7.6% of Indian subjects have significant GERD symptoms. Consumption of non-vegetarian foods was an independent predictor of GERD. BMI was comparable among subjects with or without GERD.

The aim of this position statement is to reinforce the key points of hygiene in digestive endoscopy. The present article details the minimum hygiene requirements for reprocessing of endoscopes and endoscopic devices, regardless of the reprocessing method (automated washer-disinfector or manual cleaning) and the endoscopy setting (endoscopy suite, operating room, elective or emergency procedures). These minimum requirements are mandatory for patient safety. Both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies should be carried out in an environment that is safe for patients and staff. Particular attention is given to contaminants. Procedural errors in decontamination, defective equipment, and failure to follow disinfection guidelines are major factors contributing to transmission of infection during endoscopy. Other important risk factors include inadequate cleaning, use of older endoscopes with surface and working channel irregularities, and contamination of water bottles or irrigating solutions. Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms have become an increasing problem in health-care systems worldwide. Since 2010, outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have been reported from the USA, France, Germany, and The Netherlands. In many endoscopy units in Asia and the Middle East, reprocessing procedures have lagged behind those of Western countries for cultural reasons or lack of financial resources. This inconsistency in standards is now being addressed, and the World Endoscopy Organization has prepared this position statement to highlight key points for quality assurance in any endoscopy unit in any country.

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Introduction Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in low socioeconomic country like Pakistan. There are various factors responsible for UTI, one major factor being diabetes. This study aims to compare diabetic and non-diabetic patients, for gender association, symptoms, and organisms, with UTI. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the medicine ward of tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from January 2019 to December 2019. For urine analysis, freshly voided 5-10 ml of clean midstream urine specimens was collected in a sterile container. Samples were sent to the lab immediately, A colony count of ≥10 5 CFU/ml was considered for the diagnosis of UTI. Culture was done if UTI was diagnosed. Results The overall incidence of UTI in participants of the diabetic group was significantly higher than those in the non-diabetic group (13.67% vs 6.40%; P=0.004). Escherichia coli was the most common organism in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups (60% vs 72%; P=0.73). Frequency of Klebsiella was considerably higher in the participants of diabetes but it was not significant (23.3% vs 11.1%; P=0.29). Conclusion UTI was significantly higher in the diabetic population compared to the non-diabetic population. Since diabetes is prevalent in Pakistan, care of diabetes should include reducing the risk factors for UTI.

As per faecal examination the incidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infection in goats was 80 per cent. The percentage of infections was highest in monsoon season followed by winter and summer season. Susceptibility to the infection was highest in older age groups (>24 months age) followed by adult goat (12.1-24 months age) and kid (1-12 months age). The infection percentage in female is slightly high as compared to the male goats due to maintenance and production stress. Majority of the goats were suffering from mix infection of Haemonchus species, Trichostrongylus species, Stongyloides species, Oesophagostomum spp., amphistomes and Fasciola spp. with some cases of Trichuris spp., Bunostomum spp. and Moniezia spp. Ivermectin and Clorsulon was found to be most effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode parasites as compared to Closantel and Fenbendazole. Members of the Research Forum RCH RESE ARTICLEClick www.researchjournal.co.in/online/subdetail.html to purchase.

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Introduction: Lower serum 25 (0H) Vitamin D is associated with decreased lung function in healthy population and various lung disease. Information on the relationship of levels of serum 25 (OH) Vitamin D with severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is important in standardizing the treatment, in planning appropriate follow up and improving quality of life. This study also warranted further trial to assess the effect of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D on morbidity and mortality in COPD patients. Material and Methods: It was a prospective (observational), cross-sectional study which included all patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) attended the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, People's College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, over a period of 1 year 6 months. Results: The mean serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level in COPD patients was 27.86±16.47 ng/ml. There was no significant difference in serum 25 (OH) vitamin D between patients in different age groups. The serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels varied significantly between different GOLD stages and different mMRC dyspnea grades. The patient who had a history of admission for twice or more in the past 1 year had a lower mean serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level as compared to patient with just one or no hospitalization in the past. Conclusion: Decrease serum 25(0H) vitamin D levels were associated with increase airway obstruction.