Knowledge, awareness and attitudes of guardians in the community towards distribution of the HPV vaccine to primary and secondary school children in Trinidad

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of guardians towards the distribution of Gardasil to school children in the North Central Regional Health Authority jurisdiction of Trinidad. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross sectional study utilizing a questionnaire was employed to collect data from 368 participants who reside in the North Central division of Trinidad. The statistical analysis included chi square tests and logistical regression. RESULTS: There was an increase in the approval rate of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (32.4%) after the participants received further education. Guardians preferred the 12-14 (24.2%) and 9-11 (23.1%) age groups for vaccination. Religion did not influence the decision to vaccinate. About half (49.2%) of parents believed vaccination would not cause promiscuity. Women were more likely to approve of the vaccine (p=0.023). Most participants did not talk to a doctor about the vaccine (70.7%). The general opinion (44.9%) was that insufficient information was imparted for an informed decision to be made. CONCLUSION: There was approval of the HPV vaccine despite risks and lack of knowledge. A more effective vaccination program requires prolonged sensitization of the public on the HPV vaccine.

Myocardial contusion injury: redefining the diagnostic algorithm.

Myocardial contusion injury (MCI) is a complication of blunt thoracic trauma, which may occur at relatively low velocities. MCI may also occur from chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We review the clinical pathology, diagnostic tools, and treatment for MCI.

Nitrite and nitrosyl compounds in food preservation.

Nitrite is consumed in the diet, through vegetables and drinking water. It is also added to meat products as a preservative. The potential risks of this practice are balanced against the unique protective effect against toxin-forming bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. The chemistry of nitrite, and compounds derived from it, in food systems and bacterial cells are complex. It is known that the bactericidal species is not nitrite itself, but a compound or compounds derived from it during food preparation. Of a range of nitrosyl compounds tested, the anion of Roussin's black salt [Fe4S3(NO)7]- was the most inhibitory to C. sporogenes. This compound is active against both anaerobic and aerobic food-spoilage bacteria, while some other compounds are selective, indicating multiple sites of action. There are numerous possible targets for inhibition in the bacterial cells, including respiratory chains, iron-sulfur proteins and other metalloproteins, membranes and the genetic apparatus.