Effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children – observational study

BackgroundSecond-hand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke is a critical health risk. Children are the most vulnerable to second-hand smoking because of their small bronchial ducts, less developed immunity, and low-physical activity.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children.MethodsThis observational study included forty-six school-aged children, their age was 8–15 years, assigned to three groups; 2 study groups and 1 control group (n=15). The study groups comprised of 16 football players, and of 15 cyclists. Lung functions were evaluated recording forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow using digital spirometer.ResultsAll measures were recorded in definite values and the children were also classified into second-hand smoking (SH), or non-exposed to tobacco smoking (NE). The findings presented a significant increase (p<0.05) of the study groups in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow solely for the non-exposed children. However, there were non-significant differences between the cyclists and football players or between the passive smoking children and non-exposed children in any of the two study groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe outcomes of this study suggest beneficial influences of the sports activity on the lung functions, without different influences of the cyclists and football players on the lung functions.     

Circumstances of substance use by street youth in Egypt support the case for intervening to prevent adverse childhood experiences

Background: Egyptian street youth use substances including tobacco, illicit drugs, and pharmaceutical drugs. To understand the circumstances, including adverse childhood experiences, that place adolescents at risk for engaging in substance use, we conducted in-depth interviews among a sample of Egyptian street children. Methods: From youth residing at or attending Caritas, a non-profit organization, which provides shelter and education to street youth, seven girls and twelve boys, aged 12–18 years, participated in open-ended, in-depth interviews. Results: Eight out of the 19 participants reported family history (early exposure) to substance use; and seven of them were initiated by either a family member (sibling), friend or coworker. Most of the participants reported a history of conflict with or abuse (verbal or physical) by their parents or siblings, or stressful situations at home; they used substance(s) to alleviate their stress. Few attended school, and some were forced to work and help their family. Conclusions: Among Egyptian youth, adverse childhood experiences, such as poverty, child abuse, and family substance use, challenge somewhat susceptible youths and lead them to the path of substance use and addiction. Prevention intervention should be multifaceted, culturally adaptable, and primarily targeting the social environment during childhood.     

Dexamethasone 8 mg in combination with ondansetron 4 mg appears to be the optimal dose for the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE: The combination of antiemetic drugs could be a solution to prevent severe postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The aim of this randomized double blind, dose-ranging study was to determine the minimum single effective dose of dexamethasone combined with ondansetron for the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: One hundred eighty patients were allocated randomly to one of six groups to receive saline (P group), ondansetron 4 mg (O group), or ondansetron 4 mg and dexamethasone at doses of 2 mg (OD2 group), 4 mg (OD4 group), 8 mg (OD8 group), and 16 mg (OD16 group). A standardized general anesthetic was used. All episodes of PONV during the intervals of zero to six hours, 6-12 hr and 12-24 hr after surgery were evaluated using a numeric scoring system. Mean visual analogue scale pain scores at rest and on movement, the time to first demand of analgesia, total analgesic consumption in 12 hr epochs, duration of hospital stay, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV in the OD8 (16%) and OD16 (16%) groups was lower than in the 83% (P < 0.001) and O groups (50%) at the 12-24 hr epoch (P < 0.05). There were no differences in antiemetic effect between the O, OD2 and OD4 groups and between the OD8 and OD16 groups. Pain scores, total analgesic consumption, duration of hospital stay and side effects were similar among groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 8 mg is the minimum dose of dexamethasone that, combined with ondansetron 4 mg will effectively prevent PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Role of immersion refractometry for investigating laser-induced effects in cells.

The broad background of scattered light observed in spectra of cell suspensions is reduced by factors of up to 20 by immersion refractometry allowing for improved spectroscopic determination of the absorption properties of cells in the 325-820 nm range. Refractive-index matched spectra of E. coli C1a exhibit a set of resonant features near 422, 561, and 582 nm. Exposure wavelengths are chosen based on this spectrum and cell viability is investigated in E. coli suspensions exposed to 350, 400, 422, 440, and 700 nm radiation delivered in nanosecond pulses with total doses from 500 millijoules to 60 Joules. We observe a loss in cell viability for doses greater than 1 Joule at 422 nm and for all doses at other wavelengths; exposures of less than 1 Joule at 422 nm enhance growth. Excluding exposures at wavelengths within the resonant feature, longer wavelengths are less effective at reducing the viability of E. coli C1a. This indicates the occurrence of at least two absorption processes.     

Relationship between Intracranial Granulomas and Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Gamma Interferon and Interleukin-10 in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis

Cerebrospinal fluid gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 levels in 39 patients with tuberculous meningitis were serially measured. Cytokine levels did not predict intracranial granuloma (IG) development, but IFN-γ levels in the top quartile after 1 month of therapy were highly associated (odds ratio = 18) with detection of an IG by computed tomography scanning.     

Schistosomiasis and sarcoma of the urinary bladder

A young male patient with schistosomiasis and sarcoma of the urinary bladder is presented. Total cystectomy followed by radiotherapy was performed. The gross appearance, microscopic findings of the tumor and an outline of the disease are discussed.     

The epidemiology of hypertension in family practice in Cape Town

A prevalence study of hypertension in 8 family practices in low socio-economic areas of Cape Town examined 1,046 patients over the age of 15 years. The crude prevalence rate of hypertension was 20.26%. There was no significant sex difference. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and hypertensive status increased with age and body mass index (BMI). There were complex relationships with regard to sex in that the female sex was predictive of hypertensive status after the age of 45 years unexplained by differences in BMI. After adjusting for age, BMI and sex differences, widowhood, poor education, obesity, a family history of hypertension or stroke and a past history of hypertension were significant predictors of hypertensive status. Smoking status, occupational social class or property ownership were not predictive. Fifty-one per cent of hypertensive subjects were treated. Of those receiving treatment, 30% were controlled resulting in a control prevalence of only 18%. Younger male subjects were better controlled by treatment. A strong need for improved diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in family practice exists in this region.     

Linear and Whorled Nevoid Hypermelanosis: Report of a Case Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract: A child had cerebral palsy and linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis on the right side of his body. He had spasticity and wasting in both lower limbs, with electroencephalographic changes and brain abnormalities on computerized tomographic scan. Chromosomal study of peripheral blood leukocytes found a normal male karyotype. The pathogenesis of this condition is still unclear.     

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after caesarean section

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is a rare condition associated with massive dilatation of the colon in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. Between 4 and 35% of all reported cases of ACPO have occurred in association with pregnancy or puerperium, with most of these occurring after caesarean sections. We present a case report of the successful management of a patient with ACPO.