Nuclear Family Research Articles

Radish red protects against early diabetic kidney disease through inhibiting inflammation, pyroptosis and insulin resistance via IRAK1 signaling suppression

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major diabetic complication and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but the therapeutic strategies for DKD are still limited. Red radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) are a rich source of natural anthocyanins that have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we attempted to explore the effects of natural pigment anthocyanin called radish red (RR) extracted from red radishes on DKD progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RR dose-dependently reduced the tubular cell injury, indicated by the decreased expression of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM1). Furthermore, releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated by HF were strongly relieved by RR. Inflammatory response and pyroptosis were also identified to be induced by HF stimulation but were mitigated by RR in HK2 cells through repressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. IR and lipogenesis due to HF exposure were also significantly ameliorated by RR in HK2 cells. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq analysis showed that RR strongly depressed interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1)-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome, pyroptosis, IR and lipid deposition. Importantly, IRAK1 overexpression almost diminished the beneficial effects of RR, while being rescued upon NLRP3 knockdown in HF-treated HK2 cells, revealing that RR performed its nephroprotective functions in diabetic kidney via inactivating the IRAK1-NLRP3 signaling pathway. Similarly, animal studies confirmed that RR supplementation efficiently ameliorated HFF-caused metabolic disturbance, IR, renal dysfunctions in mice and improved structural kidney damage. Consistently, RR consumption dramatically reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory response and pyroptosis in kidney tissues of HFF-challenged mice mainly through repressing IRAK1-NLRP3 axis. Our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with RR may serve as an IRAK1-NLRP3 inhibitor for preventing and treating diabetic nephropathy.

A Comparative Study on Anemia, Gestational Diabetes and Gestational Hypertension during pregnancy in Rural, Semi Urban and Urban Hospitals in Bangladesh

Most of the women in developing countries undergo health problems in full or part of the pregnancy period. Major complications of pregnancy are anemia, gestational hypertension, and Gestational Diabetes. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of anemia, gestational hypertension, and Gestational Diabetes among antenatal women in rural, semi-urban, and urban hospitals. The study was conducted among 384 pregnant mothers who attended for ANC in OPD of Gonosashasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital (Savar) , Gonosasthaya Nogor Hospital, (Dhanmondi), Sub-center of Gonosasthaya Kendro (Shimulia, Panisail, Barobaria, Delduwar, Shripur ) from December 2021 to November 2022 by consecutive sampling. The age range of the patients was 18 to 40 years. Mean age was 24.74 years. In this study majority of population 169 (44%) were in age group 18 - 22 years. Most of the pregnant women 291(76%) were housewives, lived in Nuclear families 253(66%) and the maximum population were from lower middle 134 (35%) socio-economic condition. A significant number of pregnant mother ,98(26%) were anemic, 38(10%) had GDM and only 34(9%) were gestational hypertension. Anemia is comparatively more in rural and semi-urban than urban. GDM and gestational hypertension is more in urban areas than rural and semi urban followed by 14(11%) and 20(16%) respectively. Special attention of policy makers, health professional, public health researchers, and the community is required on this regards. So early diagnosis and treatment is required to avoid long-term health problems of the mother and her offspring. EWMCJ Vol. 12, No. 1&2, January-July 2024: 9-13

International and internal migration and the subjective wellbeing of wives left behind in Ghana

AbstractHusbands' labour migration has ramifications for significant family members, particularly wives left behind. However, limited studies have been conducted to examine the impacts of husbands' migration on women left behind married to international and internal migrants. Drawing on a purposive sampling survey of 298 Ghanaian women (international = 129 and internal = 169) in the Volta Region, we assessed their subjective wellbeing using three dimensions: self‐reported health, self‐reported satisfaction with life, and self‐reported happiness. The results from t‐tests show that on average, international women left behind have higher perceived health (3.72), perceived happiness (3.82) and satisfaction with life (3.19). Results from the multivariable binary logistic regression analyses reveal that while no variables predict self‐reported health for international women left behind, high frequency of communication is statistically associated with internal women left behind self‐assessed health. International women left behind who lived in nuclear households and internal women left behind who reported high wealth quintiles were both statistically associated with satisfaction with life, respectively. While demographic factors (age and duration of marriage) were significant predictors of happiness for international women left behind, neighbourhood type and frequency of communication predicted happiness for internal women left behind. The differences in variables predicting each of the subjective wellbeing dimensions demonstrate the concept's multidimensionality. It also highlights factors influencing subjective wellbeing outcomes of women left behind are not solely due to their husbands' migration. The policy implications of this study are highlighted.

