Frequency of Gallbladder Stones Among Patients Underwent Abdominal Ultrasound in a Tertiary Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen

@#Introduction: The Gallbladder stone (GBS) disease is most commonly asymptomatic that may lead to several complications such as ascending cholangitis and obstructive jaundice. In this study the frequency of gallbladder stones among patients referred for abdominal ultrasound at the University of Science and Technology hospital (USTH), Sana’a – Yemen, have been estimated during the period between January and June 2013. Methods: This study is a record-based and conducted at the radiology department in USTH, on cases underwent abdominal ultrasound during the period from January – June 2013. Information were collected from abdominal ultrasonography reports. Results: In this study 4935 patients’ records are included. Of them, 2541 were males and 2394 were females. The frequency of patients with GBS was 5.53%. Multiple stones were observed in 3.57% of patients and 4.34% patients had large stones with size ≥ 5 mm. Females had significantly higher frequency of GBS (8.0%: 191/2394) than males (3.2%: 82/2541) (P < 0.001). It was found that, no significant difference between males and females in harboring small stones (< 5mm) (P = 0.251). However, significantly higher frequency of large GBS (≥ 5 mm) was found among females compared to males (P < 0.001). The frequencies of GBS, small size of GBS and large size of GBS have significantly increased with increasing age (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study it was found that females had significantly higher frequency of GBS than males. No significant difference between males and females in harboring small stones. There was a significantly higher frequency of large GBS was found among females compared to males. The frequencies of GBS, small size of GBS and large size of GBS have significantly increased with increasing age.

The clinical and radiographic outcome of immediately loaded mini implants supporting a mandibular overdenture. A 3-year prospective study.

This article aimed to examine the clinical and radiographic outcome of mini dental implants (MDIs) supporting a mandibular overdenture. Twenty-eight patients (16 men and 12 women) complaining from insufficient retention of their mandibular denture received a total of 112 MDIs (four per patient) in the interforaminal area of the mandible using the non-submerged flapless surgical approach. Implants were immediately loaded with mandibular overdentures after implant insertion. Each implant was evaluated at the time of initial prosthetic loading, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months thereafter. Clinical evaluation was performed using plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and periotest values (PTVs). Radiographic evaluation was performed in terms of vertical (VBLO) and horizontal (HBLO) alveolar bone loss. Cumulative success and survival rates were calculated using life table analysis. Plaque index, GI, PD, VBLO and HBLO increased significantly in the first year after overdenture insertion, and no significant difference between subsequent observations was noted. Periotest values demonstrated no significant difference between observation times. The cumulative survival and success rates of MDIs were 96·4% and 92·9%, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, clinical and radiographic peri-implant tissue responses of immediately loaded MDIs supporting a mandibular overdenture were favourable after 3 years. However, randomised, controlled clinical trials are needed to compare these responses to that of conventional-diameter implants.

Making health messages interesting.

In Afghanistan a radio drama serial carrying messages vital to the well-being of the population, backed up by more detailed information in reinforcing radio programmes and a cartoon magazine, is proving effective in increasing people's knowledge of immunization and other subjects.

PIP: With limited access to health care, safe water, and sanitation and an adult literacy rate of only 24%, the health status of women and children in Afghanistan is among the lowest in the world. The World Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has broadcast educational messages since the mid-1980s. However, additional measures are needed to spread the word on certain subjects, such as how to prepare oral rehydration solution. The BBC, with both domestic and international support, implemented the Afghan Education Drama Project to produce a soap opera, "New Home, New Life," in Pashto and Persian three times per week. A radio production center was set up in Peshawar in 1993 for the purpose. The drama explores the quotidian problems in health, education, and agriculture experienced in a village resettled by refugees. Story lines with immunization messages are reinforced by programs providing details on areas to be covered, age groups eligible for immunization, and the diseases against which vaccines are administered. Radio spots, jingles, shorter dramas, and a monthly cartoon magazine also reinforce messages. The approach is proving effective in increasing people's knowledge of immunization and other subjects.

In pursuit of a better quality of life through the Basic Minimum Needs Programme: the Afghan experience.

This paper reports the outcome of work on integrated community development carried out in two villages in the Behsood district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, where the Basic Development Needs (BMN) model of community development was introduced in the last quarter of 1995. It describes the conceptual framework and the socio-political constraint under which the BMN development process evolved and was pursued. It also provides a detailed account of the methodology adopted, the results of the BMN survey, the socio-economic profile of the villages and the underlying causes of the problems. The paper gives an exposé of the set of potential interventions and solutions chosen by the community to solve their problems.

Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya, IV. Malaria.

Indirect fluorescent antibody studies were conducted in order to determine possible risk to Libyan communities of malaria, particularly relapsing forms, as a direct result of the presence of large teams of immigrant labour. Two groups of Indians (100 and 81) indicated past exposure to relapsing malaria, measured by Plasmodium fieldi antigen, in the range 42.0-44.0%, to recent/heavy relapsing infection (12.4-19.0%) and to recent/heavy P. falciparum infection (2.5-4.0%). A non-Asian group (149) indicated 8.7, 3.4 and 2.0%, respectively. A group of native schoolboys (106) indicated a total lack of antibodies to any form of malaria. The prospect of the re-establishment of malaria transmission following successful control throughout 20 years past is considered on this basis.

Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. III. Schistosomiasis.

An ELISA system showed a positive rate for Schistosoma mansoni infections of 33.4% in Tauorga school-children; qualitative stool examination detected only 6.9%. Subsequent sampling of the school population indicated that a mollusciciding programme involving the major water body in the area had prevented any overall increase in prevalence and had apparently produced a decrease in prevalence in certain locations. New housing, piped water, sanitary disposal of wastes and health education were additional favourable factors.

Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. II. Rubella.

No epidemiological information concerning the prevalence of rubella previously existed in Libya, thus precluding policy decisions in respect of possible immunization programme options. A random serological survey of school children, using the single-radial haemolysis-test, gave the following IgG positive rates. In Benghazi, 621 subjects yielded 58.8% at six years, the point of entry to the school system, rising to 78.3% at 12 years; in Gharian, 188 subjects yielded 61.1% at six years rising to 89.3% at 12 years. An additional random group of 70 Benghazi children, bled annually for four years, yielded positive rates of 55.7% at six years rising to 78.6% at nine years.

Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. I. Echinococcosis in Libya.

In Libya traditional animal husbandry and the practice of domestic slaughter of food animals contribute to the maintenance of the Echinococcus cycle. The cost of echinococcosis is high and may significantly affect the national economy. This study, employing the ELISA test, has indicated an approximately 10% infection rate in children and young adults from the environs of Benghazi, no difference being apparent between rural and urban dwellers. The prevalence of the infection should be determined in both animals and man and possible disease inter-relationships investigated. Surveys are required in all alleged endemic areas and in sheep and camel breeding areas. It is also necessary to determine the importance of foxes, hyaenas and jackals in transmission among other animals. A clinical trial is recommended to assess the value of mebendazole against Echinococcus cysts.

Viral hepatitis in children: a study in Libya.

Serum surveys in Gharian and Derna, Libya, assessed by radioimmunoassay, indicated that 100% of children of seven years and older, were HAV immune, as were 60-70% of three-year old children revealing that infection occurs below the latter age. HBV infection occurs erratically in time and appears to be uncommon in young children, affects school children somewhat more frequently and adults more so. Non-A non-B hepatitis also occurs but in the absence of specific tests it is impossible to assess its incidence.