Chemoprotective effect of arbutin on azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in rat colon via modulation of PCNA/Bax protein

Arbutin is utilized in traditional remedies to cure numerous syndromes because of its anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate chemopreventive effects of arbutin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Five groups of rats were used: normal control group (rats injected hypodermically with sterile phosphate-buffered saline once per week for two weeks) and groups 2-5, which were subcutaneously inoculated with 15 mg/kg AOM once a week for two weeks. AOM control and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) control groups were fed 10% Tween orally daily for 8 weeks using a feeding tube. The treated groups were fed 30 and 60 mg/kg arbutin every day for 2 months. ACF from the AOM control group had aberrant nuclei in addition to multilayered cells and an absence of goblet cells. The negative control group displayed spherical cells and nuclei in basal positions. Histological examination revealed a reduced number of AFC cells from colon tissues of the 5-FU reference group. Arbutin-fed animals showed down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and up-regulation of Bax protein compared to AOM control. Rats fed with arbutin displayed a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in colon tissue homogenates compared to the AOM control group. In conclusion, arbutin showed therapeutic effects against colorectal cancer, explained by its ability to significantly decrease ACF, down-regulate PCNA protein, and up-regulate Bax protein. In addition, arbutin significantly increased SOD and CAT, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which might be due to its anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties.

Sunlight exposure might account for the relatively low COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in tropical countries

@#The present study aimed at exploring whether sunlight exposure might account for the relative difference in COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality between tropical and non-tropical countries. A retrospective observational study was designed and data from the World Health Organization weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update was compiled. We examined the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population, as well as the total number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population. Solar variables data were obtained from the Global Solar Atlas website (https://globalsolaratlas.info/). These data were analyzed to determine the association of sunlight exposure to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical and non-tropical countries. Results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population (P<0.001), as well as the number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population (P<0.001) between tropical and non-tropical countries. Analyses of sunlight exposure data found that specific photovoltaic power output, global horizontal irradiation, diffuse horizontal irradiation and global tilted irradiation at optimum angle were significantly inversely correlated to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. This suggests that stronger sunlight exposure potentially leads to lower COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. Findings from this study suggest that the relatively low COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical countries were possibly due to better sunlight exposure that translates into adequate vitamin D status.

Recto-sigmoïdite induite par administration de purgatifs à propos d'un cas / Recto-sigmoiditis induced by purgative administration: a case report

Il s'agit d'un patient de 25 ans reçu pour hématochézie de grande abondance et douleurs abdominales après utilisation par voie orale et rectale d'un purgatif à base de graines de Jatropha curcas ou pignon d'Inde appelée en bambara (langue locale du Mali) « Bagani ¼ et de Scoparia dulcis appelée en bambara « timitimini ¼. La coloscopie réalisée a permis de retrouver une nécrose du colon descendant. Le patient est décédé dans un tableau de choc septique par perforation colique.

This 25-year-old patient was presented with profuse hematochezia and abdominal pain following oral and rectal use of a purgative based on Jatropha curcas or "pignon d'Inde" seeds, known in Bambara (the local language of Mali) as "Bagani", and Scoparia dulcis, known in Bambara as "timitimini". Colonoscopy revealed necrosis of the descending colon. The patient died of septic shock due to colonic perforation

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Pediatric Pulmonology Training in India: Current Status and Future Directions

Respiratory illnesses are common causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Postgraduates in Pediatrics spent significant time in learning to manage respiratory disorders. Improved survival of preterm neonates, improved diagnosis and survival of chronic respiratory problems, and advances in diagnosis and therapeutics have increased the need for specialists trained in managing these patients. Training programs in Pediatric Pulmonology are evolving over the past few decades. In India, super-specialty training in Pediatric Pulmonology has grown over the past few years. There is a need to modify the training structure used in industrialized countries due to differences in patient population, priorities, and limited available resources and expertise. Formal training courses have been started in a limited number of institutions. There is a large gap between the need for a trained workforce and the available specialists in the limited number of institutions. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics National Respiratory Chapter (IAPNRC) has initiated a fellowship program to bridge the gap. Comprehensive training involving academic and hands-on training may go a long way to improve the care of children with acute and chronic respiratory problems. For sustainable development of the super specialty, there is a need to work towards creating Pediatric Pulmonology service departments in various institutions that may be responsible for comprehensive training and research activities to answer common research questions.

