Chromium oxide (51Cr2O3 ) used as biological marker was not absorbed by fish / Óxido de crômio (51Cr 2O3 ), usado como marcador biológico, não é absorvido por peixe

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate absorption of radio-labeled chromium oxide (51Cr2O3), used as biological marker in nutrition studies with Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. An experimental diet with approximately 58 µCi of specific activity of the element was encapsulated and fed daily to 35 adult Nile tilapia; a group of 35 fish was used as control feeding on a basal diet. At the beginning of the experiment five fish from each group were randomly selected and blood samples were drawn from control (BC) and experimental fish (BE). Fish were then euthanized by anesthetic overdoses and samples of the liver tissue (LT), renal tissue (RT), stomach without content (S), intestine without content (I), gills tissue (GT), muscle tissue (fillet; MT), visceral fat (VF), content of the digestive tract (CTDE) and water aquarium were collected from the experimental fish. The procedure was repeated daily for one week. Simple linear regressions were adjusted - days of collection vs. determination coefficients, and were established for statistical comparisons of the measured activity of 51Cr readings in sampled blood and tissues (logarithmic transformation) for samples of the control and experimental fish. No differences (P>0.05) were detected between samples from BC fish and BE, RT, VF, MT and LT of treated fish, but samples of GT, I, S, CTDE and WA from the tanks holding fish which received the experimental diet differed from control (P<0.05). The experimental results indicate that the trivalent chromium in the form of 51Cr2O3 was not significantly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, gills or another possible route of absorption under these experimental conditions and with Nile tilapia. Therefore, this marker was shown to be inert and can be safely used in nutrition studies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a taxa de absorção de radiomarcador óxido de crômio (51Cr2O3), utilizado como marcador biológico em estudos de nutrição, com tilápia-do-nilo Oreochromis niloticus. Uma dieta experimental com cerca de 58µCi de atividade específica do elemento foi encapsulada, e 35 adultos de tilápia foram alimentados diariamente; um grupo de 35 peixes foi usado como controle e alimentado com uma dieta basal. No início do estudo, cinco peixes de cada grupo foram selecionados aleatoriamente, e amostras de sangue foram coletadas dos peixes controle (BC) e experimentais (BE). Os peixes foram sacrificados por overdose de anestésicos, e amostras do tecido do fígado (LT), rins (RT), estômago sem conteúdo (S), intestino sem conteúdo (I), brânquias (GT), tecido muscular (filé; MT), gordura visceral (VF), conteúdo do trato digestivo (CTDE) e água do aquário (WA) foram coletadas somente dos peixes experimentais. O processo foi repetido diariamente durante uma semana. As regressões lineares simples foram ajustadas - dias de coleta versus coeficientes de determinação - e foram estabelecidas para comparações estatísticas da leitura das atividades medidas de 51Cr (transformação logarítmica) nas amostras dos peixes controle e experimentais. Não foram detectadas diferenças (P>0,05) entre as amostras BC dos peixes controle e BE, RT, VF , MT e LT dos peixes experimentais, mas as amostras de GT, I, S, CTDE e WA dos peixes que receberam a dieta experimental apresentaram diferença significativa em relação aos que receberam a dieta controle (P<0,05). Os resultados experimentais indicam que o crômio trivalente na forma de 51Cr2O3 não foi significativamente absorvido pelo trato gastrointestinal, pelas brânquias ou por outra via possível de absorção nessas condições experimentais e com tilápia do Nilo. Portanto, esse marcador demonstrou ser suficientemente inerte, o que torna seguro seu uso em estudos de nutrição.

prevalence of physical activity and its socioeconomic correlates in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional population-based national survey

To determine the levels of physical activity in the Saudi population and to assess its socio-demographic correlates. The data were part of a cross-sectional representative national survey of 4758 participants conducted in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was used. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ] version 2.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the determinants and were adjusted in relation to various factors. Overall, physical inactivity was found to be 66.6% [95% C.I.: 65.3%-68%], 60.1% [95% C.I.: 58.1% - 62.1%] for males and 72.9% [95% C.I.: 71.1%-74.7%] for females. Leisure time physical inactivity was found to be 87.9%, 85.6% for males and 90.2% for females. The northern and central regions reported the highest prevalence of no physical activity at work, leisure and transportation. Gender, geographical location and employment status exhibited a statistically significant correlation. There is a high level of physical inactivity in various regions and population groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Population interventions are greatly needed, especially those focusing on physical activity in their leisure time

Effect of sorghum tannins in sheep fed with high-concentrate diets / Efeito do tanino do sorgo em dietas de ovinos com alto concentrado

