Pre- and apnoeic high-flow oxygenation for rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department (the Pre-AeRATE trial): A multicentre randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION@#Evidence regarding the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation for preoxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation is conflicting. Our objective is to evaluate whether HFNC oxygenation for preoxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation maintains higher oxygen saturation (SpO2) during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in ED patients compared to usual care.@*METHODS@#This was a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in adult ED patients requiring RSI. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either intervention (HFNC oxygenation at 60L/min) group or control (non-rebreather mask for preoxygenation and nasal prongs of at least 15L/min oxygen flow for apnoeic oxygenation) group. Primary outcome was lowest SpO2 during the first intubation attempt. Secondary outcomes included incidence of SpO2 falling below 90% and safe apnoea time.@*RESULTS@#One hundred and ninety patients were included, with 97 in the intervention and 93 in the control group. Median lowest SpO2 during the first intubation attempt was 100% in both groups. Incidence of SpO2 falling below 90% was lower in the intervention group (15.5%) compared to the control group (22.6%) (adjusted relative risk=0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-1.25). Post hoc quantile regression analysis showed that the first quartile of lowest SpO2 during the first intubation attempt was greater by 5.46% (95% CI 1.48-9.45%, P=0.007) in the intervention group.@*CONCLUSION@#Use of HFNC for preoxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation, when compared to usual care, did not improve lowest SpO2 during the first intubation attempt but may prolong safe apnoea time.

Epidemiological study of dengue fever in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Estudo epidemiológico da dengue no distrito Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Dengue is a viral disease which is serious health concern from last few decades and the infection transmitted through mosquito bite into human. This study was conducted to carry out prevalence of dengue fever in District Swabi. A total of 196 blood sample were collected from patients with age ranges (0-80 years) having dengue fever on the basis of physical symptoms from Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi during August to October 2017. Serological test were performed for detection of IgM, IgG and NS1 (Non structural protein antigen of virus) against dengue. Out of total 196 confirmed dengue cases the most prone gender was male 123(62%) while 73(38%) were female. Among the age groups; 21-30 years group 62 (31.6%) was found the most predominated age group. The higly affected areas in district Swabi were Topi (40.8%) followed by Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8.2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5.1%), Shah Mansoor (5.1%), Gohati (4.1%), and Chota Lahore (3.6%). Therefore, the health department should take actions by educating the public about basic cleanliness of the environment. The community should be encouraged to participate in the control of such vector based diseases/infections.

A dengue é uma doença viral que é um sério problema de saúde das últimas décadas e a infecção transmitida através da picada de mosquito em humanos. Este estudo foi realizado para realizar a prevalência da dengue no distrito de Swabi. Foram coletadas 196 amostras de sangue de pacientes com faixa etária (0 a 80 anos) com dengue com base nos sintomas físicos do Complexo Médico Bacha Khan de Swabi, no período de agosto a outubro de 2017. Foram realizados testes sorológicos para detecção de IgM, IgG e NS1 (antígeno proteico não estrutural do vírus) contra a dengue. Do total de 196 casos confirmados de dengue, o sexo mais propenso foi o masculino 123 (62%), enquanto 73 (38%) eram do sexo feminino. Entre as faixas etárias; A faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos 62 (31,6%) foi a faixa etária mais predominante. As áreas altamente afetadas no distrito de Swabi foram Topi (40,8%), seguidas por Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8,2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5,1%), Shah Mansoor (5,1%), Gohati (4,1%) e Chota Lahore (3,6%). Portanto, o departamento de saúde deve tomar ações educando o público sobre a limpeza básica do meio ambiente. A comunidade deve ser incentivada a participar do controle de tais doenças / infecções baseadas em vetores.

