Population Of District Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE ON THE SPECIFIC GAS CONSUMPTION OF HEAT SOURCES

The article examines the impact of outdoor temperature on the specific consumption of gas from heat sources, taking into account tariffs for district heating in the regions of Ukraine. The study is aimed at identifying patterns between external climatic conditions and gas consumption for heating, which allows optimizing energy consumption and increasing the efficiency of energy use. Data on district heating tariffs, population and area of Ukrainian regions were analyzed. The cluster analysis and hierarchical classification of regions were performed, which allowed us to identify groups with similar characteristics of gas consumption and heating tariffs. The ratio of population to area of regions and its impact on gas consumption and tariff policy is investigated.

Spatial patterns of colorectal cancer survival rates in Malaysia, 2013-2018.

Large geographical variations in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival rates have been reported across regions. Poorer survival rates were mainly found in socioeconomically deprived areas, highly dense areas, and areas lacking healthcare accessibility. The objective of this study was to identify, compare, and contrast the spatial patterns of 5-year CRC-specific survival rates and identify high-priority areas by districts in Malaysia. This retrospective cohort study utilized secondary data from the National Cancer Registry. CRC patients (ICD10 C18-21) diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 were selected. Patient addresses were geocoded into districts and states via geospatial data from the National Geospatial Centre, whereas district population density data were gathered from the Population Census of Malaysia. Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were conducted to determine and compare the 5-year CRC-specific survival rates, and the spatial distribution of CRC survival by district was determined via ArcGIS software. A total of 18,513 CRC patients were registered from 143 districts, with 10,819 deaths occurring during follow-up. The national 5-year CRC-specific survival rate was 42%, with median survival time of 36months (95% CI: 34.46, 37.54). The eastern region (Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang) had the lowest survival (38.0%). Among the 143 districts, eighty-one (56.6%) reported survival rates below the national average while thirty-six (25.2%) were identified as high-priority districts. The differences in CRC survival rates were evident according to geographical location. Area-based targeted interventions to improve CRC detection, management, and access to healthcare are imperative to address cancer survival disparities and help effectively allocate resources.

Inequalities in tuberculosis control in Ethiopia: A district-level distributional modelling analysis.

Implementation studies indicate that the addition of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment services into the community health extension workers' tasks-that is 'task-shifting'-improved case detection and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. Given resource and operational constraints, only a limited number of areas can be targeted by an expanded task-shifting program. Therefore, we mapped the distributional disparities in tuberculosis services across regions and districts and modelled the equity pathways towards optimising national scale-up of this task-shifting intervention in Ethiopia. We used data from various sources including District Health Information Software 2; demographic, geospatial and topographic data; and previously published implementation study findings. We developed methods to integrate these datasets and to calculate the proportion of health facilities with tuberculosis services, the district population to health centre ratio, and the proportion of district population living within 2h walking distance from a health centre. Equity and disparities were then measured in terms of: tuberculosis services coverage; health centre adequacy, that is the district population served by health centres; and spatial access adequacy, that is the district population with health centre access within a two-hour walking distance. Subsequently, districts were ranked according to these measures to allow prioritisation of the health extension worker task-shifting intervention. Tuberculosis services coverage varied from 54% in Afar region to 100% in Harari region, and health centre inadequacy ranged from 10% of districts in Benishangul-Gumuz to 87% in Sidama. After spatial access adjustment, health centre inadequacy ranged from 7% of districts in Sidama to 91% in Somali; and tuberculosis services inadequacy from 7% of districts in Sidama to 97% in Afar. Task-shifting implemented in inadequate districts (55% of all districts) could raise national case detection rate from 66% (currently) to 88% and treatment success rate from 93% to 99%; Benishangul-Gumuz achieving the largest increase of all regions. Access to effective tuberculosis services presents substantial disparities across districts in Ethiopia, due to both health system and tuberculosis-specific factors. Jointly considering both types of factors would enable prioritisation of districts where health extension workers would be most impactful.

