Journal of Local and Global Health Science - Volume 2014, Issue 1

The cancer of the skin is an increasing problem for public health worldwide. The fair skin populations that are environmentally or occupationally exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV)-radiation are the most affected. Intensive research investigating the molecular mechanisms of skin cancer is ongoing, however the role of noncoding RNAs in the pathology of cutaneous cell carcinoma is not fully understood. Accumulating evidence show that miRNAs play an important role in physiologic, pathologic and carcinogenic processes but their role in epithelial skin cancers (i.e. basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) was to date not sufficiently highlighted. MiRNAs are single-stranded small RNAs which specifically target mRNAs for translational repression and/or mRNA decay. In this review we focus on the latest findings in this area of research reviewing the newest research trends and perspectives.

Advances in telecommunication are continuously improving modalities of telemedicine. We present the use of WhatsApp Messenger as an alternative method in telemedicine. Based on a surgical consultation case in Saudi Arabia, the use of the instant messaging service allowed for a fast consultation and saved the patient travel time and expenses. Thus, we recommend the use of WhatsApp as a more efficient method in teleconsultation, especially in cases when the patient is still present with the physician.

Background: In recent decades the Ingessana Hills, namely the Bao and Jam areas located in the Southwest of the Blue Nile State in Sudan, have been very important areas due to their mining activities. By releasing bio-monitoring systems we can facilitate extensive evaluation of environmental hazards and their impact on human health. Methods: Measurement of the levels of mineral elements traces in villagers' blood samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy and the automated haematology analyser, then comparing them with the control samples taken from the Khartoum State (which has no mining activities). Results: The concentrations of chromium, iron, copper, and cobalt residuals in blood were evaluated regarding sex and location. We found that chromium and iron in the three different areas was P < 0.05, iron values were found to be within the normal ranges. Serum level of chromium in the Jam area population was P < 0.05, copper and cobalt were P>0.05; and the values were found to be in normal reference range, except for chromium which was found to be slightly increased in Jam area. Sex has no influence on chromium, copper and cobalt, but iron was higher in males than females (P>0.05). The haematological values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were P>0.05 in the Bao and Jam areas. These values among sex groups did not show significant differences except for haemoglobin, which was found to be higher in male groups. Conclusion: The study confirmed that people who reside in the Jam area are exposed to high levels of chromium. This may occur through many routes of exposure, including drinking water (ground water), ingesting food enriched with chromium, or by inhaling dust or fumes that come from chromium mineralisation companies.

Background: Childhood obesity rates in the United States have skyrocketed thus making it a major public health concern. The impact of childhood obesity is also reflected on the economic status of the country and is leading to increased health care spending. Public health policies, laws and other intervention policies can have a substantial impact on preventing and reducing childhood obesity rates. Public health policies play a crucial role in changing the physical and social environment to promote healthy behavior. The purpose of this article was to conduct a narrative review of childhood obesity as a public health issue of prime importance and address some of the public health policies implemented at the federal and the state level which can assist in the development and implementation of future policies related to childhood obesity prevention. Methods: In order to collect materials for this review a detailed open search of various databases was carried out and relevant articles were narratively summarized. Results: Lobbying and advocacy efforts to prevent and reduce childhood obesity can encourage policymakers and public healthcare practitioners to devise effective public health policy interventions to address this very important public health issue. Conclusions: A multidimensional approach to childhood obesity has increased the importance of comprehensive and coordinated public health policies targeted to address this issue. Future policy recommendations are also mentioned in conclusion of this review.

Objective: Assess changes in height-weight chart development patterns in children enrolled in a nutritional intervention program. Materials and methods: 188 children (83 girls and 105 boys) in the 6-months to 7-years age group were followed for 18 months. We performed an assessment of nutritional profile based on body mass index and cumulative variation of weight and height, anthropometric data of mid arm circumference, arm muscle area, and tricipital skin fold. Results: Mean cumulative weight-height gain was 4.8 kg and 0.63 cm/month for the boys, and 5.2 kg and 0.66 cm/month for the girls (p < 0.05). Body mass index increased throughout follow-up. Arm muscle area and tricipital skin fold increased significantly during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Nutritional intervention for 15 months was sufficient to cause changes in the development pattern of children between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, showing that the values obtained became normal over time. Based on the data obtained in this study, we conclude that children, regardless of their classification according to different nutritional assessment indices, respond satisfactory in terms of linear growth and associated height-weight development, after receiving calorie-protein nutritional adjustments.

Organ transplantation in the Middle East and North Africa has evolved to serve two major needs. The first is to sustain life where severe disease or disorders would mean death without organ replacement as in congenital heart disease. The second need is to provide cost-effective treatment and a quality of life without constant tertiary care and maintenance treatment. Renal transplantation caused by chronic kidney disease and failure is one such example. Qatar in the Middle East and North Africa is one of six countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Arabian Gulf Region, which has developed an active transplant program. It has one main challenge as other global nations, namely a disparity between organ availability and need, or supply and demand. A survey of university students' and employees' awareness of organ transplantation and donation was completed in 2013 at Education City, Doha, Qatar. Three hundred out of four hundred surveys were returned, or 75% of the total distributed. A literature review was carried out and comparisons made to the subsequent findings. Participants comprised 89% students and 11% employees.

Of the participants, 90.6% were aware that donated organs were potentially life saving, and 72.7% knew about brain death. While most figures seemed comparable to other regional results, two significantly new findings emerged. More females (62.3%) than males (47.1%) believed that Islam supported organ donation, and 72.4% believed that there was no conflict between their faith and organ donation. Awareness campaigns and use of social media were thought to be the most effective way of disseminating organ donation knowledge.