International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Analysis of perceived benefits and risks for prostate cancer screening in Saudi Arabia

Eyad M. Alhelih¹, Danny M. Rabah², Mostafa  A. Arafa³

¹Department of Applied Medical Sciences, RCC, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

²Associate Professor, Consultant Urologist, Head of Urology Department, Princess Aljohara Alibrahim Cancer Research Center ( Prostate Cancer Research Chair) , King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

³Professor of Epidemiology, Princess Aljohara Alibrahim Cancer Research Center (Prostate Cancer Research Chair), King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Accepted 01 February, 2012

Abstract

This exploratory study examined factors and decisional balance (DB) that influence participation in prostate cancer (PCa) screening in Saudi Arabia. The secondary purpose of the study is to develop the groundwork for future interventions to support at-risk men, to develop the health habit of getting a yearly prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE). The sample consisted of 500 Saudi men who resided in Riyadh area. Men completed two surveys and demographic data was also collected. The selected factors are demographic (age, race, marital status), structural (insurance coverage) and behavioral (screening history). No significant relationships were found for the factors and outcome for PSA, or DRE intent to screen. Further analysis utilizing Point Biserial Correlations for DB, factors and intent to screen with the PSA shows a result of a significant negative association between race and DB. A significant positive association was found for DB and having insurance and for DB and having had a previous PSA. For DB, factors and DRE intent resulted in a significant positive association with having insurance coverage and having had a previous DRE screening.In terms of research implications, Saudi health care providers should focus on the recruitment of men, in prostate cancer awareness and screening. Other roles in research is the development of reliable and valid assessment survey questions to measure patient knowledge, attitudes and cultural beliefs that can identify variations in individuals' decision making processes and benefits/risk perception.Implications for the clinical setting include PCa educational interventions as well as continuing to establish relationships outside of the clinical setting to coordinate community health efforts to provide men with resources to obtain culturally relevant information on the latest PCa developments.

Key words: Prostate cancer screening, decisional balance, perceived benefits, perceived risks, Saudi men.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Cell-mediated immunity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in diabetic ketoacidosis, patients with controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy control subjects

Musa, B. O. P.¹, Onyemelukwe, G.C.¹, Hambolu, J. O.², Bakari, A.G.³ and Anumah, F.E.³

¹Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, A.B.U.T.H. Zaria, ²Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and ³Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, A.B.U.T.H. Zaria, Nigeria

Accepted 19 October, 2011

Abstract

Immune modulation accompanying metabolic dysfunction can adversely affect outcome of a non infectious disease such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Peripheral T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed with monoclonal antibodies via manual counting by the indirect immunofluorescence method, in type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients in DKA, controlled T2DM patients as well as normal healthy controls (NHC).There was a significant decrease in CD4+ T cells alongside a non significant increase in CD8+ T cells in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) compared to controlled T2DM patients and normal healthy controls. Ratio of CD4/CD8+ T cells was also lowest in DKA. These T cell changes in patients with DKA reflect an abnormal immunoregulatory mechanism in parallel with an impaired metabolic process and may lead to enhanced beta cell damage and increased susceptibility to DKA crisis in T2DM patients.

Keywords: Cell mediated immunity, diabetic ketoacidosis, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction, T lymphocytes.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-004, April, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

The effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the rate of gastric emptying: A prospective, randomized clinical study

Coskun Polat*, Eser Kaya, Burc Yazicioglu*,Taner Ozkececi*, Sezgin Yilmaz* andYuksel Arikan*

*Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical School, Department of Surgery,Afyonkarahisar/TURKEY

^&Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical School, Department of Nuclear Medicine,Afyonkarahisar/TURKEY