Epidemiological study of dengue fever in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract Dengue is a viral disease which is serious health concern from last few decades and the infection transmitted through mosquito bite into human. This study was conducted to carry out prevalence of dengue fever in District Swabi. A total of 196 blood sample were collected from patients with age ranges (0-80 years) having dengue fever on the basis of physical symptoms from Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi during August to October 2017. Serological test were performed for detection of IgM, IgG and NS1 (Non structural protein antigen of virus) against dengue. Out of total 196 confirmed dengue cases the most prone gender was male 123(62%) while 73(38%) were female. Among the age groups; 21-30 years group 62 (31.6%) was found the most predominated age group. The higly affected areas in district Swabi were Topi (40.8%) followed by Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8.2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5.1%), Shah Mansoor (5.1%), Gohati (4.1%), and Chota Lahore (3.6%). Therefore, the health department should take actions by educating the public about basic cleanliness of the environment. The community should be encouraged to participate in the control of such vector based diseases/infections.

Resumo A dengue é uma doença viral que é um sério problema de saúde das últimas décadas e a infecção transmitida através da picada de mosquito em humanos. Este estudo foi realizado para realizar a prevalência da dengue no distrito de Swabi. Foram coletadas 196 amostras de sangue de pacientes com faixa etária (0 a 80 anos) com dengue com base nos sintomas físicos do Complexo Médico Bacha Khan de Swabi, no período de agosto a outubro de 2017. Foram realizados testes sorológicos para detecção de IgM, IgG e NS1 (antígeno proteico não estrutural do vírus) contra a dengue. Do total de 196 casos confirmados de dengue, o sexo mais propenso foi o masculino 123 (62%), enquanto 73 (38%) eram do sexo feminino. Entre as faixas etárias; A faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos 62 (31,6%) foi a faixa etária mais predominante. As áreas altamente afetadas no distrito de Swabi foram Topi (40,8%), seguidas por Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8,2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5,1%), Shah Mansoor (5,1%), Gohati (4,1%) e Chota Lahore (3,6%). Portanto, o departamento de saúde deve tomar ações educando o público sobre a limpeza básica do meio ambiente. A comunidade deve ser incentivada a participar do controle de tais doenças / infecções baseadas em vetores.

Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among different blood group donors at blood bank LUMHS, Hyderabad

Objectives: To study the prevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria in blood donors

Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study, conducted at Blood bank and Transfusion center at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences [LUMHS] Hyderabad, during the period from January, 2014 to June, 2015.A total of 4683 blood donors were screened for HBsAg, Anti-HCV and HIV on Architect 20001 [manufactured by Abbott], employing chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay [CMIA]. For Syphilis, VDRL ICT kits were used and Malaria parasite was screen through MP slides. Blood grouping was performed by both forward and reverse methods

Results: This study showed a high frequency of HBsAg, VDRL and malaria positivity among the O-ve blood group donors, i.e. 3.70%, 9.25% and 0.61% respectively. Blood group B-ve individuals were commonly infected with HCV [12.5%] as compared with all other blood group donors. HIV is more commonly reported in A+ve blood group individuals. Blood group O+ve is more prevalent [37.41 %]

Conclusion: High frequency of HCV infection in blood donors advocates implementation of strict screening policy for donors and public awareness campaigns about preventive measures to reduce the spread of this infection as well as other transfusion transmissible infections

Cardamom extract induces cell proliferation by increasing potassium currents in NIH3T3 cell line

