AMJ

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important nosocomial infection among patients on mechanical ventilation. Modified clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) is used widely for diagnosis of VAP. There is a need for a non-invasive microbiological technique for diagnosis of VAP. The authors report a prospective study to determine the diagnostic value of semi-quantitative and quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates (EA) in VAP.

Photo by U.S. Army

Blood stream infections (BSIs) are important determinants for prolonged hospital stay and if uncontrolled, progress to become life-threatening. The aim of this study was to determine the common bacterial agents associated with BSI and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Western region of Nepal.

Photo by RedGlow82

This study emphasizes the need to target women in India in efforts to raise their awareness about HIV/AIDS and its prevention. Programs should also have strategies to dispel various false perceptions about HIV/AIDS especially in rural areas.

Photo by mckaysavage

The data from this educational intervention suggests that education can lead to a change in knowledge about HIV/AIDS but more intensive sessions may be needed to bring about a change of attitude about caring for people with AIDS.

Photo by mckaysavage

The prevalence of overweight/obesity among high school students in this study is high compared to other studies from India. There was a strong association with family history, lack of physical activity and dietary pattern. Most of the variables found to be significantly associated with overweight/obesity are modifiable.

Photo by laertes

Urolithiasis affecting the productive age group is a rapidly increasing public health problem in the UAE which has an important effect on the health care system and leads to a high economic burden on the victim. The commonest clinical manifestations reported were dependant on the anatomical location of the stone.

Photo by GreenFlames09

A baby is born every 1.25 seconds in India. Seventy-eight percent of the pregnancies in India are unplanned and at least 25% are unwanted. Every year 11 million abortions take place and at least half of these are unsafe and associated with a high morbidity and mortality. As nursing staff are an important part of health care system, it is essential to offer them training about contraception and also regularly update their knowledge with recent advances in the field .This will result in dissemination of knowledge to young girls and women, and in turn prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Photo by Gnarls Monkey

Estimation of foetal weight is important for the management of labour and decision on the type of delivery is influenced by these measurements. Clinical estimation is used in many centres in the world. Feotal weight is not measured directly, it is estimated by external palpation of foetal parts. However the team reports that the accurate of estimation weight varies depending on time, the method used, and the formula deployed for measurement.

Photo by Daquella Manera

Fetus papyraceous or compress is the compressed, mummified, parchment-like remains of a dead twin which is retained in-utero after intrauterine death in the second trimester. It is an uncommon finding. The incidence of fetus papyraceous is reported as 1 in 17,000 to 1 in 20,000 pregnancies. Incidence of fetus papyraceous in twin pregnancy is 1 in 184 to 1 in 200 pregnancies. A case of fetus papyraceous which was discovered following expulsion of a Twin at 17 weeks and 1 day of gestation with low lying placenta in a monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy is reported here.

Photo by Euthman

This case is a very unusual presentation of a complicated acute rectal prolapse dealt successfully with minimally invasive surgical approach that combined perineal bowel resections along with laparoscopy.

Photo by bethd821

The pneumatic tourniquet has been used in extremity surgery, especially in knee surgery. Both advantages and disadvantages have been reported for its use. The advantages, such as improving the surgical field and decreasing the blood loss were significant, however, disadvantages—such as increasing risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), nerve and muscle injuries—made its use controversial. In this review the authors evaluate the impact of the tourniquet on knee surgery, briefly focusing on its advantages and disadvantages in order to offer surgeons a balanced view on the issue.

Photo by mikebaird

Dr. Chris Quirk, dermatologist reviews the clinical aspects of skin cancer within an Australian context

Photo by NASA Goddard photo and video

Graham Brimage reviews the issue of advising people on the dangers of UV radiation within the context of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Photo by mikebaird

David Plowright advises on the technical considerations when planning for the provision of adequate shade in open spaces.

 Photo by di_the-huntress