Dominant immune tolerance in the intestinal tract imposed by RelB-dependent migratory dendritic cells regulates protective type 2 immunity

Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating protective immune responses and have also been implicated in the generation and regulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Here, we show that in the lamina propria of the small intestine, the alternative NF-κB family member RelB is necessary for the differentiation of cryptopatch and isolated lymphoid follicle-associated DCs (CIA-DCs). Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a RelB-dependent signature in migratory DCs in mesenteric lymph nodes favoring DC-Treg cell interaction including elevated expression and release of the chemokine CCL22 from RelB-deficient conventional DCs (cDCs). In line with the key role of CCL22 to facilitate DC-Treg cell interaction, RelB-deficient DCs have a selective advantage to interact with Treg cells in an antigen-specific manner. In addition, DC-specific RelB knockout animals show increased total Foxp3+ Treg cell numbers irrespective of inflammatory status. Consequently, DC-specific RelB knockout animals fail to mount protective Th2-dominated immune responses in the intestine after infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Thus, RelB expression in cDCs acts as a rheostat to establish a tolerogenic set point that is maintained even during strong type 2 immune conditions and thereby is a key regulator of intestinal homeostasis.

The value of owning the symbols that orientate us within Subjectivity

Judith Butler contests Ernesto Laclau and Slavoj Žižek's argument that the limits to symbolisation which shape political action are best accounted for through Jacques Lacan's account of the Symbolic, Imaginary and Real. Butler agrees that we each emerge as social subjects on the condition of foreclosures, but disagrees that such foreclosures are prior to the social or explicable through a universal account of kinship. Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyĕwùmí has a somewhat similar critique of the Eurocentric foundations of feminist concepts. She argues that Western hierarchies, organised through ‘bio-logic’ or ‘body-reasoning’ with an emphasis on the sex/gender binary, are culturally particular. Oyĕwùmí distinguishes between relational, dynamic, fluid social hierarchies organised by seniority, and hierarchies organised by body-reasoning which are orientated towards fixity, and certainties. In this article I outline Bracha Ettinger's matrixial theory and argue that while it does not do what either Oyĕwùmí (transcend the terms of the nuclear family) or Butler (divest Lacan's paternal law of its power) advocate, it does provide us with the language to better account for how ‘body-reasoning’ structures our orientations and sets constraints on transformative processes. Through an account of multiple strata of subjectivity, within an expanded Symbolic, inscribed in social life through symbolic filters based on corporeality, matrixial theory enables us to account for the embeddedness of a strong orientation towards constant individuation, alongside a persistent disavowal and fear of processes of co-emergence at a non-cognitive level of subjectivity within Western thought. In their exchange, Laclau theorises social transformation through articulatory logics whereas Butler stresses the need for the work of cultural translation. Drawing on Ettinger’s and Oyĕwùmí's work, I propose that practices of translation must include a rigorous accounting for our orientations and investments within Subjectivity.

Prevalence and Predictors of Stress Among Caregivers of Children with Developmental Disorders.

Medical care advances pose challenges with rising caregiving costs and fewer informal caregivers, shifting healthcare responsibilities to families. Healthcare systems adapt to technological changes, stressing person-centered care but lack support for caregivers. Addressing parental stress is crucial, given its impact on both parent and child well-being, highlighting the necessity for customized support. The study aimed to evaluate caregivers' perceived stress and its connection with socio-demographic factors and children's characteristics. Conducted at a Rehabiltation Institute's Psychology Outpatient Department, 200 mothers were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Ethical clearance was obtained, and demographic data were collected. The mean perceived stress score (PSS-10) was 31.94, indicating a positive correlation between stress and socio-demographic and disability-related variables. Significant differences in stress levels were observed between joint and nuclear family caregivers, p < .01, and those with daughters versus sons with disabilities < 0.001. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between perceived stress and caregiver p = < 0.001 and child age p = < 0.001, number of children p = < 0.001, and time since diagnosis p = < 0.001, with negative correlations with caregiver education p = < .001and income p = < 0.001. Multiple linear regression indicated that caregiver and child age, time since diagnosis, and the number of children positively predicted while income and education of the caregiver negatively predicted perceived stress. No significant association was found between other variables like family volunteers' education, disability type, and caregiver stress. Caregivers exhibited high perceived stress levels, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between child characteristics and parental stress, emphasizing the need for comprehensive family interventions.

