Prevalence and determinants of condom utilization among people living with HIV/AIDS in Egypt

Condoms are an integral part of HIV/AIDS prevention, yet their use is affected by several factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of condom use and the psychological and behavioural determinants among people living with HIV/AIDS in Egypt. Focus group discussions were used to develop the study tool [questionnaire interview] geared towards eliciting knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about condoms among 338 confirmed HIV-positive persons attending fixed voluntary counselling and testing centres in 8 governorates in Egypt. The prevalence of condom use was 45.0% in regular sexual relations and only 18.1% in casual relations. The determinants of condom use were: type of partner, serostatus of partner, antiretroviral intake, beliefs and attitudes towards condom use and to HIV infection. The study shows that special efforts need to be made to change the attitudes of people living with HIV/AIDS towards condom use

Assessment of nutritional status among preparatory school girls in Talkha city

Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, and it occupies a crucial position in the human life. Nutrition for adolescents is important in which there was found changes in growth and hormones, activity, and food intake. The objective of the work: was to assess the nutritional status of preparatory school girls in Talkha city. a descriptive cross- sectional study on a group of 500 students from the second and third year of the preparatory school girls at Talkha City in Dakahlia governorate, the tools used: 1- A self-administered questionnaire for assessing socio-demographic characteristics of students, anthropometric measurements included weight and height, nutritional health problems, assessing dietary knowledge, and eating habits.2 - An observational checklist to observe signs of malnutrition for the students. majority of students, girls aged from 13- 14 years old and their mothers were house wife [69.6% and77.3%], Only less than half studied sample has correct knowledge about the balanced diet, the components of healthy diet, and the effect of healthy balanced diet on individual's health [34.6%and20%and78.4%] respectively. Majority of students prefer eating food during watching TV., eating spices and salty food, and eating much candies [76.2% and74.6%and 73.6%] respectively. The most common health problems were headache, GIT problems and dental decay respectively. only one quarter of the studied sample had correct and complete answers about balanced diet. The present study recommended that, health education for nutrition and healthy balanced diet should be integrated in the curriculum of preparatory school girls. Nurses and medical staff must play a significant role in screening, teaching, and guiding of adolescents about healthy balanced diet

Controlled release tablet formulations of isoxsuprine hydrochloride using direct compression technique

Isoxsuprine hydrochloride is a peripheral vasodilator. It is advisable to prepare the drug in sustained release dosage forms to improve patient compliance and to achieve a steady state blood level with minimum side effects. Different hydrophilic and hydrophobia polymers in addition to their combinations were used in different ratios to select the best level of the matrix forming material that provides the most sustaining effect. The effect of different types and concentrations of polymers on the release rate of the drug was investigated. The drug release decreased by increasing the concentration of the polymer in all the studied formulations. Tablet formula containing either 30% [w/w] HPMC 15000 or 30% [w/w] Eudragit RSPM gave the most sustaining effect among the single polymers. The drug release rate from tablets prepared using polymer blends is slower compared to that from those containing single polymers. The slowest drug release was obtained from tablet formulae containing: drug, 10% [w/w] HPMC 15000 and 40% [w/w] Eudragit RSPM and drug, 10% [w/w] Eudragit RSPM and 40% [w/w] Eudragit RLPO. The release of isoxsuprine HCl from matrices prepared using single polymer followed Higuchi 's diffusion model However, zero-order release kinetics was elucidated for the release of isoxsuprine HCl from the investigated polymer blends in phosphate buffer [pH 6.8]

Preparation and comparative evaluation of sustained release metoclopramide hydrochloride matrix tablets

Metoclopramide hydrochloride [MCP] is commonly used for the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Frequent administration and the undesired side effects [extra pyramidal symptoms] of the drug on the central nervous system due to the fluctuations of its plasma concentrations may lead to patient incompliance, and hence, improper therapy. Therefore, the present work will be devoted to formulate the drug in sustained release formulations. MCP was incorporated in 12 formulae containing different polymers and/or different polymer ratios. These polymers were hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose [HPMC], carboxymethylcellulose [CMC] and ethyl cellulose [EC]. Sodium starch glycolate [SSG] was added to some formulae in different amounts in order to soften and/or disintegrate the tablets. The physical properties were found to be satisfactory for all the formulae. The dissolution profiles of the tablets were constructed using the change-over method. The drug release involved a combination of both diffusion and polymer-chain relaxation mechanisms. The time required to release 50% of MCP ranged from 1.2 to more than 8 hours. Direct compression and dry granulation techniques produced sufficient sustaining of the drug release. However, the pellets made by wet granulation released MCP in about 2 hrs, i.e., Pelletization spheronization technique was not effective in sustaining the drug

