Delayed Ejaculation: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a poorly defined and uncommon form of male sexual dysfunction, characterized by a marked delay in ejaculation or an inability to achieve ejaculation. It is often quite concerning to patients and their partners, and sometimes frustrates couples' attempts to conceive. This article aims to review the pathophysiology of DE and anejaculation (AE), to explore our current understanding of the diagnosis, and to present the treatment options for this condition. Electronic databases were searched from 1966 to October 2017, including PubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase. We combined “delayed ejaculation,” “retarded ejaculation,” “inhibited ejaculation,” or “anejaculation” as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms or keywords with “epidemiology,” “etiology,” “pathophysiology,” “clinical assessment,” “diagnosis,” or “treatment.” Relevant sexual medicine textbooks were searched as well. The literature suggests that the pathophysiology of DE/AE is multifactorial, including both organic and psychosocial factors. Despite the many publications on this condition, the exact pathogenesis is not yet known. There is currently no single gold standard for diagnosing DE/AE, as operationalized criteria do not exist. The history is the key to the diagnosis. Treatment should be cause-specific. There are many approaches to treatment planning, including various psychological interventions, pharmacotherapy, and specific treatments for infertile men. An approved form of drug therapy does not exist. A number of approaches can be employed for infertile men, including the collection of nocturnal emissions, prostatic massage, prostatic urethra catheterization, penile vibratory stimulation, probe electroejaculation, sperm retrieval by aspiration from either the vas deferens or the epididymis, and testicular sperm extraction.

Characterization of the hemocytes of susceptible and resistant biomphalaria alexandrina snail

The internal defense system consists of soluble components of hemolymph and circulating cells known as hemocytes. The circulating hemocytes play a central role in innate immunity. This work aimed to study the hemocytes of both susceptible and resistant B. alexandrina snails exposed to and mansoni infection using light and electron microscopes. Two tested groups were included in the study; 60 susceptible and 60 resistant B. alexandrina snails. Both tested groups were studied as regad the hemocyte count [before and after infection] and the morphological characteristics of both circulating and tissue hemocytes by light and electron microscopes. Before infection, there was no significant difference between the two groups as regard the hemocyte count, however after infection, there is a significant decrease in the circulating hemocytes of the resistant group. Light microscopy revealed five morphological types of circulating cells of both susceptible and resistant snails. Regarding scannig electron microscopy, hemocytes of susceptible snails appeared rounded with smooth or slightly rough surface. However, that of the resistant snails appeared irregular in shaped with corrugated surface. Furthermore, Light microscopy and the transmission electron microscopy revealed signs of cell activation in the hemocytes of the resistant group. The circulating hemocytes consist of five cell types in both susceptible and resistant B. alexandarina and morphologies of these cells are quite similar, but with more signs of cell activations in the resistant group. More specific studies on the functional activities of the hemocytes and mechanisms that may affect or influence the susceptibily and/or non-susceptibility of molluscs to invade microorganisms is essential and how they an act in the immune response

The Effect of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells on Lung Regeneration and Apoptosis in a Simple Model of Pulmonary Emphysema

BACKGROUND: In severe chronic stages of emphysema the only treatment is lung transplantation. SO, an urgent need exists for the development of effective treatments. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach. AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate whether bone marrow mononuclar cells (BMMNCs) can promote lung regeneration and decrease apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pulmonary emphysema in C57Bl/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 weeks old female mice (C57Bl/6), weighing around 25 g were used in this study. The mice were divided into 4 groups (10 in each group): group A: mice received no treatment, group B: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS with no further treatment, group C: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of BMMNCs and evaluated 21 days later and group D: the mice that received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and evaluated 21 days later. Imaging analysis was done using imagej program. To measure apoptotic index, Anti-caspase 3 polyclonal antibody staining was done. RESULTS: Analysis of the mean of airspace equivalent diameters (D0) and its statistical distribution (D1) for the different groups allowed to observe that group treated with BMMNCs (group C) showed the significant improvement in D0 and D1 than the group received LPS only (group B). Analysis of apoptotic index showed significant difference between BMMNCs treated group (group C) and that received LPS only (group B). CONCLUSIONS: BMMNCs effectively promote lung regeneration and reduction of apoptosis in pulmonary emphysema.