Awareness, perceptions, and attitude towards Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine among pregnant women in India: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The present study was conducted to explore the awareness and perception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among pregnant women. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01, 2021, to September 28, 2021, among 301 pregnant women aged 18–35 years at antenatal care outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra. Results: On assessing the knowledge and awareness score, the mean score (± standard deviation) was 7.83 ± 1.2 out of 16. A total of 176 (58.5%) had good scores(?8). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge and awareness scores and the level of education, type of residence, and age or with weeks of gestation. Although the overall awareness of study participants was satisfactory, 177 (58.8%) felt that COVID-19 vaccines should be avoided during the first trimester. Interestingly, 45 (15.3%) felt that vaccines should not be given during menstruation. There were misconceptions about perceived contraindication, with 81(26.9%), 50(16.6%) and 43(14.4%) responding that diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are contradicts respectively. Interestingly, a total of 52 (17.3%) responded as likely when enquired whether the present vaccine can cause infertility. Similarly, about 62% of study participants felt that the vaccine might alter the DNA. Conclusion: The present study revealed good overall knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant with certain misconceptions. The findings suggest that immediate health education programs, risk communication, and correct information should be disseminated by respective health authorities.

Equalizing The Third Gender Health a Lived Experience Phenomenological Study - A Qualitative Approach

Background: The transgender population is a marginalized social group often targeted for mistreatment and discrimination. This study specifically examined the experiences of transgender people across a range of cate-gories such as: education, employment outcomes, health awareness and mental health status. The study aimed to gain an understanding about the respondents’ unique experiences of discrimination being transgender and health awareness. Materials and Methods: The research applied descriptive qualitative phenomenology design. The study was conducted at Department of Community Medicine, Government Omandurar Medical College and Hospital, Chennai on Trans genders using in-depth interview with an open-ended question semi structured Question-naire after obtaining the informed consent among 4 Transgenders till the data saturation happens. The Tran-scriptions Data were then analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Results: Marginalized socially and economically, Family and peer rejections, Lack of Job opportunities, Con-tinuous rejection and omission leads to Begging and Active Night life (Survival Sex). Health Care Professionals has less knowledge about the transgender health, sex affirmation surgery is still least preferred among doc-tors. NGOs roles are very significant in their quality of life, Periodic medical examination including HIV. Conclusion: Transgender’s and the word are to be transformed as Third Gender. The Social acceptance from the public will do wonders in their life.

Mental Health Programme in India: Has the tide really turned?

Mental disorders in India form a major public health concern and the efforts to tackle these dates back to four decades, by way of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and its operational arm, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). Although the progress of NMHP (and DMHP) was relatively slower till recently, the last 4-5 years have seen rapid strides with several initiatives, including (i) expansion of DMHPs to 90 per cent of the total districts of the country, (ii) the National Mental Health Policy and (iii) strengthening the Mental Health Legislation by way of providing explicit provisions for rights of persons with mental illnesses. Among others, factors responsible for this accelerated growth include the easily accessible digital technology as well as judicial activism. Federal and State cooperation is another notable feature of this expansion. In this review, the authors summarize the available information on the evolution of implementation and research aspects related to India’s NMHP over the years and provide a case for the positive turn of events witnessed in the recent years. However, the authors caution that these are still baby steps and much more remains to be done.