Amommum subulatum [Roxb.] or Cardamom extract is known to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects towards many gastrointestinal related problems. However, uptill now different fractions of cardamom extract on fibroblasts with respect to potassium channel activity have not been investigated. Therefore, present study investigated the effects of different tractions of cardamom extract on potassium channels in non-tumor NIH3T3 cell line. Phytochemical analysis of hydroalcoholic, n-hexane, butane and ethyl acetate fractions of cardamom extracts were purified and isolated by thin layer chromatography [TLC]. 3T3 cells were cultured and incubated with hydroalcohol [1-2 Hg/ml], n-hexane [1 microg/ml], butane [2 microg/ml] and ethyl acetate [1-2 microg/ml] for 5 hrs at 37°C. Modulation in potassium currents were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp method. The data showed two constituents Cineol [CioHigO] and Terpinyl acetate [CioHi[7]OOCCH[3]] by TLC method. The present study shows that the constituents in n-hexane, hydro alcohol [1 [microg/ml] and ethyl acetate [2 microg/ml] significantly increased [p<0.01] the potassium outward rectifying currents from NIH3T3 cells when compared to untreated controls cells. Where as, butanol fraction [2 microg/ml] significantly decreased [p<0.01] the inward rectifying currents when compared to controls. Moreover hydroalcoholic and n-hexane fractions have increased the proliferation in 3T3 cell line. On the other hand butanol and ethyl acetate did not induce proliferation in 3T3 cells. Taken together, our data suggested that cardamom extract contains constituents that increased K[+] currents, cell migration and proliferation and are involved in wound healing

Phytochemical screening and assessment of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hematological properties of the fruit of Berberis baluchistanica

Traditionally Berberis species have been used as anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drugs. This study was aimed to determine chemical constituents and to assess analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hematological effects of the crude extract of the berries of Berberis baluchistanica to verify these folkloric claims. Phytochemical screening, carried out by using different chemical reagents and techniques like Thin Layer Chromatography [TLC] and Fourier Transform Infra-Red [FTIR] indicated presence of flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and carbohydrates including reducing sugars. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed on mice by using acetic acid induced writhing method and formalin method. Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were observed during these experiments. The extract also showed anti anemic effect as it increased the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells significantly. Increase in the platelet count was also noted. The extract of the berries was used at oral doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg during experiments. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were determined by comparing with the standard i.e. aspirin 300 mg/kg. Both doses produced significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at P-0.05. These activities were seemingly attributable to flavonoid and saponin contents of the drug. These results justify the folkloric claims that the drug could be used as good anti-inflammatory, antirehumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drug. However, further chemical investigations on the drug are suggested for isolation and identification of compounds that could be safer and more effective than the currently available medicines in treating these disorders

Effect of visfatin on the structure and immune levels in the small intestine of LPS-induced rats / Efecto de la visfatina sobre la estructura y los niveles de inmunidad en el intestino delgado de ratas inducidas por lipopolisacáridos

This study investigated the effects of visfatin on the structure and the immunity levels in the small intestine of LPS-induced rats. Forty Wistar male and female SPF rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: the saline (control), vistfatin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and visfatin+LPS co-stimulated. The functions of visfatin in the intestinal mucosal immunity were investigated by examining the variation of tissue structure, inflammation and immunity-related proteins in the intestine of immunologically stressed rats using HE staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. The results showed that, when compared with the control group, the visfatin-treated group showed a decrease in the intestinal villus height and width, and a significant increase in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-ð as well as Immunoglobulin A (IgA) positive cells. Additionally, when compared with the LPS-treated group, the visfatin+LPS co-stimulated group showed a decrease in the villus height and width as well as the levels of IL-6 and TNF-ð, and an increase in IgA levels, implying a shrinking response to LPS injection. All the results suggest that, under normal physiological conditions, visfatin disturbs the body's homeostasis and causes intestinal villus atrophy by increasing IgA expression. While under immune response conditions, LPS acts as an exogenous antigen to promote visfatin against LPS-induced inflammation by decreasing the expression of IgA. Under immune stress conditions, visfatin as an exogenous stimulus promotes the immune response by regulating the protein levels of IL-6, TNF-ð and IgA.