More Than Just Treats? Effects of Grandparental Support for Children Growing up in Adversity.

This study examined whether grandparental support is a protective factor for children's socio-emotional development in the context of adversity. Using longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study, we investigated the effects of grandparental support across development in children with and without adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Socio-emotional development was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when children were aged 3 years (N=10,186), 5 years (N=10,412) and 7 years (N=10,551). Parent-reported grandparental childcare, coresidence and financial help were assessed and parents reported on the occurrence of five ACEs: physical and emotional abuse assessed with the Straus' Conflict Tactics Scale, parental mental illness assessed with the Kessler scale, domestic violence and parental separation. We found that children with relatively higher levels of ACEs showed more prosocial behaviour and less externalizing problems when they received grandparental care compared to non-grandparental (in)formal care, but only at age 3. By age 7, children with higher levels of ACEs receiving grandparental care showed less prosocial behaviour and more externalizing problems. In addition, grandparental financial support at age 3 was related to more externalizing problems. Post-hoc analyses showed that internalizing and externalizing behaviours at age 5 were related to an increased probability of grandparental childcare at age 7, indicating that children's socio-emotional problems trigger grandparental support. Our findings point to a protective effect of grandparental care on children's socio-emotional development at age 3. Our results highlight the importance of going beyond the nuclear family towards the impact of the wider family network when examining children's socio-emotional development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three-year-old children with high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) show more prosocial behaviour and less externalizing behaviour when they receive grandparental care. Grandparental care has therefore protective effects on young children's socio-emotional development in the context of family adversity. Grandparents respond to children's socio-emotional problems and family adversity by increasing financial support and involvement in care. These findings underscore the importance of going beyond the nuclear family towards the impact of the wider family network when examining children's socio-emotional development.

Phase Separation Mediated Sub-Nuclear Compartmentalization of Androgen Receptors.

The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear steroid hormone receptor family of transcription factors, plays a crucial role not only in the development of the male phenotype but also in the development and growth of prostate cancer. While AR structure and AR interactions with coregulators and chromatin have been studied in detail, improving our understanding of AR function in gene transcription regulation, the spatio-temporal organization and the role of microscopically discernible AR foci in the nucleus are still underexplored. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying AR foci formation, focusing on liquid-liquid phase separation and its role in spatially organizing ARs and their binding partners within the nucleus at transcription sites, as well as the influence of 3D-genome organization on AR-mediated gene transcription.

Demographic Influences on Suicide Attempts: A Study of Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status and Profession

Introduction: Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally, with its prevalence reflecting complex interactions among various factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. This study aimed to assess the patterns of suicide attempts, focusing on age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of psychiatry, Sheikh Hasina Medical college, Jamalpur, Bangladesh during the period from January 2018 to December 2018. All patients with suicide attempts admitted in the different wards of Community-Based Medical College, Mymensingh, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as a sample for the study. A total of 90 patients were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20. Result: The study revealed that the majority of suicide attempts occurred in the 21-30 years age group (52%), with middle-class individuals contributing the highest number (47.8%) of attempts. Unmarried individuals, particularly females, had the most attempts (58%), while students accounted for the largest percentage of suicide attempts by profession (38%), primarily in the 11-21 years age group. Rural residents had more attempts (70%) compared to urban residents (30%), and individuals from joint families (66%) were more likely to attempt suicide than those from nuclear families (34%). Conclusion: Young adults (21-30 years) and adolescents (11-21 years) are the most vulnerable age groups, with suicide attempts being notably higher among unmarried individuals and those from middle socio-economic backgrounds. Females exhibit a higher rate of attempts than males, especially among the unmarried. Professionally, students and unemployed individuals are particularly at risk.

