AHP modelling of user preferences towards sustainable transport in Egypt

There is a great reliance on sustainable transport assessment toolsimodels in order to monitor the implementation of sustainability in the transport arena. These assessment modeb are varying in nature, type, and context. The selection of an appropriate assessment model within different contexts is a chalbngeable task not only due to the vast number of available models, but also because of the numerous attributes of sustainable transport and the different relative importance that each attribute possesses from a user perspective. These attributes have different influences on the way sustainable transport could be monitored and achieved. Accordingly, this study aims to measure user preferences towards sustainable transport indicators in Assiut City, Egypt as an attempt to promote sustainable transport solution within the Egyptian context. The study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process [AHP] model, and draws upon the data of 144 participants. The results of the study indicate that users allocated higher importance to attributes related to public transit and active travel modes. These resuits give clear indication directed at both policy makers and local authorities in the planning process of new communities in Egypt. In addition, it prioritise the required interventions that are required if we are to promote sustainable solutions in the transport and the urban contexts

Breastfeeding practice in Kuwait: determinants of success and reasons for failure

To explore the possible determinants of duration of breastfeeding in Kuwait, 234 mothers completed a questionnaire concerning the feeding of their youngest infant. The questionnaire addressed the factors that contributed to their willingness to continue breastfeeding and enquired about the factors leading to their decision to end it. Only 26.5% of the mothers had continued breastfeeding for 6 months or more. Separate family housing, higher maternal age, late initiation of breastfeeding, being employed without the feasibility to breastfeed at work, breastfeeding information given after rather than before birth, and maternal and infant sickness were all significant contributors influencing early cessation. Father's support was a significant factor that encouraged the practice. In conclusion, preventive strategies are recommended for boosting breastfeeding, with special emphasis on the factors linked to early cessation, aiming at full implementation of the WHO global public health recommendations for successful breastfeeding in Kuwait

Pattern of beverage intake and milk and dairy products sufficiency among high-school students in Kuwait

High consumption of soft drinks has been associated with lower intakes of milk and calcium-rich foods and higher body mass index [BMI]. This study aimed to explore the pattern of beverage intake among Kuwaiti high-school students. A questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning beverages and milk and dairy products intake was completed by 190 Kuwaiti students aged 16-18 years and BMI was calculated for 181 of them. Intake of sweetened carbonated beverages and to a lesser extent packaged fruit juices affected the sufficiency of milk and dairy products intake among the sample of high-school students in Kuwait. Although BMI was not related to milk and dairy insufficiency, more of the overweight and obese students displayed incorrect practices. Nutritional education of high-school students on the importance of milk and dairy products as well as the hazards of excess sweetened carbonated beverages and packaged juice is recommended to prevent the obesity epidemic prevaiting in Kwait

Antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial activities of the aerial parts of polygonum bellardii all

The methanolic extract of Polygonum bellardii All [flowering aerial parts] and its fractions in addition to the isolated compounds [1-6] showed significant antioxidant potential by DPPH scavenging activity technique. It also showed hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride [CC[4] induced hepatic injury in albino rats. The fractions exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria in addition to antifungal activity. The total methanolic extract of Polygonum bellardii All did not show signs oftoxicity and mortality up to 4 g/kg dose. Determination of total flavonoid content with respect to quercetin spectrophotometrically indicated the presence of 185. 2 +/- 1.03 mg/g dried extract

Monopolar versus bipolar electrosurgery in hysteroscopic polypectomy

The aim of this study is to compare in random manner the intraoperative feasibility, effectiveness and safety of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery in hysteroscopic polypectomy. 36 Symptomatic patients attending at outpatient clinics and diagnosed to have intrauterine polyps by HSG, transvaginal sonography or Diagnostic hysteroscopy were included. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups to have hysteroscopic polypectomy using either bipolar [Group A] or monopolar [Group B] electrosurgery under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, the following parameters were noted and recorded: time of start of anesthesia, time of introduction of the resectoscope, time of end of the procedures, time of recovery, amount of fluid used, amount of fluid Collected in the graduated suction, postoperative serum sodium was measured. Sociodemographic data for patients in both groups were comparable. The mean duration of operation was comparable in both group [14.76 +/- 2.95 minutes in bipolar group versus 14.79 +/- 2.94 minutes in monopolar group]. Fluid inflow, fluid outflow and fluid deficit were significantly higher in the monopolar group than in bipolar group. Bipolar electrosurgery seems effective, feasible and safe alternative to conventional monopolar system in hysteroscopic management of intrauterine pathologies