Este estudio investigó los efectos de la visfatina sobre la estructura y los niveles de inmunidad en el intestino delgado de ratas inducidas por lipopolisacáridos (LPS). Cuarenta ratas Wistar se dividieron aleatoriamente e igualmente en cuatro grupos: solución salina (control), vistafin, LPS y visfatina + LPS co-estimuladas. Las funciones de la visfatina en la inmunidad de la mucosa intestinal se investigaron mediante el examen de variación de la estructura del tejido, la inflamación y las proteínas relacionadas con la inmunidad en el intestino de ratas estresadas inmunológicamente; usando tinción HE, ELISA, inmunohistoquímica y Western Blot. Los resultados mostraron que, en comparación con el grupo control, el grupo tratado con visfatina presentó una disminución en la altura y ancho de las vellosidades intestinales, y un aumento significativo en los niveles de IL-6 y TNF-ð, así como inmunoglobulina A (IgA células positivas). Además, al comparar este grupo con el grupo tratado con LPS- el grupo visfatina + LPS co-estimulado mostró una disminución en la altura y ancho de las vellosidades, así como en los niveles de IL-6 y TNF-ð, y un aumento en los niveles de IgA, lo que implica reducción de una respuesta a la inyección LPS. Todos los resultados sugieren que, en condiciones fisiológicas normales, la visfatina perturba la homeostasis del cuerpo y provoca la atrofia de las vellosidades intestinales mediante el aumento de la expresión de IgA. Mientras que bajo condiciones de la respuesta inmune, LPS actúa como un antígeno exógeno para promover visfatina contra la inflamación inducida por LPS por la disminución de la expresión de IgA. En condiciones de estrés inmunológico, la visfatina como estímulo exógeno promueve la respuesta inmune mediante la regulación de los niveles de proteína de IL-6, TNF-ð e IgA.

Ciprofloxacin; the frequent use in poultry and its consequences on human health

Fluoroquinolones are bactericidal agents that exhibit AUC/MIC dependent killing. In general, they are effective against Gram-negative organisms and some mycobacteria. Ciprofloxacin is the members of this group and its bactericidal action involves the impeding of enzyme topoisomerase II and IV. In human beings, this drug is recommended for a variety of infections including typhoid fever, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, complicated intra-abdominal infections, infectious diarrhea, and uncomplicated cervical as well as urethral gonorrhea. The drug is as effective in animals as in humans, and is therefore used in animals as well. According to European health law and National Office of Animal Health [NOAH], UK, the statutory withdrawal period for veterinary medicinal products must not be less than 28 days for meat from poultry. The chicken used for meat purpose usually is of the age between 6 to 8 weeks, therefore the use of the drug must be discontinued by the age of 2 weeks. Whereas the age of chick at which it usually develops indicated diseases, is 3 weeks. In this situation, it is not possible to attain a withdrawal period of 28 days. Based on these observations, ciprofloxacin use may not be recommended in poultry for treatment of diseases as it may cause unnecessary exposure to humans while utilizing poultry meat and may lead to the development of drug resistance

Evaluation of hearing impairment in children of school going age

The timely identification of severity of hearing loss in school age children will decrease the morbidity and this morbidity can be corrected by timely treatment. Community-base cohort study. This study was conducted in ENT department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, KMC,Karachi from January 2011 to Jan 2012. The suspected cases were referred to the ENT department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital adjoining schools and suspected cases of hearing difficulty noticed by the parents. After taking informed consent from both sexes and age ranges from 6-16 years were included in the study. This study shows male were slight more 54 patients. Highest number of patients was found in 13 years of age 16 patients i.e 16%. In 53 patients risk factor was present. Maximum number of children had moderate hearing loss 26 children [26%]. Early school going child with mild to moderate hearing loss is difficult to detect during routinr examination. Audiological screening is necessary for detection of hearing loss in early school going child

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis; recurrent, severe enough to close the mouth