Study of Attitude Toward Homosexuality Among the Health Professionals

Background: Despite the level of awareness of homosexuality is in the increasing trend, health professionals lack a positive attitude toward homosexuality. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of attitudes toward homosexuality among health professionals. Subject and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 600 health professionals. The attitude toward homosexuality questionnaire was used to assess the attitude of health professionals toward homosexuality. A descriptive analysis, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis test were used to analyze the data. Observations: The mean score for attitude toward homosexuality questionnaire was 73.04 + 23.39 among the participants. The males had lesser degree of positive attitude compared to higher degree of positive attitude of females toward homosexuality. Participants from rural areas had neutral attitudes, and participants from the urban areas had positive attitudes toward homosexuality. Participants living in nuclear families had positive attitudes toward homosexuality, and participants living in joint families had negative attitudes toward homosexuality. Participants with heterosexual orientation had negative attitudes toward homosexuality. Conclusion: Overall, health professionals had a lesser degree of positive attitude toward homosexuality; they require sensitization to upgrade their positive attitude toward homosexuality for better doctor–patient relationship.

‘Ever growing fascism’: the Jean Field custody case and weaponizing family law in the United States during the Cold War

ABSTRACT In 1940, Jean Field’s husband Vernon left her with two children, three-cents, and no groceries. Jean raised her children with progressive values and taught them to reject racism. After a ten-year absence, Vernon contested Jean’s parental fitness based on her opposition to the Korean War and antiracism. Jean defied the highly valued gender proscriptions that positioned the nuclear family as a bulwark against communist invasion and a father’s authority as paramount. The Jean Field case demonstrates that family law was used to suppress radical organizing, punish radicals, and remake families for the best interest of the anticommunist state.

Identification of potential auxin response candidate genes for soybean rapid canopy coverage through comparative evolution and expression analysis.

Throughout domestication, crop plants have gone through strong genetic bottlenecks, dramatically reducing the genetic diversity in today's available germplasm. This has also reduced the diversity in traits necessary for breeders to develop improved varieties. Many strategies have been developed to improve both genetic and trait diversity in crops, from backcrossing with wild relatives, to chemical/radiation mutagenesis, to genetic engineering. However, even with recent advances in genetic engineering we still face the rate limiting step of identifying which genes and mutations we should target to generate diversity in specific traits. Here, we apply a comparative evolutionary approach, pairing phylogenetic and expression analyses to identify potential candidate genes for diversifying soybean (Glycine max) canopy cover development via the nuclear auxin signaling gene families, while minimizing pleiotropic effects in other tissues. In soybean, rapid canopy cover development is correlated with yield and also suppresses weeds in organic cultivation. We identified genes most specifically expressed during early canopy development from the TIR1/AFB auxin receptor, Aux/IAA auxin co-receptor, and ARF auxin response factor gene families in soybean, using principal component analysis. We defined Arabidopsis thaliana and model legume species orthologs for each soybean gene in these families allowing us to speculate potential soybean phenotypes based on well-characterized mutants in these model species. In future work, we aim to connect genetic and functional diversity in these candidate genes with phenotypic diversity in planta allowing for improvements in soybean rapid canopy cover, yield, and weed suppression. Further development of this and similar algorithms for defining and quantifying tissue- and phenotype-specificity in gene expression may allow expansion of diversity in valuable phenotypes in important crops.

Factors related to high caregiver burden of wives of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome: A case-control study from Eastern India

ABSTRACT Background: The caregiver burden in psychiatric illness is profound. However, the burden on spouses of patients with ADS remains a quest for medical research. The present study was done to assess the caregiver (wives) burden in a group of patients suffering from ADS as compared with that of schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in the psychiatric ward. A detailed comparative assessment was done between the caregiver burden and quality of life of wives whose spouses were diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome. Result: The average burden perceived by spouses in schizophrenia was 77.69% ±1.51 across all domains as compared with spouses of an alcohol group (78.39 ± 1.69). Factors related to high burden and low quality of life among wives of the alcoholic group were found to be residing in rural areas, living in nuclear families, critical in-laws and noncooperative family members, severely abused, and having two or more children. Discussion: The caregiver burden in the spouse of a male ADS is comparable with the burden of the spouse of schizophrenia. Spouses (wives) of addicts need more appreciation and support from the other family members mostly in-laws.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls of Selected Schools in Lucknow UP