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of three sorghum cultivars with different concentrations of condensed tannins in sheep diets. Six adult sheep (LW=56kg) with rumen and duodenal fistulas were assigned to experimental groups using two 3x3 Latin Square designs. The diets were formulated using three sorghum cultivars: LTC (low-tannin cultivar), MTC (medium-tannin cultivar) and HTC (high-tannin cultivar). Microbial nitrogen (MN) concentration in the duodenum was measured using a 15N trace technique. LTC, MTC and HTC diets presented values of 788, 722 and 747 (SE=20.6) g kg-1 for dry matter digestibility and 633, 535 and 530 (SE=35.8) g/kg for crude protein digestibility. The LTC diet was significantly different from the other diets (P<0.05). The nitrogen balance was 145.5, 94.8 and 83.8g kg-1 (SE=13.0) for LTC, MTC and HTC, respectively, with LTC showing greater nitrogen retention (P<0.05). Values obtained for MN in the digesta were 301, 364 and 469 (SE=30.6) g kg-1 for LTC, MTC and HTC, respectively, and there was no statistical difference (P>0.05) between the diets. The presence of condensed tannins in the sorghum interfered with the sheep's nitrogen retention; however, the microbial protein supply to the duodenum of the animals was not inhibited.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o valor nutricional de três cultivares de sorgo com diferentes concentrações de tanino condensado em dietas de ovinos. Seis carneiros machos, adultos, castrados, canulados no rúmen e duodeno foram divididos em três grupos experimentais, em um delineamento em quadrado latino 3x3. Os tratamentos foram representados por três dietas experimentais contendo diferentes cultivares de grão de sorgo: LTC (cultivar com baixa concentração de tanino), MTC (cultivar com concentração média de tanino) e HTC (cultivar com concentração alta de tanino). As concentrações de nitrogênio de origem microbiana no duodeno (MN) foram mensuradas pela técnica de marcador isótopo estável 15N. As dietas LTC, MTC e HTC apresentaram valores de 788, 722 e 747g.kg-1 (EP=20,6) para a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e 633, 535 e 530g.kg-1 (EP=35,8) para a digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta. A dieta LTC apresentou diferença significativa quando comparada às demais dietas para as avaliações de digestibilidade (P<0,05). Os valores encontrados para o balanço de nitrogênio foram de 145,5; 94,8 e 83,8g.kg-1 (EP=13,0) para LTC, MCT e LTC, respectivamente, sendo a dieta LTC a que apresentou maior retenção de nitrogênio (P<0,05). Os valores obtidos para MN na digesta foram de 301, 364 e 469 para LTC, MTC e HTC, respectivamente, e não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas (P>0,05). As diferentes concentrações de taninos condensados nos cultivares de sorgo resultaram em melhorias na digestibilidade e retenção de nitrogênio das dietas, entretanto o fluxo de proteína microbiana não foi inibido.

Knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis among students of university of Kassala, Sudan

Tuberculosis [TB] is a major health problem worldwide, as one third of the world population is infected with M. tuberculosis. It is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality and a major public health concern in Sudan. To determine the awareness and knowledge of tuberculosis among students. Cross- sectional study was conducted among 395 students from different faculties of University of Kasasala. Self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 395 students responded to the questionnaire, 185[46.8%] were male and 210 [53.2%] were female. The overall view of the study is the poor knowledge of TB regarding the infectious agent 107[27.1%], Curability 58[14.7%], the period of treatment 58[14.7%] preventive measure and BCG as TB vaccine 64[16.2%]. However, they were knowledgeable about the communicability 364[92.2%]. Moreover the students were unaware of mode of transmission [91.2%] and the symptoms of TB [94.7%]. Students understood that cough more than three weeks is the signs of TB 228[57.7%] and it is the route of transmission 320[81.0%].The findings highlighted poor knowledge and lack of awareness among students regarding the important aspects of TB. So intensive health education programs are required and included in the curriculum of faculties so as to contribute in the development of the community.

Variations of the gallbladder in sudanese subjects with literature review.

Background: Advances in the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially in the biliary apparatus interference makes the need to revise the anatomical data of the gallbladder (GB) more important. Variations of the extra-hepatic biliary apparatus are characterized by large varieties of configurations. Objective: The aim of this article was to study the morphology of the GB in Sudanese subjects and review the common variations. Materials and Methods: Dissection of formalin-fixed cadavers' abdomens. Results: GB is larger in Sudanese subjects than what is described in the standard text books. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies and anatomical variations of the extra-hepatic biliary tree, although not uncommon, can be of clinical importance. There are some differences in the only size of GB in Sudanese.

