Levels of Glycosylated Haemoglobin in newly discovered Sudanese Diabetics

Background: Diabetes mellitus (D.M) is one of the most known chronic illnesses in the world. The exposure of blood to variable concentrations of glucose gives rise to variable levels of Haemoglobin (Hb) glycation, a non-enzymatic reaction. This phenomenon had led to the concept of measurement of glycosylated Hb as an indicator of glycemic control of diabetic patients; furthermore, it could be a diagnostic tool for the disease.Objectives: The research aimed to measure the level of glycosylated Hb -designated HbA1c- in the newly discovered diabetics in Sudan.Material and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study, done at the Police Hospital and Bahri Diabetic Centre during the period from June 2011- October 2011. The populations of the sample were newly discovered Sudanese diabetics, in two age groups. Forty patients and forty controls were assessed via questionnaire, and venous blood to perform the test of HbA1c using Nycocard© machine.Results: The mean of HbA1c in young diabetics was 10.0%, while that of old diabetics was 8.8%. There was no correlation between HbA1c and random blood glucose, body mass index, hypertension, or the duration of symptoms.Conclusion: HbA1c levels in newly discovered diabetics was found to be elevated, with significant difference between diabetics of less than forty, and above forty years of age.Key wards: Diabetes, HbA1c, Ketoacidosis, Hypertension

Analisis Pengaruh Perubahan Penghasilan Tidak Kena Pajak Terhadap Realisasi Penerimaan Pajak di Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Pratama Watampone

This research discusses the taxation problem in Kab. Bone, namely the problem of Non-Taxable Income (PTKP). The non-taxable income is the income limit is determined by the Ministry of Finance that has been approved by the People's Representative Council. PTKP is responsible for the number of people who are not taxable as a result of reduced income tax services, so this research will be carried out using Quantitative methods using an elasticity analysis tool to measure the sensitivity of its effect. The results of the study show that the Non-Taxable Income (PTKP), which is related to tax receipts from the Office of tax revenue, considering the data obtained from the pratama Watampone has shown that the proceeds at the time of tax (PPh 21), will ask in terms of community welfare, this is good news that the increase in PTKP gives the participation of small people not titled to tax. And it turns out the results of the analysis say that the PTKP is not too significant

Agroforestry: An Indigenous Farming toward Sustainability and Inclusive Market

The Agroforestry and intercropping farming systems are carried out by farmers in managing their cocoa cultivations due to limited land and the availability of commodities to support household needs. This system is maintained because it impacts increasing farmers’ income, maintaining local horticulture commodities and fulfilling the social needs of these commodities.  This research uses a qualitative approach, with Focus Group Discussions involving farmers, NGOs, government, and other stakeholders. The results showed that agroforestry as an alternative to indigenous farming for cocoa farmers in Polewali Mandar Regency positively impacted farmer institutions, increasing income and meeting the needs of farmer households. The existence of farmer-NGO partnerships has helped change farmer institutions. Still, it has not altered local institutions that have become farmers' habits in managing farmland, including utilizing cocoa farms by intercropping. There has been a significant change on cocoa farmers from producing non-fermented cocoa to fermented and certified cocoa. Besides that, there is an increase in farmers' income by integrating cocoa - goats by utilizing shade trees in cocoa gardens as animal feed, producing organic fertilizers and pesticides from goat urine, and creating a market for inter-crop commodities such as cocoa, coconut, ginger, and locally grown fruits. all are in the same garden. Agroforestry as an alternative to indigenous farming must be maintained because it can increase farmers' income, also offers solutions to land degradation, and provides environmental services so it is expected to be able to guarantee sustainability and on the one hand, continue to support the achievement of an inclusive market for cocoa

High fluoride and low pH level have been detected in popular flavoured beverages in Malaysia

Objective: In children, excessive ingestion of fluoride from different sources including bottled drinking water and flavoured beverages or soft drinks can lead to the development of dental fluorosis. In addition, the pH level of beverages is important. Low pH can cause dental erosion. In this study we explore the fluoride content and pH level of certain popular beverages available in Malaysian supermarkets and hawkers' stalls. Methods: Bottled drinking water and selected popular flavoured packet drinks were purchased from a supermarket and the corresponding flavoured hawkers' drinks, from a hawker's stall in Kuala Lumpur. Fluoride and pH of the beverages were determined using digital fluoride meter and digital pH meter respectively. Results: It was found that fluoride content and pH level vary among the beverages. The mean fluoride content in both packet and hawkers' drinks (7.64±1.88 mg/L, 7.51±1.60 mg/L, respectively) was approximately 7 times higher than the bottled drinking water (1.05±0.35 mg/L). Among the beverages, the tea packet drink was found to contain the highest amount of fluoride (13.02±0.23 mg/L). The mean pH of bottled-drinking water was near neutral (6.96±0.17), but acidic for both supermarket (4.78.00±0.49) and hawkers' drinks (5.73±0.24). The lychee packet drink had the lowest pH level (2.97±0.03). Conclusions: Due to the wide variation of the fluoride content and pH level of the drinks tested in this study, it is recommended that steps should be taken to control the fluoride concentration and pH level in beverages if dental fluorosis and erosion are to be prevented. This record was migrated from the OpenDepot repository service in June, 2017 before shutting down

