Genetic alterations of CYP17A1 in the occurrence of colorectal cancer in Senegal

A cancer is said to be hormone-dependent when hormones influence the carcinogenesis process. Studies suggest a possible protective effect of hormone treatment in colorectal cancer. Given the hormone treatment, a thorough study of CYP17A1 is necessary. This study aims to assess the penetrance of CYP17A1 in the development of colorectal cancer. This study involved 24 colorectal cancer patients and 24 controls. For each sample, DNA extraction was performed, followed by CYP17A1 gene amplification and Sanger sequencing. The nature and position of mutations were identified using Mutation Surveyor version 5.1.2. DnaSP version 5.10, MEGA version 7.014, and the Arlequin program version 3.1 were used to highlight the parameters of variability, differentiation, and demogenetic evolution of the study population. The results revealed heterozygous mutations in the CYP17A1 gene and a substitution at the c.-34T>C promoter region. The absence of nonsynonymous mutations was revealed by very low genetic variability in the cancer population compared with controls. There was also little genetic differentiation and distance between the two populations. The frequent c.-34T>C mutation suggests that this polymorphism may modulate the transcriptional activity of CYP17A1 and consequently the hormones under this gene's control, and therefore colorectal tumor growth

The relationship between diet and cholesterol levels in the elderly in the work area of the UPTD Sukaraya in 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between diet and cholesterol levels in the elderly in the Sukaraya Health Center work area in 2023. This study was conducted at the Sukaraya Health Center in 2023 using a quantitative research method with an analytical method. The sample of this study was 30 respondents. This study used cross-sectional to assess the relationship between variables and this study used a questionnaire instrument. From the results of the chi-square statistical test, it was found that diet and cholesterol incidence obtained a p value of .001 (<005). This means that there is a relationship between diet and cholesterol incidence in the elderly in the Sukaraya Health Center Uptd work area in 2023. From the conclusion of this study, there is a relationship between diet and cholesterol incidence in the elderly in the Sukaraya Health Center Uptd work area in 2023. Education in the form of socialization for the elderly or families regarding how to prevent cholesterol in the elderly needs to be improved

Fourier analyzes for polymeric materials exposed to gamma rays

The study of epoxy exposed to gamma radiation for different periods of time up to six months of several period irradiations with the dose range of 28.05468 KGy with the first week to the six months with the accumulations dose of 721.413 KGy. FT-IR technique with FTIR analyzes of the samples was using. These results were varied comparison with the previous researches because they do not show identical destruction under similar irradiation conditions. The six-month period of exposure to gamma rays had a very large impact on the results of the current study. The broad peak ranges from 3380 to 3340 1/cm are because OOH stretches, and the sharp peak at 910 1/cm. because of the epoxide vibration peak. The the carbonyl group predominant peak is 1730 1/cm.and the broad 3500 1/cm. The strong band for the non-irradiated epoxy appears at 763.67 1/cm., but the other irradiated samples the bands is shifted to the left at 771.47 1/cm. The previous bands disappear for the samples which irradiated for three and four months by gamma ray.&nbsp

An experimental study to assess the effectiveness of the kaleidoscope in reducing pain during the venipuncture procedure among hospitalized children at selected hospitals of Gurugram, Haryana

Background: Venipuncture is one of the most common invasive procedures in pediatric care, often causing considerable pain and anxiety. Distraction techniques, such as kaleidoscope use, are gaining recognition as effective, safe, and low-cost alternatives to pharmacological pain management. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of kaleidoscope distraction in reducing pain during venipuncture among hospitalized children. Methods: A quasi-experimental post-test only control group design was conducted in three hospitals in Gurugram, Haryana. A total of 64 children aged 5–8 years were selected using non-probability purposive sampling, with 32 in the experimental group (kaleidoscope distraction) and 32 in the control group (standard care). Pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Results: The mean pain score in the experimental group was significantly lower (6.88 ± 1.51) compared to the control group (9.06 ± 1.13), indicating the effectiveness of the kaleidoscope in reducing venipuncture-related pain (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between age and pain level in the experimental group (p = 0.030). Conclusion: Kaleidoscope is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce procedural pain in children. Its simplicity, affordability, and engagement potential make it a valuable addition to pediatric care

Virtual reality as a distraction strategy during venipuncture procedures in children: A systematic review

Background: Venipuncture is a common but painful and anxiety-provoking medical procedure for children. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological distraction strategy to mitigate pain and distress. Objective: To systematically review the effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing pain and anxiety during venipuncture in pediatric patients. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies published between January 2010 and March 2024. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results: Ten studies involving 1,032 children aged 4–17 years met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported a statistically significant reduction in self-reported pain and anxiety levels in the VR group compared to control groups using standard care or other distraction methods. VR was also associated with high patient satisfaction and minimal side effects. Conclusion: VR distraction is an effective and safe tool to alleviate pain and anxiety in children undergoing venipuncture. Incorporating VR into pediatric care could improve patient experience and procedural outcomes

