Browsing by Author "Mziray, Amir N."

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    Awareness of colorectal cancer screening and its associated risk factors among adults attending outpatient clinics in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam.
    (Kairuki University, 2024) Mziray, Amir N.
    Background: Colorectal cancer screening aims to detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms develop, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Screening methods include colonoscopy, and stool-based tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which detect blood in the stool. Screening guidelines vary by country, but it is generally recommended to start regular screenings around age 40 for the average-risk individuals. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening. Regular and early screening can significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by detecting and removing precancerous polyps or detecting cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Objective: To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness, risk factors and screening utilizing FOBT and colonoscopy among participants in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methodology: A total of 150 participants were recruited for the study. FOBT was done to all participants, with positive cases undergoing further diagnostic interventions, including stool analysis, H. pylori antigen testing, and endoscopic interventions. Socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and awareness about CRC were assessed through questionnaires. Risk assessment for CRC was conducted based on dietary habits and medical history. Results: Of the 150 participants, 73.3% tested negative and 26.67% tested positive for FOBT. Further investigations revealed hookworm ova 12.5% (n=5/40) and H. pylori infection 22.5% (n=9/40) among FOBT positive cases. Colonoscopy identified normal results in 42.86% (n=15/35) and different pathologies in 57.14% (n=20/35), including 25.0% (n=5/20) diagnosed with CRC, overall prevalence of CRC among patients attending surgical outpatient clinics in regional referral hospitals was found to be 3.45. Socio-demographic analysis revealed limited awareness and knowledge about CRC, with notable disparities between positive and negative CRC cases. Conclusion: CRC screening using FOBT demonstrated significant number of positive cases, highlighting the need for improved awareness and education about CRC and its risk factors. Comprehensive screening programs, coupled with increased knowledge dissemination, are crucial for early detection and prevention of CRC in Tanzania. Recommendation: In developing countries where resources may be limited, a simple recommendation for colorectal cancer prevention and early detection would be to prioritize public health education campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening. Encouraging individuals to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing consumption of processed foods and red meats, promoting physical activity and discouraging tobacco use in order to reduce risk of CRC. Emphasizing the significance of early detection through low-cost screening methods such as FOBT, and ensuring access to these tests through community health centers or outreach programs, can make a significant impact on reducing the burden of colorectal cancer in resource-limited settings.
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    Awareness of colorectal cancer screening and its associated risk factors among adults attending outpatient clinics in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam.
    (ISAR Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024-11-28) Mziray, Amir N.; Mbembati, Naboth A.; Swai, Samuel P.; Wandwi, Wambura B.; Mkiramweni, Jerome P.; Kategile, Albert M.; Muganyizi, Daniel J.; Gangji, Raidah R.
    Background: Colorectal cancer screening aims to detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms develop, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Screening methods include colonoscopy, and stool-based tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which detect blood in the stool. Screening guidelines vary by country, but it is generally recommended to start regular screenings around age 40 for the average-risk individuals. Objective: To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness, risk factors and screening utilizing FOBT and colonoscopy among participants in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methodology: A total of 150 participants were recruited for the study. FOBT was done to all participants, with positive cases undergoing further diagnostic interventions, including stool analysis, H. pylori antigen testing, and endoscopic interventions. Results: Of the 150 participants, 73.3% tested negative and 26.67% tested positive for FOBT. Further investigations revealed hookworm ova 12.5% (n=5/40) and H. pylori infection 22.5% (n=9/40) among FOBT positive cases. Conclusion: CRC screening using FOBT demonstrated significant number of positive cases, highlighting the need for improved awareness and education about CRC and its risk factors
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    Biological Benefits of Diallyl Disulfide, A Garlic-Derived Natural Organic Sulfur Compound
    (2024-02-29) Mziray, Amir N.; Nyarko, Richard O.
    There is a possibility that diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide can alleviate neuropathic pain in rats that have been subjected to CCI. The mechanisms by which these compounds alleviate pain entail an increase in the levels of H2S, BDNF, and Nrf2 in the sciatic nerve and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The use of garlic as a functional food and as a great source of pharmacologically active compounds is widely recognised and generally accepted. One of the most important bioactive components of garlic is called diallyl disulfide (DADS), and it possesses a number of beneficial biological effects. These capabilities include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, and anticancer actions. In this review, the biological roles of DADS were reviewed in a systematic manner, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie these functions were explored. We have high hopes that this review will not only offer direction and insight into the existing body of literature, but will also make it possible for future study and the development of DADS for the intervention and treatment of other disorders.
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    Clinical assessment and examinations of colorectal cancer in outpatient clinics: a synopsis from a study conducted in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
    (ISAR Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024-11-28) Mziray, Amir N.; Mbembati, Naboth A.; Swai, Samuel P.; Wandwi, Wambura B.; Mkiramweni, Jerome P.; Kategile, Albert M.; Muganyizi, Daniel J.; Gangji, Raidah R.
    Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most preventable cancers, with early detection significantly improving treatment outcomes. Screening methods such as FOBT and colonoscopy are crucial but underutilized, especially in resource-limited settings. Objective: To assess awareness of colorectal cancer screening and risk factors among adults attending outpatient clinics in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 150 participants, and screening was done through FOBT, followed by further diagnostic tests for those with positive results. Results: Of the participants, 26.67% tested positive for FOBT, and 5 of them were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. There was a significant gap in knowledge and awareness regarding colorectal cancer screening. Conclusion: There is a need for enhanced public health efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and its risk factors in Tanzania.
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    Impact of Potassium Nitrate treatment and stratification on apple seed germination and seedling growth
    (World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024-03-04) Nyarko, Richard O.; Mziray, Amir N.
    Apples are abundant in some micronutrients (including iron, zinc, vitamins C and E) and polyphenols (such procyanidins, phloridzin, and 5′-caffeoylquinic acid) that can help prevent chronic illnesses and micronutrient shortages. This review offers a current summary of the important bioactive ingredients found in apples, together with information on their potential pharmacological effects against long- term conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The experiment's findings demonstrated that every treatment enhanced the germination of apple seeds and the growth of seedlings. Applying GA3, BAP, SA, and JA to stratified seeds will increase the rate of germination, seedling growth, and maximal PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm), among other benefits. Treatment T6, which included natural stratification and 2000 ppm KNO3, had the greatest effect on the shoot-root characteristics, germination rate, and survival rate of the seedlings when compared to the other treatments. Thus, T6, a naturally stratified medium containing 2000 ppm of KNO3, is a prospective therapy to improve general seedling development and apple seed germination.