Utility of morphologic assessment of bone marrow biopsy in diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders

Introduction: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare disorders and pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians owing to their generalized symptomatology. In this study, we aim to classify LSDs into two broad categories, namely, Gaucher disease (GD) and Niemann–Pick/Niemann–Pick-like diseases (NP/NP-like diseases) based on the morphology of the storage cells in the bone marrow (BM) aspiration smears and trephine biopsy sections. Materials and Method: This retrospective study includes 32 BM specimens morphologically diagnosed as LSDs at our institute, in the last 10 years. Subsequently, they were subclassified into GD and NP/NP-like diseases. Further, we have compared and analyzed the clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters for the two groups of LSDs. Results: Based on BM morphology, 59.4% (n = 19) cases were diagnosed as NP/NP-like diseases and 40.6% (n = 13) cases as GD. Abdominal distension and failure to thrive were the most common clinical manifestations in both groups of LSDs. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were frequently seen in either of the LSDs. On the assessment of metabolic profile, elevated total/direct bilirubin and liver enzymes were more commonly seen in NP/NP-like diseases when compared with GD. Conclusion: We have classified LSDs into GD and NP/NP-like diseases based on the morphology of the storage cells in the BM specimen. The hallmark findings on BM biopsy annexed with the comparative features of the two proposed categories can aid the clinician in clinching the diagnosis. Formulation of such a methodology will prove instrumental for patient care in an underresourced setting.

Management of Dengue: An Updated Review

Dengue is an important public health problem with a wide clinical spectrum. The World Health Organization classifes dengue into probable dengue, dengue with warning signs, and severe dengue. Severe dengue, characterized by plasma leakage, severe bleeding, or organ impairment, entails signifcant morbidity and mortality if not treated timely. There are no defnitive curative medications for dengue; management is supportive. Judicious fuid resuscitation during the critical phase of dengue is the cornerstone of management. Crystalloids are the initial fuid of choice. Prophylactic platelet transfusion is not recommended. Organ involvement in severe dengue should be carefully looked for and managed. Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a potentially fatal complication of dengue that needs to be recognized, as specifc management with steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin may improve outcomes. Several compounds with anti-dengue potential are being studied; no anti-dengue drug is available so far.

Assessment of stress and coping mechanisms in the 1st year MBBS students from English and Vernacular medium – An experience from a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Background: The stress levels among the 1st year MBBS students are high due to multiple factors. In this setting, an objective assessment of stress and coping strategies among medical students may provide a foundation to adopting specific measures to help them. Aims and Objectives: The specific objectives of the study were to compare stress levels and coping strategies among medical students from different backgrounds and mediums of instructions and to ategorize the stress level of students depending on Class X, XII marks, number of attempts, and annual family income. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight 1st year MBBS students were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into two groups, that is, Group 1 – English medium schools and Group 2 – Hindi medium schools and informed consent was taken. In a preferable time slot, the participants were given two questionnaires (Zung’s SDS and Way of Coping Revised scale) and a table of personal information to fill. Results: There were significantly higher stress scores among English medium students as compared to vernacular medium. There was no correlation between Class 10th and 12th marks with the stress. Proportion of students having high stress had AFI <1 lakh and proportion having low stress had AFI more than 5 lakh. Students having more than 3 attempts in medical qualifying examination had the least stress scores. Conclusion: Stress among medical students was found to more in students from English medium schools due to the urban background of these students. High family income acts a psychological security for the students, hence the low stress among them. Students with more than 3 attempts in qualifying examination were more mature, hence the low stress score among them.

Assessment of Cholinesterase inhibition activity of birds inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and protected area in hot semi-arid region of Pakistan / Avaliação da atividade de inibição da colinesterase de pássaros que habitam áreas cultivadas e áreas protegidas expostas a pesticidas na região semiárida quente do Paquistão

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels can be used as an indicator for AChE inhibition due to pesticide poisoning in bird species. We assessed the comparative brain cholinesterase (AChE) activity level of five bird species inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and Protected Area i.e. Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber by using a spectrophotometric method. AChE activity levels ranged from 56.3 to 85.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing DVNP. However, AChE activity levels ranged from 27.6 to 79.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing croplands. AChE activity levels observed in Jungle babbler, Common babbler, and Red-vented bulbul showed significant differences (P 0.05). Maximum inhibition was recorded in Jungle babbler (53%) followed by Common babbler (35%), Red-vented bulbul (18%), White wagtail (15%), and Black drongo (7%). The brain cholinesterase inhibition levels under-protected ecosystems (DVNP, Bhimber) and agricultural landscape suggest insecticidal contamination and its impact on avifauna diversity. The study also emphasizes on the importance of pesticide-free zones to protect the biodiversity of birds.

