Years Of Age Group Research Articles

A study of body fat distribution-in childhood obesity and its associated metabolic risk factors

Background: The Objective of the present study was to find out fat distribution pattern in obese children between 6 to 12 years of age as compared to non-obese children of same age. Methods: A case control study was done between 1st July 2023 to 1st July 2024 on 138 children between 6 to 12 years of age group in Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana state. Ultra-sonographic measurement of fat thickness including maximum and minimum preperitoneal fat thickness, maximum and minimum abdominal subcutaneous fat, thickness at triceps and subscapular regions were determined in all participants. Fasting blood glucose was measured using enzymatic assay. Total cholesterol was measured by enzymatic assays. Results: Total 138 children were enrolled in the study. Out of 138 children included in study, the study population included 69 obese (35 females and 34 males) and 69 non-obese children (33 females and 36 males). When both groups were compared, weight, Body mass Index (BMI) and ultra-sonographic measurement of body fat thickness differed significantly. Conclusions: Obese children have high serum cholesterol, high serum triglyceride and high serum LDL levels as compared to non-obese children. In obese children, higher the fasting serum insulin level, more is the preperitoneal fat layer 5cm above the umbilicus with p-value of <0.05 which is significant.

Knowledge About HIV-AIDS and Co-infection Rate Among HIV-AIDS Patients: A Study Among Different Community Clinics of Chattogram District, Bangladesh

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Following initial infection, a person may not notice any symptoms, or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. Typically, this is followed by a prolonged period with no symptoms. If the infection progresses, it interferes more with the immune system, increasing the risk of developing common infections such as tuberculosis, as well as other opportunistic infections. Objective: To reveal the Clinical Conditions and Co-infection rates by different infectious agents among the patients of HIV-AIDS. Materials & Methods: It is a descriptive type of cross-sectional study. A pre-tested, semi structured and modified interview administrated questionnaire was used to collect data. Non - randomized, sequential, and purposive and plenitude sampling methods have been tried by following face to face interview of the participants. Results & Discussions: In this study the percentage of male was 63% and the percentage of female was 37%. 49% respondents were in 33-47 years of age groups. In this study 55% respondents were up to primary education. We found out that 36% of the respondents were part-time workers. It was seen that 44% respondents’ monthly family income was between 10,000 – 20,000 BDT. It was observed that 98% of the respondents knew about HIV/AIDS. It was observed that 63% of the respondents knew about the causative agent of HIV/AIDS. Majority of the respondents were HIV positive for more than 3 years.51% of the respondents were informed that HIV/AIDS is not infectious. 82% of the respondents were aware that HIV/AIDS is not curable by drugs. 71% of the respondents knew about the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. 92% respondents in unsafe physical relation HIV/AIDS transmits. Here maximum respondents had different infections. Conclusion: It was seen that the respondents of this study did not have knowledge on HIV/AIDS at satisfactory level. Still a portion of them is wrong and replied incorrect answers or did not know about different issues regarding HIV-AIDS though some of them were replying satisfactorily. Keywords: HIV, Community Clinics, Tuberculosis (TB), Antiretroviral Therapy, Cancer.

Prostate cancer screening among apparently healthy adult males

Objectives: This study is set to describe the outcome of tripod-based prostate cancer screening among apparently healthy adult males in tertiary academic and health institutions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: All consenting adult males aged 40 years and above who are staff of the University of Uyo and her teaching hospital were recruited and subjected to questionnaire-based survey, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigens analysis, and transrectal ultrasonography of prostate gland. Results: A total of 201 participants with a mean age of 53.0 + 2.4 years were screened. The majority of the participants were in the 50–59 years of age group (47.8%). Twenty-eight (13.9%) had abnormal, suspicious DRE findings. The mean serum PSA levels were 2.4 ng/mL and 33.7 ng/mL in those with benign and suspicious DRE findings, respectively. Suspicious nodules for prostate cancer were diagnosed in 20 (9.6%) patients who had transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate gland. There was a positive correlation between age and other diagnostic variables, including findings of DRE, PSA, and TRUS. Conclusion: A tripod of DRE, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis, and transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate gland is still relevant as a step-wise prostate cancer screening strategy, prior to deployment of confirmatory prostate biopsy.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Engagement and Academic Achievement Among Chennai's Adolescents