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis also referred to as idiopathic gingival hyperplasia, elephantiasis gingivae etc; is a rare hereditary localized or generalized condition, which represents as swelling of gingivae of varied degrees with no apparent cause. Swelling is usually firm, pink and usually no signs of inflammation if oral hygiene is up to fair. Condition may occur solitary or in a syndrome. Recent findings report a defect in the Son of seven less-1 gene on chromose 2p21-p22[HGF1] as a possible cause. This case report presents a severe HGF case, importance of earlier management [as it may unable the patient to close their mouth], possible gravitational role in enlargement of swellings and its proper remedy

Pathological findings of chronic supparative otitis media in tertiary care hospital

Objectives: To see the clinico-pathological pattern of findings in the chronic supparative otitis media [CSOM] during surgery

Study Design: A prospective observational study

Place And Duration: This study was conducted in Karachi Medical and Dental College and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital during the period of October 2006 to October 2010

Methodology: For this study, 288 patients were selected. After complete history, examination and relevant investigations surgery was performed and intra-operative findings of middle ear cleft were noted

Results: Total number of patients selected were 288, in which female were dominating slightly with 54.1%. Maximum incidence was noted between the ages of 16-30 years of age in 180 patients [62.5%]. 140 cases [48.61%] had no ossicles damage while 148 cases[51.38%] had one or more ossicles damage. Granulation tissue found in 99 patients [34.37%], while cholesteatoma found in 77 patients [26.73%]

Conclusion: Pathological changes varies from simple mucosal edema to extensive destruction of the middle ear cleft

Exchange nailing for delayed or non union of diaphyseal femoral fractures

To determine the effectiveness of exchange nailing for delayed or nonunion of diaphyseal femur fractures. Descriptive case series. Department of Orthopaedics Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi, from March 2009 to February 2012. All patients with delayed or hypertrophic nonunion of diaphyseal femur fractures diagnosed on clinical and radiological examination, were included. Patients with infective nonunion, segmental fractures or fractures with bone loss and open fractures were excluded. Exchange nailing was performed. A total of 36 patients were managed which included 27 males and 9 females. Twenty-four [66%] patients were between 30 - 40 year of age. Left femur was predominantly involved [56%]. The non union involved middle third in 61% cases. Following surgery union was achieved in 33 [92%] cases. In 14 patients union occurred between 4 to 6 months. Superficial infection occurred in 2 patients. Exchange nailing is the one of best options for delayed or nonunion of femoral diaphyseal fractures.

Prevalence of contact lens use and its complications among students of Gulf Medical University, Ajman

Increase in cosmetic and prescription use of lenses is proportional to lens- related complications. Lens users in the UAE are particularly at risk of infection due to the foreign bodies and dust particles in the air during occurrences of sandstorms. To estimate the prevalence of contact lens use among university students, to assess the frequency of complications in contact lens users based on the type of lenses used, to assess the level of compliance amongst users regarding hygiene practices and to compare the frequency of complications between contact lens users and non-users. A cross sectional study was done among 241 students of Gulf Medical University, Ajman. The study included students from all the different faculties. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, after approval by the Ethical Committee. All the data obtained from the questionnaires were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 20 software. Of the students participating 26.3% were contact lens users. Of the contact lens users, 41% used daily wear contact lenses. Contact lens users suffered most frequently from red eyes, dry eyes, burning and itching. 23.2% non-contact lens users showed dry eyes. 73.3% of contact lens users were found to practice safe hygiene and handling of contact lenses. Contact lens use is not highly prevalent amongst students. The most common eye complications experienced by the students were red eyes, dry eyes, burning and itching. Dry eyes were a frequently experienced symptom by both non-contact lens users and contact lens users. The majority of the students practiced safe handling

Assessment of diabetes knowledge among adolescents in selected Iranian schools in UAE

