Pregnancy-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria and drug resistance

In developing countries, bacteriuria is associated with significant maternal and foetal risks. Rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance warrants continuous monitoring of the susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates. In this study, we report our findings regarding the drug resistance patterns of bacteria isolates from pregnant women with urinary tract infections [UTI]. This study included 1358 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between July 2013 and August 2014. Urine specimens were processed for isolation and identification of bacterial species following standard microbiological methods. The disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the recovered isolates at the Central Laboratory of Microbiology of Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepal. Three hundred and seventeen isolates were positive for significant bacteriuria. E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, S. aureus, P. mirabilis, CoNS, and P. vulgaris accounted for 61.5%, 17%, 7.5%, 5.3%, 2.8%, 2.5%, 1.8%, and 1.2% of bacterial isolates, respectively. Resistance to erythromycin [58.6%], co-trimoxazole [57.4%] and ciprofloxacin [50.1%] was observed. Among the 317 positive isolates, 203 [64%] were from women in the 21-30-year-old age group, and the rate of bacteriuria in this group was statistically significantly more than those for the other age groups [P < 0.05]. Bacteriuria is frequent among pregnant women, which generates a need for routine urine culture screening. In this study, E. coli was the most predominant bacterial species identified followed by K. pneumonia. Furthermore, women in the 21-30-year-old group were at a higher risk of UTI. Erythromycin, co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin should not be empirically used as first-line drugs in the treatment of UTIs. Continuous local monitoring of resistance patterns is necessary to determine the appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy

Road rage and road traffic accidents among commercial vehicle drivers in Lahore, Pakistan

Road rage and road traffic accidents increase the burden of morbidity and mortality in a population. A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted among commercial vehicle drivers in Lahore, Pakistan [N= 901] to record their behaviours/experiences regarding road rage and road traffic accidents. Respondents were asked about incidents of shouting/cursing/rude gestures or threats to physically hurt the person/vehicle, by others or themselves, in the previous 24 hours or 3 months, and their involvement in road traffic accidents in the previous 12 months. Auto-rickshaw drivers were significantly more likely to report various road rage experiences/ behaviours and involvement in accidents compared with bus and wagon drivers. A total of 112 respondents [12.4%] reported being involved in a road traffic accident in the previous 12 months but traffic police did not record the accident in 52.7% of cases. The results of this study underline the need to improve road safety in Pakistan

Road rage behaviour and experiences of rickshaw drivers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted among rickshaw drivers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to study their road rage behaviour and experiences. Cumulatively 318 male drivers participated in this study. The most common forms of road rage reported were: having been shouted at; and having experienced rude gestures from other drivers [78.9% each]. Least common forms of road rage reported were: threats of physical hurt or having actually been physically hurt [

Holistic approach to mitigate the pollution impacts in the coastal ecosystem of Thailand using the remote sensing techniques

A study of substantial anthropogenic related pollution in the Coastal Samut Prakarn Province [Thailand] was carried out focusing on the Bang Pu Nature Reserve [remnant mangrove wetland] using a remote sensing [geospatial] technique. Statistical regression models were developed between biochemical parameters of sample point and related reflectance data obtained from satellite imagery [landsat TM]. Change detection showed a significant increase in various water bodies over a period of a decade and significant increase in analyzed pollutant levels. The paper highlights the advantages of baseline data obtained and its significance towards a holistic approach to mitigating coastal pollution combining sustainable conservation and enhanced nature education through a significant ecosystem bio-diversification. Within the framework of the approach a buffering zone based on a constructed freshwater-fed wetland is to be introduced to serve as an effective pollution mitigating area serving the local community which is in serious need of such an environmental vehicle

Risk factor of behavioral problems among adolescents living in single parenthood

The purpose of the present research was to find out the risk factor of behavioral problems among Pakistani adolescents, living in single parenthood. It was hypothesized, that the adolescents of single parent due to lack of physical presence, separation, divorce, and death would have more behavioral problems as compared to adolescents living with both parents group. The sample of the research consists of 240 adolescents, 120 males and 120 females, ranging from 12 to 17 years of age. Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] and, a short Demographic Information Form [DIF] were used to asses behavioral problems. For the statistical application, analysis of variance [ANOVA] was applied to determine the difference between the various sub-categories of "sample". The results showed significant differences in the behavioral problems among adolescents living with four sub-categories of single parent groups and both parents

Clinical presentation of breast cancer in the UAE

A retrospective study of 153 patients with cancer of the breast analysed according to age, sex, nationality, family history and mode of presentation is reported. 76 [49.7%] patients were less than 43 years and premenopausal. The left breast was more frequently involved 82 [53.59%], and only 32 [25.6%] were clinical stage I or II. 22 [18.97%] presented within two months of awareness of symptoms. 99 [86.84%] patients had tumours more than 2 cm and a painful lump causing discomfort forced 77 [51.68%] patients to seek medical attention. The majority breast fed and bore children and 18 [15.15%] were lactating mothers. The turnours seemed to grow aggressively when discovered at a younger age

Experience with testicular germ cell tumours at Tawam hospital, Al Ain, UAE

At Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UA.E. during the three year period 1981-1984, there was a total of 27 patjents with testicular germ cell tumours. Twenty-six% of these patients had a history of undescended testicle and eighteen% presented with extragonadal primaries. Twenty-six% received only partial treatment and were lost to follow-up whilst forty-four% completed the treatment and have remained free of disease. Fifteen% expired with disease either due to incomplete responses or relapse