In the business world, customer pleasure is neither foreign nor novel. All facets of the Indian economy have adopted it, but the service sector places a premium on it, and the banking sector especially values it. Unorganized and Unstructured: Although customer satisfaction has been practiced for a long time, it has never been organized or structured. To study the overview and customer satisfaction of banking services offered by the private sector banks. Frequency analysis found that the out of 150 respondents, 43(28.7%) of the respondents are belong to below 25 years.(29.3%) of the respondents are belong to 26-35 years of age people. 45(30%) of the respondents are belong to 36-45 years of age group. 16 (10.7%) of the respondents are belong to 46-55 year of age people. 2 (1.3%) of the respondents are belong to above 55 years of age group customers. The majority of the respondents are belong to 36-45 years of people maintain account in private sectors bank sinkancheepuram district. customer satisfaction as the dependent variable and five independent variables such as Satisfaction on Infrastructure (x1), Satisfaction on technology(x2), Satisfaction on Product and Services (x3), Satisfaction on Loan settlement (x4) and Satisfaction on bank management (x5) are taken as predictor variables. Satisfaction on Infrastructure (t=2.143, p=0.002), Satisfaction on technology (t=3.668, p=0.010),Satisfaction on Product and Services (t= 4.511, p=0.00), Satisfaction on Loan settlement (t=4.571, p=0.000) Satisfaction on bank management (t= 3.541, P= 0.000).According to this study, private sector banks must do more to entice consumers in the younger age range to create accounts. In the current technological era, the majority of customers are tech savvy and aware of the new and improved technologies that are being introduced on a daily basis, as well as what banks are acquiring or may acquire. Therefore, banks should adopt new and improved technology as needed since they risk losing both current and potential consumers if they do not keep up with emerging innovations.

Prevention of Burst Abdomen by Interrupted Midline Fascial Closure in Emergency Laparotomy

Background: Burst abdomen represents one of the most frustrating and difficult postoperative complication that concerns every abdominal surgeon. It occurs because of various predisposing factors which can be prevented to some extend by having knowledge regarding them. Despite many years of experience, the optimal technique of emergency laparotomy closure remains more or less controversial. The varieties of surgical excess as well as the varieties of abdominal closure techniques are the main difficulties in the proper standardization of this procedure. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out the technique of rectus sheath closure in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy that can reduce the burden of complications in post-operative period. Materials and methods: A total of 260 patients of acute abdominal condition who underwent laparotomy were randomized into two groups of 130 patients in each group. Results: Total 19(7.30%) of 260 patients developed burst abdomen in the post- operative period. Twelve 12(9.23%) in continuous arms and seven 7(5.34%) patients in interrupted arms developed burst abdomen. Burst abdomen occurring mostly 40-60 years of age group with a male to female ratio 1.48:1. Predictor Variables: Cough, anemia, malnutrition, DM, intraperitoneal Sepsis, wound infection, uremia and abdominal distension were the important predisposing factors for the incidence of burst abdomen. Conclusion: Interrupted suturing was associated with significantly reduced the burst abdomen when comparing with continuous closure.

The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Postpartum Depression in Rural Mothers

Introduction: Post-partum depression (PPD) is a cross-cultural phenomenon observed in widely diverse cultures. PPD is defined as major depression, without psychotic features, that begins within 4 weeks after birth and may last up to 1 year. The global prevalence of postpartum depression among childbearing-age women ranged from 5.0% to 74.0%. This study aimed to determine the impact of sociodemographic factors on postpartum depression in rural mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Banchanagar village, Laxmipur Sadar Upazila, Laxmipur District, Bangladesh, from January 2014 to December 2014. This study included 219 rural mothers in their postnatal period (within 1 year) who had a history of one delivery within the study period. Result: In this study, the level of depression was higher (35.7%) in more than 25 years of age group of mothers. Depression was higher (28.6%) among the mothers who had two or more daughters. Among depressive mothers, 51.8% were not satisfied with the sex of their children as well as 76% of their husbands were not satisfied with the sex of their children. The level of depression of the mothers was higher (71.4%) among those who had a family history of depression and the association was found significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that mothers' age, husbands' age, sex of the child, and the number of children were associated with symptoms of PPD. The higher prevalence of PPD associated with sociodemographic factors suggested the importance of a mental health support system for women in rural areas.

