Female Study Subjects Research Articles

Correlation between macular sensitivity and kidney function in patients with diabetes.

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between kidney function in patients with diabetes and macular sensitivity at central 10° using microperimetry. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 diabetic patients (58 eyes). A full-threshold microperimetry of the central 10° of retina (the macula) was performed on all subjects, consisting of 37 measurement points, using a 4-2 representation strategy. Macular sensitivity was expressed as the average threshold value in decibels for the entire field tested. The correlation between macular sensitivity and GFR, as well as microalbuminuria, blood glucose and HbA1c, was calculated using Pearson correlation rank. A significant positive correlation was observed between GFR and macular sensitivity among both male and female study subjects. For male participants, the correlation was measured to r([16]) = [.615], p = [<.007] and r([15]) = [.844], p = [<.001] for the left and right eyes, respectively. As for female participants, the correlation was r ([9]) = [.903], p = [<.001] and r([10]) = [.941], p = [<.001] for the left and right eyes, respectively. The correlation between macular sensitivity and the following variables was statistically insignificant: microalbuminuria, blood glucose, and HbA1c. Despite intact visual acuity measured on standard ophthalmic examination, patients with impaired kidney function had decreased macular sensitivity. This emphasizes the importance of microperimetry in preventative care and detection of early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, we should consider the use of microperimetry as an auxiliary tool for monitoring kidney function in diabetics.

Achilles tendinopathy research has a gender data gap: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A persisting gender bias has been recently highlighted in orthopaedics and sports medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volume of gender-specific data and gender-specific results in the treatment of a common tendon disease, Achilles tendinopathy. Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched to identify all clinical studies focusing on Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) data of women and men of the studies that disaggregated results by gender were collected, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Treatment response within and in between gender categories was evaluated, focusing on overall gender-disaggregated data, as well as within each of the three treatment categories: conservative treatment, injective treatmentand surgical treatment. A formal risk of bias analysis was conducted using Downs and Black's grading system. Out of the 8796 papers screened, 178 were included after the screening. The number of female study participants grew from 20% up to 1990 to 48% in the years 2019-2022. Only 373 out of 3423 (11%) female patients and 685 of 4352 (16%) male patients were found in sex-disaggregated studies. A meta-analysis was conducted on the 14 papers that reported sex-disaggregated data for VAS and VISA-A. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no difference in the overall treatment response between women and men and that both genders showed an overall significant treatment benefit in terms of VAS and VISA-A values. However, significant differences were documented within the treatment categories. While no differences were found in surgical studies, in conservative treatment studies, men experienced lower posttreatment VAS values (p = 0.004). The largest difference was found in injective treatments, with men experiencing a larger change in VAS values (men = -3.0, women = -1.0, p = 0.016) and higher posttreatment VISA-A values (p = 0.032). This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a lack of awareness of the importance of sex-specific data within Achilles tendinopathy treatment research. The proportion of female study subjects has grown over the years, but there is still a large data gap caused by the absence of sex-disaggregated data. The omission of sex-disaggregated data causes the loss of valuable knowledge on the true effectiveness of current Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The results of this study indicate that women profit less from available treatments, particularly injective approaches, which prompts further research for treatment adaptation by gender. Level IV.

Safety-in-use test of facial cosmetic products on normal and self-assessed sensitive skin subjects.

Safety-in-use (SIU) studies are commonly used by the cosmetic Industry to confirm the skin and ocular compatibility of cosmetic products under realistic in-use conditions. There are only limited case studies published about the design, outcome and interpretation of product SIU studies. A series of SIU case studies is presented to demonstrate the considerations in study design and how the methodology can help in supporting skin and ocular safety profile of facial cosmetic products within a population of different ethnicities with normal and self-perceived sensitive skin. In a series of four single-blinded SIU studies, more than 250 female study subjects of different ethnicities and with normal and self-assessed sensitive skin were asked to use different facial cosmetic products including lotions, essences and cleansers according to the instructed usage conditions of these products. Each study was specifically designed according to product usage scenarios and target consumer groups. The primary measures of safety were based on dermal evaluations by a dermatologist for erythema and dryness/scaling and by an ophthalmologist for any visible signs of an ocular condition on eyelids, conjunctivae and cornea. The study subjects were also asked for any self-perceived skin or eye reactions. Dermal and ocular irritation potential of the products under realistic product usage conditions was evaluated according to the measures. Across all studies, objectively and self-assessed mean scores for skin and eye effects did not indicate any cumulative response of the investigated products over the study period. As a suitable tool for assessing and establishing the skin and eye compatibility of facial cosmetic products, SIU studies can be designed according to specific consumer groups, skin types and product usage scenarios to better predict realistic in-use conditions. It can demonstrate the safe use of the investigated products for people of different ethnicities, skin types and with normal or self-assessed sensitive skin, single product use or regimen use. The test results are consistent with the inherently low irritation potential of the products.