Assessment of the osteogenic potential of alendronate on isolated adipose-derived stem cells: an ex-vivo and in-vivo study

Tissue engineering relies on the principle that mesenchymal stem cells are capable of differentiating to optimize almost all craniofacial structures. Temporary biomimetic scaffolds are necessary for accommodating cell growth and tissue genesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alendronate on adipose-derived stem cells [ADSCs] from dogs and to compare bone regeneration in critical-sized calvarial bone defect in dogs using ADSCs in the presence and the absence of locally delivered alendronate. Seven dogs were used for the study. After isolating the adipose tissue from the inguinal pad of fat, stem cells were harvested and expanded in culture. The effect of alendronate 1 mg/ml on stem cells' osteogenic differentiation was tested for 7 days. Three critical-sized calvarial defects were created in each dog. One defect was filled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold and soaked in an osteogenic media, the second was fi lled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold and soaked with osteogenic medium, and the third one was fi lled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold. Bone formation was tested histologically after 8 weeks in each defect. Alendronate is capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs after 7 days of in-vitro culture. Bones such as trabeculae were deposited in alendronate and osteogenic medium defects, whereas the control group showed only fibrous tissue formation. There was no statistically significant difference in the surface area of the deposited bone trabeculae between the alendronate group and the osteogenic medium group. The surface area of individual bone trabeculae in this group was 147.99 +/- 14.803 compared with the osteogenic group. Alendronate may be used locally at a concentration of 10 mg/ml to induce osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of a local, short-term alendronate treatment with ADSCs and biodegradable chitosan scaffold enhances the bone repair of a critical-sized calvarial defect in vivo

Role of fish oil in gasoline vapor-induced lung damage in adult male albino rats

Background: Exposure to gasoline vapor is known to produce oxidative stress and induce pulmonary diseases. Fish oil was found to play a role in the prevention of chronic lung diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Aim of the study: To study the role of fish oil in lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation in male adult albino rats

Materials and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of 20 rats each: control, gasoline-exposed, gasoline+fish oil-concomitant, and fish oil-treated groups. The rats of the control group were subjected to fresh air, whereas rats of the gasoline-exposed group were exposed to gasoline vapor for 10 weeks. Rats of the concomitant group received 0.5 ml/kg fish oil orally daily while being exposed to gasoline vapor. Rats of the fish oil-treated group only received fish oil. Right and left lungs were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, respectively

Results: Lung tissues of gasoline vapor-exposed rats showed collapsed alveoli, thick interalveolar septa, inflammatory cell infiltration, intra-alveolar exudates, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and hypocellularity. Rats of the concomitant group showed a marked reduction in these pathological features

Conclusion: There is evidence that fish oil can ameliorate lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation

Impact of urinary growth hormone/insulin growth factor-i on the development of nephropathy in early-onset and long-term diabetic children

Growth hormone [GH], insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I], IGF-binding protein [GH/IGF/IGFBP] axis has been suggested both to maintain normal renal function and to play an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy [DN], in patients with type 1 diabetes [T1D]. Nephromegaly [NM] and microalbuminuria [MA] are early markers of DN. Study the role of urinary concentrations of GH and IGF-I in the development of DN, in children and adolescents suffering T1D, A total of 50 children and adolescents with T1D of 6-14 years old were recruited from the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, 23 were males and 27 were females. Subjects were divided into two groups; 20 with early-onset diabetes and 30 with long-term diabetes. Both groups were subjected to history-taking, clinical examination including body mass index [BMI], pubertal staging according to the rating of Tanner[1], assessment of glycemic control, measurement of kidney volume [KV], as a marker of glomerular hypertrophy, by ultrasonography [U/S]. The overall rate of MA and NM accounted for 20% [10/50] and 26% [13/50], respectively, being more detected in long-term diabetics than that in patients with early-onset diabetes, with significant difference. Long-term diabetics had significantly higher albumin excretion rate [AER] and urinary GH and IGF-I concentrations than that in early-onset diabetics. The mean BMI, pubertal duration, urinary GH and urinary IGF-I were significantly higher among diabetics positive for MA than that among diabetics negative for MA. our data, which reflect increased mean urinary GH / IGF-I production, strengthen the evidence of an association between GH and MA and NM and also implicate urinary GH/ IGF-I in DN, particularly in children and adolescents with long-term diabetes, increased pubertal duration and poor glycemic contro

