scholarly journals Estimation of serum electrolyte concentration among fuel pump/petrol station workers in Kirkuk city

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 2602-2606
Author(s):  
Dlawer Abdulhammed Ahmad

Occupational exposure to petrol has been reported to cause serious health hazards especially liver and kidney disease. Electrolytes like Na+, K+, and Cl- are the important mediators of several physiological functions. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of petrol exposure on the serum electrolyte concentration among the workers at the Kirkuk petrol station. The cross-sectional study analyzed 29 petrol pump workers who were continuously exposed to petrol more at least one year in the Kirkuk city and did not have a history of any systemic illness, and 10 healthy age-matched controls who never had exposure to petrol were enrolled. The serum electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, and Cl-) were assessed in the petrol station workers working at Kirkuk city petrol station and the controls by FUJI DRI-CHEM system (Fujifilm (Japan) and expressed as mmol/l. These serum electrolyte levels were compared between the workers and the controls by Mann-Whitney U test and p values ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All the participants in the study were males. None of the participants was smokers or alcohol consumers. No significant (p=0.32) difference was found in the mean age of the petrol station workers (34.22±6.57) years and the controls (36.70±6.33) years. The serum Na+ levels were significantly higher in the petrol station workers as compared to the controls. Similarly, serum Cl- levels were significantly higher in the petrol station workers as compared to the controls. Although the levels of the electrolytes studied were in the normal recommended range but the levels of Na+ and Cl-were significantly higher in the petrol station workers than the controls. Extensive studies involving larger sample sizes should be conducted to conclude the effect of petrol exposure on the electrolyte levels.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1029-1034
Author(s):  
Dlawer Abdulhammed Ahmad AL-Jaff

A cross-sectional study to evaluate the effects of occupational petrol exposure on the kidney and liver of petrol station workers in Kirkuk city was done. 29 petrol pump workers who were continuously exposed to petrol for at least one year in the Kirkuk city having no medical history and 10 healthy age-matched controls who were never exposed to petrol were enrolled. These serum parameters of both the groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test. Since all the parameters studied were normal in the workers exposed to petrol, it can be concluded that petrol did not affect their liver and kidney health. However, higher levels of serum cholesterol, TG, and LDL in the petrol station workers as compared to the controls are suggestive of higher risk of developing liver damage. Larger studies should be conducted to validate the findings of the present study further.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rania Lahouimel ◽  
Toumi Salma ◽  
Hanen Abid ◽  
Emna Kharrat ◽  
Amira Saai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Infectious complications represent the leading cause of death among the dialysis population, prompting early diagnosis and increased vigilance. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelets-to-lymphocyte ratios are newly emerging as more accessible and simple markers for the detection of the onset of infections. The objective of our study is to prove the value of these markers in the diagnosis of infections in hemodialysis patients. Method This is a cross-sectional study spread over one year including 85 chronic hemodialysis patients with duration of at least 6 months. patients with hemopathies, tumors, or with a history of hospitalization during the 3 months before the study were excluded. CRP was used as a biomarker of infections and N / L; P / L ratios were calculated to study the correlation between the two biomarkers. Based on the literature reviews, the threshold of the N / L ratio and the P / L ratio admitted for our stydy were respectively : > = 2.5 and > = 150. Results The mean age of our patients was 49 ± 19 years with a predominance of women (55%) .The average duration in hemodialysis was 67.2 months. An infectious complication was noted in 22% of our patients whose distribution was as follow: 4% as a pulmonary infection with 3 coronavirus cases, 6% a sepsis, one case of abscess of the nephrectomy compartment.The median value of the CRP was 37±10mg/l We found a positive correlation between the 2 ratios associated (RNL and RPL) and infection with (p = 0.03) . We noted throw this study that patients with both high ratios RPL> 150 and RNL> 2.5 have significantly elevated values of CRP. Conclusion N/L and P/L ratios are easy-to-calculate markers that are of great benefit to the hemodialysis population. We have shown through this study the existence of a positive correlation between the N/L and P/L ratios and the occurrence of infections in hemodialysis patients. We therefore encourage the use of this ratios to be included as markers to detect infections occurence.