To assess the level of knowledge of students aged 13-19 years in selected Iranian schools in UAE about diabetes and to identify probable misconceptions with regard to this disease among the participants. A cross sectional study was done including 200 female and male students in the age group between 13 to 19 years in selected Iranian schools. A scoring system was used by which a score of 1 or zero was given to each correct or incorrect response respectively. The total correct score was used as criteria to assess the total knowledge of students that was categorized into three parts [good, average and low]. The knowledge was also categorized into 5 domains [general knowledge, epidemiology, risk factors/ complication, investigation/ screening and lifestyle/ treatment]. Because of variation in number of items included in each domain, percentage of correct responses for these domains were compared The percentage of correct knowledge scores for the general knowledge, epidemiology of diabetes, risk factors/ complication, investigation/ screening and lifestyle/ treatment domains are 60.5%, 47.8%, 52.5%, 51.5% and 56.4% respectively. Poor knowledge scores is identified among 18% of the participant [n=34]. Poor knowledge scores are most commonly observed in males compared to females [2%Vs 14%], and in younger age adolescents [> 15 Yrs] compared to older age [> 15 Yrs]. The most common misconception is that diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar and sweets. High lack of knowledge in all knowledge domains. Poor knowledge is observed in 18% of the adolescents. Most common misconception is that sugar intake cause diabetes

Functional outcome of the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for the supracondylar fractures of femur using dynamic condylar screw

To assess the functional outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis [MIPO] for the extra-articular and undisplaced intra-articular supracondylar fractures of femur using dynamic condylar screw [DCS]. Descriptive case series. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, from April 2009 to October 2011. Patients were enrolled from accident and emergency and OPD. OPD follow-ups were carried out at 2nd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th weeks, then every 2nd month for the assessment of rate of union and range of motion of knee joint. A total of 83 patients were included. There were 55 males and 28 females. Male to female ratio was 1.96:1. Patients were 25-50 year of age. Seventy four [89.2%] of the injuries were caused by road traffic accident and 9 [10.8%] due to fall from height. Forty six [55.4%] patients had fractures on right side and 37 [44.6%] on left side. Radiological union was achieved in 79 [95.2%] patients at an average period of 19.05 weeks. The radiological bony union was achieved in 16-18 weeks in 25[30.1%] patients. Four patients developed nonunion for which bone graft from iliac crest was placed after 24 weeks. Two achieved union in one year follow up while two were lost to follow up. At end of one year, forty-three [51.8%] cases had knee flexion from zero to 90° - 120°, 25 [30.1%] cases had knee flexion of > 120° and remaining 15 [18.1%] cases had knee flexion of <90°. At the end of one year satisfactory [knee motion > 90°] functional outcome as achieved in 68 [81.9%] cases. High rates of both radiological union [95.2%] and satisfactory [knee motion > 90°] functional outcome [81.9%] were achieved in large number of cases

Complications of diabetes mellitus encountered in a tertiary care hospital in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To determine the profile of complications in patients with diabetes in the region of Ajman. Data was collected from GMC Hospital records of patients presenting with complications of diabetes from 1 January 2010-31 December 2010. Data analysis was done on SPSS and Chi square test was done to test associations. Out of 162 patients, there were 15 patients with acute complications of which the most commonly observed was hyperglycemia [69.6%] and there were 90 patients with chronic complications of which CVD was the most frequently [48.8%]. It was also found that the age group with the most cases of acute and chronic complications were 20-39 years [66%] and 40-59 years [55.6%]. 24.7% out of 162 patients had co-morbidities, with the most common being liver disorders, followed by thyroid disorders and anemia. Most patients in our study presented with hyperglycemia and cardiovascular disease, with the former seen most commonly in the younger age group and the latter in the older age group. Also a significant number of patients with complications had high RBG and HbAlc levels. Therefore greater efforts are needed in controlling the blood glucose level in order to prevent long term complications

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea in young women [16-25 years]: a cross-sectional study

To determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea among women in the 16-25 age groups in Ajman. A cross-sectional survey was done in 300 female students from two universities in Ajman United Arab Emirates. The data was collected using a pilot tested, self administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS-19 and is presented mainly as tables and graphs. To verify associations the Chi square test was done. The study found that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among women within the age group of 16-25 years was 75%. Females with heavy menstrual flow with clots have higher prevalence of dysmenorrhea [91.7%] than women with slight and moderate menstrual flow [69.7%]. The most common symptoms reported by females suffering from dysmenorrhea are mild fatigue, moderate cramps, moderate back pain and mild premenstrual tension. Most common remedies taken for dysmenorrhea were taking rest [13%] and taking over the counter painkillers [41%]. The frequency of dysmenorrhea among women of age group 16-25 was high with three fourth of the study subjects reporting dysmenorrhea. Most common symptoms suffered were cramps followed by back pain and fatigue. Mostly dysmenorrhea was managed with over the counter pain killers

Needle sticks and sharps injury: frequency and awareness among nurses in two hospitals in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To estimate the frequency of needle stick and sharp injuries [NSSI] among nurses in two hospitals in Ajman and to determine the nurses' awareness about the consequences and precautions regarding NSSI. A cross sectional study was conducted from July 2011 to March 2012 among registered nurses in two hospitals in Ajman, UAE, namely GMC Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Hospital. A total of 186 respondents filled a self-administered questionnaire regarding their experience in handling needles and sharps and any encounter with a needle stick and/or sharps injury in the years of service in the current hospital. Their knowledge and awareness of consequences and prevention of NSSIs were also assessed. The data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Out of 186 nurses, 51 [29%] reported NSSIs. 26 [28.3%], were from GMC Hospital and 25[30.5%], were from Sheikh Khalifa hospital. 46 [29.1%], were females, while 5 [35.7%], were males. 28 [54.9%], had reported Needle Sticks and Sharps Injuries, while 23 [45.1%], did not report any history of injury. The most common instrument to cause injury were disposable syringes, 26 [51%], The majority of the nurses attributed NSSI to being rushed 22 [45.8%], and the majority of the NSSIs had occurred in the ward or at the bedside 13[25.5%]. NSSIs are frequent in hospitals in Ajman. Most of these are sustained through disposable syringes, and the nurses perceived that being rushed was the cause. Most nurses understood that infection with HIVAIDS virus, Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus are possible consequences of NSSIs

Prevalence of urinary tract infections among diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic patients attending a teaching hospital in Ajman, United Arab Emirtaes

To explore the prevalence and determinants of UTI among diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending the Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Ajman, UAE. Across sectional comparative study was conducted during February and March 2012. 400 adults [aged >20 years] attending the Internal Medicine Department outpatient in GMCHRC [200 diabetes mellitus patients and 200 non-diabetic patients] were included in the study. A validated pilot-tested questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. A positive association was found between diabetes mellitus and the development of urinary tract infections. Contributing factors that showed a significant association were age >40 years, female gender, lower education level, employment status, poor diabetic control, and age at diagnosis of diabetes [>60 years]. Factors such as diagnosis at older age, poor diabetes control, and socio-demographic factors like age, gender, education, and occupation were significantly associated with UTI

Factors influencing academic performance of second and third year health science students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To identify factors influencing the perceived academic performance among second and third year health sciences students in Ajman. A cross sectional study was conducted in Gulf Medical University and Ajman University of Science and Technology during February and March, 2012. Incidental sampling was used in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 300 students aged 18 to 28 years. The study population comprised 39.3% males and 60.7% females. 54.7% of the students were in the 18 to 20 year age group. 98 respondents were Arabs. 173 respondents were second year health science students, who formed the majority. 38.2% of students who spent more time in academic-related activities were better performers than those who spent less time on these activities [7.9%]. Chi square test showed a p value< 0.00Ion association between time management skill and academic performance, which was found to be significant. Many academic and non- academic factors can influence academic performance by students. Of these factors, time management skill was statistically the most significant factor influencing perceived academic performance. The results suggest a guideline for student counselors and for students to improve or maintain the academic performance of the latter in educational institutions