From soil to stomach: How worms worsen nutritional deficits: A systematic review

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections—caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms—affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide. These infections exacerbate undernutrition through blood loss, nutrient malabsorption, and impaired appetite. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between STH infections and nutritional deficits, including anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, growth impairments, and cognitive outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of deworming interventions. Methods: Literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE (2007–2023). Data synthesized narratively; a meta-analysis performed for haemoglobin outcomes. Results: 19 studies included. Hookworm infection strongly associated with iron-deficiency anaemia (pooled mean difference: −0.78 g/dL). Other helminths contributed to reduced micronutrient levels, stunting, and poor cognitive outcomes. Nutritional recovery observed when deworming combined with supplementation and sanitation. Conclusion: STH infections significantly contribute to nutritional deficits, particularly among children. Sustainable control requires integrated deworming, nutrition, sanitation, and education

Optimization of gel formula from active fraction of manggost fruit (Garcinia mangostana. L) and antibacterial activity test against Staphylococcus epidermidis

The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of mangosteen peel and the effect of the combination of Carbopol, HPMC, and Propylene glycol as humectants on physical properties and antibacterial activity. The results of the fractionation of the extract were tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria using the diffusion method, the ethyl acetate fraction which had antibacterial activity with a concentration of 10% was made into a gel preparation with the composition of carbopol, HPMC, propylene glycol with run 14 obtained by the Simplex Latice Design method. The physical quality test of the preparation was carried out, namely organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, spreadability, viscosity, and antibacterial activity. Test data for physical quality and antibacterial activity analyzed using the Simplex Latice Design method, after which the analyzed using the Simplex Latice Design, and statistics using SPSS with the One Way Anova test. The results of the study stated that the ethyl acetate fraction of mangosteen peel can be made into mangosteen peel gel preparations for concentrations of Carbopol 94 1.5 g, HPMC 1000DB 2.5 g, propylene glycol 5 g with a spreadability value of 4.35 cm, viscosity 433.33, antibacterial 21, 4mm

The Role of HbA1C & glycated albumin as predictors of cardiovascular outcome post-myocardial infarction in diabetic patients: A matched case-control study

Background: Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Glycaemic markers like HbA1C and glycated albumin (GA) may serve as prognostic indicators, but their predictive validity in Indian diabetic populations remains underexplored. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of HbA1C and GA in predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes post-MI in diabetic patients. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted among 260 type II diabetic STEMI patients in a tertiary care hospital. Cases were those developing post-MI complications; age- and sex-matched controls who did not. Glycaemic markers and clinical risk factors were analyzed using conditional logistic regression and ROC analysis. Results: Raised HbA1C and GA levels were significantly associated with higher odds of post-MI complications (aOR: 5.55 and 10.9, respectively). GA showed superior diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.948) and specificity (57.6%) over HbA1C. Conclusion: GA is a promising biomarker for risk stratification in diabetic patients post-MI and may complement HbA1C in clinical practice. Keywords: Cardio-vascular Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Glycated albumin, HbA1C, Myocardial Infarctio

The association between serum leptin levels and body mass index in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine abnormality in reproductive-age women, which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Some evidence suggested that leptin also causes PCOS due to its role in the female reproductive system. The physiological function of leptin controls the balance of energy and suppresses the center of appetite. Patients with PCOS may be underweight, normoweight, overweight, and obese, based on their body mass index (BMI), but obesity is a common clinical situation in PCOS. Obesity occurs when the level of leptin increases but cannot decrease appetite, resulting in leptin resistance. This study aimed to discover the connection between body mass index (BMI) and the level of leptin in patients with PCOS. Methods: A case-control sectional study included 100 women, divided between 50 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 50 healthy women. They're aged from 18 to 40 years old. Samples were collected from Al-Batoul General Hospital and private clinics in Diyala Governorate during the period from December 2024 to end March 2025. Blood samples were collected under fasting conditions from every enrolled participant.

Effectiveness of multimedia educational program on knowledge of primary school teachers regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children, often undetected during preschool years. Teachers play a pivotal role in early detection and management, yet knowledge gaps remain. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a multimedia educational program in enhancing primary school teachers’ knowledge regarding ADHD in preschoolers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was conducted among 120 teachers (60 experimental, 60 control) in Gurugram, Haryana. Knowledge was assessed using a validated structured questionnaire. The intervention included PowerPoint presentations, animated videos, flashcards, and discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in mean knowledge scores from 15.2 (42.2%) pre-test to 26.6 (73.9%) post-test (p<0.001). The control group showed no significant change (14.7 to 13.9). Teacher knowledge was significantly associated with education level and prior awareness of ADHD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multimedia educational programs significantly enhance teachers’ knowledge on ADHD and should be implemented widely for early detection and management of ADHD in preschoolers