“A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls of selected schools in Lucknow UP.” Objectives: To describe the socio demographic variables of adolescent girls, To assess the knowledge and practice levels of adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene among girls in selected schools ,To co-relate the knowledge and practice regarding menstrua; hygiene, To find out the association between knowledge and practice levels with their selected socio demographic variables of adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene among girls in selected school, To develop and distribute an information booklet regarding menstrual hygiene among girls. Design: Descriptive research design Setting: The study was conducted in St. Xavier’s inter college, Lucknow Sample size: The total sample size was 100 adolescent girls. Sampling technique: Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Methods: Assessment was done by using self-structured questionnaires Findings: From the findings of the study it can be concluded that were under age group of 15-18 years( 64%), with regards to religion , the majority of samples belong to Hindu (82%).education majority of samples belong to 10th class (43%), majority of family income status per month is above 20,000 (36%), most of the sample belongs from nuclear family (50%), mothers education majority of sample belongs to 10th class (25%), most of the sample got menarche after 13 year (44%), majority of samples are staying at home (83%), the main source of information was family member (61%), most of the samples are bleeding during menstruation up to 4-5 day(60%), majority of samples are menstruating in 28-30 days (47%). The knowledge level of mean was assessed among adolescent students, mean was 18.26 standard deviation was 3.34 that shows that majority are having good knowledge. The Practice level of mean was assessed among adolescent students, mean was 12.53 standard deviation was 2.88 that shows that majority are having good Practice. Correlation shows that between knowledge and practice there is a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene but it is not significant at p&lt; 0.05 indicating that both tools do not correlate. Conclusion- Based on the findings mean knowledge scores was higher than the practice regarding menstrual hygiene. As a result, health education program should be carried out for all adolescent girl and community member regarding importance of menstrual hygiene at all level of disseminated

Potential mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic myocardium.

This study aimed to explore metabolic reprogramming in diabetic myocardium subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) and potential mechanisms. Increased vulnerability after I/RI in diabetic myocardium is a major cause of the high prevalence of perioperative adverse cardiac events, and the specific alterations in energy metabolism after I/RI in diabetic myocardium and the impact on increased vulnerability are not fully understood. Metabolomic methods were used to explore the differences and characteristics of metabolites in the heart tissues of four groups, and then, single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq) was used to explore the potential mechanism of metabolic reprogramming. It was found that the fatty acid metabolism of db/db mouse I/RI (DMI) showed a significant upward trend, especially the metabolites of ultra-long and medium-long-chain fatty acids; the metabolic flow analysis found that the U-13C glucose M + 6 was significantly higher in the C57BL mouse sham operation (NM) group than in the db/db mouse sham operation (DM) group, and in the C57BL mouse I/RI (NMI) than in the DMI group. Compared with the NMI group, the intermediate metabolites of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were significantly reduced in the DMI group; all comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating that the glucose uptake of diabetic myocardetis, the ability of glucose glycolysis after I/RI, and the contribution of glucose to TCA were significantly reduced. The results of ScRNA-seq revealed that the number of Cluster 0 myocardial isoforms was significantly increased in diabetic myocardium, and the differential genes were mainly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, and the PPARA signaling pathway was found to be over-activated and involved in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming of diabetic myocardial I/RI. Metabolic reprogramming of diabetic myocardial I/RI may be the main cause of increased myocardial vulnerability. The number of myocardial subtype Cluster 0 increased significantly, and PPARA PPARA is a ligand-activated receptor of the nuclear hormone receptor family that plays a central regulatory role in lipid metabolism.signaling pathway activation may be a potential mechanism for reprogramming metabolism in diabetic myocardium.

Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 regulates expression of mineralocorticoid receptor to mediate sodium reabsorption in mice

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a member of the nuclear receptor family that was initially identified to regulate blood pressure through its ability to modulate kidney sodium handling in response to aldosterone. MR can be regulated by signals other than aldosterone; however, the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We found that MR is controlled in a Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2)-dependent manner. Mice with a specific deletion of ROCK2 in the kidney tubules showed decreased MR expression levels and increased urinary excretion of sodium. Mechanistically, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key molecule that mediates MR expression in these mice. This study highlights an important role of tubular ROCK2 in electrolyte homeostasis.