Visceral Adiposity Index: An Effective Tool for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Bangladeshi Adult Population

Background: Obesity induces adipocyte dysfunction with secretion of adipokines, which results in a cascade of chemical reaction which triggers the atherogenic process and insulin resistance leading to a set of metabolic abnormalities i.e., metabolic syndrome. The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a simple, gender-based obesity index and has been proposed to be a predictor of metabolic syndrome. Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) in prediction metabolic syndrome in Bangladeshi adult population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June of 2017. A total of 200 apparently healthy subjects (108 men and 92 women) were selected for the study, who attended the out-patient-departments of the same institution. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, e.g., height, weight, waist circumference (WC). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected to estimate plasma glucose and serum lipid profile. Then VAI was calculated for men and women separately and evaluated as a tool in diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among the participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the performance of VAI in metabolic syndrome prediction by gender. The power of metabolic syndrome prediction was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 42.4±5.2 years. Among 108 men, 63 had metabolic syndrome, while among 92 women, 31 had metabolic syndrome. Sensitivity and specificity of VAI in predicting metabolic syndrome in male study subjects were 83.2% and 70.3%, respectively, while in female study subjects 80.1% and 70.5% respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of VAI in male study subjects was 2.16 and area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.907, while in female study subjects, the values were 2.25 and 0.918 respectively (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) was found simple, accessible, and effective obesity index to predict metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy adults. Mugda Med Coll J. 2022; 5(2): 88-92

A cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Covid vaccination among health beneficiaries

In 2020, the whole world was taken aback by the emergence of a new viral disease – novel Corona Virus Disease (nCoViD-19), and soon the WHO declared it a pandemic. In India, two vaccines were developed and almost immediately approved for use, namely the Covishield and the Covaxin. These new vaccines and their fastened approval stirred a mixture of reactions both among the health care providers and the general public. : This pioneer study was conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding CoViD vaccination among various beneficiaries.A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among various beneficiaries from January 25 to April 12 2021. Employing the stratified random sampling technique, 1000 study subjects were selected. After obtaining written informed consent, one to one interview was conducted. Knowledge, attitude and practice of CoViD vaccination was assessed using a grading system. 99.95% of Doctors and 49.0% of paramedical health care workers in contrast to 72.8% of general citizens had a good practise regarding vaccination and the pandemic in general. 64% of male study subjects had enrolled for vaccination on their self interest, in contrast with 75% of the 365 female study subjects. There was no statistically significant association between Gender and scores &amp;#62;60% in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding CoViD vaccination among the subjects. There was a statistically very high significance between Knowledge regarding vaccination and the independent decision to get vaccinated. Majority of the study population was willing to be vaccinated and the main reason attributed to this willingness was the belief that the vaccine is safe.

Causes of Infertility among the Couples Who are Attending the Infertility OPD of BSMMU