Assessment of Screen Time with its Effect on Health among Secondary School Students

Background: Secondary school students are more and more immersed in a world dominated by screens in the modern digital era. Screens, ranging from laptops to tablets, televisions to smartphones, have embedded themselves into daily life and significantly impact how youngsters communicate, learn, and pass the time. Objective: The study's objective was to find out the assessment of screen time and its effect on health among rural secondary school students in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive type of study was carried out in Govt. Jalma Chakrakhali Secondary School in Batiaghata Upazilla under Khulna district. A total of 460 students were selected using a convenient sampling technique from a selected school in Khulna district. Face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed following the study's objectives. Before data collection, informed consent was taken, and ethical concerns were addressed at different stages of the study. Results: Among 460 respondents, a large number 52% (241) were between 14-16 years of age group. Only 38% had a personal mobile phone, while where a maximum (72%) used their parents' phones. Male students (76%) had a greater tendency to operate mobile phones in comparison to females (64%). Among the parents, most of them (82%) had a smartphone. Most of the respondents [395 (86%)] had a TV at their house and 304 (66%) watched TV regularly. Almost half of the respondents [223(48%)] suffered from various health issues, where headaches and blurring of vision were the main features. Conclusion: This study painted a clear picture of the effect of screen time on Bangladeshi rural school-going youngsters, and it may be able to assist the relevant authorities in developing policies and formulating plans to address the issue. Mediscope 2024;11(2): 82-86

Prescription Testosterone is Associated with an Increased Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

To characterize the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. A retrospective cohort study using a large insurance database was conducted. Patients who were prescribed TRT for at least 3 months were matched with controls who were not prescribed TRT. Rates of ACL tears were compared between the cohorts. Multiple subgroups were created based on age (<25 years, 25-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, and 65+). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the association of TRT with ACL tears while accounting for demographic variables and comorbidities. After matching, there were 160,839 patients in both the TRT cohort and control cohort. The incidence of ACL injuries was 17.8 per 10,000 person-years (95% CI: 16.4-19.2) for patients who were prescribed TRT and 4.9 per 10,000 person-years (95% CI: 4.1-5.7) for controls (p<0.001). Within 2 years of filling a testosterone prescription for at least 3 months, 572 (0.35%) patients experienced an ACL injury compared to only 157 (0.10%) controls during the same follow-up period (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 2.26-3.42, p<0.001). When stratified by age, all groups except the <25 years of age group demonstrated significantly higher rate of ACL tears (OR 3.91-12.3, p<0.001-0.009). When separated by sex, males on TRT were 3.13 (95% CI: 2.50-3.93, p<0.001) times more likely while females on TRT were 1.94 (95% CI: 1.13-3.41, p=0.018) times more likely to experience an ACL injury compared to controls. This study found that patients prescribed at least three months of TRT had a significantly higher incidence of ACL injuries compared to controls within a two-year follow-up period. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Mobility challenges for women: A case study of bus rapid transit Peshawar