Comparative study of physical activity of hypertensives and normotensives: a cross-sectional study of adults in Saudi Arabia

quantify the magnitude of the disease and its risk factors. The patterns of physical activity have not been studied in terms of their being a risk factor or a predictor of hypertension in Saudi Arabia. This was a community-based cross-sectional study using the STEP-wise approach of adults and Q a multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Data were collected using a questionnaire which included sociodemographics, blood pressure, patterns, levels and duration of physical activity. Of a total DC of 4758, 1213 [25.5%] were hypertensives. Hypertension was significantly negatively associated with total Vl. levels and duration of physical activity in leisure, transport, and work. Significant predictors of hypertension Q] included lower levels of work involving a moderate physical activity for 10 min, walking/cycling for 10 min

Prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking among medical students at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of smoking among medical students at the medical college at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, and assess the association between smoking and socio-demographical factors, smoking contacts, reasons for smoking and attempts to quit. Cross-sectional survey in which anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to survey the cigarette smoking habits of the first-and second-year medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City in June 2009. Overall 39.8% of the investigated students [153] had smoked before, and 17.6% were current smokers. The mean age of initiating smoking was 15.8 +/- 3.3]. There were significantly more males than females. The most important reasons for smoking were leisure, imitation of other people and a means of relieving psychological pressure. Reasons for not smoking were mostly health and religion-based. Smokers tended to have friends who smoked. Cigarettes smoking is highly prevalent among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City. Contact with smokers particularly friends are the major risk factors for the initiation of the habit. Health and religious considerations are important motives for not smoking, quitting or attempting to quit. These findings can be of help in designing future intervention strategies

Simple and rapid HPLC method for simultaneous determination of atenolol and chlorthalidone in spiked human plasma

A simple, sensitive and rapid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of atenolol and chlorthalidone in human plasma using hydrochlorothiazide as internal standard [IS]. The method utilized proteins precipitation with acetonitril as the only sample preparation involved prior to reverse phase-HPLC. The analytes were chromatographed on Shim-pack cyanopropyl column with isocratic elution with 10 mM KH2PO4 [pH 6.0] - methanol [70:30, v/v] at ambient temperature with flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and UV detection at 225 nm. The chromatographic run time was less than 10 min for the mixture. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.1-10 mg mL-1. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, absolute recovery, freeze-thaw stability, bench-top stability and re-injection reproducibility. The within- and between-day accuracy and precision were found to be within acceptable limits <15%. The analytes were stable after three freeze-thaw cycles [deviation <15%]. The proposed method was specific for the simultaneous determination of atenolol and chlorthalidone in human plasma where there was no interference from endogenous biological substances

Spontaneous pregnancy outcome after surgical repair of clinically palpable varicocele in young men with abnormal semen analysis

Objective: The beneficial effect of varicocele repair in male infertility remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to identify the benefit from varicocele treatment based on pregnancy rate rather than improvement of semen quality.Subjects and Methods: This study included 141 infertile men with varicocele detected by clinical examination and confirmed by venous reflux on continuous wave Doppler ultrasonography (US). Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) and hormonal assays were performed in all patients. A total of 233 sub-inguinal varicocele repairs were done. Couples were followed up with semen analysis and pregnancy detection for 6, 12 and 18 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square, t-test and Mann-Whitney test where appropriate (p <0.05 accepted as statistically significant).Results: The spontaneous pregnancy rate was significantly greater in men with low or normal BMI. There were statistically significant differences between postoperative mean sperm count (64.7±6.8 and 10.5±1.8 million/ml) and progressive motility (38.3±2.4 and 17.7±1.8%) for spontaneous pregnancy and non-pregnancy, respectively. There were also significant changes from pre- to postoperative mean sperm concentration (21.5±2.1 and 64.7±3.8 million/ml), progressive motility (12.9±1.8 and 31.7±1.4%) and normal morphology (54±1.3 and 81.3±4.6%) in the spontaneous pregnancy cohort. Comparing pre- and postoperative serum hormone levels, FSH and prolactin decreased significantly in spontaneous pregnancy (6.57±0.65 to 4.6±0.53 IU/L and 166.2±11.8 to 149.3±10.4 pmol/L, respectively) and increased in non-pregnancy (9.05±0.71 IU/L and 187.8±13.3 pmol/L, respectively).Conclusion: Spontaneous pregnancy after sub-inguinal varicocelectomy is significantly affected by BMI, sperm concentration, progressive motility and morphology. The decrease of FSH may predict the spontaneous pregnancy outcome

Calpain-10 gene polymorphism in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the Gaza strip

