International journal of health sciences

Comparative study towards the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using a different precursor via ECO-friendly method

Batool Sarhan Mansoor, Abdulqadier Hussien Al Khazraji — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The nano oxides were prepared in an environmentally friendly manner (by treatment with aqueous eucalyptus leaves (from trees in Diyala governorate, Iraq) extracts using different sources of iron, FeSO₄.7H₂O and FeCl₂.4H2O as the nanoscale iron oxide. The Fe (OH)₂ nanoparticles were obtained by slow addition of sodium hydroxide solution to eucalyptus extract. Then, to obtain α-Fe₂O₃, calcination of Fe (OH)₂nanoparticles was carried out at 550 °C. These oxides and nanocomposites were diagnosed by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and DLS techniques. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) was used to determine the surface area of the nanomaterials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination showed that the size of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles was 48 nm, characterized using several techniques, including XRD, AFM, FT-IR, and FESEM. These nanocomposites were used to study the adsorption of methyl orange dye from their aqueous solutions. The effects of equilibrium time, surface area weight, and temperature on the adsorption process were investigated. The results showed that the optimal equilibrium time was 40 min for the α-Fe2O3/paraffine nanocomposite and 60 min for the Fe2O3/AC nanocomposite. The optimal weight for dye removal was 0.25 g for the α -Fe2O3/paraffine nanocomposite. The optimal pH for removing methyl orange dye was 5 for all nano composites.

Academic pressure, family habits, and personality traits as predictors of school-related sedentary behavior among senior high school students in Iligan City

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This cross-sectional analytical study examined the relationship between academic pressure, family habits, personality traits, and school-related sedentary behavior among senior high school students in Iligan City. A total of 800 students aged 15 to 19 years from public and private schools participated. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires assessing academic pressure, family habits, personality traits, and sedentary behavior. Statistical analyses determined relationships and identified significant predictors. The findings showed that academic pressure, family habits, and personality traits had direct and significant relationships with school-related sedentary behavior. Identified predictors included sedentary mealtime behavior, sedentary entertainment viewing habits, despondency, sedentary reading and listening activities, and sedentary digital gaming and social media use. Emerging predictors included conscientiousness, worry about grades, open-mindedness, self-expectations, agreeableness, study-related pressure, and extraversion. Collectively, these models accounted for 14% to 23% of the variance in sedentary subscales. The results underscore the need to transition toward dynamic learning environments that integrate active breaks and digital wellness initiatives, alongside personality-sensitive support systems, to reduce sedentary habits and safeguard adolescent well-being.

Sore throat in pregnancy: Etiology, diagnosis, and evidence-based safe management

Kamlesh Dubey, Neena Chuni — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sore throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common otolaryngological complaints in pregnancy, most frequently caused by viral upper respiratory tract infections. Pregnancy induces immunological modulation, hormonal changes, and mechanical effects that increase susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious causes, including laryngopharyngeal reflux. While most cases are self-limited, prompt identification of bacterial pharyngitis—particularly Group A β-haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS)—is essential to prevent maternal complications such as invasive disease and obstetric sequelae, including preterm labour. This narrative review summarizes the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and management of sore throat in pregnancy. Non-pharmacological measures and acetaminophen are first-line for symptom relief. For confirmed GAS, penicillin V or amoxicillin remains the antibiotic of choice. Emphasis is placed on risk stratification using clinical scores, antibiotic stewardship, and foetal-safe care. Early recognition and individualized management minimize risks to the mother and foetus. Further prospective studies are needed to strengthen pregnancy-specific guidelines.

Cross-sector perspectives on e-cigarettes: A comprehensive study of youth, teachers, healthcare workers, and government workers

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This cross-sectional quantitative study examined the perceptions of youth, teachers, healthcare workers, and government workers regarding e-cigarette use in Iligan City. The study assessed levels of awareness, beliefs, and attitudes toward e-cigarettes across these sectors. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires distributed to selected respondents from public and private institutions. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were conducted to determine relationships among variables and identify significant predictors of attitudes. Findings revealed that youth showed moderate awareness but generally demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward e-cigarette use, influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, and stress. Teachers and healthcare workers showed higher awareness of health risks and had negative attitudes, emphasizing the need for regulation and prevention. Government workers highlighted gaps in policy implementation and enforcement. The results further indicated that awareness, beliefs, and attitudes are significantly related, with beliefs as the strongest predictor of attitudes toward e-cigarette use. The study concludes that a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach involving education, healthcare, and policy is essential to address youth e-cigarette use. Interventions should focus on correcting misconceptions and addressing social and psychological factors that drive vaping behavior. These findings provide a framework for developing health programs and policies to reduce usage and promote healthier youth lifestyles.

Acid Reflux and ENT manifestations: A review of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Kamlesh Dubey, Zachariah Varkki, Jaspal Singh Sahota — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), an extraoesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when gastric contents reach the larynx and pharynx, frequently without classic heartburn or regurgitation (“silent reflux”). This condition accounts for up to 10% of otolaryngology consultations and affects 15–30% of patients with laryngeal complaints. The laryngopharyngeal mucosa is highly susceptible to injury from acid, pepsin, bile acids, and trypsin, leading to direct mucosal damage and vagally mediated reflexes. Common ENT manifestations include hoarseness, chronic cough, throat clearing, globus pharyngeus, excessive mucus, and sore throat, with less frequent associations such as chronic rhinosinusitis, subglottic stenosis, and laryngeal granulomas. The diagnosis incorporates clinical history, the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI >13), the Reflux Finding Score (RFS >7) on laryngoscopy, and objective testing using 24-hour hypopharyngeal–esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring as the reference standard. The multimodal, step-by-step management process begins with dietary and lifestyle modifications and progresses to proton-pump inhibitors, alginates, and, in refractory cases, anti-reflux surgery or adjunctive therapies. Recent international consensus statements emphasize the importance of objective confirmation of reflux to reduce overtreatment. This review compiles the latest information on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment to enhance patient outcomes.

Exploring novel risk factors for progression of Acute COVID-19 and their management based on Ayurvedic principles, with emphasis on diet-lessons for future pandemics

Uma Shankar Prasad Adluri — Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic hurled a huge avalanche of questions towards humanity and medical science, in terms of its understanding of new or emergent infections, the mechanisms for progression, and the spectrum of severity and their management in the absence of a proven anti-microbial. These questions shall always remain relevant due to the constant threat of the next pandemic. OBJECTIVES: This study intends to look at the factors discussed by ayurveda, as causes of progression to severe Jawara /infection, viz. whether presence of G.I symptoms like anorexia(indicative of agni-mandya), alone, or in combination with a disproportionate diet, and anxiety with insomnia(ca use of aama), can cause severe disease in acute covid-19 infected patients; and whether the modification of the diet as described in ayurvedic classics, alone, or in combination with medications, reduces its severity.