All Articles

The Human Response to the Death of a Loved One

Abstract:

Everyone knows that death is a part of life, you live, then you die. But no one is ever truly prepared for the grief response that follows the death of a loved one whom you hold a deep, social, and intimate connection with. This paper explores the neurobiological activations and the multifaceted grief response to the loss of a loved one that is deeply connected to the brain’s collaborative abilities with the body. Throughout the paper, we will focus on the limbic brain and the key role it plays while mediating through the emotions, feelings, and decision-making processes as it responds to the external social environment and stimuli experienced, with the primary focus being on grief. The paper will also critically analyze Antonio Damasio’s theory on reason and emotion and how it pertains to the grief response to offer a thorough understanding of the human response to the death of a loved one and its implications for rational decision-making.

A Framework for Achieving an Adequate and Effective Health Care System Through Primary Care in Grenada: A Systematic Review

Abstract:

With an emphasis on the implications for Grenada, this systematic study delves into the complexities of setting up a successful primary healthcare system in tiny island states. It is emphasized how crucial primary healthcare is as a community-based, preventative paradigm and how it improves general health outcomes. Many stories of success from similar small island nations show the value of proactive health education and community engagement. One important consideration is financial sustainability, which is demonstrated by the success of many funding schemes in maintaining basic healthcare. Key components identified include public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and novel funding structures. These provide Grenada with useful knowledge for the purpose of mobilizing resources strategically.

It has been determined that effective organization frameworks and proactive stakeholder involvement are essential to primary healthcare success....

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Presenting with Suspected Orbital Myositis Following Recent Recombinant Zoster Vaccination

Abstract:

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a manifestation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, carrying significant risk of vision-threatening complications. Diplopia in HZO is often attributed to cranial nerve palsy, although orbital myositis remains a rare and underrecognized cause. We present a 79-year-old male who developed right-sided headache, binocular diplopia, and a V1 vesicular rash two weeks after receiving the recombinant zoster vaccine. Examination revealed restriction of extraocular movements without a localizing cranial nerve pattern, raising suspicion for orbital myositis. Neuroimaging was unremarkable, and VZV polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis of HZO. The patient received antiviral therapy and was discharged in stable condition after three days. This case highlights HZO presenting with suspected orbital myositis in temporal association with vaccination and underscores the...

Assessment of Syndemic Inter-relationships between Substance Use, Violence and HIV Risk Among Persons Seeking Emergency Care in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:

Contemporaneous substance abuse, violence and HIV/AIDS risks (SAVA) result in synergistic negative impacts (syndemic effects). Presence of and risks for syndemic SAVA conditions are common among emergency department (ED) patients, however research on these inter-related processes is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilizes structural equation modeling to examine the relationships of syndemic SAVA conditions among persons seeking emergency injury care in Nairobi, Kenya.

Influence of Non-Contact-Based Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment on Growth Metrics and Reproductive Productivity in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract:

This study investigated the influence of a non-contact based spiritual blessing energy treatment (SBET) on the growth dynamics and reproductive productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design, okra seeds and farming land were divided into treated and untreated cohorts under identical environmental conditions. The treated cohort received spiritual thought-intention-based energetic blessings, while the control group received none (untreated). Both qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed significant enhancements in the treatment group across multiple agronomic indices. Phenological parameters such as plant height, stem collar diameter, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit diameter were significantly increased by 29.57% (p ≤ 0.001), 45.83% (p ≤ 0.001), 40.49% (p = 0.00...

Random Forest Classifier for Respiratory Mortality Analytics

Abstract:

Respiratory diseases remain a major contributor to hospital morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among elderly patients and individuals with severe pulmonary compromise. Accurate prediction of respiratory mortality is clinically important for triage, resource allocation, ICU utilization, and early intervention. Traditional statistical models frequently demonstrate limited predictive sensitivity because respiratory mortality is influenced by complex interactions among demographic, diagnostic, physiologic, and severity-related variables. In this study, a machine learning framework was developed to predict in-hospital mortality among patients with respiratory disease using administrative and clinically derived variables, including age, sex, length of stay (LOS), diagnostic descriptions, risk of mortality and severity scores. A Random Forest classifier with balanced class weighting was developed and implemented to address nonlinear r...

Irrigation Farming Adoption and Livelihood Outcomes among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda. A Cross-sectional Analysis

Abstract:

Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s rural economy, with smallholder farmers forming the majority of the farming population. Despite irrigation farming being recognized as a pathway to improved productivity and livelihood resilience, empirical studies on its adoption and outcomes in Uganda remain scanty. This limited evidence informed this cross-sectional analysis to evaluate how irrigation farming adoption influences smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Uganda.

Implementing Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation: Exploring Knowledge on Barriers, Facilitators and Strategies

Abstract:

A persistent gap remains between evidence-based health care and its application in routine practice. This challenge is particularly prominent in allied health professions like occupational therapy (OT), where interventions are complex, individualized and centred on patients' daily functioning.

Relationship Between Household Economic Status and Childhood Micronutrient Deficiency in India: An Evidence from a National Level Representative Survey

Abstract:

The high prevalence of anemia among children and adolescents in India is still an overwhelming problem. Not only that, there is also a considerable deficiency of various micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, serum ferritin, Zinc and Folate etc. in children. These micronutrients have several functional roles for the normal growth and development of children. Unfortunately, recent studies on public health and nutrition intervention have so far focused less on these micronutrition and more on anemia and nutrition.

Data for this study obtained from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS 2016-18), a nationally representative survey covering different age group. Specifically, it includes information on 9767 children aged 1-4 years. Out of these surveyed children biomarker data for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and Vitamin D were collected from 8242 children. Micronutrient deficiencies were...

The Risk Factors, Complications, Management Strategies and Predictors of Morbidity & Mortality Among Pediatric Patients Presenting with Severe Diarrhea at Muhimbili National Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Department

Abstract:

Acute diarrhea is the major cause of health public problem among paediatric patients in Tanzania. And in Low income countries (LICs), studies have shown, Acute watery Diarrhea (AWD) is the cause of morbidity and mortality which can be prevented by immediate identification and treatment of complications.