To examine the role of calpain-10 SNP-44, -43, -63 and del/ins-19 in genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] and associations with triglycerides and total cholesterol in a group of subjects residing in the Gaza Strip. Ninety-six individuals were examined: 48 T2DM patients and 48 controls. The groups were genotyped for calpain-10 SNP-44, -43, -63, and del/ins-19. Mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction was used to examine SNP-44; del/ins-19 was examined by electrophoresis of the PCR product on agarose gel, while the restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for SNP-43 and -63. There was evidence that the C allele at SNP-44 played a possible role in susceptibility to T2DM [p = 0.01]. T2DM patients with G/A genotype were found to have higher levels of total cholesterol in comparison to those homozygous for allele 1 [G/G] in SNP-43. Total cholesterol levels increased in T2DM patients who are homozygous for del/ins-19 allele 2, in T2DM patients with the 121/221 haplotype combination, and in control subjects with the haplotype combination 111/121. SNP-44 polymorphism of the calpain-10 gene has a significant association with T2DM patients in the Gaza strip. Certain polymorphisms of calpain-10 also have associations with the levels of total cholesterol in both T2DM patients and controls

Pilgrims satisfaction with ambulatory health services in Makkah, 2008

The main objective of this study was to assess the level and correlates of patients' satisfaction with ambulatory health services provided for pilgrims during Hajj period in 2008. This was a facility-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the Makkah region during the Hajj season in December 2008. A two-stage technique was used to select 500 patients from those who attended the ambulatory health services. One hundred subjects were selected by systematic random sampling [every fifth] from each of the five hospitals included in the study and asked to fill in a pilot-tested self-administered questionnaire. A total of 487 questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and t-test, Mann Whitney test and ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as appropriate after checking for normality. Level of significance level was set to be <0.05 throughout the study. From 478 subjects analyzed, 390 [81.6%] were man, 345 [72.2%] were married, 28.9% had either intermediate or high secondary school education, and 2.4% were skilled laborers. The total satisfaction score for health facilities was 20.45 +/- 4.03 of 25. The satisfaction scores were 20.15 +/- 4.7 of 25 for patient satisfaction with physicians and 21.35 +/- 4.5 for patient satisfaction with paramedical personnel. The overall satisfaction score was 61.5 +/- 4.5 of 75 points. There were significant relations between total satisfaction of health facilities with education level and with occupation [P = 0.012, 0.001, respectively]. The total satisfaction of patients with physicians was significant only with education level. The overall satisfaction score had a significant relation with occupation [P = 0.03], but a borderline relation with the education level [P = 0.056]. Satisfaction with ambulatory Hajj health services is acceptable. Some physicians and waiting area services need special attention to improve satisfaction levels with ambulatory health in the subsequent Hajj seasons

Comparison of physical activity patterns among diabetic and non diabetic adults in Saudi Arabia

Quantifying the magnitude and risk factors of Diabetes Mellitus in the community is essential for all intervention strategies. The objective of this study is to assess physical activity as a risk factor of diabetes mellitus by comparing physical activity patterns of diabetics and non diabetics. A community-based cross-sectional study using STEPwise approach among adults using a multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Data was collected using a questionnaire which included patterns and durations of physical activity, sociodemographics, and history of diabetes, biochemical and anthropometric measurements. Of the total 4657 subjects, 712[15.3%] were diabetic [369[16%] for males and 343[14.6%] for females]. Of all subjects only 12.1, 20.2 and 46.1% were physically active in recreational, work and transport respectively. Diabetes was significantly negatively associated with total level of physical activity .All lower levels of physical activity in leisure, transport and work were significantly associated with increased risk of diabetes .Physical activity at work and walking or cycling for 10 minutes continuously were significant predictors of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus among adults in associated with lower levels of all patterns of physical activity. Specifically tailored and culturally sensitive physical activity interventions, is necessary for preventing, controlling diabetes. Females, elderly and retired persons need special attention

A model on biological flow of phosphorus in growing pigs / Modelo do fluxo do fósforo em suínos na fase de crescimento

Ten crossbred barrows weighting 20kg were allocated in five groups fed and on diets consisted of different total phosphorus (P) levels: 0.30 percent, 0.40 percent, 0.51 percent, 0.65 percent, and 0.73 percent. The animals were intravenously injected 7.4MBq of radioactive P (32P) and after seven days they were slaughtered for further analysis. The evaluated parameters were intake, excretion, specific activities, and flow of P in compartments (1-gut, 2-blood, 3-bone, and 4-soft tissue). Besides fecal losses, the kidneys played an import role in P regulation. The flows of P from tissue and gut to the blood were affected by P intake.

