A comparative study of chlorhexidine-coated tulle gras versus polyurethane adhesive film for donor site wound dressing in split skin graft cases

Background: Restoration of the skin barrier after wounding prevents infection, and minimises wound contraction, cosmetic disfigurement and volume depletion. Skin grafting represents an effective solution for large skin defects. Optimum care for donor-site wounds should promote wound healing cost-effectively while preventing complications like pain, infection, and scarring. Healthcare professionals use various dressings and topical agents, but there is no ideal dressing. In our study, we aim to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine coated tulle gras (CTG) and polyurethane adhesive film (Opsite) in managing donor site wounds in split skin grafts. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, a teaching hospital and tertiary care centre in Mumbai, from September 2012 to December 2014, following a prospective observational design, with a sample size of 50 patients. Results: The study subjects were predominantly in the 20-30 age group (36.0%) and mostly male (72.0%). The Opsite group reported significantly higher comfort scores (56.0%) compared to the CTG group (36.0%, p=0.002). Healing time was significantly shorter in the Opsite group (7.36�7 days) compared to the CTG group (9.52�39 days, p=0.001). Pain scores were significantly lower in the Opsite group at all observed times. Deviations like soakage and slippage were frequent in the Opsite group (76.0% and 56.0%, respectively). Conclusions: Opsite has advantages over CTG viz. faster healing and re-epithelization, decreased pain, and greater comfort. However, soakage and exudate formation are seen with Opsite.

Team based learning: an effective teaching-learning method in undergraduate teaching in community medicine

Background: “Team-based learning (TBL)” is a special approach by using small groups that is student centered, teacher guided Teaching and Learning method. Medical Council of India (MCI) emphasizes small group teaching. With increasing student numbers and decreasing/no change in faculty strength, the need for an effective T-L method for incorporating small group teaching in a large group is essential. So, this study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness and student reaction for TBL. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among III-year MBBS students attending block posting in the Department of Community Medicine, KIMS and RC. Pre-test and post-test after Team based learning implementation by designated faculties was conducted, and scores were analysed. The feedback of TBL was collected by using a Likert scale from students and also from faculties. Results: The mean scores of pre- and post-test were analyzed by Paired T test which was statistically significant (p value <0.05). The student reaction evaluated by 7 items Likert scale questionnaire showed that most of the students either agreed or strongly agreed that TBL enhanced their learning experience and confidence. The faculty feedback about TBL was also positive. Conclusions: TBL can be effectively implemented in medical colleges for the better results and student reaction.

Comparison of knowledge and perception about adverse drug reaction reporting and pharmacovigilance between pharmacy and medical students

Background: Adverse drug responses are serious public health issues worldwide. Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an important part of the healthcare system since it assesses, monitors, and discovers medication interactions and their consequences in humans. Objective were to assess knowledge and perception about adverse drug reactions (ADR) and PV among pharmacy and medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for pre-final year and final-year of pharmacy and medical students. Study conducted through semi structured questionnaires and a total 607 participants were recruited in this study. Results: A total 607 participants of pharmacy (52.5%) and medical (47.4%) from pre final (50.2%), final year (49.9%) students participated in this study. Pharmacy students had a significantly better overall knowledge of ADRs than medical students (p<0.05). The perception of pharmacy students regarding ADRs reporting and PV were significantly more than those medical student’s (p<0.05). In comparison to pharmacy students, a lack of knowledge of where and how to report ADRs was the main barrier that medical students perceived to ADR reporting (0.02). Conclusions: This study shows that compared to medical students, pharmacy students had better awareness of ADR reporting and shown good perceptions of PV. To enhance the knowledge of PV among healthcare students, an instructional intervention ought to be implemented.