Determinants and health consequences of domestic violence among women in reproductive age at Zagazig district, Egypt

Violence against women is a global phenomenon that cuts across all social and economic classes, it has recently drawn attention in the medical field as a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of domestic violence, to identify socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors and to investigate the relationship between the women's psychological health status and violence exposure. This is a comparative cross-sectional study using a multistage random sampling technique. The sample comprised 500 women aged 18-50y. Data was collected via a structured interview questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics of the women and their husbands, some of the husbands' habits, attitude and history of chronic illnesses. Also, the questionnaire assesses different forms of domestic violence, women's reaction to it and its consequences on psychological well-being of women. A depression anxiety scale was used to assess the women's psychological status. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of domestic violence among the studied group was [62.2%]; the commonest form [74.0%] was psychological abuse, followed by social [26.8%] one, then the physical [22.4%] and lastly sexual abuse [19.6%]. On studying the socio-demographic variables, a significantly higher percentage of younger [

Environmental effects of different pollution sources upon the quality of the drainage water in drain number one, Dakahlia and Damietta governorates

The establishment of open drain network in the Nile Delta has begun in the second quarter of the last century. That network is in continued expansion to cope with increasing quantities of irrigation water particularly after the construction of Aswan High Dam, and the stress need to increase cropping intensity, in addition to horizontal expansion of the newly reclaimed lands. All open drains in Upper Egypt and some drains in South Nile Delta discharge into River Nile while the remaining main drains in the Nile Delta are either discharging into the Mediterranean Sea or into coastal lakes. Due to over population in the area, and increasing water demand, more Drain water is reused for irrigation. Drain No. [1] is a part of the open drain system in the Nile Delta. Drain No. [1] is situated to the north west of Damietta Branch of the Nile Delta extending from south to north for about 65 km through the Gov's of Gharbia, Dakahlia, and Damietta. The Drain stretch extending from Talkha City till the final pump station [48.700 km] is receiving the most pollutant discharges. The number of the most important tributary drains that discharge along Drain No. [1] are 23 tributary drains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental effects of different pollution sources on water quality of Drain No. [1] in comparison with limits delineated by the Law 48/1982. The length of the studied Drain stretch is about 55.250 km. The part of the studied stretch that extends from Talkha City till the final pump station [about 48.700 km] was divided into 5 segments in addition to the final discharge portion [about 350 m]. During the study period, from Nov. 2000 to October 2001, twelve monthly sampling points were chosen along the studied Drain stretch. The sampling points were at the beginnings and ends of each segment, in addition to sampling point 1 located before segment 1 and sampling point 12 at the final discharge. Furthermore, four samples were collected during the year from the 23 tributary drains at discharging point to Drain No. [1]. Physical, chemical and biological analyses were carried out according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

Role of surface coil magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing vitreo-retinal disorders

This study included a total of 26 patients [16 females and 10 males with ages ranging from 5 months to 65 years]. In nine patients, the lesions were bilateral; thus, the total number of the examined eye globes was 35. All patients were subjected to history taking and MRI examination. Sixteen patients underwent US examination, while CT examination was performed to five patients. In the 26 patients evaluated with MRI, the final diagnosis included unilateral retinoblastoma [n = 3], bilateral retinoblastoma [n = 5], choroidal melanoma [n = 3], ciliary body capillary hemangioma [n = 1], choroidal metastasis [n = 2], choroidal hemangioma [n = 2], retinopathy of prematurity [bilateral] [n = 1], persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous [bilateral] [n = 1], bilateral coloboma [n = 2], endophthalmitis [n = 2], post-traumatic intraocular lesions [n = 1], retinal detachment [n = 2] and vitreous hemorrhage [n = 1]. A histopathologic confirmation was obtained in retinoblastoma [four patients], choroidal melanoma [two patients], ciliary body capillary hemangioma [one patient] and choroidal metastasis [one patient]