In Pakistan, women face significant barriers to urban mobility. This is due to limited access to safe, affordable, and sustainable public transportation, exacerbated by socio-cultural norms and experiences of harassment. Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting gender equality and unlocking women's potential for growth. This research inspects women's mobility experiences and challenges and proposes potential improvements for bus rapid transit (BRT) Peshawar. Interviews were conducted for data collection, and statistical tools and methods were employed to analyze the results. The most common modes of travel to and from the BRT stations were walk (39%&45%) followed by Taxi/Rickshaw (32%each) and car/bike (15%&9%), respectively. Most users accessed the BRT system within a 3km radius (55%) and typically traveled during the daytime (56% from 6–10 am and 51% from 2–6 pm). The main challenges identified, mainly for the younger users, were harassment faced at stations (66% for 18–30 years and 52% for 31–45 years of age groups, respectively) while on the buses with 54% for <18 years and 56% for 18–30 years of age groups, respectively, with a visual type of harassment in major. The study highlights women's unique mobility challenges with Peshawar BRT. Addressing these issues can boost their education and economic prospects, as a major study sample was comprised of lower-income employees (80% having an income less than 40,000 PKR11When conducting the survey, the average price of 1 US Dollar was 256.5 Pakistani Rupees.) and middle-aged students (48%). The findings provide valuable insights for BRT Peshawar and future BRT projects in developing countries. Despite separate seats, challenges persist during peak hours due to the absence of partitions between male and female sections within buses and other BRT amenities.

Prevalence of Ocular Injuries Following Road Traffic Accidents Among Two-Wheeler Riders/Pillions and the Factors Influencing Them Reported in a Tertiary Care Center in Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu, India.

Introduction Road traffic accident-related ocular damage is a serious public health issue that can result in unilateral blindness. Several individual risk factors lead to ocular injury and various levels of visual impairment. Objectives The objective is to assess the demography and pattern of ocular, orbital, and eyelid injuries among motorcycle accident cases attending a medical college and hospital in Chengalpattu district Tamil Nadu India. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 67 victims of road traffic accidents who had sustained ocular injuries from October 2023 to June 2024. The selected participants were subjected to a questionnaire regarding thedetails of the history of events leading to the road traffic accident, and complete ophthalmic examination and radiological investigationswere carried out. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants, andin cases where the participant was unable to give consent, informed consent was obtained from their family members. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Result The majority (76.1%) were male between the agegroup of31-40 years, and they were allmotor vehicle/cycle riders seated in the front. Most accidents happened in rural (68.7%), highways (52.2%), and the driver being under the influence of alcohol (64.2%). Most of the participants (80.6%) did not use helmets, and 19.4%were using mobile phoneswhile driving. Visual acuity wasaffected in 57% and 41.8%suffered from orbital floorfracture. About 92.5% of the participants sustained subconjunctival hemorrhagewith ecchymosis and 31.34% had lacerations of the upper eyelid with periorbital edema. Among the participants, 9% had a loss of vision due to vitreous hemorrhage and9%due to Berlin's edema. Conclusion Middle-aged males driving two-wheelers on rural highways, those who did not wear helmets, and thosewho wereunder theinfluence of alcohol werethe vulnerable group. It is advised thatboth front and back-seated persons use safety precautions, such as helmets, and avoid placing the child in front of the rider while driving. Stringentregulations designed to improve conformity to traffic rules are essential in preventing ocular injuries.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Auditory Pathway in Prelingual Deaf Children in Comparison to Normal Hearing Children in the 1 to 7 Years of Age Group

Abstract Objective This article aims to determine the microstructural alterations in the auditory pathway in prelingual deaf children using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived parameters—fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and secondarily to evaluate these changes in rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) positive cases. Method A consecutive series of consenting deaf and normal children between 1 and 7 years of age, forming the case and control groups, respectively, underwent DTI, audiological tests, and testing for rubella, CMV, and toxoplasma infections. FA and ADC were measured at four locations bilaterally: lateral lemniscus (LL), inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, and auditory cortex (AC). Result The mean ADC values were higher and the mean FA values were lower in cases (19 males, 21 females, mean age 2.65 years) than the controls (21 males, 19 females, mean age 4.63 years) at all eight sites. Sixteen (40%), 17 (42.5%), and 7 (17.5%) cases had severe, severe to profound, and profound hearing loss, respectively, the FA and ADC values being significantly different for LL. For rubella and CMV immunoglobulin G, 20/40and 17/40 cases were positive, respectively, 11 for both, and none for toxoplasma. Significant decrease in FA was seen at LL and AC in rubella/CMV positive cases. Conclusion Microstructural changes are seen throughout the auditory pathway in prelingual deaf children, especially with rubella and/or CMV positive status. Further studies may pave the path to segregate out patient groups potentially more responsive to cochlear implant.

