Assessment of coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Medak District-2021

In India Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive is undertaken every year. In mass drug administra?on DEC and Albendazole combina?on is used. For the strategy to be effec?ve, more than 85% of those living in endemic areas must be covered by MDA. Methods: This is a cross-sec?onal study in which family clusters were selected from rural and urban areas. Informa?on about coverage, compliance with MDA and knowledge of filariasis was obtained using a ques?onnaire. Data were analysed using percentages and propor?ons. Results: In this study, about 92.51% of the study par?cipants received DEC and ABZ tablets during MDA, of which 95.14 % of par?cipants consumed the drugs. The most common cause of noncompliance was fear of side effects. Conclusion: Coverage of the popula?on with DEC and albendazole combina?on was good but compliance needs to be improved. IEC ac?vi?es should be intensified. Local leaders should be involved in the programme to increase compliance.

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Muscoskeletal Disorders Among Arabic Calligraphers Living In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

@#Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational problem. Only limited research is available about the impact of MSD on the active Calligraphers. Uncertainty remains about MSD prevalence and associated factors among Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by telephonic interviews using a structured questionnaire that consisted of the validated Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, socio-demographics and working characteristics. A total of 124 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The majority were men (96.8 %), worked for less than 10 hours/week (63.7%). The majority had musculoskeletal pain (59.7%) and about half of them worked for less than 15 years. The most commonly reported MSD was back pain (26.6%) followed by neck pain (21.0%) and shoulder pain (12.1%). In multiple logistic regression the significant predictors in the model were: not exercising (OR=7.1, 95% CI 2.6-19.2), age ≤40 (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.1- 7.3), worked for ≤20 years (OR=3.4, 95% CI 1.3 -9.1) and being a professional calligrapher (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1 – 6.2). The total model is significant (p<0.001) and the adjusted r square= 0.37.MSDs among Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia is relatively high; further clinical assessment is needed. We recommend that health authority in Saudi Arabia should increase the awareness among calligraphers about MSDs and its prevention.

Epigenetic regulation of APC in the molecular pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer.

Background & objectives: Loss of function of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) has been reported in cancer. The two promoters of APC, 1A and 1B also have roles in cancer. But, the epigenetic role of APC promoters is not yet clear in gallbladder cancer (GBC) and gallstone diseases (GSD). We undertook this study to determine the epigenetic role of APC in GBC and GSD. Methods: Methylation-specific (MS)-PCR was used to analyze the methylation of APC gene. The expression of APC gene was studied by semi-quantitative PCR, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GBC, GSD and adjacent normal tissues. Results: Of the two promoters, APC 1A promoter was found methylated in 96 per cent GBC (P=0.0155) and 80 per cent GSD (P=0.015). Exon 1 was downregulated in grade II (P=0.002) and grade III (P=0.0001) of GBC, while exon 2 was normally expressed. Scoring analysis of IHC revealed 0 or negativity in 34.48 per cent (P=0.057) and 1+ in 24.14 per cent (P=0.005) GBC cases suggesting loss of APC expression. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings indicate epigenetic silencing of APC in advanced GBC. The methylation pattern, followed by expression analysis of APC may be suggested for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes in GBC in future.

Demographic and pathological study in a sample of bronchogenic carcinoma patients in Baghdad teaching hospital, during 2006-2008

The incidence of Lung cancer is increasing rapidly throughout developing countries. Lung cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men and the fifth in women. To study the demographical and pathological profile of lung cancer among sample of Iraqi patients. A retrospective descriptive study depending on review of records of diagnosed patients during 2006 - 2008.This study was conducted at the Baghdad teaching hospital, Baghdad-Iraq, during a period from 1[st] March 2012 to 1[st] January 2013. A total of 284 patients' records all with proven lung cancer were selected retrospectively, reviewed and checked. There were 284 patients recruited in this study, the overall mean age was [62.1 +/- 12.8] years and range was [18 - 100] years. Smokers were 232 [81.7%], Non-smokers were 32 [11.3 %] and Ex-smokers were 20 [7%]. All cases had cough, almost [93%] chest pain, [88.4%] presented with shortness of breath. Regarding the types of carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma was present in 112 patients [39.4%], adenocarcinoma in 96 patients [33.8%], small cell carcinoma in 41 patients [14.5%], while large cell carcinoma in 31 patients [10.9%], and undifferentiated carcinoma was present in 4 patients [1.5%]. Regarding treatment for lung cancer among study groups, it had been noticed that 166 patients [58.5%] were subjected to chemotherapy, 115 patients [40.4%] were subjected to radiotherapy and only 3 patients [1.1%] were treated surgically. Lung cancer is more common among males and more frequent among those aged 50 years or more. The study demostrate that Sequamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of primary lung cancer in Iraqi patients [39.4%], adenocarcinoma is the second common type [33.8%]. The five year survival was very low, only [0.4%] survive for five years after diagnosis, the majority of cases died within two years

role of school broadcasting in developing some social skills for a sample of talented disabled children