Avicenna and cancer study

Cancer is the main cause of mortality after COVID-19, reaching pandemicity and remains one of major public health concern. It is worthwhile to consider the perspectives of the renowned medical scholar, Avicenna and he is widely regarded as the prince of physicians. However not much recent paper discussed on his practice on treating cancer. The review's goal was to discuss the background of Avicenna's bibliography and history in cancer study. This review encompasses 25 literatures and begins with a description of his profile and attitude. It then explains his medical background and interests, with an emphasis on cancer research. His contribution and a major milestone in cancer research were described. It also explains in great depth his perspective on cancer research. His proposed and implemented cancer prevention and treatment are listed and advised in order to lessen the negative impacts of cancer. To conclude, early detection and preventative measures aid in the reduction of cancer progression. In addition, plant base and less irritant treatment as well as improving the diet help to reduce malignancy. This review might contribute to give an insight to improve the current cancer treatment by looking back into the perspective of great scholar in medical field

Metabolic syndrome in a Taiwanese metropolitan adult population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of medical disorders that increase one's risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Little information exists on the prevalence of MS in a general adult population in Taiwan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We did a cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of 2,359 Chinese adults aged 40 years and over who lived in a metropolitan city, Taiwan in 2004–05. MS was defined by Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified for Asians.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of MetS was 35.32% and 43.23% in men aged 40–64 years and 65 years and over, respectively, and 24.19% and 51.82% in women aged 40–64 years and 65 years and over. Older age, postmenopausal status, higher body mass index, current smoking, low education attainment, low household income, no alcohol consumption, lower level of occupation physical activity, and a family history of diabetes were associated with increased odds of MetS.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>MetS was present in more than 30% of the Taiwan adult population aged 40 years and over in a metropolitan area; there were substantial variations by age and body mass index groups.</p

Validation of the ALS Assay in Adult Patients with Culture Confirmed Pulmonary Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: We have earlier shown that Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine-specific IgG Antibodies in Lymphocyte Supernatant (ALS) can be used for diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The ALS method was validated in a larger cohort (n = 212) of patients with suspicion of pulmonary TB using multiple antigens (BCG, LAM, TB15.3, TB51A, CFP10-ESAT6-A, CFP, CW) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sensitivity and specificity of the ALS assay was calculated using non-TB patients as controls. The sensitivity and the specificity were highest with BCG vaccine (90% and 88% respectively) followed by LAM (89% and 87% respectively). Simultaneous assessment of multiple antigen-specific antibodies increased sensitivity (91%) and specificity (88%). Using higher lymphocyte count in smaller volume of culture media increased detection and reduced the assay duration to ∼30 hrs. Twenty one patients with clinical findings strongly suggestive of TB finally diagnosed as non-TB patients were positive by the ALS assay, of which 9 (43%) were positive for 7 antigens and 19 (90%) for at least 3 antigens. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings show that simultaneous detection of antigens improves the diagnostic potential of the ALS assay; the modified method increases sensitivity and can provide results in <48 hours, and enable detection of some cases of pulmonary TB that are not detectable by standard methods

Team climate, intention to leave and turnover among hospital employees: Prospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In hospitals, the costs of employee turnover are substantial and intentions to leave among staff may manifest as lowered performance. We examined whether team climate, as indicated by clear and shared goals, participation, task orientation and support for innovation, predicts intention to leave the job and actual turnover among hospital employees.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Prospective study with baseline and follow-up surveys (2–4 years apart). The participants were 6,441 (785 men, 5,656 women) hospital employees under the age of 55 at the time of follow-up survey. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used as an analysis method to include both individual and work unit level predictors in the models.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among stayers with no intention to leave at baseline, lower self-reported team climate predicted higher likelihood of having intentions to leave at follow-up (odds ratio per 1 standard deviation decrease in team climate was 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.4–1.8). Lower co-worker assessed team climate at follow-up was also association with such intentions (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.4). Among all participants, the likelihood of actually quitting the job was higher for those with poor self-reported team climate at baseline. This association disappeared after adjustment for intention to leave at baseline suggesting that such intentions may explain the greater turnover rate among employees with low team climate.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Improving team climate may reduce intentions to leave and turnover among hospital employees.</p