Clinical and experimental evaluation of the cardiovascular effects of propofol

The cardiovascular effect of propofol were studied in 20 patients who underwent ear surgery. The administration of propofol was found to be accomplanied by a consistent, significant decrease in arterial blood pressure, variable nonsignificant changes in heart rate and no statistically significant changes in cardiac output. The study also showed that propofol in dioses used was devoid of any influence on the inotropic properly of the isolated rabbit heart. In aortae precontracted with noradrenaline, the relaxation produced by propofol was the same, whether the aortic rings were with or without endothelium. On the other hand, the propofol concentration producing the same relaxation was lower in aorate ore contracted with potassium chloride than with notadrenaline

Effect of subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism on thyrotropin, prolactin and peripheral tissues

Subclinical hypothyroidism appears to be a risky factor for atherosclerosis and for coronary heart diseases and can affect other organs, so its clinical significance is controversial. It was found in about 7.5% of females and 3% of males. Therefore, the metabolic effects of progressive thyroid failure in patients with various degrees of hypothyroidism compared with control subjects were evaluated. This work was carried out on 20 female patients, 10 female patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, 10 patients with overt hypothyroidism and 10 euthyroid women as control. All patients and controls were subjected to medical and endocrine evaluation including measurements of thyrotropin [TSH], prolactin, free thyroxin [FT4], thyroxin [T4], and triiodohyronine [T3], as well as lipid profiles and some tests of peripheral thyroid hormone action. All patients were divided into five groups according to disease severity, grades I to III [subclinical hypothyroidism with normal T4 levels] and grades IV to V [clinical hypothyroidism with diminished T4]. Results, in grade I [basal TSH <6 mu/L] showed significant changes in the clinical index [P <0.05] and apoprotein A-I level [P <0.05]. The findings were similar in grade II [TSH 6-12 mu/L]. More changes were demonstrated in grade III [TSH >12 mu/L] with a definite elevation of ante reflex time [P <0.001] and to a lesser extent creatine kinase. The mean LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] showed nonsignificant increased level. LDL-C levels were definitely higher in patients with grade III disease compared with the controls [P <0.05] and with patients with grades I and II disease. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and apoprotein B were clearly elevated only in clinical hypothyroidism [grades IV and V] [P < 0.01]. From this study it is concluded that subclinical hypothyroidism has significant effects on some peripheral target organs at an early stage [grades I and II] but affects LDL-C and skeletal muscle only at a later stages. The elevated LDL-C in grade II subclinical hypothyroidism provide a likely pathogenetic explanation for the reported association of coronary heart disease with this syndrome. The effect of increased prolactin secretion observed in subclinical hypothyroidism on gonadal function and infertility needs more researches

reversal of cholesterol transport in hyperlipoproteinemia

High levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] can reverse cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall by reversing cholesterol transport. To determine this fact by getting high levels of HDL-C fraction of serum nicotinic acid was given in a 3 g daily dose for 6 weeks to 20 patients of mean age 52 +/- 9 years, with type IIa, type IIb and type IV hyperlipoproteinemia [HLP]. The cholesterol levels of serum very low density [VLDL] and low density [LDL] lipoprotein decreased during treatment [P <0.05]. Serum HDL cholesterol levels increased by 37%. Changes in the concentrations of HDL-C after 6 weeks of drug treatment were not related to the type of HLP, neither were these effects of nicotinic acid correlated with changes in VLDL or LDL lipid levels. From this study it was concluded that HDL-C could be increased by prolonged nicotinic acid therapy and, therefore, could reverse cholesterol transport. High levels of HDL-C is an important determinant of the antiatherogenic effects of the drug