Os níveis de atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) podem ser usados como um indicador para a inibição da AChE devido ao envenenamento por pesticidas em espécies de aves. Avaliamos o nível de atividade comparativa da colinesterase cerebral (AChE) de cinco espécies de aves que habitam áreas cultivadas expostas a pesticidas e Área Protegida, ou seja, Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber, usando um método espectrofotométrico. Os níveis de atividade da AChE variaram de 56,3 a 85,9 µmol / min / g de tecido cerebral de aves representando DVNP. No entanto, os níveis de atividade da AChE variaram de 27,6 a 79,9 µmol / min / g de tecido cerebral de aves representando áreas de cultivo. Os níveis de atividade de AChE observados no tagarela da selva, tagarela comum e bulbul vermelho exalado mostraram diferenças significativas (P 0,05). A inibição máxima foi registrada no tagarela da selva (53%), seguido pelo tagarela comum (35%), bulbul vermelho (18%), alvéola branca (15%) e drongo preto (7%). Os níveis de inibição da colinesterase cerebral nos ecossistemas subprotegidos (DVNP, Bhimber) e na paisagem agrícola sugerem contaminação por inseticida e seu impacto na diversidade da avifauna. O estudo também enfatiza a importância das zonas livres de pesticidas para proteger a biodiversidade das aves.

Molecular identification of Opisthorchis viverrini among the northeastern Cambodian population by internal transcribed spacer 2 based polymerase chain reaction

@#The southeast Asian fluke Opisthorchis viverrini remains endemic, particularly in Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. However, there is a lack of data on the prevalence of liver fluke infection in Kratie Province in northeastern Cambodia. The present study aimed to detect O. viverrini DNA in fecal specimens by using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence and percentage of O. viverrini infection were described by data analysis. Bivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to look at the related prevalence of O. viverrini infection. A total of 6.89% from 377 fecal samples were found positive of O. viverrini DNA. The prevalence of O. viverrini infection was found to be higher in men (8.92%) than in women (5.45%), and to be associated more frequently with younger age groups (13.40%), illiteracy (8.74%), participation in other careers (non-specific occupations) (11.63%), and residence in the Trapaing Srae village (9.94%) of the Snuol district, Kratie Province. Age groups under 20 years old were significantly linked with O. viverrini infection, with ORadj=0.601, 95% CI=0.410-0.882, p=0.009 and significant value established at (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that O. viverrini infection is distributed in rural areas located near freshwater reservoirs. Therefore, active surveillance, clinical examination of association with hepatobiliary, cholangiocarcinoma, and health education are needed.

Oral parasitic protozoan Entamoeba gingivalis in periodontal disease patients, northeastern Thailand

@#Entamoeba gingivalis is present in the oral cavity of humans and is associated with periodontal disease. Consequently, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the E. gingivalis infection and the associated risk factors among individuals suffering from periodontal conditions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out within a cohort of periodontal patients. Dental plaque specimens were meticulously collected and subsequently subjected to thorough examination using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SrRNA) gene of the organism. The occurrence of risk factors for E. gingivalis infection was analyzed by the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Out of the 230 participants, 60 were clinically diagnosed with periodontitis, while 170 were afflicted with gingivitis. Out of the 230 patients, 25 (10.9%) tested positive for E. gingivalis infections. An in-depth analysis unveiled that a significant majority of infections were recorded within subgroups characterized by a marital status (15.45%), manifestation of periodontitis (25.00%), and concomitant presence of underlying disease (20.83%). Furthermore, the high risk factor associated with E. gingivalis infection was the female (ORadj = 13.65, 95% CI = 1.08-173.21), followed by periodontitis (ORadj = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.21-9.00), respectively. The study employs a molecular diagnostic approach to screen for E. gingivalis enrichment within a subset of periodontal patients with advancing disease. The findings emphasize the necessity for further research to elucidate the pathogenesis of E. gingivalis and advocate for vigilant surveillance within a substantial population of periodontal patients.