Introduction: Infertility may be defined as inability to conceive within one year of unprotected regular coitus. Approximately 85 – 90% of healthy young couples conceive within 1 year, most within 6 months1. Infertility therefore affects approximately 10 – 15% of couples and represents an important part of clinical practice2. A general classification of causes of infertility are male 35 – 40%, female 40 – 50% (tubal 25%, ovulatory 20% and cervical 1 – 2%), sexual 10% and unknown 10%3. More than one factor per couple accounts for the total percentage appearing to exceed 100%. Objective: To assess the determinants of infertility among the infertile couples both male and female attending the outpatient department of infertility unit of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University , Shahbagh, Dhaka. Materials &amp; Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Infertility unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, during the period from 01.07.2018 to 31.12.2021. Five hundred infertile couples were recruited from the out-patient department of infertility unit who came to take treatment for their infertility problem. Data were collected from the couples by data collection sheet and the data were plotted in the tables. The data were analyzed by SPSS program, version 28. Results: The socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects (n = 500).Husbands age group was 22 -55in years, Mean ± SD (34.0 ± 5.9). Age of the female partners was 18 – 44 years, mean ± SD (27.1 ± 5.2). Majority of the female study subjects had secondary level of education (49.4%), where as in male study subjects secondary level of education was 30.4%, followed by graduates (29.6%). Occupation of female partners was mostly housewife = 395 (79.0%), occupation of male partners was mostly service = 356 (71.2%). Regarding religion, Muslims were 476 (95.2%), others were 24 (4.8%). Majority of them hailed from rural area (62%). According to BMI, majority of female were overweight (56%). Among the respondents, majority of them had primary infertility (59.8%) and the rest (40.2%) had secondary infertility. Regarding hormonal status of infertile women, most of them (94%) had serum FSH below normal (&lt; 3U/L), serum LH below normal (&lt; 2U/L) in 96% patients, Serum TSH above normal (&gt;4.5 mU/L) in 49.0% patients, serum FT4 above normal (&gt;21 pml/L) in (60.8%) patients, serum Prolactin level above normal (&gt;630 mU/L) in 27.8) patients. Diabetes: In male = 28 (5.6%).Mumps: In male = 7 (1.4%). Chicken pox: In male = 18 (3.6%). Hypertension: In male = 10 (2.0%). Orchitis: In male = 6 (1.2%). Personal history of husband: Smoking = 129 (25.8%). In male patients, Testosterone level normal (10 – 30 nmol/L) in 133 (26.6%) patients and above normal (&gt;30 nmol/L) in 367 (73.4%) patients. The semen analyses of the husbands of the infertile female patients shows, quality of semen poor (&lt;4%) in 305 (61%) patients. Regarding semen quality, oligospermia (&lt;15 million/ml) was in 480 (96%) patients and azospermia (0% count) in 20 (4%) patients. In case of motility of sperms, rapid linear below normal (&lt;50%) was in 90 (18%). In case of slow linear (SL), below normal (&lt;15%) in 324 (64.8%) patients. In case of morphology of sperms, below normal (&lt;14million/ml) in 25 (5%) patients. Regarding structural abnormalities of female organs bicornuate uterus was found in 15.2% patients, abnormal uterine cavity in 11.4% patients. In 13.0% patients’ abnormal right ostium were found and in 12.6% patients’ abnormal left ostium were found. Intrauterine adhesion was found in 35.2% patients and submucus fibroid in 17.6% patients. Abnormal right fallopian tube was found in 33.2% patients and abnormal left fallopian tube was found in 34.2% patients. Dye test in 42.4% patients were negative that means the tubes were blocked. Conclusion: This study shows that a significant percentage of both male and female are suffering from infertility. The major causes of male infertility are partly hormonal, structural abnormalities of male genitalia, infection of genital tract, and partly psychological.Causes of female infertility are mostly hormonal, structural abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes, infection of the genital tract and partly psychological. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.35(1): 20-26

A cross-sectional epidemiological study of socio-demographic characteristics, and the functional assessment in geriatric population in field practice area of an urban health centre

Background: India like many other developing countries in the world is witnessing the rapid aging of its population. Urbanization, modernization, and globalization have led to change in the economic structure, the erosion of societal values, weakening of social values, and social institutions such as the joint family. Active aging aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life (QOL) in older persons, and the QOL are largely determined by its ability to maintain autonomy and independence. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted at a teriary apex institute to study the socio-demographic characteristics, and the functional assessment in the elderly subjects in urban community. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at the area situated near western suburb of metro city and population of around one lakh sixty thousand. It consisted of housing buildings, multiple slum area. The current study was conducted over 1 year 6 months (18 months).The sampling unit being 102 Geriatric individuals of selected area of urban health center. Results: Out of 102 study, subjects 22 (21.56%) were complete independent to perform daily instrumental activities. Maximum study 48 (47.05%) subjects were required moderate assistance for performing the instrumental activities. Numbers of female study subjects were more among moderates assistance 24 (44.44%) and modified assistance 20 (19.60%). Out of 102 study subjects 55 (53.92%) were complete independent followed by 30 (29.41%) modified independence. Numbers of female subjects were more among moderate assistance 10 (58.82%). Conclusion: No study subject was dependent or maximal assistance for their self-care activities. Male and female in the present study can perform their self-care activities of daily living with equal efficiency.