Decline in and recovery of fertility rates after COVID-19-related state of emergency in Japan

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in fertility rates worldwide. Although many regions have experienced a temporary drop in fertility rates with the spread of the infection, subsequent recovery...

Prevalence of depression among Geriatric Population in a Rural Municipality of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Depression is a major public health concern among the elderly, affecting their quality of life and overall well-being. Despite the increasing elderly population in Nepal, data on the prevalence of depression in rural areas is limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among the geriatric population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 60 years and above in three randomly selected wards of Shivapuri Rural Municipality. Respondents were selected using consecutive sampling. The Nepali version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was administered through face-to-face interviews. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number 080/81-437). Descriptive analysis was conducted for categorical variables using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: The overall prevalence of geriatric depression was 115 (28.75%; 95% CI: 24.36%-33.46%), with a mean depression score of 3.54 ± 3.17. Among those with depression, majority reported mild depression 79 (68.70%) reported mild depression, 79 (31.22%) were male, 88 (30.66%) were under 75 years of age, 46 (35.66%) self-rated their health as not good, 16 (32.66%) had COPD and 33 (30%) were hypertensive elderly.Conclusions: About one third of the elderly reported of having depression and more than 50% had mild depression. The depresson was more in age group less than 75 years, male, married and in nuclear family.

A descriptive study on quality of life among menopausal women residing in selected rural areas of Udupi district, Karnataka

Background: Menopause is defined as the period of time when ovarian function stops, resulting in permanent amenorrhea, or as the cessation of periods for a period of time equal to three prior cycles. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study conducted among 100 menopausal women, by using The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) Questionnaire, The data is collected by administering a semi structured socio-demographic proforma, residing at rural area in cherkady village of udupi district. Results: The data in Table 1 depicts the majority of the menopausal women 30 (30%) were in the age group of (46 to 50) years. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 100(100%) were married. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 62(62%) belong to the Hindu religion. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status 66(66%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status 100 (100%) were unskilled workers. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status of husband 70(70%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status of husband 55(55%) were semi-skilled worker. The majority of the primigravida women with place of residence 100(100%) were from rural area. Regarding the menopausal women type of family 53(53%) belonged to nuclear family. The highest percentage of menopausal women 100 (100%) had a monthly income ranging from Rs.2391-7101.A maximum of 34 (34%) attained menarche at the age of 12 years and 49(49%) of them were of61-70 kg weight. A maximum of menopausal women 100(100%) were doing exercise twice a week. About the majority of 99(99%) menopausal women were anemic. About the majority of 88(88%) menopausal women perceived adequate social support. None of them had habit of smoking and alcoholism.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A comparative study of clinico-socio-demographic characteristics among two diverse Indian population

Objectives. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing not only in India but also globally. The aim of this observational study was to determine the clinico-pathological findings of NAFLD patients in two different geographic populations in India. Material and methods. This hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 140 consecutive patients with NAFLD from four centers, primarily diagnosed by ultrasound in Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi) and Odisha (Khordha). Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from each patient of both the states and were compared. Outcomes. The study findings revealed that most of NAFLD patients were males (71.4%), aged around 39.6±10.86 years, with BMI indicating overweight (27.68 ± 4.25 Kg/m2). Patients from Uttar Pradesh (UP) had non-significantly higher rates of elevated transaminase levels [SGOT/SGPT- 40.2 (41.53)/47.35(60.93) IU/L], compared to those from Odisha [SGOT/SGPT-26(23.15)/29(45.40) IU/L]. Too cases of Odisha had non-significantly higher mean triglyceride levels compared to patients of UP. There was a significant difference in family type in-between the 2 regions (p=0.000), with Odisha having more number of nuclear families compared to UP. Cases from Odisha had non-significantly higher per capita monthly income (41.891 ± 43.23 INR) compared to UP (34.276 ± 27.66 INR). Statistically significant dietary preferences, were noticed in-between the 2 states with majority from Odisha favoring non-vegetarian diets (90.6%) compared to Uttar Pradesh (75.06%). Conclusions. Patients from Odisha had higher per capita monthly income, history of higher non-vegetarian diet consumption, higher hypertriglyceridemia and lesser transaminases compared to cases from Uttar Pradesh.