Quality of life of covid-19 patients attending selected post-covid units

Background: Disease process and its outcome can create impacts on human life; it also impairs quality of life (QoL). During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, a devastating impairment of quality of human life has been occurred over the world. This study aimed to state the quality of life of COVID-19 patients attending post-COVID units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 COVID-19 Patients (post-COVID period) in post COVID unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by pretested structured questionnaire, from July 2021 to December 2021, using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Results: The majority of the respondents (46.7%) were within the 30 to 39 years of age group. In this study about 73.3% of respondents lead poor quality of life after recovery from COVID-19. The findings revealed that, Post COVID depression history of the respondents was associated with the quality of life of the respondents after recovery from COVID-19 (p=0.001). The findings also revealed that the type family of the respondents was associated with the quality of life of the respondents after recovery from COVID-19 (p=0.001). Those who were not admitted into hospital during COVID-19 period maintain good quality of life after recovery from COVID-19 than those who were admitted on hospital during COVID-19 period (p=0.006). Inferential statistics were done at a 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance. Conclusions: This study described state of quality of life of COVID-19 patients attending on post-COVID units. It was found that near about three fourth of the respondents seemed that their quality of life became poor after recovery from COVID-19. JOPSOM 2023; 42(1):49-53

Examining Disparities in Regional Anesthesia Utilization, Opioid Prescriptions, and Pain Scores Among Patients Who Received Primary or Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most performed surgical operations in the United States. Managing postoperative pain after TKA is of vital importance, as it is positively associated with outcome measures related to recovery of function and quality of life. Two commonly used methods to control postoperative pain are regional anesthesia (RA), consisting of a single or a combination of peripheral nerve and epidural blocks, and pain medication, such as opioids. Our retrospective analysis sought to better understand whether revision versus primary TKA impacted previously discovered disparities in perioperative pain management and use of RA at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System (AVAHCS). Before data collection, we hypothesized that revision TKA would have a higher proportion of Black and older patients and that revision TKA patients would have lower postoperative pain scores. This was a retrospective analysis of AVAHCS patients who underwent elective unilateral primary or revision TKA surgery between 2014 and 2020. After application of our exclusion criteria, data from 562 patients were analyzed. Data collected included demographics information, type of RA used, and pain scores. Statistical analyses included chi-square test, t-tests, multiple logistic regression, and multiple linear regression, as appropriate to the outcomes of interest. Revision TKA patients were more likely to be Black (P = .018) and younger (P = .023 for <50 years of age group, P = .006 for 50 to 64 years of age compared to the >65 years group). Black patients, compared to White patients, had significantly higher pain scores at baseline (P = .0086) and at 24 hours postsurgery (P = .0037). Older patients (≥50 years old) had significantly higher baseline pain scores (P = .021 for the 50 to 64 years group, P < .01 for the >65 years group) and significantly lower first postanesthesia care unit pain scores (P < .05). Black race (P < .01) and age > 65 years (P < .01) were associated with a significant decrease in total oral morphine equivalents (OME) prescribed at discharge. None of the predictor variables-race, age, type of surgery (primary versus revision), baseline, and first postanesthesia care unit pain scores-were significantly associated with the use of RA in our cohort. Sociodemographic disparities in pain management have been reported in all healthcare systems, including the VAHCS. This moderately sized retrospective study, conducted at a single veterans affairs site, yielded several noteworthy findings. One finding of particular interest was that, despite Black patients reporting higher baseline and 24-hour postoperative pain scores, they were prescribed fewer opioids at discharge. Our results highlight the presence of clinically significant disparities in perioperative TKA pain management, emphasizing the need for continuous investigation and focused mitigation efforts among Veterans.