Author(s):  
Dr. Hitesh Kumar Solanki ◽  
Dr. Omnath P Yadav ◽  
Dr. Anita J Gojiya

The study was conducted in department of physiology, B J Medical College, Ahmedabad from Mar. 2012 to Feb. 2013. This was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of smoking on lung   function and serum lipids in asymptomatic smokers   and comparable non   smokers. The mean of the various spirometric parameters were calculated of the subjects for both the groups. The mean FVC in group I and group II was 2.60 ± 0.62 L and 4.10 ± 0.64L respectively. The mean FEV1 in group I was 1.91 ± 0.57L and     3.19 ± 0.77L in group II Group I had mean FEF25% - 75% and PEFR of 1.98 ± 0.67L/sec and 4.50 ± 1.57L/sec respectively. Group II had mean FEF25 – 75% of 4.22 ± 1.23L/sec and a mean PEFR of 7.22 ± 1.42L/sec. In young smokers and asymptomatic, still the spirometric values were significantly deranged as compared to controls. Even smokers with history of less pack years of smoking also had significant abnormalities of lung function. All he spirometric values in the two groups had statistically highly significant difference and were higher in non-smokers as compared to smokers. The spirometric values were reduced in smokers with history of smoking for as low as two pack years. Keywords: Progression, PFT, Asymptomatic & Smokers


Author(s):  
P. Kalpana ◽  
A. Kavitha

Background: The objective was to study the determinants of anemia among pregnant women. There is a negative effect on the health of the mother and as well as that of the child due to anemia in women with pregnancy. Death rate is more in women who are pregnant and having anemia. The objective of this study was to study the determinants of anemia among pregnant women.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out among 40 pregnant women over a period of six months. Demographic data like age, residence, occupation etc was recorded. Obstetric data like gravida, parity, previous LSCS was also recorded. The data was presented as means and student’s t test was applied.Results: The mean age was 23.43±3.4 years. Majority were young between the ages of 19-22 years. Majority belonged to urban residents i.e. 57.5%. 20% of the subjects were found to be illiterate. Majority of the mothers were housewives i.e. 82.5%. Majority were multi-gravida i.e. 60%. Majority had no history of abortions in the past i.e. 75%. Out of total 19 repeat pregnancies, majority i.e. 84.2% had lower segment cesarean section. Majority reported that they had normal menstrual history. The mean hemoglobin level was found out to be 7.94 gm/dl. It was found that the mean hemoglobin level did not differ significantly across age, residence, education, occupation, gravidity, history of abortions, type of delivery but differed significantly by abnormal menstrual cycle.Conclusions: Mean hemoglobin level was more in women with normal menstrual history compared to those women with abnormal menstrual history and this difference was found out to be statistically significant. Hence abnormal menses should be promptly treated, hemoglobin assessed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza ◽  
David Wei Liang Ng ◽  
Blessy Koottappal Mathew ◽  
Teena Jose ◽  
Ling Jia Goh ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundFalls in older adults is a common problem worldwide. Fear of falling (FoF) is a consequence of falls which has far-reaching implications including activity restriction, functional decline and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with FoF in a segment of Singapore’s community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of adults aged 65 and above from 4 primary care clinics from September 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected on demographic factors and clinical factors including history of falls and frailty as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). FoF was measured using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International (Short FES-I), cut-off score of 14 and above indicated high FoF. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of high FoF.ResultsOut of 360 older adults, 78.1% were Chinese and 59.7% females. The mean age was 78.3 years and 76 (21.1%) had a history of falls in the past six months. Almost half (43.1%) were mildly to moderately frail and most (80.6%) had three or more chronic conditions. The mean FoF score was 15.5 (SD 5.97) and 60.8% reported high FoF. Logistic regression found that Malay ethnicity (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.77 – 19.13), use of walking aids (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.54 – 8.77) and increasing frailty were significant predictors for high FoF. The odds of high FoF were significantly higher in pre frail older adults (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.66 – 17.37), mildly frail older adults (OR =18.58, 95% CI = 4.88 – 70.34) and moderately frail older adults (OR = 144.78, 95% CI = 13.86 – 1512.60).ConclusionsFoF is a prevalent and compelling issue in community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with frailty. The demographic and clinical factors identified in this study will be helpful to develop targeted and tailored interventions for FoF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-44
Author(s):  
Simon Francis ◽  
Obadia V. Nyongole

