Guest Editorial

Acute viral bronchiolitis in South Africa: Diagnosis and current managemen

Decision making in management of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture: a short review

Fifth metatarsal bone fracture is one of the most commonest fractures of the foot. The decision for surgical or conservative approach is still inconclusive. Scoring system, decision analysis model and classification system are established to weigh between surgical and conservation approaches. Its unique anatomy and surgical complication influence decision on optimal surgical approach. Therefore, the present review attempts to look at factors that might influence decision making in management of fifth metatarsal fracture

Chronic effects of hydro-alcoholic artemisia absinthium extract on the liver enzymes and tissue changes of adult mal rat

Artemisia absinthium has many pharmacological effects, but toxic effects of it, were seen on nervous system and liver. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chronic effects of different doses of Artemisia absinthium extract on the enzymes and histopathological changes of the liver tissue of adult normal male rat. Method and materials: In this experimental study, forty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 as follows: Control, sham (recipient of distilled water) and 4 experimental groups that received Artemisia absinthium hydro- alcoholic extract at doses of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg intraperitoneally.The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc tests. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After 8 weeks, doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg could significantly reduce amount of ALT, AST and ALP. Dose of 1000 mg/kg increased ALT, AST and ALP. From the standpoint of histopathological study, doses of 125, 250 and 500 Artemisia absinthium had no significant side effect on liver tissue, but 1000 mg/kg caused destruction of liver cell membranes, enlargement of sinusoidal space, sporadic leukocyte infiltration, Kupffer cells hypertrophy, and vascular congestion.Conclusion: Maximum dose of Artemisia absinthium extract (1000 mg/kg) increased liver enzymes and destroy liver tissues of normal male rats.Keywords: Artemisia Absinthium, Enzymes, Histopathology, Liver, Ra

Asthma - is survival good enough?

Advances in asthma management, particularly the introduction of controller medication of which inhaled corticosteroids are the most important, has resulted in a steady decline in asthma mortality in most countries. This is usually accompanied by a decline in episodes of near-fatal asthma attacks and hospitalisations, and a reduction in other indicators of asthma morbidity. These gains have led to a shift in thinking on the management of asthma, away from simply preventing death and hospitalisations, toward achieving and maintaining sustained control of all clinical features