AIM: This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammation an analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Launaea arborescens (AqELA) and its pathway of action.
METHODS: the investigation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were done using formalin test, acetic acid test. For mechanism investigation, it was used hot plate test to induce opioid receptors, a histamine and serotonin test to induce edema paw, finally, for the TRPV1 receptor, it was used the capsaicin test.
RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Launaea arborescens showed a significant inhibition of abdominal writhing test 95% and 100% inhibition of licking paw using acid acetic test and formalin test respectively (EC: 47 mg/kg and 104 mg/kg). The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of Launaea arborescens showed inhibition of sensation of pain after 120 min compared to morphine effect. The aqueous extract of Launaea arborescens reduced paw volume after 180 min and 120 min for histamine and serotonin respectively with dose-dependent. Concerning of TRPV1 receptors, the inhibition was showed at doses 100 mg and 300 mg.
CONCLUSION: Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of Launaea arborescens for inflammation ailment.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed in March and April 2016. The outdoor temperatures were measured using the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) tool. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic factors prior to work shift; while working profile, hydration practices, and HRI symptoms at the end of work shift. The hydration status of the respondents was assessed by direct observation of their urine colour. Multiple logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of age, working profile, hydration practice, history of previous HRI, and hydration status on the likelihood that outdoor workers having moderate to severe HRI.
RESULTS: A total of 320 respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation) outdoor workplace temperature was 30.5°C (SD 0.53°C). The percentage of respondents who experienced moderate to severe HRI was 44.1%. The likelihood that outdoor workers experienced moderate to severe HRI symptoms was associated with irregular fluid intake [odds ratio (OR): 16.11, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.11; 63.20]; consumption of non-plain water (OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.79; 12.56); dehydration (OR: 3.32, 95%CI: 1.92; 5.74); and increasing outdoor workplace temperature (OR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.09; 3.11).
CONCLUSION: Irregular drinking pattern and non-plain fluid intake was found to have a large effect on HRI severity among outdoor workers exposed high temperatures during a heat wave phenomenon.
Objective: This study assessed the impact of heat on the health and productivity among maize farmers in a hot tropical country.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 maize farmers, randomly selected across Gombe province, Nigeria. The wet bulb globe temperature monitor (WBGT) Model QuesTemp036 was used in determining the heat index. Health was determined using a validated questionnaire, while productivity was determined by recording work output based on the number of ridges cultivated during the working hours.
Results: The farms recorded mean heat index with standard deviation (SD) of 31.56 (2.19) and 34.08 (1.54) in the hours of 9 am to 12 pm and 12-3 pm respectively, which exceeded the threshold level set by the ACGIH. Heavy sweating (93.2%), tiredness (48.5%), dizziness (34.1%), and headache (40.4%) were experienced by the respondents almost on daily basis. The finding further showed a significant difference in the farmers' productivity during the three time duration of the work day (p < 0.001). The productivity was significantly higher between the hours of 6-9 am (p < 0.001) and 12-3 pm (p < 0.001), compared to the hours of 9 am to 12 pm (p < 0.001). The factors that significantly predict the productivity outcome include temperature (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), age (p=0.033), and BMI (p=0.008).
Conclusion: The farmers were frequently experiencing heat exhaustion which decreased their productivity.