Pregnancy-induced Hypertension: What Are the Associated Factors in Rural Areas? A Study from Rural Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Abstract Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes – mortality and morbidities in both mother and foetus. Aims: The present study aims to determine the prevalence of PIH and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in rural field areas of a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women-seeking antenatal services from January 2020 to October 2020 at three sub-centres (Raiwala, Pratit Nagar and Haripur Kala) of the Primary Health Centre (Raiwala) after giving informed consent. A sample size of 113 was calculated and included in our study. A pre-tested structured schedule was used to interview the study participants after a pilot test. Blood pressure was determined using an average of three measurements, and some clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed from medical records; these were mainly the mother-child protection card. Data were presented as frequency, percentage frequencies and the results are presented with the table. Fisher’s exact statistics were calculated for the association with pregnancy-induced hypertension, and logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors. P &lt;0.05% was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of PIH among total study participants in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8%–10.6%). The majority of respondents were noted in ≤ 30 years of age group (91.15%), followed by &gt; 30 years of age group (8.84%). In univariate regression, factors such as age, pre-term birth, abortion, pedal oedema, blurred vision, proteinuria, present history of gestational diabetes mellitus, present history of diabetes, present history of other morbidities, past history of diabetes, past history of other morbidities, i.e. surgeries, otitis media, obesity and thyroid, family history of hypertension and family history of diabetes were associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. In multivariate logistic regression, maternal age (adjusted odds ratio AOR = 18.29, 95 CI% =2.3–141.4, P = 0.005*), pre-term birth (AOR = 61.7, 95% CI = 3.5–1071.3, P = 0.005*), (proteinuria AOR = 8, CI = 0.80–79.6, P = 0.006*), gestational diabetes (AOR = 19.9, CI = 2.9–133.06, P = 0.002*), history of other morbidities (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI; 1.7–106.5, P = 0.014*) and family history of diabetes (AOR; 8.7, 95% CI = 1.7–43.3, P = 0.008*) were found as the predictor factors for developing PIH. Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension and risk factors in pregnant women by healthcare professionals and policy-makers at the community level should be strengthened.

Influence of Health-Seeking Behavior on Treatment Initiation of Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Varanasi

Abstract Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in order to prevent it, it is vital to understand cancer patients’ health-seeking behavior that contributes to patient delays in receiving cancer treatment globally; however, no similar studies have been conducted in India. Therefore, this study made an effort to know health-seeking behavior among delayed cancer patients receiving treatment at a tertiary care hospital, Varanasi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgical Oncology OPD, Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Randomly selected 440 registered patients were interviewed with the help of semi-structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis and 2-test were used in this study. Results: Out of total 440 patients included in this study, 207 (47.05%) were males and 233 (52.95%) were females. The majority (59.32%) of patients were more than 45 years of age group. Most (80%) of the patients had delay in cancer treatment of more than 60 days from onset of symptoms. Only 29.55% of patients were aware of any symptoms of Cancer. Those patients who were doing self-medication (P=0.03) and did not attend any cancer screening program (P=0.04) showed a statistically significant association with delayed initiation of treatment. Patients referred from another centre (P = 0.03) also show a significant association with delayed treatment initiation. Cancer patients who visited the screening program (AOR= 0.22, P=0.003) were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of delayed treatment initiation. Conclusion: The study showed that 80% of patients were delayed in seeking treatment for Cancer and highly influenced by low awareness, self-medication and visiting multiple health centres for diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is a strong need to address the reasons for the delay in seeking treatment.

Differences in Cervical Spine Fractures in Patients Younger or Older Than 65 Years of Age: Implications for the Canadian C-Spine Rule.