Trends in Incidence of Head and Neck Cancers in Dibrugarh District, Assam, India; During the Period 2003-2016.

Head and neck cancers are considered to be the most common cancers in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia. In India, it accounts for one-fourth of male cancers and one-tenth of female cancers. An attempt was made to study head and neck cancer trends in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, North-East India, India. All sites viz., oral cavity and mobile tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx and others were considered separately for both the sexes to carry out the present analysis. Using the data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry, Upper Assam, Dibrugarh, annual crude incidence rate and age-specific rate were calculated for the period from 2003 to 2016. Mann-Kendall and Sen's Slope non-parametric analysis were applied to examine the trend in the percentages of Head and Neck cancers. The most frequent incidence site for HN cancers was the hypopharynx (33.50%). The disease was common among the males (78.87%) compared to the female (21.13%) population in Dibrugarh district. HN cancers are more prone to the age group 50-70years (60.93%) compared to the individuals with less than 50years (26.51%). Combining all the sites of HN cancers in male showed a significant decrease in incidence, whereas in female increasing trend was noted over a period of time. A slight decline in the percentage of head and neck cancer was documented in Dibrugarh when we combined both sexes. The results obtained from the current investigation will laid the scientific framework for proper planning and organization of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HN cancers in Dibrugarh district, Assam.

Frontal Horn of Lateral Ventricle of Brain and Its Relation with Age, Gender and Side: Morphometric Study by Computed Tomography among Bangladeshi Population

Background: Knowledge of the baseline reference value of frontal horn size is necessary for the initial and precise analysis of ventriculomegaly. The purpose of this study was to determine the size of frontal horn of lateral ventricle and its relation with age, gender and side among adult Bangladeshi population of Chattogram district. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted during the period from July 2022 to June 2023 in the Department of Anatomy, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, upon 150 respondents of 20-60 years who had normal Computed Tomography (CT) scans as reported by an expert radiologist. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and ANOVA test were done. p-value was considered significant if it was <0.05 at 95% level of confidence. Results: The mean right and left frontal horn length was 25.50 (±3.95) mm and 25.28 (±4.04) mm respectively. The length of the frontal horn of both right and left sided lateral ventricle were significantly higher in male than that of female (p<0.01). Spearman's correlation coefficient indicated positive linear correlation of length of frontal horn (Right and left side) with age, insignificant in right side (p=0.061) but significant in left side (p=0.046). Conclusion: Morphometric analysis of the frontal horn of the lateral ventricles among the Bangladeshi population produced a number of significant results that may help with the early diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases that are particular to gender and age. These findings can be validated and expanded upon in future research using bigger sample sizes and cutting-edge imaging methods. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 54-59

Social aspects of rehabilitation of the Bryansk region settlements affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident

Relevance. Currently, in the south-west of the Bryansk region, the settlements most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident show the radiation exposure of about 30 % of the natural level without causing any negative impact on health. However, the settlements are still facing severe social challenges. Throughout the timespan after the Chernobyl accident, significant population decline has been observed in these settlements. Over the past 20 years, the number of residential settlements in the south-west districts of the Bryansk region has decreased by 22 % and the number of residents by 16%. Considering the long-lasting consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, social protection of the accident affected population and the development of radioactively contaminated areas remains relevant so far.The objective is to assess the current demographic situation in the Bryansk region southwestern settlements, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident, as well as to justify the shortage of social infrastructure required to ensure the settlements return back to normal conditions.Methods. The study analyses current social problems, including demographics and infrastructure in the five southwestern districts of the Bryansk region, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Results and discussion. In 2023, the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region included 72 residential settlements (71 rural and the town of Novozybkov) with an average annual effective radiation dose of population exposure above 1 mSv. The total registered population of the settlements is 63,869 people. The share of rural and urban population is 39 and 61 %, respectively. A difficult demographic situation was noted in the populated areas of the Chernobyl accident zone. Thus, the share of persons under working age (0–15 years) does not exceed 17 % of the total population. Social infrastructure demands were assessed to ensure wellbeing of the population in the Bryansk region districts, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Conclusion. In the rural settlements where the population is exposed to an average annual effective radiation dose above 1 mS, assessment and audit of the existing social infrastructure is required with follow-up efforts to eliminate the shortages, if any, to comply with modern norms and standards.