Manipulation of flaxseed inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production in ovarian-induced osteoporosis

To evaluate the potential effects of whole flaxseed [FS], and/or flax oil [FO] incorporation into the diet on the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in ovariectomized [OVX] rats model of osteoporosis. This study was performed in the Food Science and Agriculture College, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October to December 2009. Forty-eight, 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Group 1 - sham + control diet; Group 2 - OVX rats + basal diet; Group 3- OVX + 20% whole FS; Group 4 - OVX rats + 40% FS; Group 5 - OVX rats + 5% FO; Group 6 - OVX rats + 10% FO. All OVX rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy. The experiment was continued for 2 months. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase [B-ALP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], calcium [Ca], phosphorous [P], and magnesium [Mg] were measured. A significant increase of serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations were observed between OVX rats when compared with Group 1, while there was no significant difference in the activity of B-ALP, serum Ca, P. and Mg among all groups. A remarkable significant decrease of serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. was observed in the group of rats that were fed with FS [Groups 3 and 4] and FO [Groups 5 and 6]. This study suggests that FS and FO might be useful in the prevention of estrogen-deficiency induced osteoporosis via decreasing osteoclastogenesis. Further studies are needed to demonstrate their efficacy in humans by using bioactive components of FS, and to clarify their mechanism of action

Effect of a 6-week rehabilitation program on gait parameters after total knee arthroplasty

To investigate early changes in gait parameters following total knee arthroplasty [TKA]. Fifteen patients scheduled to undergo unilateral TKA at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre [KFSHRC], Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between March 2009 and February 2010, were included in the study. This study was a prospective pretest-posttest experimental design; all patients underwent unilateral TKA, and were subjected to a 6-week standard postoperative rehabilitation program. Pain intensity and gait variables were evaluated before surgery and 6-weeks postoperatively using the Visual Analogue Scale and simple footprint method. Statistical analysis showed improvement in pain intensity and reduction in gait velocity, cadence, and stride length following the 6-week postoperative exercise intervention compared with preoperatively. A 6-week postoperative exercise program is not a long enough time-period to restore walking abilities to their pre-surgery values in patients undergoing TKA. A longer period of rehabilitation is needed to improve the quality of the patient's gait

Multifocal electroretinogram in retinal vein occlusion

To determine the effects of retinal vein occlusion [RVO] on multifocal electroretinogram [MF-ERG] parameters, to correlate MF-ERG and standard electroretinogram [ERG] and to correlate MF-ERG with findings of optical coherence tomography [OCT] in cases of RVO. Both eyes of 50 patients with RVO and 50 eyes of 25 normal subjects were examined using MF-ERG, standard ERG, fluorescein angiography and OCT. The latency in millisecond [ms] and response density in nanovolt [nv/degenerations] were measured for each of four quadrant areas and central area. OCT was used to measure the foveal retinal thickness. Fluorescein angiography was used to measure retinal ischemia. Central retinal vein occlusion [CRVO] markedly affected all parameters of MF-ERG. In pathological quadrants in branch retinal vein occlusion, the response densities of MF-ERG were decreased and latencies of p-wave were prolonged. The MF-ERG responses obtained from eyes with RVO were significantly different [P>0.05] from derived from the fellow eyes. The amplitude of MF-ERG were abnormal in 40 eyes and implicit times were delayed in 48 eyes compared with normal subjects. While 30 Hz flicker implicit were abnormal only 24 eyes with RVO. Implicit times were prolonged in eyes with macular ischemia than in eyes without ischemia. There were significant correlation between foveal retinal thickness measured by OCT and P response density MF-ERG in cases of retinal vein occlusion. MR-ERG is more susceptible than standard ERG to eye changes of RVO due to the multiple frequencies of stimulation used to record MF-ERG response. MR-ERG could be sensitive indicator of underlying disease affecting the retinal vein in eyes with RVO. MR-ERG is useful for detecting local retinal dysfunction in patients with RVO and sensitive to morphological changes and functional disorders induced by RVO