Tertiary Institutions Lecturers and Students Level of Moral Development: Counseling Implications for Nigeria’s National Development

This study investigated the moral development levels of tertiary institutions lecturers and their students in South-West of Nigeria. 12 Tertiary institutions, from which 10 lecturers and 30 students per school, giving a total sample of 240 subjects, were selected through stratified random sampling technique, and participated in this study. Kohlberg’s (1977) Heinz’s wife dilemma and simbo’s (1989) civil responsibility episode served as validated research instruments. T-test was used in comparing the mean score of responses by lecturers and students on a 6-point Likert scale which corresponded to the six stages in the Kholbergian model.It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in the moral development levels of lectures and their students and between female and male students who participated in this study. Results of the data collected and analyzed showed that there is no significant difference between lecturers and their students (t = 0.67, P&gt;.05) in their level of moral development.Similarly, the null hypothesis that predicted similarity in the moral development level of male and female study subjects was confirmed (t=0.49;P&gt;0.05).The main counseling implication is that the time for training of more professional counselors to carter for the ever-increasing population in Nigeria is now. Related to this is that functional counseling centers be establish in all schools in Nigeria.The study also recommended, among others, that moral education curriculum be design for our schools and made a core subject, especially at primary and secondary school levels of our educational system in Nigeria.

Tertiary Institutions Lecturers and Students Level of Moral Development: Counseling Implications for Nigeria’s National Development

This study investigated the moral development levels of tertiary institutions lecturers and their students in South-West of Nigeria. 12 Tertiary institutions, from which 10 lecturers and 30 students per school, giving a total sample of 240 subjects, were selected through stratified random sampling technique, and participated in this study. Kohlberg’s (1977) Heinz’s wife dilemma and simbo’s (1989) civil responsibility episode served as validated research instruments. T-test was used in comparing the mean score of responses by lecturers and students on a 6-point Likert scale which corresponded to the six stages in the Kholbergian model.It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in the moral development levels of lectures and their students and between female and male students who participated in this study. Results of the data collected and analyzed showed that there is no significant difference between lecturers and their students (t = 0.67, P&gt;.05) in their level of moral development. Similarly, the null hypothesis that predicted similarity in the moral development level of male and female study subjects was confirmed (t=0.49; P&gt;0.05). The main counseling implication is that the time for training of more professional counselors to carter for the ever increasing population in Nigeria is now. Related to this is that functional counseling centers be establish in all schools in Nigeria.The study also recommended, among others, that moral education curriculum be design for our schools and made a core subject, especially at primary and secondary school levels of our educational system in Nigeria.

Phenotypic and Allelic Distribution of the ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups among students at Hawassa University, Ethiopia

A prior information on the distribution of ABO and Rh groups is important for management of blood bank and transfusion, genetic counseling, anthropological studies, to study the association of blood groups and diet; to investigate the association between blood and diseases. This study aimed to determine the frequency of ABO and Rh bloods and investigate gene diversity at both loci among students in Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed involving randomly selected two thousand thirty nine (2039) university students (1054 males and 985 females) with an age range of 18–29 years. Blood groups were determined based on agglutination reaction. The most common blood group was found to be O (42.47%), followed by A (27.86%), B (21.87%), and AB (7.80 %). The frequency of Rh+ and Rh- were 90.88% and 9.12 %, respectively. The combined blood types showed O+, A+, B+ and AB+ were: 38.60 %, 25.20%, 20.10% and 7.00%, respectively. A slightly different distribution pattern of ABO blood group was observed among females from Amhara region (O&gt; B&gt; A&gt;AB). The distribution of ABO phenotypes from Addis Ababa and Amhara did not differ significantly from those expected under the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. A high level of gene diversity was observed for both loci. In general, the O blood type is most frequent and followed by A, B and AB. A similar pattern of distribution of the ABO and Rh blood groups was found in male and female study subjects. The present study will generate baseline data that could be used in blood bank management and transfusion, genetic counseling, population genetic and anthropological studies, and for disease management.

