The Socio-Demographic Factors and Causes of Substance Abuse Relapse: 36 Cases

Background: Relapse is frequent among substance abusers all across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. Drug-related issues are gradually becoming a hot topic in Bangladesh, from a social, economic, and medical standpoint. The present study aimed to find out sociodemographic factors associated with relapse amongst substance abuser. Material & Methods: This descriptive type of observational study conducted in the Combined Military Hospital and other Government/Private Hospital/Institute especially Central Drug Addict Treatment Center, Dhaka with a total sample size of 36 participants. Detailed information was obtained in each case according to protocol through complete history from patients or their accompanying attendants using a data collection sheet which was read out to them in Bangla. All the information was recorded in the pre fixed protocol. Collected data was classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. Results: The study found that yaba was the most commonly abused drug among 36 participants, with 27.78% reporting abuse. 27.78% of participants had a psychiatric illness, with the majority being male (97.22%) and Muslim (88.89%). The largest group of participants were aged 31-40 (47.22%) and most were unemployed (83.33%) and married (94.44%). Peer pressure and family problems were the most commonly reported causes of relapse (91.67% and 83.33%, respectively). Other factors such as unemployment, depression, and failure in life also contributed to relapse. Conclusion: Yaba was the most prevalent substance of abuse and the majority of participants were male, had a psychiatric illness, and were unemployed. Peer pressure and family problems were the main causes of relapse.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Hyssopus Officinalis L. Extract Induced oxidative stress and changes the expression of key genes involved in inflammatory and antioxidant Systems

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in the synthesis of bioactive nanoparticles resulted in the discovery and introduction of new bioactive nanoparticles to the pharmaceutical industry. In this regard, this research is aimed to synthesize the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Hyssopus officinalis L. extract and to evaluate the safety of nanoparticles using Balb/C mice. METHODS: Forty male mice were divided into four groups and received 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs for thirty days. At the end of the experiment, blood sugar, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (A.S.T.), and alanine aminotransferase (A.L.T.) were determined. Furthermore, histopathological and oxidative stress biomarker analyses in liver and kidney tissues were performed. The changes in the major inflammatory- and antioxidant-related genes were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that blood sugar and creatinine reduced significantly (P < 0.05) when 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg ZnO-NPs were supplemented to the diet. The serum ALT and AST and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney tissues were increased significantly (p < 0.05) when 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg ZnO-NPs were supplemented to the diet. Supplementation of ZnO-NPs suppressed the expression of antioxidant-related genes (SOD and CAT) and up-regulated the inflammatory biomarkers (iNOS and TNF- α). The concentration of 200 mg/Kg nanoparticles indicated cellular degeneration and necrosis in the liver and kidney tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it can be concluded that supplementation of ZnO-NPs synthesized using Hyssopus Officinalis L. extract in this study at 50 mg/kg or higher concentrations might be toxic to the mice.

Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 (SARS CoV2) Vaccination among Foundation students in a College in Kedah, Malaysia

@#Introduction: To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia started vaccination of front-liners and adults in the community. The latter group might have insufficient knowledge to accept COVID-19 vaccination, therefore this research was to assess the knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among youths, specifically students in a Malaysian college. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 481 foundation students in Kolej MARA Kulim (KMKU). The minimum sample size, using Epi Info was 214. Students answered an online questionnaire using google form which included demographic data (age, gender) and ten questions on knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. For knowledge questions, students answered “yes”, “no” or “don’t know”, correct answer scoring 1. For acceptance questions, a 5-point Likert scale was used ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. EXCEL and SPSS version 23 were used for analysis with Chi-square test done to test association (significant for p-value <0.05). Results: The response rate was 65.1% with 313 students, (45.4% males, and 54.6% females) aged 18-19 years. The majority (83.7%) had satisfactory to excellent knowledge scores (mean = 6.66 (SD=2.299, 95% CI 6.40-6.91), median = 7 (± IQR =3), while 16.3% obtained poor scores (≤ 4). The majority (90%) accepted vaccination. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher acceptance rates in both genders (p-value= 0.000). Significantly more females (90.6%) than males (80.3%) had positive attitude towards vaccination (p-value = 0.009). Conclusions: The majority of the foundation students in KMKU were knowledgeable on COVID-19 vaccination and willing to receive the vaccination against the novel coronavirus.