Psychological distress and suicidal tendency of depressed patients

This study aimed at identifying the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal tendency of depressed patients. A descriptive correlational design was utilized in this study. A sample of convenience of 100 depressed patients was recruited from the Out-patient Clinic of Tahnasha Psychiatric Hospital in El Minia Governorate. A socio-demographic data sheet, Suicidal Tendency Scale, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale [DASS] were used to achieve the purpose of the study. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from patients. Results of this study revealed that, almost two third of the subjects were females, married, illiterate, unemployed, residing rural areas, and most of them were in the age group ranged from 20-39 years old. More than one third of the subjects were attempting suicide from one to three times or more. A statistically significant correlation was detected between suicidal tendency and psychological distress. In conclusion, depressed patients are having multiple stressors, social, environmental, and interpersonal factors that with their personality character can aggravate the symptom of depression and interfere with their productivity, initiation, and prevent the interaction with others. It was recommended that, a training program should be designed for nurses who are dealing with depressed patients and specially those who are at risk for suicide to provide them with knowledge about how to assess those patients, evaluate their needs, and prevent the risk of suicide

Packed red blood cell transfusions in critically ill infants and children: is it time for a restructive transfusion strategy?

Although a restrictive transfusion policy is being increasingly advocated during critical illness in the past few years, the optimal hemoglobin level for red blood cell [RBC] transfusions is not known in critically ill infants and children. We conducted a prospective comparative randomized trial to test the hypothesis that a restrictive RBC transfusion strategy would be as safe as liberal transfusion strategy in the pediatric intensive care unit [PICU]. The primary outcome measure was PICU mortality following randomization, three hundred and nine patients with a hemoglobin concentration

Nurses' knowledge versus their performance regarding the care of neonates undergoing phototherapy in Kuwait

Neonatal period is the first weeks of life. Some neonates during this period are 'at risk' for various health problems. Neonatal jaundice is the most common medical condition in neonates, whether physiologic or pathologic which required medical attention. It is first noticed in the face then it descends downwards as the bilirubin level increases. Phototherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, where blue wavelengths of light are employed to alter unconjugated bilirubin in the skin. Neonatal nurse is the person who is responsible for providing the neonates with the essential care. She is responsible for the assessment of neonates for early detection of problems and initiation of prompt management. Providing care to a neonate with hyperbilirubin-emia requires knowledge and skills from the nurse to achieve optimal outcomes. This study aims to investigate nurses' knowledge versus their performance regarding the care of neonates' underphoto-therapy. A convenient sample of 50 neonatal nurses from Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Units of Maternity hospital located in El-Sabah Medical Region-Kuwait was the study subjects. Data were collected through an observational checklist for nurses' performance regarding care of neonates undergoing phototherapy, and a structured questionnaire of nurses' knowledge regarding care of neonates undergoing phototherapy. Results of the present study revealed that the majority of nurses had poor knowledge scores and unsatisfactory performance scores regarding the care of neonates undergoing phototherapy. Continuing education programs a-e recommended for nurses in work place and a strict and nurses' continuous supervisions are mandatory to improve nurses' performance

Potential antihypertensive and antioxidative effects of Nigella sativa seeds or biomass and Syzygium aromaticum extracts on L-NAME- induced hypertensive rats