Problem: What is the role of the school radio communication skill development in a sample of gifted children mentally disabled "Down" and "are able to learn"?, and The ramifications of this question, a group of sub-questions, including

Importance: Find a childhood of what characterizes this stage of the important characteristics of the stages of growth, and The lack of associated school radio activities in general studies -within the limits of science researcher Almtoadah-as well as studies on the relationship between the media school activities and the development of some social skills

Objectives: To reach the goals pursued through radio programs and school activities, "Study sample", and To identify the communication skill provided by radio school activities for disabled children gifted

Sample: It includes a set of sample school media activities provided schools with special needs in Egypt, and a sample of school students prep for public schools, for the disabled intellectually "Consenting class to learn", or cases of learning difficulties in these schools] and talented at the same technically time or literary or sports, ... in the governorate of Cairo and Giza governorate,Qalubia

Results: School radio came in the forefront of media education in schools respondents activities, The percentage of watching the school provided radio school on a regular basis of the total study sample items amounted to 16.00%, divided between 12.09% for males compared to 20.54% for females, The proportion of follow-up school radio for females was higher than the proportion of males have a follow-up, and The ability to communicate with others came by 23.93% of the total study sample vocabulary, distributed among 18.67% of the total male sample items in exchange for 28.65% of the total female sample vocabulary, where there is a difference between the two percentages statistically significant at the 0.001 level of significance, the value of Z calculated predictive value of 3.24 which is the existence of a relationship between the two ratios milestone at 0.999 confidence level

Factor Structure and Reliability of the Malay Version of the Perceived Stress Scale among Malaysian Medical Students

Background: The Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) is a validated and reliable instrument to measure global levels of perceived stress. This study aims to assess the internal consistency, reliability, and factor structure of the Malay version of the PSS-10 for use among medical students. Methods: The original English version of the PSS-10 was translated and back-translated into Malay language. The Malay version was distributed to 242 Bachelor of Medical Science students in a private university in Malaysia. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 70 students. An exploratory principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed. Reliability was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: All 242 students participated in the initial questionnaire study (validity and factor structure), and 70 students participated in the test–retest reliability of the study. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 2 factors that accounted for 57.8% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the 2 factors were 0.85 and 0.70, respectively. The reliability test showed an ICC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.89). Conclusion: The Malay version of the PSS-10 showed adequate psychometric properties. It is a useful instrument for measuring stress among medical students in Malaysia.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine among asthmatic patients in primary care clinics in Malaysia

This study aimed to determine the knowledge about asthma and the prevalence, disclosure and evaluation of the use of complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] among asthmatic patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 95 patients diagnosed with asthma in a primary healthcare centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire. Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 47.06 years [ +/- 12.8] participated, the majority were female [66.7%], Malay [72.6%]. The prevalence of ever-CAM use was 61.1%. The non-ever-CAM users' mean age was 51 +/- 13.9 years while the ever-CAM users' mean age was 44.5 +/- 11.5 years [P = 0.021]. Sixty-three females [66.8%] used CAM compared to 14 males [43.8%] [P = 0.014]. Thirty-six [62.1%] CAM users had not discussed use of CAM with their doctors. The main reason of non-disclosure was "the doctor never asked" [55.6%], and the main sources of information about CAM were family and relatives [46.6%]. There was no significant difference between use of CAM and knowledge about asthma. The majority of asthmatic patients used rubs [39%], foods [16.9%] and herbs [16.9%]. About 76% of asthmatic patients perceived CAM as good for their disease management. On linear multiple regression, Malay race [P = 0.026] and female gender [P = 0.006] were significant predictors of CAM use. Use of CAM among asthmatic patients is relatively high, particularly among females. The majority of asthmatic patients valued the use of CAM. Non-disclosure was high in this study. Health education of asthmatic patients about CAM is highly recommended

Stress and Coping Strategies of Students in a Medical Faculty in Malaysia

Background: Stress may affect students’ health and their academic performance. Coping strategies are specific efforts that individuals employ to manage stress. This study aimed to assess the perception of stress among medical students and their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 medical and medical sciences undergraduates in Management and Science University in Malaysia. Stress was assessed by a global rating of stress. Sources of stress were assessed using a 17-item questionnaire. The validated Brief COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies. Results: The majority of respondents were females (64.4%), aged 21 years or older (63.0%), and were Malays (68.9%). Forty-six percent felt stress. The most common stressor was worries of the future (71.0%), followed by financial difficulties (68.6%). Significant predictors of stress were smoking (OR = 2.9 , 95% CI 1.3–6.8, P = 0.009), worries of the future (OR = 2.1 , 95% CI 1.3–3.4, P = 0.005), self-blame (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.001), lack of emotional support (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, P = 0.017), and lack of acceptance (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.9, P = 0.010). Students used active coping, religious coping reframing, planning, and acceptance to cope with stress. Conclusion: Stressors reported by the students were mainly financial and academic issues. Students adopted active coping strategies rather than avoidance. Students should receive consultation on how to manage and cope with stress.

