the socio-economic and nutritional challenges faced by tuberculosis (TB) patients in Windhoek, Namibia. Moreover, the analysis identifies a strong correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and TB status, emphasising that lower BMI is associated with higher TB risk. Factors such as monthly income emerged as significant predictors of nutritional status, suggesting that economic stability was crucial for improving health outcomes among TB patients.

Determinants and Patterns of Antenatal Care Utilizations among Women in Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu: An Analytical Study

Vadivel Sivalingam — 2025-11-01

Timely utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) remains critical for reducing maternal mortality, yet considerable disparities in ANC access persist due to multifaceted socio-economic and health system determinants. The present study aims to (1) identify and quantify the socio-economic, demographic, psychological, and infrastructural determinants influencing ANC utilisation among women in Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu; (2) examine the principal barriers to accessing ANC; and (3) analyse district-level trends in childbirth and infant mortality. Data were obtained from 2,101 pregnant women aged 17–36 years who received care at 42 Primary Health Centres and 9 Government General Hospitals. Utilizing structured questionnaires and robust statistical analysis—including stratified random sampling and multiple regression techniques—the study assessed key factors associated with ANC uptake. The results demonstrate that maternal age, age at marriage, family size, educational attainment, health status, and proximity to health care facilities are statistically significant predictors of ANC use. In contrast, household income was not a statistically significant predictor of ANC utilization (p=0.060), indicating that the widespread availability of free public health services likely mitigates direct financial barriers. The findings also establish that Primary Health Centres serve as the predominant sources of ANC, with institutional deliveries prevailing across the district. Despite these positive trends, the research reveals ongoing geographic disparities in infant mortality rates. Collectively, the results underscore that demographic and infrastructural variables substantially shape patterns of ANC utilisation. The study thus highlights the necessity of targeted interventions, especially those aimed at educational advancement, improved accessibility, and service delivery improvements, to address enduring inequities faced by socioeconomically or geographically marginalised women.

Honey as a Potential Prebiotic in Balancing Oral Microbiome: A New Perspective towards Preventing Focal Infection in Periodontitis

Miftakhul Cahyati — 2025-11-01

Prebiotics are substances that can stimulate the growth and activity of good bacteria in the microbiome. By utilising prebiotics, the oral microbiome can be restored, and it can prevent the development of periodontitis in a more natural and safer way. The aim of this review is to investigate the potential role of honey as a natural prebiotic agent in modulating the oral microbiome, with a specific focus on its effectiveness in preventing focal infections and reducing the risk or progression of periodontitis. Honey contains various simple sugars like glucose and fructose digested, as well as important enzymes like glucose oxidase that play a role in the formation of hydrogen peroxide, a natural antimicrobial compound. In addition, honey also contains sour organic acids which provide a characteristic sour taste and help guard against pH stability in the environment mouth. Honey helps arrange biofilm formation (layer microbes on teeth) to keep them healthy and balanced (Al-Waili et al., 2011). In addition, honey can help stabilise the pH of the mouth cavity so as to prevent conditions that damage tooth enamel. Besides the biological benefits, using honey in product maintenance mouth also has the potential to increase patient compliance to therapy. This is caused by natural experience, honey received in a way widely accepted by the community, both in terms of taste and security usage. The combination of honey’s prebiotic and antimicrobial properties offers a dual mechanism that effectively restores oral microbiome homeostasis. However, further clinical research is needed to determine optimal dosing, application methods, and long-term safety. Integrating honey into oral care products presents a promising and innovative approach for the prevention and management of periodontitis. With a combination of beneficial biological, safety, comfort usage, as well as a sustainable environment, honey has the potential big for become an integral part of prevention and management strategies for periodontal disease in the future.