High Burden of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Tracheal Culture in a Tertiary Care Institute

Introduction: Multidrug resistant bacteria is causing a veryserious problem in the proper treatment and management ofsick patients in ICU’s. Study aimed to find out antimicrobialsusceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from trachealculture.Material and methods: This study was carried over a periodof 6 months from July to December 2017 in the departmentof microbiology. Total of 470 tracheal aspirates were studied.Each specimen was streaked on 5% sheep blood agar andMacConkey agar. After isolation and identification, sensitivityof selected organisms against different antibiotics was studiedResults: Out of 470 tracheal aspirates, 328 samples showedsingle bacterial growth, 76 were sterile; contaminants weregrown in 58 samples and in remaining 8 samples yeast weregrown. The incidence of positivity in our study was 83.8%,with gram negative bacteria outnumbering the gram positiveones. Of the 328 samples which showed bacterial growth,Acinetobacter spp 159(40.3) was the most common organismfollowed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 72(18.2), Pseudomonasspp 46(11.6), Escherichia coli 27(6.8), Staphylococcus aureus13(3.2), Klebsiella oxytoca 5(1.26), Enterococcus spp 3(0.76),Proteus spp, Citrobacter spp, Providencia stuartii 1(0.25)each. Also XDR (extensively drug resistant) bacteria wereisolated at a high frequency (67%) with Acinetobacter spp.being the most common 128(56.6)) followed by Klebsiellaspp. 39(17.2) Pseudomonas spp. 38(16.8), and E.coli 12(5.3).Conclusion: Gram negative were main organisms responsiblefor lower respiratory tract infections in hospitalized patientsand the majority of the isolates belong to XDR and MDRcategory.

Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Organophosphorus compounds are widelyused as insecticides. Organophosphorus poisoning hasa significant morbidity and mortality and is a commonoccurrence due to their easy accessibility. Study aimed toassess clinicoepidemiological profile of organophosphoruspoisoning.Material and methods: Our study was a hospital basedprospective study conducted over a period of two yearsinvolving all the patients of organophosphorus (OP)poisoning, admitted in the medical emergency of the hospital.These patients were evaluated for demographic and clinicalprofile and followed till the time of discharge or death.Results: 102 cases of OP poisoning were admitted, majoritybelonged to the age group of 15-25 years (54.9%) and were ofrural origin (84.3%). Females (67.64%) outnumbered males.97 cases had taken it with suicidal intent. Miosis was themost consistent clinical feature (93.13%). 64 patients (62.7%)needed admission in ICU. Respiratory failure was the mostcommon complication. Mortality rate of 14.7% was observed.Conclusion: OP compounds are ingested mostly with suicidalintent due to their easy availability mostly by young andproductive population. Initial management and resuscitationin periphery is invaluable

Genomic comparisons of Rhizobium species using in silico AFLP-PCR, endonuclease restriction, and AMPylating enzymes

Background: The whole-genome sequences of nine Rhizobium species were evaluated using different in silico molecular techniques such as AFLP-PCR, restriction digest, and AMPylating enzymes. The entire genome sequences were aligned with progressiveMauve and visualized by reconstructing phylogenetic tree using NTSYS pc 2.11X. The "insilico.ehu.es" was used to carry out in silico AFLP-PCR and in silico restriction digest of the selected genomes. Post-translational modification (PTM) and AMPylating enzyme diversity between the proteome of Rhizobium species were determined by novPTMenzy. Results: Slight variations were observed in the phylogeny based on AFLP-PCR and PFGE and the tree based on whole genome. Results clearly demonstrated the presence of PTMs, i.e., AMPylation with the GS-ATasE (GlnE), Hydroxylation, Sulfation with their domain, and Deamidation with their specific domains (AMPylating enzymes) GS-ATasE (GlnE), Fic, and Doc (Phosphorylation); Asparagine_hydroxylase and Collagen_prolyl_lysyl_hydroxylase; Sulfotransferase; and CNF (Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors), respectively. The results pertaining to PTMs are discussed with regard to functional diversities reported in these species. Conclusions: The phylogenetic tree based on AFLP-PCR was slightly different from restriction endonuclease- and PFGE-based trees. Different PTMs were observed in the Rhizobium species, and the most prevailing type of PTM was AMPylation with the domain GS-ATasE (GlnE). Another type of PTM was also observed, i.e., Hydroxylation and Sulfation, with the domains Asparagine_hydroxylase and Collagen_prolyl_lysyl_hydroxylase and Sulfotransferase, respectively. The deamidation type of PTM was present only in Rhizobium sp. NGR234. How to cite: Qureshi MA, Pervez MT, Babar ME, et al. Genomic comparisons of Rhizobium species using in silico AFLP-PCR, endonuclease restrictions and ampylating enzymes.