Value Chain Analysis of Cattle Feed Market in Banaskantha District, India

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21. Birthal and Jha [1] has found feed scarcity as the main limiting factor to improving livestock productivity. Therefore, to increase the productivity potential of milch animals the use of commercial compound feed is inevitable as supply of feed & fodder is shortening due to shrinking pasture land in the country. The Indian feed industry is about 57 years old. India is deficient in fodder and its availability is shrinking day by day due to decrease in cultivable area and increased share in food crop production so more thrust should be directed towards compound feeds by identifying the constraints and removing them.This study focused on the effectiveness of the feed industry and the performance of the value chain when mapping the cattle feed value chain in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Total of ten feed manufacturing units and 120 farmers were selected for the study. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of a structured survey schedule. Secondary data on livestock population were collected through the livestock census, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. A multi stage random sampling method was adopted as an appropriate sampling procedure for the study. Banaskantha district was purposely selected for the study as Banaskantha district has highest livestock population in overall Gujarat State. Four talukas from Banaskantha district were selected randomly and feed manufacturing units were selected by snowball sampling method. From each taluka, five villages were selected randomly. From each village, six farmers were selected randomly. The study focused on buying behavior of farmers regarding cattle feed purchase and to estimate demand for concentrated feed requirements for the future in Banaskantha district. The study found that among the eight explanatory (independent) variables, five variables viz., livestock population, farm size, feed price, income from livestock, total feed fed per day were found to be significantly associated with expenditure of cattle feed price per animal per month and other variables such as average age of the animal, technology adoption and distance from buying location were statistically non-significant. The required feed demand for future livestock populations in Banaskantha district are 3651480 metric tonnes, 4487461 metric tonnes, 5514543 metric tonnes, 6774097 metric tonnes and 8315523 metric tonnes for the year 2024, 2029,2034, 2039 and 2044 respectively.

Optimization of bus stop layout considering multiple factors including passenger flow direction.

Bus stop layout typically requires consideration of urban population distribution, traffic conditions, and passenger flow demand to establish an efficient foundation for the bus system's operation. Based on the above key factors, this paper introduces a strategic method to optimize the bus stop layout from a macro perspective in order to save passengers' travel time and improve the attractiveness of the bus system. This approach accounts for the matching degree between the Origin-Destination (OD) direction of passengers and their walking direction heading to bus stops. Initially, we take into account factors such as the population and area of traffic districts, and urban road conditions. Utilizing the hypernetwork multidimensional data clustering method along with GIS technology, we construct an alternative set of bus stops based on the hypernetwork framework. This set serves as a reference for the positioning of newly built and moved bus stops. Subsequently, we develop a two-stage model for bus stop layout decision-making. The first stage focuses on determining the bus stop layout at the traffic district level, taking into account multi-factors including the passenger flow matching degree. The second stage is designed to mitigate the negative impact of bus stop optimization on the overall service level of the urban bus system. A case study conducted in XT city demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach. Post-optimization, there is a 15.83% increase in the alignment between passenger flow direction and bus stop layout. Additionally, the average travel time for passengers is reduced by 7.55 minutes.