Plant tissue culture techniques had captured the attention of researchers in a wide range of scientific areas. The aim of the present investigation is to assess the potential antihypertensive and antioxidative effects of Nigella sativa seeds or biomass and Syzigium aromaticum buds extracts on L-NAME - induced hypertension in rats. In the present study, rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups, all groups except the normal control one were administered N[omega] -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L.NAME][50 mg/kg/day p.o] for two weeks. The treatment started after the first week of L-NAME administration; Nigella sativa seeds and biomass extracts were used in a dose of 400 mg/kg and Syzygium aromaticum extract was used in a dose of 100 mg/kg. Blood pressure [systolic, mean and diastolic] and oxidative stress biomarkers: serum LDH activity and nitric oxide level were measured. A significant increase in systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure was observed by administration of L-NAME, in addition to a significant increase in serum LDH activity and a significant decrease in serum nitric oxide level. Nigella sativa seeds or biomass and Syzigium aromaticum buds extracts normalized the increment in systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure [p<0.05]. Furthermore, all the test agents reversed the elevated serum LDH level and increased serum nitric oxide level up to three fold. It could be concluded that Nigella sativa seeds and Syzigium aromaticum might have antihypertensive effect which may be mediated through antioxidant action and that the biomass of Nigella sativa may possess an active constituent possessing antihypertensive activity similar to that of the original plant

Biological studies on the protective role of artichoke and green pepper against potential toxic effect of thermally oxidized oil in mice

The present investigation was designed to evaluate oocyte competence including quality, meiotic progression and expression of ERK2 gene and activities of liver enzymes [ALT, AST and gamma-GT] in female mice fed diets containing sunflower oil repeatedly used in frying processes [FO]. The protective role of artichoke and green pepper against such potential dangers were also studied. Results revealed that mice fed FO diet had a significant decrease in number of good collected oocytes compared with those fed normal oil [NO] diet. Mice fed FO diet and artichoke extract at two levels, 0.5% [FO-A1] and 1% [FO-A2] as drinking water or FO diet plus dried ground green pepper at two levels, 5% [FO-G1] and 10% [FO-G2] had a significant increase in number of good collected oocytes compared with those fed FO diet. Animals fed FO-A1 or FO-G1 diets had the highest percentage of good oocytes. A statistically significant increase in the percentages of mature oocytes occurred in mice fed FO-A1, FO-A2, and FO-G1 diets as compared to those fed FO diet. The animals fed FO-G2 diet had a non-significant increase of percentages of mature oocytes than the animals fed FO diet. The expression of ERK2 gene was high in ovary tissues collected from female mice fed NO, FO, FO-A1, or FO-G1 diets. However, the ERK2 gene expression was low in mice fed FO-A2 or FO-G2 diets. Biochemical assay showed that mice fed FO diet had significant decrease in AST and ALT activities. A significant increase in enzyme activity of gamma- GT compared with those fed NO diet was also observed. A statistically significant increase in activities of AST and ALT enzymes was observed in mice fed FO-A2, FO-G1 and FO-G2 diets. However, mice fed FO-A1, FO-A2, FO-G1 and FO-G2 diets had significant decrease in the activity of gamma-GT enzyme compared with those fed FO diet. The present study demonstrated evidence that prolonged intake of diets containing sunflower oil repeatedly used in frying processes could be considered a cause of induced abnormalities in reproductive materials and liver enzymes activities of female mice. However, artichoke and green pepper proved to be suitable protectors against hazards of such toxic materials

Effect of laser therapy versus aerobic exercise training on small airway ventilation and selected immune system response in asthmatic children

Asthma is common in children, affects about 18% of children less than 12 years of age worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Patients with bronchial asthma have poor ventilation in small airways which gradually impairs their overall physical ability and reduces health related quality of life. Many people turn to alternative and complementary treatment. To compare the effect of laser acupuncture therapy and aerobic exercise on small airways ventilation [the greatest affected lung area] and immune system in asthmatic children. Thirty six asthmatic patients participated in this study and divided into two equal groups, group [1] received medical treatment and the usual physiotherapy in addition to laser acupuncture therapy, where group [2] received medical treatment and the usual physiotherapy in addition to aerobic exercise training. The program continued for two months. Measurements of lgG, FEF0.2-12%. FEF25-75% and MEF50% obtained before starting of the study and after two successive months. The results of this study indicated that there were significant improvements in the measurement parameters including IgG, FEF0.2-1.2%, FEF25-75% and MEF50% for both groups, where there was no significant difference between both groups [p<0.05]. Both laser acupuncture therapy and aerobic exercise can be considered as valid and effective modalities in the management of asthmatic patients