Evaluation of Some Mushrooms from Kashmir Valley for their Potential Anti-Cancer Activity

Background: In the recent past, there has been a shift towards alternate and traditional therapies for the prevention and cure for various diseases including cancer, hypertension, diabetes etc. Due to the risk of side effects associated with allopathic medicines, people are fast turning towards traditional and folk medicines because of their supposedly low risk of side effects. Mushrooms have a very long and well-established role in traditional system of medicine in many Asian countries especially in China, Korea, and Japan etc. Methods: Fresh mushrooms were collected and identified based on morphological and reproductive characters by comparing with standard field guides by Largent (1973).Three different mushroom species were selected for the study. The material collected from target sites were subjected to solvent extraction followed by preparation of stock extracts, which were further used for the evaluation of anti-cancer activity. In-vitro cytotoxicity against different human cell lines was determined and the samples showing 50% or more growth inhibition at 100 µg/ml were considered as potential. Results: Ethanolic extract of mushroom 1 (100µg/ml) exhibited highest % age growth inhibition of 61, 53, 25% on lung, colon and CNS cell lines respectively. In case of mushroom-2 Ethanol: water (1:1) extracts 1 (100 µg/ml) showed highest %age growth inhibition of 19, 38, 7% against liver, Neuroblastoma, Colon cell lines respectively. Likewise, Ethanolic Extract of mushroom-3(100 µg/ml) exhibited highest %age growth inhibition of 58, 65, 13% on lung, neuroblastoma and prostate cell lines respectively. Conclusions: Based on preliminary evaluation two of the mushroom varieties showed promising results in terms of their anticancer activity however they need further evaluation and determination to ascertain their potential anticancer activity.

Exploring Demographic Factors Influencing Acceptance of Family Planning Methods in Aligarh

Introduction: Population of India has jumped to 1,290,974,613 (1.29 billion) on Dec 07, 2015. There are certain demographic factors, which affect the acceptance of family planning methods. Therefore this study was conducted to determine the extent of felt need of family planning methods and to assess the demographic factors influencing the contraceptive acceptance. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in J.N. Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, for a period of two and half year. Only the mothers in the post partum period were interviewed. Those mothers who had already accepted family planning methods were not included in the study. 1383 mothers were interviewed. Data were tabulated and analysed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test (χ2) was applied to know the statistical significance. Results: Significant number of mothers (39.6%) had planned to adopt family planning methods. Majority of the mothers (71.4%) were in the age group of 21-30 years. In this age group, 39.7% mothers wanted to adopt family methods. As the age of the mothers increased, the acceptance rate also increased. Majority of mothers (52.9%) admitted in the hospital were Hindus. Among Muslims, 40.3 per cent mothers had felt need of family planning methods. Mostly the mothers were illiterate (50.8%). 30.8 per cent of these illiterate mothers wanted to accept family planning methods. Similar felt need (36.4%) was observed in mothers with education up to primary level (V standard). As the birth order increased, felt need also increased. Conclusion: It may be concluded that significant number of mothers had planned to adopt family planning methods. Though the campaign to promote family planning methods in our country is being carried out, the message should be given more vigorously through information, education and communication (IEC) activities and involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGO). Concerted efforts are needed to find out the reasons for unmet need and its solution

Comparative Study Of Oxidant Antioxidants And Inflammatory Markers Between Obese And Non Obese Newly Diagnosed COPD Patients.