Anatomical Study of the Pterion in a South African Population of KwaZulu-Natal / Estudio Anatómico del Pterion en una Población Audafricana de KwaZulu-Natal

SUMMARY: Morphologically the Pterion marks the location of the four cranial bones, viz. frontal bone, sphenoid angle of the parietal bone, squamous part of the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Population-specific differences exists in the position and union of the Pterion. The Pterion is also an important neurosurgical landmark for surgical procedures, viz. Pterional/lateral approach, as it provides wide access to the base of the skull. This study aimed to determine the position and incidence of the various sutural patterns of the Pterion in a South African population of KwaZulu-Natal. This retrospective study was conducted bilaterally on 36 dry human skulls (11 females and 25 males) obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy at University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ethical clearance obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The morphometric parameters of the Pterion were measured using a digital Vernier caliper, while the morphological characteristics were examined using Murphy's classification scheme to determine (if any) laterality or sex differences exists. The mean distance of the Centre of the pterion from midpoint of zygoma was 44.4+/-4.1 mm in males and 45.1+/-4.6 mm in females. While the distance from frontozygomatic suture was 32.7+/-4.7 mm and 32.6+/-4.8 mm in males and females, respectively. Sphenoparietal type of pterion was most prevalent at 55.6 %, followed by the frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric type with an incidence of 27.8 %; 11.1 % and 5.6 %, respectively. No statistically significant difference for sex or laterality were documented in this study. The present study concluded that the sphenoparietal type of sutural pattern was most prevalent with an incidence of 55.6 %. While the epipteric type was the least prevalent. The comprehensive data about the position of the Pterion is important to neurosurgeons, forensics scientists and anthropologists.

Morfológicamente, el pterion marca la ubicación de los cuatro huesos craneales: hueso frontal, ángulo esfenoidal del hueso parietal, parte escamosa del hueso temporal y el ala mayor del hueso esfenoides. Existen diferencias específicas de la población en la posición y unión del pterion. El pterion es también un hito neuroquirúrgico importante para los procedimientos quirúrgicos en el bordaje pterional/lateral, ya que proporciona un amplio acceso a la base del cráneo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la posición y la incidencia de los diversos patrones suturales del pterion en una población sudafricana de KwaZulu-Natal. Este estudio retrospectivo se realizó bilateralmente en 36 cráneos humanos secos (11 mujeres y 25 hombres) obtenidos del Departamento de Anatomía Clínica de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal. ALa autorización ética fue otorgada porel Comité Ético de Investigación Biomédica. Los parámetros morfométricos del pterion se midieron usando un calibrador Vernier digital, mientras que las características morfológicas se examinaron usando el esquema de clasificación de Murphy para determinar, si existe alguna lateralidad o diferencias sexuales. La distancia media del centro del pterion desde el punto medio del cigoma fue de 44,4+/- 4,1 mm en hombres y de 45,1+/-4,6 mm en mujeres. Mientras que la distancia desde la sutura frontocigomática fue de 32,7+/-4,7 mm y 32,6+/-4,8 mm en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. El tipo de pterion esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con un 55,6 %, seguido del tipo frontotemporal, estrellado y epiptérico con una incidencia del 27,8 %; 11,1 % y 5,6 %, respectivamente. En el estudio no se documentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para el sexo o la lateralidad. Concluimos que el tipo de patrón de sutura esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con una incidencia del 55,6 %. Mientras que el tipo epiptérico fue el menos prevalente. Los datos completos sobre la posición del pterion son importantes para los neurocirujanos, los científicos forenses y los antropólogos.

Contraceptive methods continuation and its determinants among acceptors on repeat visits to a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital: a 10-year review

Background: Family planning is a known reproductive health modality for reducing the high maternal mortality in Nigeria. Contraceptive use and continuation is thus necessary to achieve its benefits. The study aimed to determine the contraceptive options and the factors associated with the continuation of contraceptive choices among women on repeat visits. Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective study of the family planning clinic register of all clients who presented for a repeat visit for contraceptive method continuation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Results: There were 6939 contraceptive acceptors on repeat visits aged between 14 and 50 years (mean 31.6 years, SD 5.4). The majority were 26 to 30 years (32.9%), had secondary education (54.6%), were multiparous (90.9%) and chose the subdermal implant (34.9%) and the intrauterine contraceptive devices (27.7%) for continuation. There was a significant association between the women`s age (Df=3, F=10.81, p<0.0001), their educational status (Df=6, ?2=38.5583, p<0.0001), their parity (Df= 15, ?2 =76.8644, p<0.0001) and the contraceptive method continued. Conclusions: An interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives for continuation was found, and this is significantly associated with their sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics; however, we recommend cross-sectional and focus-group inquiries among clients in the different contraceptive-specific categories for further information on the reasons for their choices at subsequent visits.