Foram usados 10 leitões machos castrados com média de peso vivo de 20kg, alojados em gaiolas metabólicas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso e os tratamentos consistiram em níveis de fósforo (P) nas dietas: 0,30; 0,40; 0,51; 0,65 e 0,73 por cento. Os animais receberam injeção de 7,4 MBq de radiofósforo (32P) e após sete dias foram abatidos para posteriores análises. As variáveis avaliadas foram: ingestão, excreção, atividades específicas e fluxo de P nos compartimentos (1-trato digestivo, 2-corrente sanguínea, 3-tecidos moles e 4-ossos). Além das excreções fecais, os rins também representaram uma rota importante para a excreção do P. O fluxo de P dos tecidos e trato digestivo para o sangue não foi afetado pelo consumo de P. O modelo proposto foi eficiente para avaliar o fluxo de P.

HPLC method for simultaneous determination of amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide in human plasma

A simple, sensitive and rapid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the quantification of a binary mixture namely; [amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide] in human plasma using chlorthalidone as internal standard [IS]. The method utilized proteins precipitation with acetonitril as the only sample preparation involved prior to reverse phase-HPLC. The analytes were chromatographed on Shim-pack cyanopropyI column with isocratic elution with 10 mM KH[2]PO[4] [pH 4.50]-methanol [70:30 v/v] at ambient temperature with flow rate 1 ml/min and UV detection. The chromatographic run time was less than 10 min for the mixture. The calibration curves were linear over the range 0.1-10 micro g ml[-1]. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, absolute recovery, freeze-thaw stability, bench-top stability and re-injection reproducibility. The within-and between-day accuracy and precision were found to be within acceptable limits <15%. The analytes were stable after three freeze-thaw cycles [deviation <15%]. The proposed method is specific for determination of the mixture in human plasma where there is no interference from endogenous biological substances

Stability-indicating spectrophotometric method for determination of Moexipril-HCL in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation

Three simple, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric procedures have been established for the assay of Moexipril-HCI in bulk form, in pharmaceutical formulations, and in the presence of its degradation products. The procedures are based on the reaction between the examined drug and bromocresol purple [BCP], bromophenol blue [BPB], and bromothymol blue [BTB] in aqueous acidic medium producing an ion-pair complexes extracted in chloroform and measured at the optimum wavelengths. Reaction conditions were studied and optimized to obtain the maximum color intensity. The reactions were extremely rapid at room temperature and the absorbance values remains unchanged for 48 h. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration ranges 4-32, 4-24, and 4-40 microg ml[-1] with molar absorptivities of 1.7x10[4], 2.1x10[4], and 1.5x10[4] mol[-1] cm[-1] and detection limit of 0.064, 0.065, and 0.077 microg ml[-1] for BCP, BPB, and BTB methods, respectively. The proposed methods have been applied successfully for the analysis of the drug in pure form and in its dosage forms with percentage recoveries range from 99.29 - 100.11. Statistical comparison of the results with those obtained by second derivatives spectrophotometric method shows excellent agreement and indicates no significant difference in accuracy and precision

Accelerated stability study and microbiological tests on new oral matrix delivery systems for diclofenac sodium

An accelerated stability study was performed on diclofenac sodium controlled release matrix tablets [MT20,MT33,MT34,MT33p,MT34p] containing natural gums, semi-synthetic gum, Eudragit L100,and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose [HPMC]. Drug content was found to be in the range of 90-105% in all the five matrix formulas. Applying out of stability trend rules [OOT], the best formula was found to be MT33 which contained Guar gum 15%, and gum Arabic 15%. No changes in physical appearance, or organoleptic properties were observed. Microbiological tests for the five matrix tablets were evaluated. No growth [bacteria or fungi] was detected, in preserved or non-preserved formulas despite of the gum content in these controlled release tablets

Entamoeba histoloytica or entamoeba dispar among children in Gaza, Gaza strip?

Most physicians in Gaza prescribe medicaments for patient's suffering from Entamoeba histolytica/dispar without parasitologic diagnosis. Additionally, stool analysis performed by the routine methods usually reports the species as E. histolytica without confirmation. In this study, 92 stool specimens were collected and analyzed by wet mount, iron haematoxylin staining, antigen detection of E. histolytica and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The total number of E. histolytica identified by PCR was 64 that of E. dispar was 21. Mixed infection with both E. histolytica and E. dispar was evident in 7 specimens. In the light of these results, approximately 30% of suspected clinical amoebiasis cases were negative for E. histolytica. It is recommended to use PCR for diagnosis of stool specimens from patients with E. histolytica/dispar and that treatment should be prescribed for only patients positive for E. histolytica