COPD has widespread systemic manifestations. Inflammation plays important role in its pathophysiology. Aim of the present study was to compare markers of oxidative stress and inflammation between obese and non obese COPD patients. The levels of pro inflammatory cytokines CRP, IL6 and TNF α were compared between obese and non-obese subjects by applying student’s t test. Oxidative imbalance was assessed by analyzing MDA and FRAP assay in same subjects. Correlation of BMI with the above study parameters was analyzed using Pearson’s test. Results indicated that levels of CRP, IL6 and TNF α were elevated in obese group as compared to non-obese group (p<0.001). Total antioxidant capacity estimated by FRAP assay was lower (p=0.005) but the levels of oxidants estimated indirectly by MDA was higher (p=0.01) in obese COPD patients. In all COPD patients included in present study BMI correlated inversely with FRAP (r=-0.546, p=0.013), FVC (r=0.548, p=0.012) and FEV1 (r=-0.865, p<0.001). Similarly BMI correlated positively with markers of inflammation namely CRP(r=0.526, p=0.017), IL6(r=0.865, p<0.001), TNF α (r=0.653,p=0.002). Positive correlation of BMI was found with MDA(r=0.536, p=0.015). Conclusion: there is higher inflammation in obesity resulting in oxidant antioxidant imbalance and lung function decline.

Comparative study of pulmonary functions and oxidative stress in smokers and non–smokers.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is projected to rank third leading cause of deaths by 2030 as per WHO. COPD is a multietiological disease. The airflow dysfunction is usually progressive, associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gasses. As the lung is exposed to high levels of oxygen, it is more susceptible to oxidants mediated injury. Gender based differences are identifiable risk factors. Smoking is found to be a major risk factor in the causation of COPD resulting in oxidative stress . The aim of the present study is to evaluate the oxidant antioxidant imbalance in healthy non smoker controls and smokers with COPD. A total of 60 control (healthy non smokers) and 121 smokers having COPD were studied. The mean age is more in smoker group as compared to healthy controls, which identifies advancing age as a risk factor for COPD. The mean BMI and weight of smoker group is reduced as compared to control group. GOLD 2008 criteria was used to assess lung functions. Lung functions namely FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and FEV1% Predicted showed significant reduction in smoker group as compared to healthy non smoker controls. MDA in control and smoker group (1.09±0.09 and 1.41±0.23 nmol/ml respectively) showed significant changes (P<0.001). Our results also demonstrate significant reduction in anti oxidant enzymes namely SOD (units/mg of serum protein), Catalase (units/mg of serum protein) and GPX (nmol of NADPH oxidized/ min/mg of serum protein) in smoker group as compared to healthy controls. On the basis of study it is concluded that smoking, gender and oxidant antioxidant imbalance are identifiable risk factors in COPD.

Mesh hernioplasty: surgeons' training ground?

To clinically evaluate the outcome of Inguinal Hernioplasty in terms haematoma, wound infection and recurrence, with special reference to surgery done by trainee surgeons. Case control study with prospective data collection, conducted from Sep. 2005 to August 2006. Surgical Unit two, Civil Hospital, Karacho. All male patients above 30 years of age with Inguinal hernia were included in the study. Patients presenting in emergency and those with age less than 30 years were excluded, as they did not undergo Mesh Hernioplasty. Patients with symptoms like chronic cough and constipation, and those with conditions like anaemia, diabetes and hypertension were optimized before surgery. Anaesthesia fitness was taken after necessary investigations. Patients were mostly operated under Regional [Spinal] anaesthesia. Two doses of a first generation cephalosporin or co-amoxiclav were used as a prophylactic antibiotic. Data was collected on a pre-designed proforma; record was also duplicated on the computer in the SPSS Version 10. Out patient follow-up was done for 6 months as a minimum. A total of 75 males with 78 inguinal hernias were operated during the study period; three patients had bilateral hernia. Sixty five percent of our patients had hernia on the right side and 31% on the left side, while 4% were bilateral. The ages of the patients ranged from 30 to 81 years; majority [72%] were under the age of 60 years. Sixty percent of the patients were manual workers. Sixty nine [88.5%] inguinal hernias were reducible and 9 [11.5%] irreducible; 6[7.7%] were recurrent. Trainee surgeons did 70% of the operations. Haematoma occurred in five cases, seroma in nine, urinary retention in four, wound infection in four and recurrence in one case. No mortality occurred during the study. In our set-up Mesh Hernioplasty has proven to be effective with low complication and recurrence rates. It is easily learnt by trainee surgeons. Early ambulation should be the aim. Cost of the mesh is a minor stumbling block, but the long term benefits of this hernia repair makes it the benchmark for all