Mindful aging: an insightful examination of cognitive impairment in the elderly population of Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, using Mini-Cog scale

Background: By 2050, United Nations projects that one in five Indians would be 60 years of age or older. This demographic transition is likely to be accompanied by substantial rise in prevalence of cognitive problems, which will have an impact on quality of life among elderly people. Effective screening at primary level would help in identification of burden of diseases and better planning at secondary and tertiary level. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study over a period of three months was conducted at Pulipakkam in Chengalpattu district. The estimated sample size was 215, and simple random sampling method was used. Elderly people aged 60 years and above who consented to participate were included in the study. After obtaining informed consent, they were screened using the Mini-Cog tool which combines a short memory test with a simple clock- drawing test followed by a recall component. Results: The 215 participants in total were screened. The mean age of participants was 66.02±3.83 years. The prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) based on Mini-Cog scale was 44.2%. Females (44.8%) had marginally higher prevalence than males (43.8%). CI was more prevalent among people over 65 years (57.6%). The likelihood of experiencing CI was higher among those who lived without their spouse (59.4%), were unemployed (53.7%), and who were smokers / alcoholics (63.7%). Conclusions: Considering the high burden of CI, there is need for long term prospective research for a comprehensive profile of mental disorders at community level. Early assessment and detection of CI could help in improving quality of life of elderly. Implementing initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and conducting widespread screening using reliable tools.

Presacral tumor, experience of two cases in Mexico and review of the literature

Presacral or retrorectal tumors are rare, they can present different histologic strains and they can also be benign or malignant. These tumors represent a challenge for the surgeon due to their location in the presacral space and due to the low incidence and written information. Various surgical approaches have been described. We present the case of two patients who were diagnosed with presacral tumors (hamartoma and schwannoma) and who underwent a posterior approach for the removal of the tumors. There are several approaches for the treatment of presacral tumors, but in our experience, the posterior approach has shown adequate results without recurrence in the medium-term follow-up. The purpose of the manuscript is to document our experience in the management of two patients.

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery with origin in the right coronary artery from a single coronary ostium associated with multivessel coronary artery disease: case report and literature review

The anomalous origin of the coronary arteries is a group of rare congenital heart conditions in which there has been an increase in its diagnosis thanks to more accessible and less invasive imaging techniques such as coronary angiotomography, which allows visualization of the arteries in its entire path in a short exploration interval, with adequate spatial and temporal resolution. The clinical presentation is variable, up to 80% are asymptomatic and the remaining 20% may present arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, heart failure and sudden death. We present the case of a patient with unstable angina in whom an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) with origin in the right coronary artery (RCA) from a single coronary ostium associated with multivessel coronary artery disease was diagnosed.

Evaluation of adaptive capabilities of students of different nationalities: cross sectional study

Background: The autonomic nervous system actively regulates the body's reactions to various external and internal factors, ensuring physiological balance in a person. Advances in information technology now allow for a dependable and non-intrusive examination of this system through an in-depth analysis of heart rate variability. This approach is not only a recognized instrument in cardiac studies but is also growing in its utilization for numerous clinical purposes. This overview details the foundational theories and practical uses of this evolving method. The purpose of the study is to study the adaptive reserves and indicators of autonomic regulation in students of different nationalities. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study of 110 students studying in Grodno State Medical University using photoplethysmography method via an app 揚ulse HRV攄uring the period of December 2022- February 2023. The students were grouped into three groups: Group 1 being Southeast Asian students, Group 2 being Nigerian students and Group 3 being Belarussian students. Results: As a result of the analysis, it was found that AP in group 2 was significantly different from groups 1 and 3. At the same time endurance coefficient was above norm in all groups, which indicated a weakening of the cardiovascular system, while in students from group 2 it was significantly less than in groups 1 and 3. Conclusions: Students from Nigeria have significantly higher adaptive reserves than students from Belarus and Southeast Asia, which may be due to the prevalence of increased tone of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms early recognition, hemodynamic stabilization, and emergency vascular surgery