Placenta previa accreta: risk factors, morbidity and new strategy in the management

The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors, morbidity and mortality associated with placenta previa accreta, and effectiveness of using new strategy in the management of the placenta previa accreta, particularly those covering the cervix [major placenta previa] with a history of previous Cs. A total number of 280 pregnant patients, with placenta previa as diagnosed by ultrasound after 20 weeks of pregnancy were followed till the time of delivery during the period of4 years. After delivery, patients were divided into two main groups, those with placenta accreta [cases; n = 42], and those with 110 accreta [control; n = 238], and compared. Out of 280 patients with placenta previa, 42 [15%] had placenta aecreta, previous CS, advanced maternal age, grandmultiparity, previous dilatation and curettage were found to be a risky factors associated with a higher incidence of placenta accreta. Previous history of CS showed a significant increase In the incidence of placenta previa accreta [p < 0.0001], and the percentage f placenta accreta, increased linearly with the number of the CS from 0.99% in patients with no history of previous CS to 86.6% in patients with a previous history of 6 CS. However, post partum hemorrhage, and hospital stay were significantly higher in patients with placenta accreta than control [p < 0.0001], both groups had a similar delivery gestational age and neonatal outcome. Bimanual compression for at least 10 minutes, rectal insertion of 4 tablets [800 micro g] of misoprostol with bilateral internal iliac artery ligation were significantly associated with the stop of severe bleeding in cases of placenta previa accreta with. or without previous CS up to 90.5%. Emergency cesareanhystel-ectomy, needed only in 4 patients [9.5%], in addition to the above line of treatments. Previous repeated CS, hyypertensive disorders, previous dilation and curettage, grandmultiparity, advanced maternal age, are risky factors associated with higher incidence of placenta accreta. Placenta accreta is associated with higher maternal morbidity, but with similar neonatal outcomes compared with control. Combination of rectal insertion of 800 micro g misoprostol, bimanual compression for at least 10 minutes and bilateral internal iliac artery ligation were found to be promising treatment for the difficult cases of placenta previa accreta with or without previous CS, which might lead to lowering the maternal morbidity and mortality, saving the uterus and raises the psychological support which may have a direct effect on the women's health and fertility particularly those nulliparous or low parity

new flavonol glycoside from polygonum bellardu all: growing in Egypt

A new flavonol glycoside named myricetin-3-O-[5"-acetyl alpha-arabinofuranoside] has been isolated from Polygonum bellardii All F. Polygonaceae growing in Egypt, together with quercetin-3-O-[5"-acetyl alpha -arabinofuranoside], quercetin-3-O-rutinoside [rutin], alpha-amyrin, beta sitosterol and beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta glucoside. Their structures were elucidated using different spectral techniques

Distal femoral fractures in elderly patients. Results of retrograde intramedullary interlocking nailing

Distal femoral fractures constitutes about 7% of all fernoral fractures [4]. In elderly patients, these fractures are mostly low energy fractures predisposed to by increase in porosity with aging, decrease in strength and osteoporosis. Different technique were used for surgical stabilization. In this series 34 fractures were stabilized using the interlocking retrograde nail. The outcome was% excellent and good in 80% of the cases. We concluded that the retrograde femoral nailing is a safe and reliable implant for fixation of type A distal femoral fracture in low demand elderly patients

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in cases of patello-femoral joint mal-tracking

Patello-femoral disorders commonly cause anterior knee pain and giving way. Axial X-rays will only reveal mal-alignment but not mal-tracking. In a group of 32 patients 54 knees were studied by dynamic MRI. Group A which presented with recurrent subluxation or dislocation showed more moderate and severe tilt and subluxation, than group B that presented with anterior knee pain. Dynamic MRI gives us a new perspective for dynamic study of the patello-femoral joint

Macro- and micromorphology of leaf stem and root of poylgenum bellardii all growing in Egypt

The macro- and microrphological characters of the leaf stem, and root of Polygonulm bellardii All. growing in Egypt are presented with the aim of finding out the charactrers by which the plant could be identified in both the entire and powdered forms