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Review Article
Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke Based on Peripheral Blood
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
65-73
Received:
5 February 2026
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
27 February 2026
Abstract: Acute ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long‑term disability worldwide, imposing a substantial socioeconomic and clinical burden on global healthcare systems. The heterogeneous nature of stroke pathophysiology, involving complex interactions among vascular occlusion, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, presents major challenges for clinical management and outcome prediction. Accurate and timely prognostic evaluation is therefore critical for guiding clinical decision‑making, stratifying patient risk, optimizing therapeutic strategies, and improving long‑term functional outcomes. Reliable prognostic models also support the efficient allocation of limited medical resources, especially in acute stroke care settings where early intervention strongly determines prognosis. Peripheral blood biomarkers offer an accessible, minimally invasive, and cost‑effective strategy for evaluating stroke severity, predicting complications, and estimating neurological recovery. In this narrative review, we summarize current evidence regarding the role of peripheral blood biomarkers in forecasting clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We focus on key biomarkers related to inflammatory response, oxidative stress, neuronal injury, and hemostatic dysfunction, emphasizing their diagnostic performance and prognostic significance. This review highlights promising peripheral blood indicators with strong potential for clinical translation and routine practice. Our findings contribute to the rapidly advancing field of stroke prognostication, facilitate evidence‑based clinical management, and provide valuable insights for future research toward personalized stroke care and healthcare policy development.
Abstract: Acute ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long‑term disability worldwide, imposing a substantial socioeconomic and clinical burden on global healthcare systems. The heterogeneous nature of stroke pathophysiology, involving complex interactions among vascular occlusion, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, presen...
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Research Article
Perspectives and Experiences of People Living with HIV Regarding the Use of Health Education and Physical Activity to Promote Cardiovascular Health
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
74-85
Received:
2 February 2026
Accepted:
4 March 2026
Published:
16 March 2026
Abstract: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has rendered HIV a chronic condition, extending the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and heightening their risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study explored the lived experiences, health behaviours, and informational needs of PLHIV with co-existing CVDs to inform the development of a physiotherapy-led health education and physical activity intervention. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at two health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 27 PLHIV, eight of which are serving as community health volunteers. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were employed. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and was analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Atlas.ti and Dedoose facilitated independent analyses by two researchers. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Experiences and challenges living with HIV and CVDs; (2) Experiences and perspectives with health behaviours and physical activity; (3) Knowledge and information sources; and (4) Program recommendations. Participants highlighted personal, social, and systemic barriers to cardiovascular health promotion, but expressed a commitment to preventative initiatives. The findings highlight the importance of patient-centered and culturally sensitive interventions. Insights from this study will inform the development of a physiotherapy-led program, tailored to resource-limited HIV care settings.
Abstract: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has rendered HIV a chronic condition, extending the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and heightening their risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study explored the lived experiences, health behaviours, and informational needs of PLHIV with co-existing CVDs to inform the...
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Research Article
Efficacy of Antibiotics Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Respiratory Devices in Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
86-96
Received:
2 March 2026
Accepted:
13 March 2026
Published:
26 March 2026
Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia. Due to its biofilm-forming ability and antimicrobial resistance, it presents a significant public health challenge. This study assessed the efficacy of selected antibiotics against P. aeruginosa isolates associated with respiratory devices from regional referral hospitals in mainland Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024, in which samples were collected from January to March in Emergency wards, Intensive care units, and Medical wards. Samples collected included water from the Oxygen humidification container, swab samples from reusable masks and the connectors. Laboratory analysis using standard microbiological techniques and PCR were employed for isolation and confirmation of P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of the collected samples (N=231), P. aeruginosa was detected at an overall prevalence of 14.7% (n=34). The analysis of prevalence by sample type revealed that water for humidification had the highest prevalence of 30.6%, followed by respirators at 8.2% and the least in connectors at 3.5%. P. aeruginosa showed a notable resistance towards gentamycin, followed by meropenem, and the least resistance was shown in ceftazidime. On the other hand, P. aeruginosa were fully susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam combination. A very small proportion of isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR). Despite the noted resistance majority of the antibiotics used to treat respiratory tract infection (RTIs) in this study showed significant efficacy.
Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia. Due to its biofilm-forming ability and antimicrobial resistance, it presents a significant public health challenge. This study assessed the efficacy of selected antibiotics against P. aeruginosa isolate...
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Research Article
Profile of Comorbidities Associated with Atopic Dermatitis at the Department of Dermatology of Antananarivo, Madagascar
Fenohasina Rakotonandrasana*
,
Fandresena Arilala Sendrasoa,
Onivola Raharolahy,
Florine Manjarimanana,
Herin’Ny Fitiavana Princia Andriatahina,
Stevy Desana,
Voahanginirina Nathalie Ralimalala,
Tsiory Iarintsoa Razafimaharo,
Volatantely Tobiniaina Ratovonjanahary,
Moril Sata,
Mendrika Fifaliana Rakotoarisaona,
Naina Harinjara Razanakoto,
Malalaniaina Andrianarison,
Irina Mamisoa Ranaivo,
Lala Soavina Ramarozatovo,
Fahafahantsoa Rabenja Rapelanoro
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
97-102
Received:
28 February 2026
Accepted:
12 March 2026
Published:
15 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260202.14
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Views:
Abstract: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which develops in flare-ups. It is a global public health problem, and in Madagascar, its prevalence is 5.6% in children and 0.5% in adults people. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with various comorbidities. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of comorbidities associated with atopic dermatitis. A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted over a five-year period from January 2019 to March 2023, involving pediatric and adult patients with atopic dermatitis seen at the department of Dermatology at Joseph Raseta Befelatanana Hospital, Antananarivo. Cases with incomplete and unusable medical records were excluded. Out of 6,495 consultations, 93 cases of atopic dermatitis were observed, with a prevalence of 1.43%, a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.83, and the average age was 10 years. We found 13 comorbidities, with personal atopy being the most common (55.91%), followed by smoking (55.91%). A significant correlation was found between passive smoking and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (p = 0.002). A significant association was also observed between personal atopy and flare-ups of atopic dermatitis (p < 0.05). These comorbidities have an impact on the quality of life and psychiatric status of patients. Additionally, several factors (environmental, dietary, climatic) were identified as potential triggers for atopic dermatitis in our study. Our study confirms the presence of comorbidities in patients with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis has implications for quality of life and psychological well-being.
Abstract: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which develops in flare-ups. It is a global public health problem, and in Madagascar, its prevalence is 5.6% in children and 0.5% in adults people. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with various comorbidities. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of comorbidities associated w...
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