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) are extremely dangerous. Require attention. This thorough review explores the management of rAAA, focusing on the detection stabilizing blood flow and emergency vascular surgery. Recognizing symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, low blood pressure, a pulsating mass in the abdomen, signs of reduced blood flow to the lower limbs, and back pain is crucial for quick identification. Diagnostic imaging techniques like ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA) play a role in confirming the diagnosis and assessing the risk involved. Properly managing hemodynamics by balancing resuscitation efforts with approaches is essential to control ongoing bleeding. Emergency vascular surgery options include aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open repair; the choice depends on factors like anatomy, stability of blood flow, and surgical expertise. Prioritizing optimization to address any health conditions and closely monitoring patients after surgery greatly contribute to overall success rates. A collaborative approach among healthcare professionals ensures a multidisciplinary strategy during the period emphasizing effective communication. This comprehensive approach aims for outcomes in dealing with challenging rAAAs while considering advancements in research and clinical practices.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice towards vector borne diseases in urban area of Bagalkote, Karnataka, India

Background: Vector-borne diseases are a widespread and serious issue that affects populations all over the world and represent a global health challenge. These diseases, like malaria, dengue and chikungunya pose immense challenges due to their rapid transmission and leading to major public health crises during outbreaks. Effective management strategies, including vector control, public health interventions are crucial to curb their impact. The burden of VBDs extends beyond public health, impacting society and economies. These diseases can strain healthcare systems, reduce workforce productivity, and impose significant financial costs. Annually, alarming 700,000 deaths are attributed to vector-borne diseases, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Aim was to assess and evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice towards vector borne diseases in urban area of Bagalkote. Methods: This is an educational interventional study. This study will be conducted among the urban area of Bagalkote. The study was carried out for 6 months. Results: In this study among 165 participant抯 knowledge of vector borne diseases was quite good. Majority of study subjects were aware about VBD causes death if untreated. Regarding the most frequent mosquito biting period maximum participants 99.39% responded with evening/night time. Almost 95.75% resonance had knowledge, that mosquito bite is the cause of dengue, malaria, chikungunya. The study revealed that majority participants considered dengue, malaria, chikungunya is serious health problem and their attitude vector control measures were positive in almost all study subjects. Conclusions: The results are very positive and we suggest that people should continue to strengthen their knowledge, attitude and practice towards vector borne diseases. Participants showed adequate awareness towards vector borne diseases.

Efficacy of Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treating Essential Tremor: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

Background@#and Purpose Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the cerebellar hemisphere represents a new option in treating essential tremor (ET) patients. We aimed to determine the efficacy of cerebellar rTMS in treating ET using different protocols regarding the number of sessions, exposure duration, and follow-up duration. @*Methods@#A randomized sham-controlled trial was conducted, in which 45 recruit patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The first (active group) comprised 23 patients who were exposed to 12 sessions of active rTMS with 900 pulses of 1-Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold daily on each side of the cerebellar hemispheres over 4 weeks. The second group (sham group) comprised 22 patients who were exposed to 12 sessions of sham rTMS. Both groups were reassessed at baseline and after 1 day, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor-rating scale (FTM). @*Results@#Demographic characteristics did no differ between the two groups. There were significant reductions both in FTM subscores A and B and in the FTM total score in the active-rTMS group during the period of assessment and after 3 months (p=0.031 and 0.011, respectively).However, subscore C did not change significantly from baseline when assessed at 2 and 3 months (p=0.073 and 0.236, respectively). Furthermore, the global assessment score was significantly higher in the active-rTMS group (p>0.001). @*Conclusions@#Low-frequency rTMS over the cerebellar cortex for 1 month showed relative safety and long-lasting efficacy in patients with ET. Further large-sample clinical trials are needed that include different sites of stimulation and longer follow-ups.

Microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil / Características microbiológicas de infecções da corrente sanguínea em hospital de referência no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Length-weight relationship for Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa and Araújo, 2016) caught in the middle Negro River, Barcelos, Brazilian Amazon / Relação peso-comprimento de Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa e Araújo, 2016) capturada no médio Rio Negro, Barcelos, Amazônia Brasileira