Phytochemical and biological study of Eranthemum nervosum [Vahl] R. BR., cultivated in Egypt

Fractionation and purification of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Eranthemum nervosum [Vahl] R. Br. [Acanthaceae] cultivated in Egypt yielded eleven compounds named: beta- amyrin [1], alpha-amyrin [2], Lupeol [3], beta-sitosterol [4], Apigenin [5], Kaempferol [6], beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside [7], Benzoic acid [8], Kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside [9], Syringin [10] and Apigenin 7-O-neohesperidoside [11]. Identification of these compounds has been established by physical, chemical and spectral data as well as comparison with authentic samples. The LD50; anti-inflammatory; antipyretic; hepatoprotective and the effect on CNS were studied

Safe injection practices among health care workers at Ain-Shams university hospitals

Injection safety of is an important health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In absence of safety, the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases increases. To assess safe injection practices among healthcare workers at Ain Shams university hospitals. A descriptive study was conducted and 382 healthcare workers were observed using a checklist based on the World Health Organization definitions. The logistic supply of disposable syringes is provided through the health administration of the hospital in about 90% of the observed cases. Most of the observed healthcare workers used a new syringe and needle from sterile sealed packet for each injection [92.4%] and for each reconstitution [85.6%]. Injection practices less commonly performed were hand washing [44.2%], skin cleaning before injection [40%], use of antiseptic before injection [30.9%], use of protective gloves during injection [20.4%], proper needle handling prior to disposal [12.8%], safe needle disposal [41.6%], and safe syringe disposal [43.2%]. Physicians were adherent to some safe injection practices more than nurses. These practices are cleaning of skin before injection, the use of antiseptic for cleaning the skin before injection, the use of protective gloves during injection, and proper needle handling prior to disposal. The study reflects some areas of compliance to the international safe injection practices. On the other hand, it has documented various practices in Ain-Shams University hospitals which do not meet safe injection standards. Thus, attention should be given to training and regular supervision of health care workers

Prognostic value of MYB [6q23] deletion in sample of Egyptian B-cell patients

To assess the incidence and prognostic significance of MYB gene [6q23] deletion among a sample of Egyptian B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia [B-CLL] patients and to con elate it with other established prognostic factors This study was conducted on 63 newly diagnosed Egyptian B-CLL patients attending Am Shams University Hospitals. Fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] using locus specific identifier MYB [6q23] probe was applied on peripheral blood/bone marrow samples and was correlated with different established prognostic factors. Follow up was done through a period of 48 months to evaluate disease outcome. 6 patients had MYB deletion. All of them showed lymphocyte doubling time [LDT] more than 12 months and were CD38 positive. 83 3% of patients were good responders to therapy and none of these I atents died. B-CLL patients who were positive for MYB [6q23] deletion represent a cytogenetic entity associated with CD38 positivity and LDT>12 months They were considered as an intermediate risk group

possible protective effect of corticosteroids on bleomycin induced pulmonary toxicity light and electron microscopic study

Bleomycin is an antitumor antibiotic having a high significant activity and wide use in the clinical field. The most serious adverse reaction to bleornycin therapy is the life-threatening pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis. Was to study the effect of bleomycin injection with and without corticosteroid on the lung of adult male albino rat using light and electron microscopy. 30 adult male albino rats were used dividing into two main groups; group A [control group], group B [experimental group] included 20 rats, ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for four weeks and ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for 4 weeks in concomitant with daily i.m. injection of 0.4 mg of prednisolone for the same period. Bleomycin treatment induced variable degrees of lung injury disrupting the normal architecture. Overexpansion of alveoli alternating with collapse of others, congestion of blood vessels, cellular infiltration and fibrosis were all observed. Ultrastructurally, pneumocyte II showing disrupted mitochondria and destruction of lamellar bodies. Pneurnocytes type II were predominant replacing the disappeared pneumocyte type I in the alveolar lining. Activation of alveolar macrophages and deposition of collagen fibres in the interstitial tissue were all noticed. Concomitant use of bleomycin with pridnisolone revealed the same histological changes. Only the pneumocyte type II proliferation was less and increase in collagen fibers deposition was not observed comparing with control. Corticosteroids inhibited or at least delayed pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin treatment