Background: The incidence of prostate cancer in Tanzania is among the highest recorded in Africa. Prostate cancer is also the most common cancer among men aged 50 years and above in Tanzania. Our study aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes among adult men with age 50 years and above regarding prostate cancer.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 250 adult men aged 50 years and above in Lindi municipal being purposively selected and we interviewed them by using a structured questionnaire. A stratified random sampling method was used for obtaining our participants. All men who had stayed for not less than one year in Lindi and willing to participate were enrolled in the study. These men were selected at households without screening whether or not they had taken prostate screening test or had been diagnosed with prostate cancer Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed with SPSS version 20.Results: Majority, 216(86.7%) of our study participants were aged 50–69 years and most of them, 142(56.8%) had primary education with 93.2% of them being married. Among the study subjects 7.2% had positive family history of cancer and 195(78%) were aware of prostate cancer with source of information being mass media (62.6%). Majority of them, 63.2%, did not know the risk age group. Few, 20.8% of our participants had good knowledge while majority, 95.2% had negative attitude toward prostate cancer. We found a statistically significant association between level of education, family history and level of knowledge regarding prostate cancer with p < 0.005.Conclusion: This study revealed high level of awareness, but poor knowledge regarding prostate cancer and negative attitude toward prostate cancer among men with age ≥50 years in Lindi municipal Tanzania. Key words: Awareness, knowledge, attitude, prostate cancer.


Author(s):  
Zhijun Zou ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Chen Huang ◽  
Chanjuan Sun ◽  
Jialing Zhang

Background: Associations of early antibiotics exposures with childhood asthma, allergies, and airway illnesses are debated. Objectives: We aimed to investigate associations of first-year antibiotics exposure with childhood asthma, allergies, and airway illnesses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among preschoolers in Shanghai, China during 2011–2012. A questionnaire regarding household environment and lifestyles and childhood health outcomes was reported by the child’s parents. Results: In total, 13,335 questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were analyzed and 3049 (24.1%) children had first-year antibiotics exposure. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, first-year antibiotics exposure had significant associations with the higher odds of lifetime-ever pneumonia (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.15, 1.95–2.37), croup (1.46, 1.24–1.73), wheeze (1.44, 1.30–1.60), asthma (1.38, 1.19–1.61), food allergy (1.29, 1.13–1.46), and allergic rhinitis (1.23, 1.07–1.41), and as well as current (one year before the survey) common cold (≥3 times) (1.38, 1.25–1.52), dry cough (1.27, 1.13–1.42), atopic dermatitis (1.25, 1.09–1.43), wheeze (1.23, 1.10–1.38), and rhinitis symptoms (1.15, 1.04–1.26). These associations were different in children with different individual characteristics (age, sex, family history of atopy, and district) and other early exposures (breastfeeding, home decoration, pet-keeping, and environmental tobacco smoke). Conclusions: Our results indicate that first-year antibiotics exposure could be a strong risk factor for childhood pneumonia, asthma, allergies, and their related symptoms. The individual characteristics and other early exposures may modify effects of early antibiotic exposure on childhood allergies and airway illnesses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Ishrat Sharmin ◽  
AKM Quamruzzaman ◽  
Rezina Parveen ◽  
M Abdulah Yusuf ◽  
Rashida Akter Khanam