Abstract This research aimed to estimate the length-weight ratio (LWR) of the stingray Potamotrygon wallacei, known locally as the cururu, which was caught in streams and lakes in the middle Negro River region, Amazonas, Brazil. The stingrays were captured during the night (from 11 pm to 1 am) near the shores of streams and lakes, through active search using wooden canoes, head lanterns and scoop nets. The samplings were carried out in November 2017 (5 days), February (8 days), March (3 days) and April (2 days) of 2018, totaling 18 days of sampling. The total fresh weight was measured to 0.1 g of accuracy and the disc width to 0.1 cm accuracy. The parameters a and b of the equation W=a.DWb were estimated. This study provides new maximum length data for the cururu stingray.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estimar a relação peso-comprimento (LWR) da arraia Potamotrygon wallacei, conhecida localmente como cururu, que foi capturada em igarapés e lagos na região do médio Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil. As arraias foram capturadas durante a noite (das 23h-1h) nas margens dos igarapés e lagos, por meio de busca ativa utilizando canoas de madeira, lanternas de cabeça e puçás. As coletas foram realizadas nos meses de novembro de 2017 (5 dias), fevereiro (8 dias), março (3 dias) e abril (2 dias) de 2018, totalizando 18 dias de amostragem. Foram medidos o peso fresco total com precisão de 0,01 g e a largura do disco com precisão de 0,1 cm. Os parâmetros a e b da equação W= a.DWb foram estimados. Este estudo prover novos dados de comprimento máximo para a arraia cururu.

Quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil / Qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro

Abstract Quilombola communities are present in many Brazilian states living in precarious health conditions. This is due to geographic isolation, limitations to the access of the area in which they live in, and the lack of quality in the service when it is needed to be provided. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil. It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 160 adult women were first interviewed through a form to collect a profile and then it was applied the WHOQOL Quality of Life questionnaire - bref. It was observed that the women were on average 40.7 years old (±17.25), married, self-declared black, who did not finish elementary school, housewife, had no income, with their own masonry house, with up to 6 rooms, supplied by a box of community treated water. Quality of Life had median scores in the domains: physical (3.18), psychological (3.4), social relationships (3.45) and environment (2.59). With this research, it was possible to characterize the quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL regarding the difficulties of access to health and income generation, issues that affect their health condition. The problems described in this study can contribute to health actions being planned and carried out in order to improve socioeconomic and health conditions in this community, considering the social, political and environmental context, valuing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Resumo As comunidades quilombolas, estão presentes em diversos estados brasileiros, vivendo em condições de saúde mais precárias. Isto ocorre por conta do isolamento geográfico, das limitações de acesso e da falta de qualidade no serviço quando este é prestado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro. Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Foram entrevistadas 160 mulheres adultas, através de um formulário para a coleta de perfil e do questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL - bref. Foi observado que as mulheres tinham em média 40,7 anos (±17,25), casadas, autodeclaradas negras, com fundamental incompleto, do lar, sem renda, com moradia de alvenaria, própria, com até 6 cômodos, abastecidas por caixa de água comunitária, tratada. A Qualidade de Vida, apresentou escores medianos nos domínios: físico (3,18), psicológico (3,4), relações sociais (3,45) e meio ambiente (2,59). Com a realização desta pesquisa foi possível caracterizar a comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL quanto as dificuldades de acesso a saúde e geração de renda, fatos que repercutem na sua condição de saúde. Os problemas descritos neste estudo podem contribuir para que ações de saúde sejam planejadas e efetivadas com o intuito de melhorar as condições socioeconômicas e de saúde nessa comunidade, considerando-se o contexto social, político e ambiental, valorizando seus saberes e práticas tradicionais.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil / Análise espacial-temporal da leishmaniose visceral no estado de Alagoas

Visceral leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease. We evaluated the spatial distribution of cases of visceral leishmaniosis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. All cases of VL, registered by the health department, were analyzed and georeferenced. Results: Between 2008 and 2017, 97.1% of the municipalities presented sporadic classification of transmission. With temporal evolution, the incidence of cases of visceral leishmaniosis was concentrated in most municipalities in the microregion of Santana do Ipanema-AL. Space-time analysis, if considered, may promote the improvement of surveillance and control actions of visceral leishmaniosis.

A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença tropical negligenciada. Foram avaliadas a distribuição espacial dos casos de leishmaniose visceral no estado de Alagoas. Todos os casos de LV, registrados pela secretaria de saúde, foram analisados e georreferenciados. Entre 2008 e 2017, 97,1% dos municípios apresentaram classificação esporádica de transmissão. Com a evolução temporal, a incidência de casos de leishmaniose visceral se concentrou na maioria dos municípios da microrregião de Santana do Ipanema-AL. A análise espaço-tempo, se considerada, pode promover o aprimoramento das ações de vigilância e controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis plant extract against antibiotic resistant Helicobacter pylori and Gluconobacter oxydans isolated from fresh apple juices samples