Macro- and micromorphological study of the leaf, stem and inflorescence of eranthemum nervosum T. anders [fam. Acanthaceae], cultivated in Egypt

Many ornamental plants belonging to the family Acanthaceae, showed interesting medicinal activities in treating: cough, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, jaundice, ear troubles and fever. In addition to treatment of some skin diseases. In the present work, the detailed macro- and micromorphological characters of the leaf stem and inflorescence of Eranthemum nervosum T. Anders family Acanthaceae, were studied with the aim to find out the diagnostic elements of these organs, which facilitate their identification in both entire and powdered forms

study of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors in falls among the elderly

The aim of this study is to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors involved in falls in elderly focusing on the kinematic, temporal and phasic characteristics of gait using the 2-dimentional motion analysis system. One hundred elderly fallers, 100 elderly non fallers matched for age and sex and 50 apparently healthy young individuals were subjected to the following to achieve the purpose of the study: a questionnaire which was developed to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls, clinical evaluation of neuromuscular system, functional performance tests, visual examinations, routine laboratory investigations, radiological investigations and two dimensional gait analysis. There was a significant difference as regard the time of fall in favor of daytime [P<0.001]. Higher frequency of falls in elderly with neurological insult, impaired cognitive functions, multiorgan affection and those receiving higher number of medications [P<0.001]. All members of both elderly groups complaining from osteoarthritis [OA] knees, there was a significantly higher number of fallers in higher grades of radiological severity [P<0.001]. Also, higher incidence of knee and ankle joint synovitis in fallers [P<0.001] As regard the antigravity muscle power, there was a highly significant [P<0.001] weakness in four groups tested in fallers. There were highly significant differences [P<0.001] as regard heel rise, toe rise and timed up and go tests of functional performance, denoting the possibility of using these tests as screening for predilection of falls. As regard the visual parameters, there was a significantly higher incidence [P<0.001] of poor vision, cataractus lenses and constricted field of vision in fallers group. Examination of averaged hip, knee and ankle joints kinematics showed significant differences [P<0.001], [P<0.05] between groups, except for knee joint extension at terminal stance [P>0.05]. There was insignificant difference [P>0.05] between non fallers and fallers elderly groups except for hip joint extension at terminal stance, knee joint flexion at initial swing and ankle joint planter flexion at preswing [P<0.05]. As regard the results of general phasic and temporal gait parameters among the three groups, showed highly significant difference of all parameters [P<0.001]. From these results we can concluded that, most of the falls occur at the daytime while the elderly is moving and for those receiving higher numbers of medications. Elderly complaining from neurological, visual, musculoskeletal and multiorgan disorders are more prone to fall. Timed up and go [TUG], heel rise and toe rise tests are advisable as screening tools to predict falls in elderly. Limited hip extension at terminal stance, limited knee flexion at initial swing, limited ankle planter flexion at preswing, increased temporal parameters and decreased stride length, step length, cadence and velocity have a significant role in fall in elderly

field study of the prevalence, sources, and health effects of job stress among employees in Ain Shams University

