Introduction People with migraine often report being osmophobic, both during and between acute migraine attacks. It is not clear, however, whether such reports are associated with changes in olfaction such as hyperosmia, as measured by psychophysical testing. In this case-control study we quantitatively assessed olfactory identification ability, which correlates with threshold tests of olfactory acuity, in patients with migraine at baseline (no headache), during migraine episodes, and after a treated attack and compared the test scores to those of matched control subjects. Methods Fifty episodic migraine subjects and 50 and sex- and age-matched controls without headache were tested. All completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized and well-validated olfactory test. Results At baseline, the UPSIT scores did not differ significantly between the migraine and control study groups (median paired score difference: −1, p = 0.18). During migraine attacks, a minority of migraine subjects (eight of 42) developed microsmia (i.e. lower test scores by at least four points), suggesting that, as compared to their matched controls, olfactory acuity was somewhat impaired during migraine attacks ( p = 0.02). This difference was less pronounced and not statistically significant after a successfully treated attack ( p = 0.15). Discussion People with episodic migraine were found to have similar olfactory function as age- and sex-matched controls, but a minority exhibit microsmia or hyposmia during acute attacks. The cause of this dysfunction is unknown, but could relate to autonomic symptoms, limbic system activation, or disorders of higher order sensory processing.

Background: Growing urbanization and lifestyle changes lead people to dine away from home more often, contributing to the unregulated opening of eating establishments that often have inadequate hygiene conditions. Hence a study was undertaken to know prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers of Bagalkot city, Karnataka, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among food handlers of 46 food establishments enlisted in Bagalkot hotel and refreshment association. A total of 266 food handlers were interviewed using proforma regarding sociodemographic data and personal hygiene followed by stool examination for intestinal parasites. Results: Out of 266 food handlers, 39 (14.7%) were tested positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Most common parasite isolated was A. Lumbricoides (5.3%) followed by E. Histolytica (1.5%), Giardia (1.5%), T. Solium (0.8%), T. Trichura (0.8%) and H. Nana (0.8%). Mixed infections constituted 4.1%.Female gender, rural residence and socioeconomic status and personal hygiene was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusions: Strict hygienic practices, complete treatment of infected persons and regular surveillance is important for controlling intestinal parasitic infections.

Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is the world's second leading cause of long-term disability with many serious economic and social consequences affecting many young working adults of both sexes. An estimated 49 million individuals in India are infected with LF of these, over 23 million people suffer from chronic forms of filariasis. The present study was conducted to assess the program effectiveness of the 2-drug strategy in terms of awareness of MDA, source of information of MDA and the adverse effects due to DEC. Objectives: To evaluate the MDA Programme with respect to its awareness, source of information of MDA and the adverse effects due to DEC. Materials and Methods: A Community based Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in Bijapur District. One ur-ban and three rural clusters were selected randomly out of four clusters. All the sampled eligible population who belong to the MDA campaign area were included. Data was collected using pretested proforma, entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed using free version of OPENEpi software. Results: In the present study out of 713 study population, 67.6% of the population were in the age group of 14-60 years. Male to female ratio was equal. 66.48% of the study population were from rural area and 33.52% were from urban area. 98.39% of them did not experience any side effects. 84% of the study subjects were not aware about MDA. Conclusions: The awareness of MDA was very minimum. Side effects of DEC was also less. Key words: Mass drug administration, Lymphatic Filariasis, DEC

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