Lipid Accumulation Product: An Effective Obesity Index to Predict Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) is an obesity index and has been proposed to be a predictor of metabolic syndrome. The present study aims to see the effectiveness of Lipid Accumulation Product as an obesity index to predict metabolic syndrome in a Bangladeshi population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, between March 2016 and February 2017. A total of 200 apparently healthy subjects (127 men and 73 women) were selected for the study, attending out-patient-departments of the same institution. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, which included their height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). Overnight fasting blood samples were collected to estimate fasting serum glucose and lipid profile. Then LAP was calculated and evaluated as a tool in prediction of MetS in the study subjects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the performance of LAP in MetS prediction by gender. The power of MetS prediction was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NVP) of LAP in predicting MetS were 70.45%, 78.57%, 72.09% and 77.19% in male study subjects and 20.45%, 96.43%, 81.82% and 60.67% in female subjects respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of LAP in male study subjects was 40.72, while area under the curve was 0.92; in female study subjects, the values were 51.69 and 0.91 respectively (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Lipid Accumulation Product was found simple, accessible and effective obesity index to predict metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy adults. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 5-9

STUDY CORRELATION BETWEEN BURDEN AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF DEPENDENT ELDERLY CAREGIVERS IN KLITREN, YOGYAKARTA

Introduction: Elderly with disability need caregiver’s assistance in their activities of daily living. The caregiver can experience burden during caring for dependent elderly. The burden can affect caregiver’s quality of life. Objectives: to measure and test the correlation between dependent elderly’s caregiver burden and quality of life in Klitren Kampong, Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta Municipality. Materials and Methods: The subjects were primary informal caregivers aged ≥ 18 years with good cognitive functions who caring for the elders with ADL score &lt;12. Respondents were selected using consecutive sampling technique. This is a quantitative research with cross-sectional study design. Zarit Burden Interview and Caregiver Reaction Assessment were used to assessing caregiver’s burden. WHO Quality of Life-BREF was used to assess caregiver’s quality of life. Data was analysed using spearman’s rank correlation. Results: There were 21 female study subjects. In each of the CRA and ZBI domains, the caregivers’ burden tend to be low (mean=8.63±10.730–72.42±10.983). Caregivers’ quality of life tend to be low (mean=49.76±11.962–60.76±11.726). There is a strong and statistically significant correlation between the impact on finance (p=0.000, ρ=-0.678) and impact on health (p=0.002, ρ=-0.602) domain on CRA with the environmental domain of WHOQoL-BREF. There is a strong and statistically significant correlation between the impact on schedule domain on CRA with the psychological domain of WHOQoL-BREF (p=0,000, ρ=-0.683). Conclusion: There are significant correlations between caregivers’ burden and quality of life especially on certain domains. Caregivers with higher burden have lower quality of life.

Open field stress testing: finally an optimal method in young children? Reference values for mobile cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy children aged 4-8 years.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing represents the diagnostic tool for determining cardiopulmonary function. Especially in small children, exercise testing is extremely challenging. To address this problem, field testing has been implemented using small mobile devices. This study aims at using this protocol for developing normal values for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in very young children. Healthy children aged 4-8 years were recruited. All children were tested according to an outdoor protocol, in which they were instructed to walk, then run slowly, then a little harder and at last run at full speed. Each step lasted for 2 minutes, except the last step, in which the children were instructed to maintain as long as possible. A total of 104 children (64 female/35 male, mean age 6.6 years) performed outdoor cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a mobile device. Almost all tests were completed successfully (95%). Despite a predominance of female study subjects, anthropometric values did not differ between boys and girls. V̇O2peak/kg, respiratory exchange ratio, VT1, heart rate at VT1, and time of exercise were also comparable between sexes. Generally, a tendency of higher maximal oxygen uptake could be observed in older children. Open field mobile cardiopulmonary exercise testing represents a novel approach in very young children. In this study, we were able to determine normal values of maximal oxygen uptake and OUES/kg for 4-8-year-old children. The method is easy to achieve and safe.

Study the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases on bone mineral density of biomass fuel smoke exposed population and its association with hs-CRP in Rural Haryana

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has deleterious systemic impact due to spillage of inflammatory mediators in the circulation though its association with highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) considers as surrogate marker of inflammation is not much explored hitherto. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the impact of COPD on bone mineral density (BMD) and its association with hs-CRP in rural population of Haryana. Materials and Methods: Tertiary care hospital-based case–control multigroup study conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, BPSGMCW, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India. A total of 150 female study subjects included and comprise in three groups, G1: Biomass exposed COPD patients; G2: Biomass smoke exposed non-COPD subjects; and G3: Non-biomass exposed healthy control. Bone density measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, hs-CRP considers as surrogate marker of inflammation. Statistical software SPSS Version 23 used to measure Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, and Pearson/Spearman’s rank correlation as test of significance, P&lt;0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean total t-score of COPD subjects was −1.81±1.15, significantly lower than healthy control −0.66±1.69 (P=0.000), however, it is near to biomass exposed non-COPD subjects −1.74±1.14 (P=0.625). Odds ratio for the risk of osteoporosis in the lower limb among COPD group (Lt leg: 7.07; Rt leg: 4.51) was significantly high compare to other study subjects. Mean titer of hs-CRP (7.905±9.60; P&lt;0.001) was significantly high in study group (G1), though its correlation with t-score was very weak (r=−0.024; P=0.867). Conclusion: COPD has significant impact on BMD of affected population predominantly on lower limb compare to other study subjects, however, no significant association was found with inflammatory biomarkers in the decrement of bone density despite high mean titer of hs-CRP among COPD patients.

