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Background Although neonatal jaundice is a global health issue, the epidemiology of this disorder remains poorly understood in Bhutan. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of neonatal jaundice among neonates in Punakha District Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan. Methods This cross-sectional study included 180 neonate–mother pairs registered/admitted to Punakha District Hospital between 2019 and 2020 by employing a population-based sampling technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. Results The prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 33% and 47% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Medical problems during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.33 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.10 to 10.31]), neonatal complications (AOR 6.59 [95% CI 1.27 to 34.16]), maternal B blood group (AOR 5.22 [95% CI 1.16 to 23.50]) and maternal O blood group (AOR 2.34 [95% CI 1.03 to 5.33]) were significantly associated with neonatal jaundice. However, neonates born via caesarean section were 92% less likely to get jaundice compared with their vaginally born counterparts (AOR 0.078 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.67]). Conclusions A high prevalence of neonatal jaundice was found in this study. Effective management of maternal medical problems during pregnancy, preventing neonatal complications, vigilant monitoring of neonates born to mothers with B and O blood groups and vaginal delivery are critical to prevent severe hyperbilirubinemia and its associated morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RAD51 from the cluster genes which have a vital role in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma. Present study aimed to analysed polymorphisms of RAD5 single nucleotide 1(rs2619679, rs2928140 and rs1801320) and their relationship to breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) in Iraqi population. Methods: This study included, 35 females with BC, 35 females with OC, who were diagnostic histopathologicaly, and 30 healthy females as control. Three SNPs (rs2619679, rs2928140 and rs1801320) of RAD51 were selected for genotyping by using the polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Statistically differences were found in the distribution of AA and TT genotypes and A/T alleles for rs2619679 in BC (p<0.05) so GG and CC genotypes and G/C alleles for rs2928140. Whereas distribution of genotypes and alleles for rs1801320 not reflect significant differences (p>0.05) between BC and control but mutant genotype GG and mutant allele G appeared in highest frequency (42%, 57%) in BC. Statistically changes of RAD51 SNPs for OC were found in the incidence of AA and T alleles for rs2619679 (p<0.05) so, GG and CC genotypes and G/C alleles for rs2928140 but distribution of genotypes and alleles for rs1801320 not reproduce significant differences (p>0.05) between OC and control but mutant genotype GG and mutant allele G appeared in OC with highest rate (45%, 59%). Mutant genotype/allele of rs2619679 (TT/T), rs2928140(CC/C) and rs1801320 (GG/G) appeared as effective factors for cancer with acceptable rate for diagnosis of BC and OC. Conclusion: mutation in RAD51 SNPs (rs2619679, rs2928140, rs1801320) associated with increases the possibility of BC and OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may affect DNA repair efficiency and may contribute to the risk of developing cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RAD51 (rs2619679, rs2928140, and rs5030789) and XRCC3 (rs1799796) involved in DNA double-strand break repair and their relationship to prostate cancer. The study group included 99 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 205 cancer-free controls. SNP genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. A significant association was detected between RAD51 rs5030789 polymorphism and XRCC3 rs1799796 polymorphism and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Our results indicate that RAD51 and XRCC3 polymorphism may contribute to prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder with many countries as scientifically silent and little-to-nothing known on various aspects of epilepsy. Methods: Taking background of a first multinational seminar on epilepsy in Bhutan and a short valid questionnaire pertaining to various aspects of epilepsy, before participation. Results: Large participation was achieved (76 out of 87 approached, 87.3%; 53.0% males). Based on the responses of 76.0% lecturers and clinician and medical administration, 21.0% nurses, and 3.0% traditional practitioners, important derivations were obtained: positively, (a) event provided at least an opportunity to bring service providers at a common platform toward initiating particular epilepsy goals, (b) none regarded epilepsy as contagious or due to past sins, (c) all responded favorably to that "they found this event useful' and 'this event added something meaningful to them personally or professionally," (d) large participation indicated acceptance, need, and common interest among a number of stakeholders. Negatively, significant knowledge-deficit was noted: for 38.4% electroencephalogram is essential for diagnosis, 48.0% responded with incorrect definition of epilepsy, etc. Conclusions: Events, such as this, provides, for scientifically silent countries, basis for not only bringing service providers to a common platform but also to discuss to initiate particular epilepsy goals, to provide additional professional knowledge for strengthening service development, and to determine need and social acceptance around epilepsy. Important knowledge deficit was identified which cannot be fully explained through lack of time or limited training. There might be a need to reappraise the approach to teaching medical professionals about epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]