Plasma lipoproteins and hormones in progestational and gestational diabetes

To demonstrate the changes of lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins [Apos], and pregnancy related hormones at early and late stages of gestation in healthy women and to describe the effect of both pregestational [PGDM] and gestational diabetes [GMD] on these parameters, this study was carried out on 30 pregnant women [10 were known PGDM patients, 10 were GMD patients and 10 were healthy women who were considered control subjects]. FBG and HbA1-c were higher in all PGDM women than in control subjects, whereas in GDM patients glucose was within normal level. FFA level was higher on both PGDM and GDM patients than in control subjects during gestation. Total TGs, VLDL, and LDL increased within gestation in the 3 groups and although total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL cholesterol followed a similar trend, their rise was less marked. The increase in apolipoproteins A [ApoA] and ApoB with gestation was parallel to the changes in HDL and LDL cholesterol, respectively, with no difference between the three groups. Plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin increased sharply with gestation in the three groups, but the values of estradiol and prolactin at early and late gestation, were lower in PGDM patients, while progesterone levels were lower than controls in GDM women, only at late gestation. Because estrogens are known to increase VLDL production, and decrease hepatic lipase activity, so the decreased estradiol levels in the diabetic patients seems to prevent the marked rise of lipoproteins above the normal range. From this study, it is concluded that the development of a dyslipidemic condition in diabetic pregnancy depends on the balance between the metabolic control and the level of sex hormones

evaluation of a photo-electronic oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement [Omron HEM 815F]

Readings from an Omron HEM 815F portable blood pressure monitor and a Dinamap 8100 are compared to those obtained from a mercury column sphygmomanometer in this study. Results showed a bias of -3.6 and -2.8 mmHg for systolic and diastolic readings respectively with the Omron HEM 815F, compared to Dinamap 8100 which showed bias of +11.9 and -3.2 mmHg. The limits of agreement for the systolic readings were +/- 23.8 mmHg from the bias [mean difference] with the Omron HEM 815F, compared to +/- 21.8 mmHg with the Dinamap 8100. The Omron HEM 815F is a small monitoring device that produces readings of comparable accuracy to those produced by the Dinamap 8100

Study of extracranial blood flow and haemorhelogic factors in patients with cerebral vascular disease

This study was carried out to evaluate the role of extra- cranial blood vessels and hemorheological parameters in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. So, a 50 patients with cerebrovascular disease and 20 healthy controls were subjected to assessment of vascular changes in the carotid arteries by ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter and some blood factors such as blood viscosity, red cell deformability and plasma fibrinogen. Blood vessel studies revealed vascular lesions in the carotid arteries in the form of atherosclerotic lesions with and without stenosis, while blood factors showed a significant increased level in patients with cerebral ischemia. There was a positive correlation between the vascular changes and the hemorheologic variables in patients suffering from cerebral ischemia. Also, extracranial blood vessels [Carotids] were demonstrated to have a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia

Effect of growth hormone suppression on glycemic control and other hormonal changes in diabetic retinopathy

The study was carried out on ten insulin dependent diabetics suffering from different types of diabetic retinopathy to evaluate the effect of growth hormone suppression on glycemic control and other hormonal changes in diabetic retinopathy. Blood levels of HGH, prolactin, C-peptide, glucagon and A.C.T.H. were determined by RIA. Tests of glycemic control including glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]], fasting and postprandial blood sugar and total blood lipids were also estimated. Retinal changes were studied by fluorescein angiography. Bromocriptine was given to all cases for 12 weeks, in addition to standard therapy [insulin+ diet]. Pretreatment investigations were repeated at the end of the study. Pretreatment investigations showed significant elevation of glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting and postprandial blood sugar. Serum growth hormone, plasma glucagon and A.C.T.H. were significantly high. C-peptide was measurable in 30% of patients. After three months treatment, tests of glycemic control were significantly decreased. Serum GH and prolactin decreased significantly, while C-peptide was increased. Glucagon and A.C.T.H. showed no change. After treatment, retinal changes deteriorated in 60% of patients and this was attributed to a hypoglycemic effect

Hormonal and biochemical studies in diabetic retinopathy

Twenty type I [insulin-dependent] diabetic patients suffering from different grades of diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. The study aimed at investigating glycemic control and different hormones suspected to be sharing in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Bad glycemic control was found in almost all patients with diabetic retinopathy. Significant elevation of serum growth hormone, glucagon and A.C.T.H. was found in diabetic retinopathy, while serum prolactin level was within normal. Residual beta cell function was found in 64% of patients with BDR [background diabetic retinopathy], while patients with PPDR [preproliferative diabetic retinopathy] and PDR [proliferative diabetic retinopathy] had no residual beta cell function. Higher grades of diabetic retinopathy were associated with bad glycemic control, higher levels of serum growth hormone and glucagon and absent residual beta cell function