Job stress is an increasingly important occupational problem and a significant cause of economic loss. of this study were to determine the prevalence and sources of job stress among employees in Ain Shams University and to identify the relation between job stress and the general health of the employees in Ain Shams University. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the study population consisted of employees working in different faculties of Ain Shams University. Subjects were considered eligible if they were working in the same department for at least one year. 1134 employees accepted to participate in the study out of 5795, their age ranged from 17 to 59 years old [mean +/- SD = 40.2 +/- 9.6years], 267 [33.8%] of which were males and 718 [66.2%] were females. Employees were interviewed using Occupational Stress Index [OSI] then measuring stress related health effects using a self administered of the 28-item of General Health Questionnaire [GHQ]. revealed that the majority of the participating employee [80.1%] has stress scores between 25% and 50% of the total stress score, which can be considered mild stress. Regarding stress dimensions; [under load, extrinsic time pressure and strictness] were more common stressors for those employees than [high job demand, disaster potential, noxious exposures and job conflict]. Correlation between general health dimensions and total stress score revealed that [somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia and severe depression] are more significant in employees with higher stress scores [P < 0.0001]. Whereas there is no statistically significant correlation between social dysfunction and total stress score [P > 0.05]. Field study found that 80.1% of participating employees has mild stress. The main sources of stress were under load, extrinsic time pressure and strictness. There was positive correlation between general health dimensions [somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia and severe depression] and total stress score. These findings suggest that: improving working environment and helping employees cope with job stress, are needed to keep them mentally healthy and productive

Synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-thiouracil derivatives with analgesic, antiinflamatory and antipyretic activities

This study aims at the synthesis and evaluation of chemotherapeutic activity of a number of 5-substituted 2-thiouracils. Thiourea was reacted with ethyl cyanoacetate or ethyl acetoacetate and benzaldehyde or indole-3 carboxaldehyde in ethanolic sodium ethoxide producing thiouracils 1 and 2. The later was condensed with p-anisaldehyde in alcoholic NaOH giving a chalcone derivative 3 [Claisen-Schemidt reaction]. Compound 1 was chlorinated with POCI3 producing a chloroderivative 4 which inturn was reacted with 4-aminoantipyrine in presence of pyridine giving compound 5. In another pathway 2-thiouracil was chlorosulphonated giving a chlorosulphonyl derivative 6 which was reacted with p-aminobenzoic acid or 4-aminoantipyrine giving compounds 7 and 8 respectively. Finally 2-thiouracil was condensed with Paraformal-dehyde and 4-aminoantipyrine giving the Mannich base 9. The tested compounds were analogous to Metamizole sodium Novalgin and indomethacine, the incorporation of 2-thiouracil ring into antipyrine and indole ring might increase their activities. Here we proved that 2-thiouracil nucleus alone has a potent activity. This is exemplified by compound 7 which satisfied most requirements of analgesic activity

Arthroscopic microfracture of chondral ulcers in osteoarthritis of the knee joint: a comparison of two postoperative rehabilitation programs

A hypothesis was put that the treatment of focal, full-thickness chondral defects in cases of non-deformed symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by an identical method of arthroscopic microfracture but with different postoperative regimens would not produce similar results. A randomized prospective clinical study in which the postoperative management was the major variable. Eighty six patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee joint treated over a six-year period [1999-2005] with a focal 2-3 cm2, full thickness, and solitary degenerative chondral lesion. They had arthroscopic microfractures distributed with 3-4 mm intervals. Postoperatively one group was treated with non-weight bearing and continuous passive knee mobilization for 6 weeks [group I]. The other group was allowed weight bearing as tolerated and did not use CPM but used active knee mobilization from full extension to the maximum knee flexion as tolerated [group II]. Evaluation was done based on subjective and objective criteria in comparison with the preoperative record, and was tabulated using Lysholm and Tegner knee scores. Results were compared using an independent t-test, or f-square test with significance assumed for p<0.05. 12 patients were lost to follow up leaving only 76 patients for evaluation with an average 5-years follow up period. The mean age was 50 years, and there were 28 males, and 46 females at the final follow up. For group I, Lysholm scores were 52 preoperative, 78 postoperative, and Tegner scores were 2 and 4, respectively. Group II Lysholm scores were 52 preoperative, 80 postoperative, and Tegner scores were 2 and 4, respectively. No statistically significant differences between groups were noted. In relatively small degenerative chondral defects treated by arthroscopic microfracture, this study found no difference in results comparing two rehabilitation programs differing by weight bearing status and use of CPM. Level III, Case Control Study