There has been a distinction made in the 2001 Canadian C-Spine Rule regarding patients 65 and older and younger than 65 years of age as far as indications for cervical spine CT scanning. We sought to determine if there are differences in the symptoms, mechanisms of injury, fracture locations, and types that are still relevant in 2024. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study of cervical spine CT emergency department results from 2 hospitals in our health system after reviewing 5 years of data in patients experiencing trauma. In addition to the primary variable of age (younger than 65 years and 65 years and older), we looked at injury mechanism, fracture types, sites, symptoms, and operative or medical treatments. Because the demographics of our home site is different from most towns in the United States, we provide race/ethnicity data. Of 21,986 cervical spine CTs, 190/9455 (2.0%) participants 65 years of age and older and 199/12,531 (1.6%) participants younger than 65 years of age had fractures (total, 389/21,986, 1.8%). There were more cases of falls from standing (106, 55.8%) and falls from a height (46, 4.2%) in those 65 years and older and this mechanism was associated with a higher risk of C1 and C2 fractures (52, 27.4%; and 78, 41.1%, respectively). Among the C1 fractures, anterior and posterior arch fractures predominated (37, 19.5%). For C2 fractures, types 2 and 3 odontoid fractures (39, 20.5%; and 12, 6.3%) were more common in the older cohort. Motor vehicle collisions were more common in the younger cohort (89, 44.7%), and they were associated with more C5-C7 fractures (47, 23.6%; 60, 30.2%; and 66, 33.2%, respectively) including the facets (49, 24.6%), spinous processes (31, 15.6%), and transverse processes (52, 26.1%). Overall, the rates of instability, surgical intervention, and asymptomatic fractures were similar in the 2 age groups. Cervical spine fractures appear in about 1.8% of the CT scans performed in a busy emergency department environment. Fractures in the elderly occur more commonly due to falls, are located at C1 and C2, and may involve ligamentous injuries. Younger patients incur trauma more commonly due to motor vehicle collisions, and they are more likely to affect the posterior elements, especially C5-C7. The differences in trends for fractures in the 65 years of age and older and younger than 65 years of age groups have persisted since the Canadian C-Spine Rule 1996-1998 data were collected.

The Prevalence Pediatric Patients Attending in A Tertiary care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Introduction The incidence of skin conditions in young people typically varies between nations and within a single nation’s regions based on social, economic, racial, and environmental factors. A significant public health issue is the morbidity that skin diseases cause in children. There is a dearth of research on this pediatric issue in our nation, which is either centered on a condition, a community, or a particular population group. Objective To evaluate the dermatological complaints of the pediatric patients attending a dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Materials And Methods We retrospectively analyzed a total of 2472 pediatric patients who were in age range 0-18 years and came to the OPD of dermatology &amp; venereology department of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a period of 1½ year from January, 2020 to June, 2021. Data were collected on special proforma and analyzed with appropriate method. Results Among 2472 patients 1157 (46.8%) were male and 1315 (53.2%) were female and most of the patients belonged to the age group 12-18 year (52.6%). Male female ratio was 0.88:1. All diseases were broadly classified into noninfectious (71.2%) and infectious dermatoses (28.8%). Dermatitis (38.9%), infections (28.8%) and acne (14.44%) came out to be the top most common cause for OPD attendances. For the specific skin diseases, 20.1% were atopic dermatitis, 14.44% were acne, and 11.8 % were fungal infections. Atopic dermatitis was the most common condition below 12 years of age. In 12-18 years of age group, the most common condition was acne; females were more affected than males. Among the viral infections, wart was the most common (22.1%). Conclusion Atopic dermatitis was found to be the most common noninfectious disease and fungal infection was the most common infectious disease in all age groups and genders. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1054-1059

Comparative Study of Pancreatic Head and Body Size in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Individuals Age Group &gt;65 Years by USG

Abstract Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is the collective term for disorders affecting glucose homeostasis. The pancreas is situated in the retroperitoneum within the anterior pararenal fascial space and positioned anteriorly to the aorta and inferior vena cava. Specifically, the pancreas is commonly located just below the origin of the superior mesenteric artery. Ultrasound imaging serves as a valuable tool for acquiring detailed information about the pancreas, encompassing factors such as pancreatic size, echotexture, ductal anatomy, and the surrounding structures. This imaging modality not only facilitates diagnostic evaluations but also allows for interventional procedures, all accomplished efficiently within a brief time frame and at a minimal cost. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty healthy adults as controls and 150 diabetic patients of the same age group &gt;65 years of age group were evaluated by ultrasound sonography. Results: The mean pancreatic head and body is 2.01 ± 0.38 cm and 1.26 ± 0.18 cm, respectively, in diabetic participants, whereas in controls, it is 2.40 ± 0.13 cm and 1.59 ± 0.17 cm. This showed a significant decrease in pancreatic head and body size in diabetic individuals. Interpretation and Conclusions: Diabetic individuals exhibit smaller pancreatic head and body compared to normal controls.

Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media with Inactive Mucosal Disease

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Chronic otitis media (COM) is a condition usually seen in patients attending the ENT department. Chronic inactive mucosal disease (CIMD) is characterized by tympanic membrane (TM) perforation with hearing loss. Endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) is a surgical method to repair TM perforation with minimal invasion. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The present analysis was done to find out the outcome of ET surgeries in CIMD. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Retrospective data analysis was done in 30 patients underwent ET with endoscopic under-lay technique at Al-Ameen medical college, Vijapur, India. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Average age of patients was 34.17±9.52 years. Majority (40%) patients were from 18-30 years of age group. There were 12 (40%) males and 18 (60%) females. Right-side and left-side CIMD was equally distributed in 30 patients. Sixteen (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) patients were having right and left TM perforation, respectively. TM perforation size was small, medium and large in 43.3%, 30% and 26.7% of patients, respectively. Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients had temporalis fascia and 2 (6.7%) patients had tragal cartilage as graft material. Two (6.7%) patients had graft rejection without improvement in hearing. No patient had complication or any miscellaneous issues. Eighteen (60.0%), 11 (36.7%) and 1 (3.3%) pre-operative patient with pure-tone average (PTA) had mild, moderate, and severe conductive hearing loss (CHL), respectively. All patients with PTA were improved after surgery. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;ET is an effective, minimally invasive, and less painful surgical technique for repair of central TM perforations in CIMD.

Improving the Cardamom Marketing: Assessing the Marketing Efficiency of Cardamom in Theni District, Tamil Nadu

Introduction: The cardamom is the oldest spices and belongs to Zingiberaceae family. It is cultivated in the thick shady, rainy forests of the Western Ghats of the South India. The major growing states are Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in reference to green cardamom (Small) and its botanical name Elettaria cardamomum. The part of Theni district is constituted by thick vegetations of hills of Western Ghats and Cumbum Valley at Bodi and Uthamapalayam taluk. In these areas, the farmers are cultivating the Cardamom. This study aims to find out the socio-economic characters, marketing behavior, assess the marketing efficiency of different supply channels and ranking the major problems faced by farmers to market their agricultural product. Methodology: The author used both primary and secondary data. The maximum area covered by cardamom was used as criteria for selecting the blocks. Purposive random sampling method was used to select the villages and the data was collected from the 60 farmers and other stakeholders using well-structured questionnaire. The descriptive statistics and percentage analysis were used for interpreting the results. For marketing analysis, marketing costs, marketing margin and price spread were estimated. For marketing efficiency, Acharya’s method (2003) was used. Results: The 34 respondents with 56.67 percent were found to be 21-35 years of age group. It was found that 7 respondents only with 11.67 percent and 26 respondents with 43.33 percent were found to be illiterate and the annual turnover of 1-5 lakh respectively. Using Acharya’s method (2003), the marketing efficiency of the channel I, II, III were 5.92, 9.97, 7.27 respectively. The price spread in the marketing channel I, II, and III are Rs. 295.94 per Kg, Rs. 163.54 per Kg and 229.48 per Kg respectively. It was shown that channel II is efficient due to high efficiency value and less price spread. Producer in the marketing channel II had highest share (90.88) in consumer rupee. The result showed that the Lack of timely adequate funds were major problem faced by the cardamom farmers with garret mean score of 65.23. The financial problems were common in the respondents. Conclusion: Marketing channel II was efficient because the spice auction center plays a vital role in protecting the farmer as well as consumer from the malpractices and exploitation of Intermediaries and to provide the transparency in trading operations of cardamom. The government may increase the financial assistance or technical support program to support the cardamom growers of the Tamil Nadu. The board should educate the farmers to grade or sort the cardamom before entering the e-Auction center to get better price for better quality of the commodity and to expand the pilot project of separate e-auctions for lab tested cardamom for artificial colours and pesticidal residues to potential markets of Tamil Nadu.