Accepted 20 January, 2012

Abstract

Following laparoscopic surgery gastrointestinal motility can change to a greater or lesser degree. Although, almost every kind of study performed about laparoscopic cholecysctectomy, gastric emptying has been evaluated in a few studies. The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to investigate the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on gastric emptying time. Twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (female/male 17/3) and 16 healthy volunteers (female/male 14/2) were enrolled into the study. Following an 8-hour fast, one minute scintigraphic images were obtained in the anterior and posterior projection immediately, and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after a 500 µCi (18 MBq) Tc99m sulphur colloid labelled egg, 2 slices of bread and 150 mL of orange juice ingestion. The gastric half emptying time (T1/2 min) was found while the patient was standing. A significant difference of gastric emptying values was found between the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the Control group (p<0.005). Gastric emptying of solid meal in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was slower than in the Control group. Although, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure, it may have an adverse effect on the gastric emptying time. In the early postoperative period, minimal abdominal discomfort and dyspepsia may occur which may be associated with the delay in gastric emptying in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Key words: Laparoscopy, gastric, emptying.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Coping appraisal and affinity towards vegetarianism among a group of civil servants of Oyo state, Nigeria

Ibrahim, Fausat Motunrayo

*Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Federal College of Forestry, P.M.B. 5087, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Email: [email protected]; Mobile Phone Number: +2348055822100

Accepted 21 November, 2011

Abstract

Vegetarianism holds great promises for attenuating the scourge of chronic human illnesses and ensuring environmental sustainability. It is gaining reputation as a responsible option. Hence, a methodical look at a seemingly under investigated, socio-psychological aspect of vegetarianism is called for. As such, self and response efficacy as well as affinity, with regards to vegetarianism were investigated among 565 government ministries employees. The mean affinity score almost bipolarized respondents as 54.9% scored above the mean while 45.1% scored below the mean. The relationship between self and response efficacy on one hand and affinity on the other is quite strong (R = 0.452; R² = 0.204; P < 0.05). Results of t- test and ANOVA shows that age, religion and education are significantly associated with affinity towards vegetarianism (P< 0.05). Being older, Muslim and highly educated are associated with better affinity towards vegetarianism. There is optimism for vegetarianism in the study area, but there is the need to strengthen campaign for ensuring same.

Keywords: Vegetarianism, affinity, coping appraisal, response efficacy, self efficacy.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Review 

Diet and lifestyle changes as preventive cost-effective strategies of interventions for chronic diseases

Elvis I. Agbonlahor, Richard O. Okaka, Loveth N. Agbonlahor

Department of Physical and Health Education, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.

Accepted 21 October, 2011

Abstract

The increase in the occurrence of nutrition related chronic diseases is alarming. It was seen that genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors are primary determinants of chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, diabetes and some specific cancers. Thus, it was therefore concluded that avoiding smoking; pursuing physical activity; consuming healthy types of fats; eating plenty of fruits and vegetables; replacing refined grains with whole grains; limiting sugar intake; limiting excessive calories and limiting sodium intake are dietary and lifestyle factors that could serve as interventions for chronic diseases. It was therefore recommended that a comprehensive national and local plans that would involve health care providers, worksites, schools, media, urban planners, all levels of food production, processing and preparation and governments should be developed to take advantage of every opportunity to encourage and promote healthy eating and active living.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, interventions, chronic diseases, diet and lifestyle.

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Case Report

Obstructive jaundice due to peripapillary diverticulum with enterolith compressing the choledochus

Erdal Karagulle¹, Huseyin Savas Gokturk², Emin Turk¹, Hakan Oguz¹, Gokhan Moray¹

¹Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.

²Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.

Accepted 13 August, 2011

Abstract

Duodenal diverticula are relatively rare and cause subtle clinical signs and symptoms. Their diagnosis is often delayed until complications develop. We present herein a patient with duodenal diverticulum (enterolith within the diverticulum) mimicking a periampullary neoplasm, who presented with obstructive jaundice. Even if complications occur, an exact preoperative diagnosis may be very difficult especially in patients with previous cancer surgery at this site.

Keywords: Duodenal diverticulum, jaundice, abdominal pain, enterolith.