Background: Newly developed KAtex test can be used as a non invasive tool for diagnosis of Kala-azar. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare KAtex, Bone marrow aspiration and DAT to diagnose VL. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Parasitology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh for a period of one year. Clinically suspected Kala-azar (VL) cases of different age and sex attending IEDCR, Dhaka from different Kala-azar endemic areas of Bangladesh were selected for this study. Patients having fever for more than 2 weeks, with or without splenomegaly, having history of loss of body weight following onset of fever were clinically suspected as Kala-azar cases. Microscopy and culture was performed in bone marrow (BM). KAtex was performed with urine sample. Agglutination of sensitized latex indicated presence of Leishmania donovani antigen in urine and thereby visceral leishmaniasis. No agglutination indicates absence of antigen in urine. DAT was done with serums of all cases. Result: Among 130 clinically suspected VL cases, 70 (53.85%) cases were BM positive and 60(46.15%) cases were BM negative. All the 70 BM positive cases were positive by KAtex and DAT. Among 60 BM negative cases, 15 were positive by KAtex and 23 were positive by DAT. The sensitivity of KAtex was 100.0% and specificity was 75.0%. The sensitivity of DAT was 100.0% and specificity is 61.6%. Conclusion: In conclusion, KAtex test is a good diagnostic tool for the detection of VL in comparison with DAT. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2019;6(1):12-15


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Abdulhakeem M Okour ◽  
Rami A Saadeh ◽  
Neda Redwan ◽  
Muhammad Faizal Bin A. Ghani

BACKGROUND: Women&rsquo;s awareness of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, is the cornerstone in promoting women&rsquo;s health. Objectives: To examine the relationship of awareness levels about cardiovascular diseases and their related risk factors with demographic information of Jordanian women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 18 years and older women. Scores of awareness were computed for each individual and were divided into 4 quartiles. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of demographic information of participants with mean scores of quartiles. ANOVA analysis was used to compare the mean scores of quartiles. RESULTS: A total of 514 women completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 35.46 (&plusmn;12.53). Current smokers were 6.2%, and 34.6% had a family history of heart disease. The proportion of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and overweight/obesity were 15.6%, 19.3%, 14.4%, &amp; 21.6% respectively. The mean score for awareness was 12.87 (+ 3.26). Women who had lower income and who were at younger age were more likely to score low in awareness. CONCLUSION: Women illustrated a fair level of awareness of CVD and its related risk factors. Increasing women awareness of CVD through educational programs, targeted toward women at risk, assists in disease prevention and help to improve treatment plans.


Author(s):  
Suhasini Kanyadi ◽  
Chandra S. Metgud

Background: The period of adolescence, beginning with the onset of puberty, is a crucial transition into adulthood. There is a substantial lacuna in the knowledge, belief and practice about menstruation. This study addresses the gap in knowledge, belief and practice regarding menstruation among adolescent girls. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted over a period of one year, in an urban area of Belagavi among 625 adolescent girls in the age group of 16–19 years. Data was collected by house to house visit using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Results: The mean age (±SD) at menarche was found to be 12.8±1.73 years. Our study showed that as the knowledge increased, there was increase in the use of sanitary pad (p<0.001) and increase in the number of girls practicing cleaning of external genitalia during menstruation (p<0.01). However, it was found that 276 (50.5%) and 175 (37.7%) of the girls did not use sanitary pads and practice cleaning of external genitalia during menstruation even after having correct knowledge showing a gap in knowledge and practice. Similarly, among the 494 girls who knew that menstruation is a natural process, 93 (18.8%) girls wrongly believed she shouldn’t sleep in the same place as usual, 124 (25.1%) said she shouldn’t enter the kitchen, 186 (37.7%) believed that certain foods should be avoided and only 37 (7.5%) rightly believed that girls could go to place of worship during menstruation showing a gap in knowledge and belief. Conclusions: The study reported a gap in knowledge, belief and practice among adolescent girls. To bridge this gap causes have to be identified and addressed. 


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