Markers of type II collagen synthesis and degradation as a predictor of radiographic progression in knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum PIIANP and urinary CTXII as a parameters of type II collagen synthesis and degradation, respectively, in patients with OA knees and to investigate whether the use of these two molecular markers could predict the progression of joint damage evaluated by radiography during a period of 3 years. Sixty patients had symptomatic primary knee OA of Kellgren-Lawrence [K-L] grade I-III and met ACR criteria. These patients were evaluated prospectively for 3 years. Serum PIIANP and urinary CTX-II levels were measured by ELISA at baseline and at study end and their levels compared according to the changes in joint space width [JSW], K-L grade and WOMAC index, over 3 years. Also, we assessed the diagnostic value of those molecular markers and their performance for prediction of radiological progression. Serum and urinary levels also compared with 40 matched healthy subjects as a control group. There were significant decrease in the baseline serum PIIANP [P<0.001] and increase in the baseline urinary excretion of CTX-II [P<0.001] in knee OA patients in comparison with the control, in bilateral than unilateral cases [P<0.05], [P<0.05] and also with increasing the K-L radiological severity of the disease [P<0.05], [P<0.001], respectively. There were significant decrease in the mean baseline serum PIIANP and highly significant increase in the mean baseline urinary excretion of CTXII in progressors [JSW narrowing > 0.5 mm] and in patients showed increase in K-L grading either of the signal or both knees [P<0.05], [P<0.001], respectively. There were significant decrease in the mean study end serum PIIANP and highly significant increase in the mean study end urinary excretion of CTX-II in progressors [JSW narrowing > 0.5 mm] and in patients showed increase in K-L grading either of signal or both knees [P<0.05], [P<0.001], respectively. There were insignificant correlation between serum PIIANP and urinary CTX-II either at the baseline or study end and also insignificant correlation between those molecular markers with disease duration, BMI and WOMAC index [P>0.05]. Urinary CTX-II showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity [75% - 92%] than serum PIIANP [60% - 90%], respectively. The diagnostic specificity was greatest when both tests were found in combination [96%]. Also, combination of tests showed higher diagnostic sensitivity [92.3%] and specificity [55.3%] for predicting the radiological progression over 3 years than either one alone. In conclusion: using specific molecular markers serum PIIANP and urinary CTX-II, we found that patients with knee OA are characterized by depressed type II collagen synthesis and increased type II collagen degradation. Combining these two molecular markers allows the identification of patients with a high risk of subsequent progression of joint damage

Influence of prenatal protein under nutrition on neuron packing density of prefrontal cortex in albino rat pups

Nutrition is probably the single greatest environmental influence both on the fetus and neonate, and plays a necessary role in the maturation and functional development of the central nervous system. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of prenatal protein under nutrition on neuron packing density of prefrontal cortex in albino rat pups. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups [Control and undernourished], ten dams each. All dams were fed 20% protein diet till 14th gestational day, and then undernourished group was fed 6% protein diet. Taking undernourished diet from 14th gestational day. At birth pups were scarified by over dose of ether. The growth parameters [body weight, head length and biparietal diameter] were taken. Brain parameters [weight, width and anteroposterior diameter of cerebral cortex] were recorded. The selected samples from prefrontal cortex were prepared for toluidine blue stain. Number of neurons in each layer of prefrontal cortex was counted at x 400 magnification by using Image pro plus program. The results revealed that prenatal protein under nutrition decreased significantly growth parameters [body and brain weight, biparietal diameter and width of cerebral hemisphere]. Prenatal protein under nutrition decreased significantly neuron packing density in superficial layers of prefrontal cortex [I and II] more than layers [III-IV]. Prenatal protein under nutrition found to decrease significantly growth parameters in newly born pups. Also, it decreased significantly neuron packing density in superficial layers of prefrontal cortex due to delay of neuronal migration to these layers