Monitoring of pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti: first report of double and triple kdr mutations in Buenos Aires Province

BackgroundDengue is an emerging disease in Argentina due to the colonization of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector. Buenos Aires Province is the biggest and most populated district in Argentina, suffering dengue outbreaks of growing magnitude. During epidemic periods, pyrethroid insecticides are used in this country to control adult mosquitoes. Pyrethroid resistance in dengue vectors has been reported worldwide, making it necessary to implement resistance management strategies. The voltage-gated sodium channel is the target site of pyrethroids. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein, called kdr mutations, are usually the molecular cause of pyrethroid resistance in insects. In Ae. aegypti from the Americas, three kdr substitutions were described: V410L, V1016I, and F1534C. The diagnostic of kdr mutations is recommended for the early detection of pyrethroid resistance as well as the consequent planning of evidence-based control policies.MethodsWe distributed ovitraps across 16 localities in Buenos Aires Province, collecting 22,123 eggs. A total of 522 mosquitoes were genotyped in positions 1016 and 1534 of voltage-gated channel using multiplex high-resolution melting and/or TaqMan probe methods. A subset of 449 samples was also genotyped by a singleplex high-resolution melting method developed ad hoc and/or Sanger sequencing.ResultsWe have documented, for the first time to our knowledge in the central region of Argentina, the presence of the 1016Ikdr + 1534Ckdr allele. Additionally, our study reports the first identification of the V410L mutation in central Argentina. These results underscore a growing trend of pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti, fueled by the widespread use of these insecticides.ConclusionsWe detected 1016Ikdr + 1534Ckdr and 410Lkdr mutations in central Argentina for the first time and improved the processivity and accuracy of kdr genotyping methods. The results are both a tool for resistance monitoring and a sign of alarm to direct efforts towards finding sustainable methods for vector control to complement or replace pyrethroids. Joint efforts between academia and authorities to develop and implement public policies for vector control are a productive way to transfer scientific results for their application in public health.Graphical

Psychological health declined during the post-monsoon season in communities impacted by sea-level rise in Bangladesh

Sea level rise affects the long-term psychological health of coastal communities. However, research on long-term and seasonal impacts on vulnerable communities’ psychological health is limited. Here, we explore the effect of sea-level rise on the psychological health of the coastal population in Satkhira and Khulna districts of southwest Bangladesh across two seasons: before monsoon (March to April) and post-monsoon months (October to November) in 2021. We leveraged the longitudinal research that involved 1144 participants. We collected data on psychological health using established scales for distress, depression, anxiety, and stress and also measured environmental factors and resource losses. Results indicate that psychological health, particularly distress, depression, anxiety, and stress, increased during the post-monsoon months in communities more vulnerable to sea-level rise. Highly vulnerable communities showed increased psychological distress post-monsoon. Environmental stressors and resource loss escalated during the post-monsoon period, especially in moderate and highly vulnerable communities. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted support and resilience-building interventions in affected communities to alleviate the psychological health impacts of sea-level rise.

Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type II Prevalence among Young, Middle, and Old-Aged Adults in Perambalur District Population of Tamil Nadu, India.

This study is aimed to approximate the prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus among Perambalur District population of South TamilNadu. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder due to insulin deficiency or resistance which can affect multiple organs of the body such as heart, kidneys and eyes. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), refers to having high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Uncontrolled diabetes is at a greater risk of diabetic complications and a significant health concern in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu, Southern India, India. A study conducted in Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu, Southern India, India. The study included 454 uncontrolled diabetes mellitus subjects of which 60.35% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in female population and 39.65% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in male population. The study included 274 female subjects was further divided into three age groups, age group I (25 to 44 years) of 23.38% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus population, age group II (45 to 60 years) of 47.46% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus population, and age group III (61 to 85 years) of 29.20% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus population. The 180 uncontrolled diabetes mellitus male subjects was further divided into three age groups: age group I (25 to 44 years) of 32.22% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus population, age group II (45 to 60 years) of 42.22% uncontrolled diabetes mellitus population, and age group III (61 to 85years) of 25.56% uncontrolled diabetes population. This uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was confirmed by estimating glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in these diabetes mellitus population. Our study confirmed that there may be a significant burden of diabetes mellitus related both micro vascular and macro vascular complications in this Perambalur district region of Tamil Nadu, Southern India, India.