STUDY CORRELATION BETWEEN BURDEN AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF DEPENDENT ELDERLY CAREGIVERS IN KLITREN, YOGYAKARTA

Introduction: Elderly with disabilities need caregiver’s assistance in their activities of daily living. The caregiver can experience a burden during caring for dependent elderly. The burden can affect the caregiver’s quality of life. Purpose: To measure and test the correlation between dependent elderly’s caregiver burden and quality of life in Klitren Kampong, Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta Municipality. Method: The subjects were primary informal caregivers aged ≥ 18 years with an excellent cognitive function caring for the elders with an ADL score &lt;12. Respondents were selected using the consecutive sampling technique. This is quantitative research with a cross-sectional study design. Zarit Burden Interview and Caregiver Reaction Assessment were used to assessing the caregiver’s burden. WHO Quality of Life-BREF was used to assess caregiver’s quality of life. Data were analyzed using spearman’s rank correlation. Results: There were 21 female study subjects. The caregivers ' burden tended to be low in each of the CRA and ZBI domains (mean=8.63±10.730–72.42±10.983). Caregivers’ quality of life tended to be low (mean=49.76±11.962–60.76±11.726). There was a strong and statistically significant correlation between the impact on finance (p=0.000, ρ=-0.678) and the impact on health (p=0.002, ρ=-0.602) on CRA with the environmental domain of WHOQoLBREF. There was a strong and statistically significant correlation between the impact of the schedule domain on CRA with the psychological domain of WHOQoL-BREF (p=0,000, ρ=0.683). Conclusion: There are significant correlations between caregivers’ burden and quality of life, especially in specific domains. Caregivers with a higher burden have a lower quality of life.

The Effect of Gender and Altitude on Vitamin D Status Among Saudi Population: A Cross Sectional Study

Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health concern worldwide, resulting mainly due to insufficient sunlight exposure. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the Saudi population living at different altitudes. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the level of vitamin D deficiency between 3402 (2110 female and 1292 male) population from Jeddah, 12 m above the sea level and with 3957 population (2202 female and 1755 male) from Asir, 2270 m above sea level. Data were collected from the biochemical investigation for total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the serum calcium. Hypovitaminosis D (insufficiency and deficiency) was prevalent in 84.1% of females (n = 1775) and 81.7% of males (n = 1056) from Jeddah while 77.02% females (n = 1696) and 80% males (n = 1404) from Asir region. A negative correlation between Vitamin D and altitude was observed for gender (R = -0.894, P = 0.261) and age (R = -0.812, P = 0.382); the risk of hypovitaminosis D generally increases with decreasing altitude. The probability of Vitamin D deficiency was higher among female populations and study subjects living at the low altitudes, i.e., from the Jeddah region.

To estimate the serum LDH levels in patients diagnosed of breast carcinoma

Background & Method: This study was carried out over a period of Two Years (August 2014 to August 2016). The study was included 30 female age matched controls which do not have any other breast diseases and 30 female study subjects who had cytopathologically proven BREAST CANCER. Result: In Study group, out of a total of 30 patients, 15 were found to have abnormal (> 460 IU/ L) levels of serum LDH. By using Chi-square test p-value < 0.05 therefore there is association between LDH level with group 1 and group 2. Conclusion: The study had shown significant statistical difference in study group and control group which validates serum Lactate dehydrogenase as diagnostic marker. It is also observed that the values of Lactate dehydrogenase decreases with the due course of treatment, which can judge the response of disease to treatment especially in NACT protocol.