Women health in poor urban settings in Alexandria

The aim of this paper is to investigate women health and status as well as to study gender gap in three poor urban settings in Alexandria. Poor families were identified and invited to participate in the study through the help of local informants. The study included 172 families, 53 from Abu- Kir, 57 from El-Dahreya and 62 from Wadi El-Kamar area. An interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data form the wives as well as their husbands about household family members. Wives and husbands who participated in the study were clinically examined. Their weight and height were measured. For those who accepted to participate, stool, urine and blood analyses were performed. Female to male comparison as well as sex ratio of some parameters were used to investigate gender gap. Results showed that females were the head of the family in 19.8% of the families. In 18% of the families, wives participated in the family income. Illiteracy represented 94.2% among females aged 45+ years, and unemployment was 97.4%. The rate of ill health increased with age from 36% for girls to 90% among older women [45+] compared to 71% among older males. Cardiovascular and orthopedic disorders represented the most reported problems among older females and males. Diarrhea and ARI episodes were rather more frequent among females than among males. About 60% of examined women suffered from obesity, 45% had gynecological problems, 38% had parasitic infections in stool, and 45% had anemia. Female to male sex ratio was low for <6 and 60+ years old. In conclusion, poor women suffer from high burden of socio-economic disadvantage, gender inequality and ill-health

Surveillance of acute viral hepatitis in a rural Egyptian community

Hepatitis viruses are endemic in Egypt. Many studies have been performed in order to study the pattern of acute viral hepatitis [AVH] in Egypt and all these studies were hospital-based. There is no available literature about the surveillance of AVH in Egypt. The aim of this study was to survey and identify the etiologies of AVH in a rural community in Upper Egypt. The study was performed in Sallam Village near Assiut City. The active surveillance of acute viral hepatitis was performed using house to house survey and frequent visits to rural health unit. All patients were asked using a previously designed questionnaire. General clinical, abdominal examination and abdominal ultrasonographic examination were performed. Liver function tests, different seromarkers and PCR for AVH were performed for all patients. The results showed that AVH was diagnosed in 105 cases. Acute hepatitis A [AHA] was the most frequent cause of AVH [34 cases], followed by AHE [29 cases] and AHB [9 cases]. Acute hepatitis C was diagnosed in only three cases [two of them mixed with AHE], the cause of AVH was unknown in 15.1% of cases. There was no significant difference regarding the clinical and laboratory findings among different etiologies of AVH. Patients with AHE had relatively mild clinical presentation. Nineteen cases had clinical and laboratory evidence of AVH; however they had positive anti-HCV at six months prior to inclusion, so they were diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C. In addition, six cases were excluded from the study and diagnosed as drug- and toxin-induced hepatitis. The ultrasonographic changes of the liver and spleen were nonspecific. The study concluded that the surveillance of AVH in the community is important for the early diagnosis of mild and non-icteric cases and the early detection of epidemics

Prevalence of lymphotropic virues among patients with lymphoproliferative disorders

The involvement of viruses in the pathogenesis of malignancies is one of the major fields of research. The lymphotropic: Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], Human Herpes virus-6 [HHV-6], and Human T-Lymphoma/Leukemia virus [HTLV-1] have some roles in the pathogenesis of diverse types of neoplasms. The human CD4+ T-lymphocytes and monocytes are the major targets for Human immunodeficiency virus type 1[HIV-1]. One of the most important clinical finding in AIDS patients is lymph node enlargement. In this study we evaluated the association between diverse pathological and etiological types of lymph node enlargements including nasopharvugeal carcinoma [NPC], and lymphotropic viruses as a lymphotropic virus-associated disorder. The presence of [EBV] / [HHV-6] and [HTLV-1], which are the most common lymphotropic viruses and may act as co-factors with HIV-1 infection, was also investigated. The lymphoproliferative disorders included: Non Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, Tuberculous Lymphadenitis, lymphatic reactive hyperplasia, and diverse types of non specific lymphadenitis. Enzyme immunoassays, for detection of antibodies to HIV-1, and HTLV-1 were used, while the indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to screen for antibody to EBV and HHV-6 in sera, western blot [WB] was used for HIV- results 1 and HTLV-1 confirmation. Results indicated that 0/133 patients with NEC or lymph node enlargement whether malignant or reactive was HIV-1 positive; 31/133 [36%] were EBV IgG viral capsid antigen positive by IFA, 26/133 [19.5%] were HTLV-1 positive by ELISA; one case only [0.75%] was confirmed by WB; 46/133 [34.5%,] were HHV-6 positive by IFA