Epidemiological risk factors and phylogenetic affinities of Sarcocystis infecting village chickens and pigs in Peninsular Malaysia

@#The intake of food and water containing the Sarcocystis parasite has been linked to a number of outbreaks worldwide, including Malaysia. Nevertheless, the lack of surveys and epidemiological data on Sarcocystis infections in Malaysia makes it difficult to estimate its occurrence in humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis and the risk factors associated with infection among village chickens and pigs reared under different farm managements in Peninsular Malaysia. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using partial fragments of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS1 sequences. In the present study, 680 sera samples were collected from village chickens (n=250) and commercial pigs (n=433) and anti-Sarcocystis antibodies were screened using the enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kit. At the animal level, the prevalence of Sarcocystis was 9.2% (95% CI: 5.92-13.48) and at the farm level, it was 64.0% (95% CI: 42.52-82.03) in village chickens. The animal-level seroprevalence of Sarcocystis for pigs was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.13-5.93) and 36.8% (95% CI: 16.29-61.64) at the farm-level. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on meat samples from various parts of village chickens (n=250) consisting of brain, heart, lung, and pectoralis muscle tissues, and pork (n=121) consisting of intercostal muscle, diaphragm, and tongue. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 6.4% (95% CI: 4.60-11.60) of village chicken samples but zero in pork samples. A total of 11 unique Sarcocystis haplotypes were isolated from these tissue samples. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the putative risk factors showed a statistically significant association between Sarcocystis infection in pigs and uncovered storage of feed. Although no zoonotic Sarcocystis was isolated in this study, we reported the first discovery of S. wenzeli in Malaysia.

Molecular detection of oral Trichomonas tenax in periodontal disease patients by polymerase chain reaction -based 18S rRNA gene

@#Trichomonas tenax, an oral flagellated protozoon found in humans, potentially associated with the inflammation of periodontal tissues and decreased immunity that causes the tissue damage and tooth loss from chronic infection. Currently, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence of T. tenax infection in Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to measure prevalence of T. tenax in periodontal disease patients by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene and to determine the factors associated with the presence of this protozoan. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 230 patients with periodontal disease, who visited the oral health center of Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Thailand from 2021 to 2022. Dental plaque specimens were collected and examined to identify the presence of T. tenax using the PCR-based 18S rRNA gene. The occurrence of factors associated with T. tenax infection was analyzed by the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The prevalence of T. tenax infection was 13.48% (31/230), in patients, including 96.77% (30/31) and 3.23% (1/31) in periodontitis and gingivitis patients, respectively. The presence of T. tenax was associated with periodontal disease (p<0.001) and the Periodontal Screening and Record (PSR) index (p=0.001). The significant risk factors for T. tenax infection were periodontitis (ORadj=239.89, 95% CI=23.801-2417.746), no-underlying disease (ORadj=0.31, 95% CI=0.099–0.942), and male sex (ORadj=0.25, 95% CI=0.062-0.981). Dentists should be concerned about this oral protozoan in periodontitis patients. Furthermore, epidemiologic studies of T. tenax are still needed to investigate the mechanism of pathogenesis from T. tenax infection.

First observation of Afromorgus chinensis (boheman, 1858) (Coleoptera: Trogidae) on a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L., 1758) carcass and its implications in forensic entomology

@#Beetles (Coleoptera) are known to constitute forensic evidence in medico-legal investigations as their presence can be used to date human remains in almost all decomposition stages. Many forensic studies focus on the successional colonization pattern of flies (Diptera); however, beetles have not so far been studied extensively for this aspect. A beetle of the genus Afromorgus Scholtz, 1986, A. chinensis (Boheman, 1858) (Scarabaeoidea: Trogidae), was found beneath a late decaying rabbit carcass at Paya Indah Wetland, Dengkil, Malaysia, for the first time. Both genus and species are already known to occur in Malaysia from literature.