Abstract Bacteria were isolated from samples of Fresh Apple juices from shops of three different localities of Lahore. Analysis of samples from Liberty, Anarkali and Yateem khana Markets show different levels of contamination. There were pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in all samples and were identified by the morphological and biochemical tests. Most of the plasmids of pathogenic bacteria were 4kb in their molecular size. Ribotyping of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was done to confirm Helicobacter pylori strain and Gluconobacter oxydans. The highest sensitivity of 210mm was shown by Enterobacter sp. against Aztheromysine disk (15µg) while Micrococcus sp. was highly resistant against all of the Antibiotics applied. The antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria was also checked against Ricinus communis plant's extracts, all isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant but only, E.coli was inhibited at 300µl of the extracts. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in Apple juice samples was due to contamination of sewage water in drinking water while some of these pathogenic bacteria came from Apple's tree and other from store houses of fruits.

Resumo As bactérias foram isoladas de amostras de suco de maçã fresco de lojas de três diferentes localidades de Lahore. A análise de amostras dos mercados Liberty, Anarkali e Yateem khana mostram diferentes níveis de contaminação. Havia bactérias patogênicas e não patogênicas em todas as amostras e foram identificadas pelos testes morfológicos e bioquímicos. A maioria dos plasmídeos de bactérias patogênicas tinha 4 kb em seu tamanho molecular. A ribotipagem do sequenciamento do gene do RNA ribossômico 16S foi realizada para confirmar a cepa de Helicobacter pylori e Gluconobacter oxydans. A maior sensibilidade de 210 mm foi mostrada por Enterobacter sp. contra disco de azteromisina (15µg) enquanto Micrococcus sp. foi altamente resistente a todos os antibióticos aplicados. A resistência a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas também foi verificada contra extratos de plantas de Ricinus communis, todos os patógenos bacterianos isolados foram resistentes, mas apenas E. coli foi inibida em 300µl dos extratos. A presença de bactérias patogênicas nas amostras de suco de maçã deveu-se à contaminação da água de esgoto na água potável, enquanto algumas dessas bactérias patogênicas vieram da árvore da maçã e outras de armazéns de frutas.

Quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Quilombola communities are present in many Brazilian states living in precarious health conditions. This is due to geographic isolation, limitations to the access of the area in which they live in, and the lack of quality in the service when it is needed to be provided. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil. It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 160 adult women were first interviewed through a form to collect a profile and then it was applied the WHOQOL Quality of Life questionnaire bref. It was observed that the women were on average 40.7 years old (±17.25), married, self-declared black, who did not finish elementary school, housewife, had no income, with their own masonry house, with up to 6 rooms, supplied by a box of community treated water. Quality of Life had median scores in the domains: physical (3.18), psychological (3.4), social relationships (3.45) and environment (2.59). With this research, it was possible to characterize the quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL regarding the difficulties of access to health and income generation, issues that affect their health condition. The problems described in this study can contribute to health actions being planned and carried out in order to improve socioeconomic and health conditions in this community, considering the social, political and environmental context, valuing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Resumo As comunidades quilombolas, estão presentes em diversos estados brasileiros, vivendo em condições de saúde mais precárias. Isto ocorre por conta do isolamento geográfico, das limitações de acesso e da falta de qualidade no serviço quando este é prestado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro. Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Foram entrevistadas 160 mulheres adultas, através de um formulário para a coleta de perfil e do questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL bref. Foi observado que as mulheres tinham em média 40,7 anos (±17,25), casadas, autodeclaradas negras, com fundamental incompleto, do lar, sem renda, com moradia de alvenaria, própria, com até 6 cômodos, abastecidas por caixa de água comunitária, tratada. A Qualidade de Vida, apresentou escores medianos nos domínios: físico (3,18), psicológico (3,4), relações sociais (3,45) e meio ambiente (2,59). Com a realização desta pesquisa foi possível caracterizar a comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL quanto as dificuldades de acesso a saúde e geração de renda, fatos que repercutem na sua condição de saúde. Os problemas descritos neste estudo podem contribuir para que ações de saúde sejam planejadas e efetivadas com o intuito de melhorar as condições socioeconômicas e de saúde nessa comunidade, considerando-se o contexto social, político e ambiental, valorizando seus saberes e práticas tradicionais.