Awareness of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases among mothers in multan region

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers about malnutrition and diarrheal diseases; perceptions about signs and symptoms of dehydration; preparation and use of ORS; breast feeding and weaning practices. A cross -sectional descriptive study. The study was carried out in [CDDU-CHC] Control of Diarrheal Disease Unit, Children Hospital Complex, Multan, over a period of six months [March-Aug 2005]. A total of 400 mothers, with children of age group 2 months-5 years, were randomly selected and knowledge, attitude, behavior and practices regarding malnutrition and diarrheal diseases were determined on a pre-coded questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS-10 software. The baseline knowledge of the mothers about malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, breast feeding, weaning practices and hand washing was not adequate, probably because of low literacy rate. Considering high prevalence of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention program be initiated in the communities. This must include the education of caretakers as well as health workers

DNA ploidy and expression of P53, cMyc in childhood leukemia's and their families

Chromosomal abnormalities in childhood leukemia have important biological, diagnostic and prognostic significance. The genes that are associated with the development of malignancy were categorized as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. P53 belongs to the category of tumor genes and is located on the short arm of chromosome 17 p13. It is a specific transcriptional activator of genes controlling GI checkpoint of the cell cycle and controls the expression of certain genes involved in the control of programmed cell death [Apoptosis]. cMyc gene is Juxtaposed with one of the immunoglobulin genes: heavy chain on 14[q32], kappa on 2[p12] or Iambda on 22[q11]. In pediatric ALL with translocation of ch.,8 [q24] onch., 14[q32] or ch22[q11], c-Myc expression is markedly deregulated by the highly active immunoglobulin locus. This leads to an increase in c-Myc max dimmers and transactivation of multiple cognate target genes, driving uncontrolled cellular proliferation. This study was designed to determine the DNA content [ploidy], expression P53 protein and c-Myc protein in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as well as in their first degree relatives [parents and siblings] in order to detect the role of these proteins in the developing of leukemia and those at risk of developing leukemia This study was done on 20 infants and children [16 males and 4 females], their age ranged from 2 to 12 years. They were admitted to the Hematology Unit at Mansoura University Children Hospital where they were diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] and were taken at presentation before induction of treatment. Their first-degree relatives were also included in the study [20 fathers, 20 mothers and 44 siblings [23 brothers and 21 sisters]].Twenty healthy persons with negative family /history of cancers, their aye range from 4 to 30 years, were taken as control group. All the studied subjects were subjected to isolation of lymphocyte which staining and fixation within 24 hours from sampling where DNA analysis by flow cytometer was done. The results proved that 60 % of the cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were hyper diploid [DWA index >1.0] and 10 % were hypo diploid [DNA index [1.0]. All of their leukemic children were DNA aneuploid while 10 % of tile-studied parents had DNA aneuploid positive cells and 7% of the healthy siblings had DNA aneuploid positive cells. A high significant level of p53 protein in patients with ALL when compared with healthy controls [p<0.0001], a significant difference in between patients with ALL and their first -degree relative regarding P53 protein. Also a significant difference in between the first-degree relative and healthy controls regarding p53 [p=<0.0001]. The results of this study also showed significant difference in the level of expression of p53 protein among patients with DNA aneuploidy cells compared to those with DNA diploid patients. A significant difference in patients with ALL when compared with healthy controls, also were was significant difference in first degree relatives of leukemia patients versus to healthy controls regarding the level of c-Myc protein [p=<0.0001]. 80 % of parents and 77 % of siblings between the first-degree relative expressing high levels of cMyc protein

Conclusion: genetic alterations play an important role in the development of childhood leukemia particularly mutation of p53 tumor suppressor gene and cMyc gene where the level of expression of their related protein is high. Also change in the DNA content of the lymphoblast's of majority of the patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia appears to be constant feature. These changes not only present in cases with ALL but also in their first degree relatives suggesting that there is a vertical transmission of these genes in these families. First -degree relatives of leukemia patients particularly those with abnormal DNA and those expressing high level of p53 protein and cMyc protein are at high risk of developing cancers must be subjected for close follow up