Midwives' perceptions of and attitudes towards prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services has become an integral part of antenatal services. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission was introduced in all the regions of Ghana, but mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) continued to increase. Objectives: To explore and describe midwives' perceptions and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV services. Method: Quantitative research approach and descriptive cross-sectional design were used. The population includes all midwives between the ages of 21 and 60 years who work in antenatal care (ANC) clinics in 11 district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana where the study was conducted. Forty-eight midwives were interviewed using a census sample process. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Correlation analysis was performed to find the relationships between the attitudes and the perceptions of the midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Results: Seventy percent of midwives had positive perceptions of PMTCT of HIV services and 85% had positive attitudes towards the provision of PMTCT of HIV services. Midwives were screening all pregnant women who visited the ANCs and referring those who tested positive to other institutions where they can be monitored. Some of the concerns considered were views on retesting HIV-infected pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between attitudes and perceptions of midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Conclusion: Midwives had positive perceptions and positive attitudes towards the PMTCT of HIV services that they were providing to antenatal attendees. Also, as the attitudes of the midwives towards PMTCT of HIV services improved, their perceptions of PMTCT services also improved. Contribution: Decentralisation of PMTCT of HIV services to community-based health facilities is appropriate to enable sub-district health facilities to test for HIV and provide counselling services to pregnant women.

Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutifs des maladies thyroïdiennes à Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire) / Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of thyroid deseases in Bouake (Ivory Coast)

Contexte : la maladie thyroïdienne représente la plus fréquente endocrinopathie dans le monde après le diabète sucré. En Afrique, elle constitue un véritable problème de santé publique et sa prise en charge est souvent entravée par les moyens d'investigations. Le but était d'étudier le profil des affections thyroïdiennes à Bouaké. Méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive, menée dans le service de consultation de Médecine Interne du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bouaké du 1er janvier 2020 au 31 décembre 2021. Elle a porté sur les dossiers de 104 patients suivis pour une pathologie thyroïdienne. Résultats : Sur 2560 patients reçus, la pathologie thyroïdienne concernait 104 patients ; soit une fréquence de 4,1%. Il s'agissait de 93 femmes et 11 hommes avec un sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,12 L'âge moyen était de 42,03 ans ±15 ans. Dans plus de la moitié des cas (55,8%), le délai de consultation était supérieur à 06 mois. Sur le plan fonctionnel, 58 patients (55,8%) présentaient une hyperthyroïdie avec comme principales étiologies la maladie de Basedow (60,3%, n=35) et le goitre multinodulaire toxique (24,1%, n=14). L'hypothyroïdie était retrouvée chez 10 patients (9,6%), le plus souvent post thyroïdectomie (60%). Les goitres et nodules euthyroïdiens étaient retrouvés chez 36 patients (34,6%) dominés par le goitre multinodulaire euthyroïdien (36,1%, n=13) et le goitre simple (27,8%, n=10). Le traitement des hyperthyroïdies reposait essentiellement sur les antithyroïdiens de synthèse dans 96,7%. Seulement 1 patient hyperthyroïdien avait subi une thyroïdectomie. La majorité des patients (82,2%) étaient perdus de vue. Conclusion : La pathologie thyroïdienne au CHU de Bouaké est une maladie fréquente de la femme jeune. Les hyperthyroïdies dominent le tableau des thyréopathies avec comme principale étiologie la maladie de Basedow. On note un taux élevé de perdu de vue, d'où l'intérêt d'une éducation de nos patients.