A study to assess the awareness about risk factors of breast cancer among females aged more than 20 years among females in Manikkal panchayat in Kerala

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; in 2004, it comprised 16% of all female cancers and was the cause of death for 519,000 women worldwide. Available data from the USA show that, between 2005 and 2006 the highest incidence rate of breast cancer was among women aged 75–79 years and the median age at the time of diagnosis was 61 years. In the UK, approximately 80% of cases occur in women over the age of 50 years, with the peak ages being 50–64 years. In the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Objective: A study to assess the awareness about risk factors of breast cancer among females, aged more than 20 years, in Manikkal Panchayat in Kerala. Methodology: The present cross sectional study was done by the Department of Community Medicine at Sree Gokulam Medical College, Venjaramoodu from March 2013 to April 2013 in Manikkal panchayat area. A total of 705 female study subjects aged more than 20 years who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data was collected by interview technique in a pre-validated semi structured questionnaire and factors like socio demographic variables were collected. Results: Out of 705 women, in the present study we found that only 45.4% were actually aware about the breast cancer risk factors and diagnostic tools. We could also find that 8.8% of them have not practiced any screening method. Conclusion: Majority of the participants knew about the BSE (self examination of breast) but they lack knowledge regarding frequency and appropriate time to practice BSE. Thus, more educational programs could be designed to provide comprehensive information of breast cancer and BSE to improve women’s knowledge and awareness which can help in the early detection and reporting of breast cancer for the better treatment.

An introduction to the Cyrcadia Breast Monitor: A wearable breast health monitoring device

BackgroundThe most common breast cancer detection modalities are generally limited by radiation exposure, discomfort, high costs, inter-observer variabilities in image interpretation, and low sensitivity in detecting cancer in dense breast tissue. Therefore, there is a clear need for an affordable and effective adjunct modality that can address these limitations. The Cyrcadia Breast Monitor (CBM) is a non-invasive, non-compressive, and non-radiogenic wearable device developed as an adjunct to current modalities to assist in the detection of breast tissue abnormalities in any type of breast tissue. MethodsThe CBM records thermodynamic metabolic data from the breast skin surface over a period of time using two wearable biometric patches consisting of eight sensors each and a data recording device. The acquired multi-dimensional temperature time series data are analyzed to determine the presence of breast tissue abnormalities. The objective of this paper is to present the scientific background of CBM and also to describe the history around the design and development of the technology. ResultsThe results of using the CBM device in the initial clinical studies are also presented. Twenty four-hour long breast skin temperature circadian rhythm data was collected from 93 benign and 108 malignant female study subjects in the initial clinical studies. The predictive model developed using these datasets could differentiate benign and malignant lesions with 78% accuracy, 83.6% sensitivity and 71.5% specificity. A pilot study of 173 female study subjects is underway, in order to validate this predictive model in an independent test population. ConclusionsThe results from the initial studies indicate that the CBM may be valuable for breast health monitoring under physician supervision for confirmation of any abnormal changes, potentially prior to other methods, such as, biopsies. Studies are being conducted and planned to validate the technology and also to evaluate its ability as an adjunct breast health monitoring device for identifying abnormalities in difficult-to-diagnose dense breast tissue.

Triglycerides and Glucose Index as Potential Marker of Metabolic Syndrome

Background:Triglycerides and Glucose Index (TyG index), a product from fasting levels of triglycerides and glucose, presented promising results as apotential marker of metabolic syndrome in different ethnicity. However, no such reports are available in our population to date.Objective: To see the effectiveness of ‘Triglycerides and Glucose Index’ to predict metabolic syndromein a Bangladeshi population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2016 to February 2017. A total of 200 apparently healthy subjects (127 men and 73 women) were selected for the study, who attended the out-patient-departments of the same institution. Anthropometric measurements were recorded – height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). Overnight fasting blood samples were collected to estimate fasting serum glucose andlipid profile. Then TyG index was calculated and evaluated as a tool in diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in the study subjects.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the performance of TyG index in MetS prediction by gender. The power of MetS prediction was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TyG index to predict metabolic syndrome were 70.45%, 82.14%, 75.61% and 77.97%in males and 25.00%, 97.32%, 88.00% and 62.29%in females respectively. ROC curve showed optimal cut off value 8.72 and area under the curve 0.72 in male study subjects; in female study subjects, the values were 8.72 and 0.96 respectively (P&lt;0.001).Conclusion:Triglycerides and Glucose Index (TyG index) represents a simple,accessible and effective tool for assessment of metabolic syndrome in Bangladeshi population.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 01 January’21 Page: 85-89