Patterns of colorectal cancer diagnosis among younger adults in a real-world, population-based cohort

Aims: To review the patterns of early-onset (<50 years old) colorectal cancer (CRC) in Alberta across the past 15 years among different socioeconomic and demographic patient subgroups. Methods: This is a retrospective, population-based study based on Alberta administrative databases. Income level was identified via income information from the 2006 Canadian census. Patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed 2004–2018 were included. Frequency analyses were used to examine the percentage of early-onset CRC cases among different subgroups over the period studied. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with the development of early-onset CRC. Results: A total of 24,912 patients were included, of whom 2096 (8.4%) were diagnosed at age <50 years and 22,816 (91.6%) at age ≥50 years. The percentage of patients diagnosed at age <50 years increased over time (10.2% in 2018 vs 7.9% in 2004; p < 0.003). Higher income was associated with younger age at diagnosis of CRC (odds ratio [OR] for quartile 1 vs quartile 4: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.47–0.62). Other factors associated with younger age at diagnosis included female sex (OR for male vs female: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78–0.94), distal CRC (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.50–1.84) and North zone (OR for South zone vs North zone: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60–0.92). Conclusion: The proportion of patients (out of the overall CRC population) with early-onset CRC, increased in Alberta throughout the study duration (particularly left-sided CRC). There is a need to reassess the current age limits for CRC screening in Canada in view of these findings.

Meta-analysis on the prevalence of Mycoplasmosis in poultry of India and the World

Mycoplasmosis, is one of the important disease of poultry industry causing huge economic loss. In the present study, the prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS) in poultry from India and the World was estimated using meta-analysis from the studies during 2010–2020. The meta-analysis of studies from the world showed that overall pooled prevalence estimates for MS (42.52% CI: 33.16–52.16) is more than MG (39.31% CI: 25.76–53.74). In India also, the pooled estimate for prevalence of MS (29.34% CI: 14.40-46.93) is more than MG (25.97% CI: 19.41–33.11). However, the prevalence of both MG & MS is comparatively less in India than other parts of world. Pooled estimate through serological techniques was more for both MG & MS than other diagnostic methods and ELISA was the most reported diagnostic method followed by other methods including serum plate agglutination assay (SPA), PCR and isolation etc. Zone wise prevalence estimate showed that south zone has comparatively higher prevalence (37.37%) for both MG & MS than other zones in India. Continent wise analysis revealed that African continent has more prevalence for both MG (50.09 % CI: 31.75–68.42) and MS (44.79 % CI: 23.26–67.37) followed by others. Overall, the current study indicates higher prevalence of Mycoplasmosis worldwide including India and other countries emphasizing the importance of strict implementation of biosecurity measures and vaccinations.

Diffuse gases in soil of Araro-Simirao geothermal system, Michoacan, Mexico

The Araró-Simirao geothermal system is in the southeast part of the Cuitzeo Lake depression. Physiographically, it is located in the eastern portion of the central part of the TransMexican Volcanic Belt province (TMVB). It is a convective hydrothermal system of dominant liquid, with chlorinated sodium waters and high boron content. The principal gas emitted by the thermal springs is CO2 and, in lower concentrations, H2S, H2 and noble gases (He, Ne, Ar). The aim of this study was to delimit fluid ascent areas in the geothermal system by determining the relationships between diffuse gas emission concentrations in soils and the greatest permeability plausible zones (principal faults). Three sampling campaigns were carried out during 2018 (August and November) and 2019 (May), in which diffuse gas emission measurements (CO2, Rn and mercury vapors) across the soils and soil temperature measurements were carried out. For a sampling campaign, the CO2 flux ranged between 4.38 and 94.61 g m-2 d-1 and the gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentration ranged between 0.5 and 365 ng/m3. For the other sampling campaign, the CO2 flux ranged between 0.8 and 1,421 g m-2 d-1 and the GEM values ranged between 0.49 and 2,914ng/m3. In the last sampling campaign the222Rn and 220Rn were also measured, and these values oscillated between 1,060 and 124,100 Bq/m3 and from 0 to 7,511 Bq7m3, respectively. Several anomalous zones of CO2 fluxes, GEM and 222Rn concentrations were found, which match the greatest permeability zones (faults and lineaments). The zone with the highest values in these three parameters is located in the so-called «mud pool», at the crossing of the Araró-Simirao fault with a lineament NW-SE (south zone), which is associated with the upflow zone of the system. Other anomalous zones were also located in the fracture and/or lineaments zones in the central and north parts of the system, which are associated with the outflow zone. According to the data obtained, CO2 could be functioning as a carrier of Hg and 222Rn in the area of vertical rise of gases and, in the outflow zone this gas may be found dissolved in the groundwater.

Functional Evaluation Of Pathologies In Flexible Pavement

Highways are of essential importance, since they are the main mode of transportation in the country, with a vast territorial extension of roads. However, many of these highways present some kind of alteration in their initial shape. The concept of paving, pathologies and their causes, as well as their recovery, are thus constituted. These problems were visually evaluated according to the Asphalt Pavement Restoration Manual of the DNIT (National Department of Transportation Infrastructure) in accordance with the TER 005/2003 and PRO 009/2003 standards, in a different area of the city of Manaus, namely the South Zone, consisting of the roads of the Industrial Complex, which allows the transportation of containerized cargo to the ports. The results, based on the visual surveys carried out and the current serviceability values, indicated roads with a concept between bad and regular.

7. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Background: In Nigeria, reporting pharmacovigilance issues including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from health facilities is encouraged especially by health care professionals (HCPs). Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCPs regarding pharmacovigilance in teaching hospitals in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected teaching hospitals in the South-South zone of Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to 1200 HCPs (doctors, pharmacists and nurses). Information sought included demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance especially ADRs reporting. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The 796 adequately completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. The mean age (standard deviation, SD) of the participants was 39.0 (8.0) years and the mean duration of practice (SD) was 12.7 (8.2) years. Two hundred and forty-one (30.3 %) of HCPs had ever documented or reported ADRs, of which only 97 (40.2 %) had ever used the national ADRs reporting form. Most respondents 746 (93.7 %) knew they could submit ADRs reports relating to new medicines and submit reports of new and unexpected ADRs 683 (85.8 %). Fewer respondents 540 (67.3 %) would submit reports relating to herbal medicines, and 256 (32.2 %) mild ADRs. Four hundred and fifty-six (57.3 %) had no difficulty in determining whether to report ADRs. Overall, nurses appeared the least knowledgeable about reporting ADRs. On improving reports, 278 (34.9 %) respondents advocated increased awareness and education on ADRs reporting. Conclusion: The HCPs in tertiary hospitals in the South-South zone had a modest knowledge, positive attitude but poor reporting practices in pharmacovigilance which may be improved with education and easier reporting processes.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA.

Background: In Nigeria, reporting pharmacovigilance issues including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from health facilities is encouraged especially by health care professionals (HCPs). Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCPs regarding pharmacovigilance in teaching hospitals in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected teaching hospitals in the South-South zone of Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to 1200 HCPs (doctors, pharmacists and nurses). Information sought included demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance especially ADRs reporting. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The 796 adequately completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. The mean age (standard deviation, SD) of the participants was 39.0 (8.0) years and the mean duration of practice (SD) was 12.7 (8.2) years. Two hundred and forty-one (30.3 %) of HCPs had ever documented or reported ADRs, of which only 97 (40.2 %) had ever used the national ADRs reporting form. Most respondents 746 (93.7 %) knew they could submit ADRs reports relating to new medicines and submit reports of new and unexpected ADRs 683 (85.8 %). Fewer respondents 540 (67.3 %) would submit reports relating to herbal medicines, and 256 (32.2 %) mild ADRs. Four hundred and fifty-six (57.3 %) had no difficulty in determining whether to report ADRs. Overall, nurses appeared the least knowledgeable about reporting ADRs. On improving reports, 278 (34.9 %) respondents advocated increased awareness and education on ADRs reporting. Conclusion: The HCPs in tertiary hospitals in the South-South zone had a modest knowledge, positive attitude but poor reporting practices in pharmacovigilance which may be improved with education and easier reporting processes.

Evaluation of Sex and Age Influence on Plagiarism as Academic Dishonest Behaviour among Postgraduate Students of Federal Universities in South-South Zone of Nigeria

The study investigated evaluation of sex and age influence on plagiarism as academic dishonest behaviour among postgraduate students of federal universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study which is a survey research, involved a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique of 440 males and 490 females from 3 universities and 3 faculties of the same universities in South-South, Nigeria. The sample was selected through a stratified random sampling approach. The study adopted frequencies, percentages, factor analysis and multiple classification analysis statistical tools. A questionnaire developed and validated by the researcher titled: "Academic Dishonest Behaviour Questionnaire (ADBQ") with Cronbach coefficient alpha reliability of 0.83 was used for data collection. Two research questions and one hypothesis were formulated for the study. The findings indicated that the students used for this study were involved in Sex and Age influence on plagiarism aspect of academic dishonest behaviours. Generally, there is a significant influence of age on plagiarism as academic dishonest behaviour among students. Male students show a positive inclination toward plagiarism on academic dishonest behaviour than their female counterparts while on the other hand, ages 20-24years, show more culpability than other ages. It is therefore recommended among others that there should be synergy among stakeholders in the educational process to fight this menace of Plagiarism.

Geographic Information System enabled dengue surveillance system in south zone, Bangalore city: A pilot study

Introduction: The Public Health Information and Epidemiological Cell (PHIEC) of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) utilizes the Geographic Information System (GIS) enabled integrated surveillance for collection, integration, analysis and reporting of geo-referenced epidemiological diseases in Bangalore city. Dengue fever is an emerging disease and there are minimum studies conducted in India about the GIS enabled dengue surveillance system. Objective: To assess the relationship between dengue cases and vector indices as depicted in the GIS map. Methodology: Data regarding dengue confirmed cases was obtained from PHIEC and entomological surveillance data from Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) for May to July 2017 in south zone of Bangalore city and active data collection was done for August and September 2017. Results: There was significant association between the number of dengue cases and the Breteau index in the month of September. However, there was no association between vector indices and the number of cases during the month of October. In some wards, contrary findings were noted between dengue vector indices and number of cases reported. Conclusion: There was a relationship between reported dengue cases and vector indices and there is a need for incorporation of entomological data into GIS system along with epidemiological and intervention data. Involvement of more private and government health care providers may help answer the gap between entomological data and number of dengue cases.