Context: Thyroid disease is the most common endocrinopathy observed in the world. In Africa, thyroid diseases remain a real public health problem and their care is often hampered by the means of investigation. The purpose of this work was to study the profile of thyroid affections in Bouake. Methods: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection, carried out over the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 at the Internal Medicine consultation at the University Hospital of Bouake. All epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic and evolutionary data from patients followed for thyroid pathology were collected. It focused on the records of 104 patients followed for thyroid disease. Results: Out of a total of 2560 consultations, 104 patients were involved in thyroid pathology, prevalence of 4.1%. They were 93 women and 11 men with a sex ratio of 0.12. The average age was 42.03±15.64 years. In more than half of the patients (55.8%) the evolution of the clinical symptomatology was more than six months. A total of 58 patients (55.8%) had hyperthyroidism. The etiologies of hyperthyroidism were dominated by Grave's disease and toxic multinodular goiter, with 60.3% and 24.1% of hyperthyroidism respectively. Hypothyroidism was confirmed in 10 patients (9.6%), among then 6 (60%) had undergone total thyroidectomy. The multinodular goiter was found in 36 patients and was dominated by multinodular goiter (36.1%) and single goiter (27.8%). The treatment of hyperthyroidism was exclusively with synthetic antithyroid drugs. Hypothyroidism was treated with hormone replacement therapy. The majority of patients (82.2%) were lost in view. Conclusion: The thyroid pathology at the University Hospital Center of Bouake is a frequent illness of the young woman. Hyperthyroidism were frequently found with as main etiology Grave's disease The majority of patients (82.2%) were lost in view hence the interest of patient's education.

Assessment of Cholinesterase inhibition activity of birds inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and protected area in hot semi-arid region of Pakistan / Avaliação da atividade de inibição da colinesterase de pássaros que habitam áreas cultivadas e áreas protegidas expostas a pesticidas na região semiárida quente do Paquistão

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels can be used as an indicator for AChE inhibition due to pesticide poisoning in bird species. We assessed the comparative brain cholinesterase (AChE) activity level of five bird species inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and Protected Area i.e. Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber by using a spectrophotometric method. AChE activity levels ranged from 56.3 to 85.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing DVNP. However, AChE activity levels ranged from 27.6 to 79.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing croplands. AChE activity levels observed in Jungle babbler, Common babbler, and Red-vented bulbul showed significant differences (P < 0.05) at two sites. However, White wagtail and Black drongo demonstrated non-significant differences (P > 0.05). Maximum inhibition was recorded in Jungle babbler (53%) followed by Common babbler (35%), Red-vented bulbul (18%), White wagtail (15%), and Black drongo (7%). The brain cholinesterase inhibition levels under-protected ecosystems (DVNP, Bhimber) and agricultural landscape suggest insecticidal contamination and its impact on avifauna diversity. The study also emphasizes on the importance of pesticide-free zones to protect the biodiversity of birds.

Resumo Os níveis de atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) podem ser usados ​​como um indicador para a inibição da AChE devido ao envenenamento por pesticidas em espécies de aves. Avaliamos o nível de atividade comparativa da colinesterase cerebral (AChE) de cinco espécies de aves que habitam áreas cultivadas expostas a pesticidas e Área Protegida, ou seja, Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber, usando um método espectrofotométrico. Os níveis de atividade da AChE variaram de 56,3 a 85,9 µmol / min / g de tecido cerebral de aves representando DVNP. No entanto, os níveis de atividade da AChE variaram de 27,6 a 79,9 µmol / min / g de tecido cerebral de aves representando áreas de cultivo. Os níveis de atividade de AChE observados no tagarela da selva, tagarela comum e bulbul vermelho exalado mostraram diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) em dois locais. No entanto, alvéola branca e drongo preto demonstraram diferenças não significativas (P > 0,05). A inibição máxima foi registrada no tagarela da selva (53%), seguido pelo tagarela comum (35%), bulbul vermelho (18%), alvéola branca (15%) e drongo preto (7%). Os níveis de inibição da colinesterase cerebral nos ecossistemas subprotegidos (DVNP, Bhimber) e na paisagem agrícola sugerem contaminação por inseticida e seu impacto na diversidade da avifauna. O estudo também enfatiza a importância das zonas livres de pesticidas para proteger a biodiversidade das aves.