Optimization of Water Purification Infrastructures in Supiori Regency

Clean water is one of the important aspects that must be prioritized in urban planning. The higher the standard of living of the community, the need for clean water will also increase. However, the fulfillment of adequate clean water needs in Supiori Regency is still not optimal. Based on the Minister of Public Works Regulation No. 14/2010, the coverage of drinking water services in Supiori Regency is classified as poor, with a clean water service level of less than 50%. Optimization efforts are needed to optimize and distribute clean water services in Supiori Regency meet the target of clean water services and create a sustainable community life. The research method uses three types of analysis. First, the ratio of clean water services in the settlements of Supiori Regency was analyzed using a calculation method that refers to the standard of clean water needs and availability. Second, the analysis of clean water services was conducted based on community perceptions. Third, this study analyzed the factors that influence clean water services using multiple linear regression. Descriptive analysis was used to identify optimization steps. The results showed that the ratio of clean water services in South Supiori District only reached 30.38%, while in East Supiori District, it was lower, at 19.78%. Based on community perceptions, 93% of the population in South Supiori District and 75% in East Supiori District have not used the Water Supply System. Regression analysis shows that in Supiori Selatan District, factors affecting clean water services include pipe distance, community participation, and number of family members. In East Supiori District, the influencing factors are pipe distance, management, and maintenance of clean water. So, there are optimization efforts that can be done, among others, through mapping services based on regional conditions. For areas that are difficult to reach by SPAM services, the community can utilize the nearest water source to meet their clean water needs independently.

A study on the spatial distribution and optimization strategies of day care centers for the elderly

Background: At present, the degree of ageing in China is becoming severe, especially in Shanghai, which is the largest city with the highest degree of aging in China. How to adjust the community to effectively meet the needs of the elderly groups has become the focus of social attention. Objectives: In this study, spatial analysis was used to explore the matching degree of the elderly population with the distribution of day care centers in Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, to explore the problems, and to propose optimization strategies with a view to providing feasible suggestions for the construction of old-age daycare. Methods: This research adopts the methods of literature study, map analysis, questionnaire survey, especially tries to use the spatial analysis software of Arc GIS in order to set up a spatial database of Xuhui District's elderly population based on street administrative territorial entity. Results: The results show that the quantity and quality of the day care centers in Xuhui District can not meet the actual needs of the elderly. Secondly, the services provided in daycare centers deviate from the actual needs of older population. Thirdly, the day care service content lists are quite homogeneous, which neglects the diversified and personalized needs . Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: From the perspective of spatial distribution study, this article enriches the theory of the construction and management of the elderly care facilities in urban areas, and provides reference for the formulation of aging policy. Meanwhile, it gives some suggestions on optimizing the spatial distribution of community facilities to fulfil the actual needs for optimal matching of the elderly care resources.

Analisis Kinerja Badan Amil Zakat Nasional Kabupaten Siak dalam Mengentaskan Kemiskinan

According to BPS data, the poor population in Siak district in 2022 will be 25.71 thousand people or 5.07%. An important factor that can influence the level of poverty is income. A solution from an Islamic perspective to the problem of poverty is optimizing zakat. According to Law Number 23 of 2011 concerning Zakat, it is stated that zakat is to realize community welfare and overcome poverty. One of the institutions formed by the government to manage and distribute zakat, infaq and alms is the National Zakat Amil Agency (BAZNAS). The benchmark for the success of alleviating poverty through optimizing zakat is the performance of BAZNAS. This research analyzes the performance of the Siak Regency National Zakat Amil Agency in its efforts to eradicate poverty. This research has two approaches, namely qualitative and quantitative or mixed method. Data sources used in this research include primary data, secondary data, documents and archives and literature studies. Using interview, observation and questionnaire methods, the performance of BAZNAS Siak Regency can be known through the National Zakat Index 2.0 approach. The components of this index are macro dimensions and micro dimensions. The macro dimension reflects the role of the government and society in contributing to building zakat institutions and the micro dimension describes institutional governance and the impact of zakat. The research results show that BAZNAS Siak Regency in two macro dimensions and micro dimensions obtained good performance scores. The good performance of zakat institutions will influence the results of zakat collection, distribution and utilization programs. The influence of good performance will have a direct impact on mustahik in efforts to improve their welfare which will ultimately help the government in alleviating poverty. In this research, it was found that the impact of good BAZNAS performance for mustahik was materially an increase in income and asset ownership, spiritually in the form of increased worship and awareness of zakat.

ECONOMIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS OF KOVRAK CULTIVATION IN DEKHKANABAD DISTRICT

The article provides information on the medicinal properties of the kovrak plant, measures for its current use. The importance of this plant in providing employment to the population of Dehqanabad district, its annual yield and income are scientifically analyzed. The prospects for kovrak cultivation are highlighted, including the costs and benefits of its cultivation, calculated in local currency and US dollars.

Анализ динамики территориальной структуры расселения муниципальных районов Республики Татарстан с применением геоинформационных технологий

The article discusses the results of the analysis of territorial structure dynamics of settlement systems of municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan in the period 1959–2016, conducted using modern geoinformation technologies. The example of the studied region shows the advantages of using and developing GIS tools to improve cartographic analysis of settlement systems dynamics and notes the shortcomings of traditional methods for solving such problems. The characteristics of the results of study of the settlement system of the Republic of Tatarstan, including its mapping, obtained in the 1990–2010s, are given. The data presented in the work related to six years of observation, including the results of the censuses of 1959, 1970, 1979 and 2002, as well as data for 1997 and 2016. When choosing the observation periods, the need for information on all settlements in the region and their localization was considered. Each settlement corresponded with the boundaries of modern municipal districts. Geoinformation support for solving analytical problems included six spatial databases containing information on the characteristics of the population of 3 663 settlements that are part of 43 municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan, and a developed cartographic basis with precise coordinate referencing of settlements. The analysis of the territorial structure was carried out on the basis of the population size of settlements, the number and total population in their population groups, as well as share structures by population groups for municipal districts and the region. To assess the dynamics, the indicators of the growth/decline rates of the population of settlements and municipal districts were calculated. The analysis of trends in the change in territorial structure of settlement systems was carried out on the basis of cluster analysis methods, which made it possible to identify three groups of municipal districts that differ in the dynamics of changes in population size and structural characteristics of population groups. Each is distinguished by a fairly compact localization within a number of territories of the region. These include: municipal districts of the north-west of Tatarstan; districts of its eastern part and south-west; regions of the western and eastern parts of Tatarstan.

Managing no-shows in healthcare: insights from an urban Health District in Northern Italy

Abstract Background Non-attendance at healthcare appointments, known as no-show, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, disrupting patient care continuity, exacerbating waiting times, and straining resources. Addressing this issue is crucial for optimizing health care delivery and containing costs. This study explores the phenomenon of patient no-shows and aims to identify factors associated in a densely populated healthcare district in Turin, Northern Italy. Methods Data were extracted from the healthcare management system covering outpatient care appointments in the health district in 2022 and 2023. The analysis included various patient and service-related variables. Missing information on key variables were managed with listwise deletion. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of missed appointment rates, while multivariate analysis explored various patient and service-related variables. Results A 5.1% (n = 6198) no-show rate was observed out of 120,405 records. The total cost incurred due to missed appointment fees amounted to €127,244. Several factors were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of no-show (p < 0.05), including initial visit (OR = 1.11), deferred priority (OR = 1.22), non-exempt status from healthcare co-payments (OR = 1.36), exemption based on income (OR = 1.82), age under 18 (OR = 2.46) and under 65 (OR = 2.32), male gender (OR = 1.17), residency outside the Piedmont Region (OR = 1.31) and outside Italy (OR = 2.46), and longer waiting time (OR = 1.01). Conclusions This study sheds light on the widespread issue of patient no-shows and its economic implications. It provides clear direction for implementing tailored interventions in healthcare settings. As a response to these findings, a telephone recall project was launched. Its efficacy will be evaluated in subsequent assessments to determine if it can effectively alleviate the burden of no-shows, thus enhancing healthcare efficiency and ensuring continuity of care for patients. Key messages • The no-show phenomenon has important implications both organizationally and economically. • The magnitude and major determinants of patient no-shows must be recognized to guide the deployment of tailored interventions in a real-world setting.