Immunological studies in patients with breast carcinoma treated with radiotherapy

Several immunologic variables were evaluated in 30 females with breast carcinoma before and after radiotherapy. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Immunologic studies of peripheral blood leucocytes included nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] positive neutrophils, T-cell count [E rosette], lymphocyte blastogenic response to phytohaemaglutinin [PHA], concanavalin [Con A], Pokeweed mitogens [PWM] and determination of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA. The NBT positive cells, T-cell count, T-cell response to PHA and PWM were significantly depressed, while responses to Con A was significantly increased after radiotherapy. No significant changes has been noticed in the mean values of IgG, IgM and IgA. Positive correlation has been found between T-cell count and function in responses to PHA and Con A mitogens and prognosis in patients with cancer breast

Effect of calcium channel blockers on the hemodynamic changes of hyperthyroidism

To study the effect of Ca[+2] channel blockers on hemodynamic changes in hyperthyroid patients, 14 patients were classified in to group I [seven patients received verapamil for one month] and group 2 [seven patients received both verapamil and carbimazole for one month]. Verapamil controlled the hemodynamic changes such as pulse rate, hyperkinetic apex and ejection systolic murmur in the majority of patients. The EGG showed positive changes under verapamil therapy alone, but relative to the combined effect with carbimazole, these changes were incomplete. The peripheral blood flow was corrected enermously by verapamil but its combination with carbimazole made the blood flow nearer to the control value than its action alone. Verapamil as a calcium channel blocker, controlled significantly blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and improved many cardiac complications. verapamil also improved the hemodynamic state in one patient who had had a bronchial asthma where propranolol is contraindicated. Verapamil can be regarded as a good therapeutic tool in prevention of cardiac injury secondary to persistent ischaemia reported to be common in thyrotoxicosis

Effect of calcium channel blockers on the metabolic changes of hyperthyroidism

To study the effect of calcium channel blocking agents on hyperthyroidism, 14 patients were studied; Wayne's Clinical Diagnostic Index was used for diagnosis and confirmed by estimation of T3 and T4 serum levels. The patients were classified into two groups; group I [seven patients received verapamil alone for one month] and group II [seven patients received a combination of verapamil and carimazole for one month]. After one month's therapy, Wayne's Clinical Diagnostic Index decreased significantly from 35.4 +/- 4.2 [thyrotoxic value] to 10.7 [normal value: up to 10] in group I and from 36.4 4 +/- 2.5 [thyrotoxic value] to euthyroid state [2.29 +/- . 2.20] in group II. The body weight increased in both groups but it was only significant in group II. Also serum T[3] and T[4] levels decreased significantly in both groups. It is concluded that verapamil by itself does not only improve the clinical course of thyrotoxicosis but also decreases the thyroid hormones level centrally and blunts their action peripherally. The combination therapy of verapamil and carbimazole in a smaller dose than used was found to be an efficient and dependable therapeutic line in the medical management of hyperthyroidism. The reduced carbimazole dose which was used successfully in combination with verapamil could be considered as an advantage to avoid the side effects of thiourea drugs

Spectrophotometric determination of cobalt using some schaffer acid azo dyes

Three highly sensitive organic reagents for the Spectrophotometric deter-1 ruination of cobalt are l-nitroso-2-naphthol, 2-nitroso-l-naphthol and nitroso-R-salt. They are specific for cobalt under some conditions. The first two reagents are used in extractive spectrophotometric methods, while the third enables cobalt to be determined in aqueous media. The thiocyanate method, either with or without an extraction step is suitable for the determination of relatively large amount of cobalt. In recent years there has been a remarkable growth in the number of sensitive methods for cobalt determination based on azo compounds e.g. PAN, PAR and some other pyridine azo compounds. Most of the developed methods applied extractive methods to achieve selectivity. Schaffer acid [2-hydroxynaphthalene-6-sulphomc acid] azo dyes were used as Spectrophotometric reagents for copper and tungsten [VI]. The ionization constants of substituted phenyl-azo-schaffer acid were determined spectrophotometrically in aqueous buffer solutions