Melgaco’s mixed dentition analysis:Its applicability and consistency in Panchkula district population

Melgaco’s mixed dentition analysis:Its applicability and consistency in Panchkula district population

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of branched-chain amino acids and their ketoacids from dried blood spot as secondary analytes for the detection of maple syrup urine disease

BackgroundMaple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an aminoacidopathy caused by a defective branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex, leading to the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their respective keto acids (BCKAs). A comprehensive test was developed to measure BCAAs and BCKAs using LC-MS from dried blood spot (DBS) samples for the diagnosis and prevention of MSUD in newborns and infants. MethodsAnalytes were extracted from DBS using a methanol:0.1 % v/v formic acid solution (75:25) containing internal standards and analyzed on a Luna PFP column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, carry-over, matrix effect, hematocrit, blood volume, and punch position effects. Biomarker stability in the matrix and stock solution was assessed. Correlation with the plasma method was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. The method established reference ranges for the Udupi district population in South India. ResultsThe method demonstrated linearity (r2 > 0.99), with a lower limit of detection at 2 µM (BCAA) and 1 µM (BCKA), and acceptable recovery of QC samples. Hematocrit, blood volume, punch position, and storage condition effects were within acceptable limits. Correlation and Bland-Altman analysis showed strong interconvertibility between plasma and DBS assays. Reference ranges for leucine, isoleucine, valine, KIC, KIV, and KMV were established. ConclusionThe developed DBS method, requiring no derivatization and involving simple sample preparation with short run times, is a cost-effective and reliable approach for the confirmatory diagnosis of MSUD.

Rural health dynamics: Exploring the prevalence of prediabetes and prehypertension among the rural population of Puducherry district

ABSTRACT Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming 41 million lives annually. Notably, type 2 diabetes not only presents well-known complications but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease silently. Furthermore, concerningly high rates of undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension emphasize the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and enhanced awareness. The growing prevalence of prediabetes, a precursor to diabetes, further underscores the urgency for proactive action. Therefore, addressing the silent killers through early detection and comprehensive management strategies is crucial to combat this global health crisis. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of prediabetes and prehypertension and the factors associated with them among the rural population of Puducherry district. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 adults more than 30 years of age residing in rural field practice areas of a private medical college in the Puducherry district over 8 months (January 2023 to August 2023). Multistage sampling was employed. After obtaining written informed consent, data collection included a pretested questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference) and blood pressure measurements were recorded; on subsequent days, fasting capillary blood sugar levels were checked. The data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Results: On categorization based on the Indian Diabetes Risk Score, the results showed that 14.4% of participants were high-risk for diabetes, with 74% and 11.5% falling into medium- and low-risk categories, respectively. Also, the prevalence of hypertension was 31.3%, with an additional 13% prehypertensive and 55.8% normotensive. Notably, 64.6% of hypertensive individuals had Stage I and 35.4% had Stage II. Family history, self-reported diet, physical activity, and body mass index were significantly associated with prediabetes/diabetes (P value < 0.05). In addition to this, there has been a significant association between the risk of developing diabetes and systolic blood pressure (P value = 0.011). Conclusion: Family history emerged as a significant risk factor for both diabetes and hypertension, highlighting the importance of genetic predisposition and the potential benefit of targeted family-based interventions. These findings raise concerns regarding the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension risk factors within this population.