Identification and sequence analysis of two antimicrobial peptides in Egyptian native and crossbred frisian cattle

Two antimicrobial peptides namely bovine tracheal antimicrobial peptide [TAP] and bovine neutrophil beta-defensin 4 [BNBD4] were investigated in crossbred Frisian and Egyptian native cattle. TAP and BNBD4 were tested for reaction with cDNA of various cattle tissues such as liver, lung, trachea, intestine, mammary gland, colon and blood using PCR. TAP and BNBD4 were positive in all tissues of the native cattle whereas in crossbred Frisian only the trachea PCR- product sequence was positive with both. NCBI-Blast analysis of TAP and BNBD4 sequences showed 89% and 92% alignment between crossbred Frisian and native cattle, respectively. Blast analysis of TAP PCR-product sequences of both native and crossbred Frisian cattle with GenBank published sequences revealed sequence homology between both native and crossbred Frisian cattle and Bos taunts TAP mRNA. Analysis also revealed homology [90%] between crossbred Frisian TAP and Bos taunts lingual antimicrobial peptide [LAP], whereas native cattle TAP was homologous [86%] to Bubalus bubalis LAP. Blast analysis of BNBD4 PCR-products sequence revealed sequence homology between both native and crossbred Frisian cattle and Bos taurus BNBD4 mRNA. Analysis also revealed homology with Bubalus bubalis enteric beta-defensin preproprotein mRNA, however the native cattle showed higher homology [128 nucleotide shared] than the crossbred Frisian where only 62 nitcleotides were shared. The presence of TAP and BNBD4 in all tested tissues of native cattle may reflect a higher tendency towards disease resistance in native cattle compared to the crossbred Frisian ones. Further studies on the expression of these genes in different organs of the native cattle will shed more light on their disease resistance

Hypertension and its determinants among primary-school children in Kuwait: an epidemiological study

A multistage, stratified random sample of 1312 students [aged 6-10 years] was selected from the five regions in Kuwait. Parents were interviewed and weight, height and urine analysis of the children were taken. Blood pressure was measured on at least three separate occasions. The overall prevalence of hypertension [average systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure > 95th percentile for age and sex] was 5.1%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, certain groups of Kuwaiti schoolchildren were much more likely to develop hypertension. They included children whose parents were consanguineous, children with a family history of hypertension and obese children

Schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasitic infections among Yemenis in Abha district, Saudi Arabia: an epidemiological study

To study the prevalence of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasitic infection among Yemenis in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. Cross-sectional study. During 1992, 3241 male Yemenis aged 18 to 55 years residing in the catchment area of the primary health care centers available in Abha City [6 centers] were identified [80% response rate] and referred to the Regional Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Asir Health Directorate in Abha. Fresh urine and stool specimens were obtained and examined by concentration techniques. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS PC + software package. Chi square test was used as a test of significance at 5% level. Results: An overall parasitic prevalence was 42.8%. The more prevalent parasites were Schistosoma mansoni [25.3%], S.hematobium [11.9%], Ascaris lumbricoides [3.1%], and Trichuris trichiura [2.5%]. The high prevalence of parasitic infection among male Yemenis in Abha could lead to the spreading of such parasites throughout the Saudi Community It is recommended that all Yemenis must be checked and screened for parasitic infection, and treated if necessary, upon entering Saudi Arabia and also re-examined upon returning from their leave

Ecological determinants of intestinal parasitic infections among preschool children in an urban squatter settlement of Egypt

The unplanned population growth in Egypt led to the creation of several urban squatter settlements. The aim of the present work was to study the prevalence and some potential risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among preschool children in a randomly chosen urban squatter settlement in Alexandria, Egypt. A house to house cross sectional survey was conducted during late 1995. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews regarding socio-demographic and environmental conditions from 1324 families residing in the settlement. Stool samples were collected from 658 preschool children below 5 years of age and examined for intestinal parasites. Overall, the prevalence rates of infections with the intestinal helminths and protozoa were 47.3% and 31.5%, respectively, which were very high compared to previously reported figures for this age group in Egypt. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that certain groups of preschool children were much more likely to develop the infection with both groups of intestinal parasites. They included children over 2 years of age [OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.23-4.12 and OR=2.65, 95% CI=1.70-3.45 for helminths and protozoa, respectively], whose families had pools of sewage around houses [OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.22-3.19 and OR=2.83, 95% CI= 1.45-3. 95 for helminths and protozoa, respectively] and shared toilets with another family [OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.38-2.75 and OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.06-2.58 for helminths and protozoa, respectively]. In addition, certain groups of children were much likely to develop protozoa infections including children whose families lacked tap water inside dwelling [OR=1.85, 95% CI=1. 26-2,77] and disposed human excreta in septic tank very close to the dwelling [OR=2.17, 95% CI= 1.43-3 .75]. Efforts to reduce intestinal parasites should focus on reducing exposures. Improvement in domestic water supplies with the introduction of piped sewage system is likely to have a marked decreasing effect on the prevalence of infection among this age group

Satisfaction among primary health care recipients in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia: an epidemiologic study

A sample of 1,683 Saudi persons aged 18 years and more was interviewed, through house to house survey, regarding their satisfaction with the provided primary health care [PHC] services. The sample was chosen from 26 primary health care centers [out of 208] in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia, using multistage stratified random sampling technique. Seventy-two percent of the interviewed were satisfied with the provided PHC services. Different elements of satisfaction were studied in terms of accessibility of care, continuity, humaneness, informativeness and thoroughness. The leading five items of dissatisfaction were: not enough audio-visual means for health education [51.9%], long time spent in the center [47.7%], not enough specialty clinics [40%], not enough access to center telephone for use by consumers [28.5%] and insufficient health education provided by the centers [24.2%]. No statistically significant differences [P>0.05] in the prevalence of various elements of satisfaction were found by sex, age group and level of education of the interviewed persons. It is recommended that satisfaction studies be incorporated into the centers' activities as an integral part of the ongoing quality assurance program at PHC level

Current concepts of leadership among health care leaders in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Restructuring of the health system and integration of health services in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia lead to delegation of authorities to the assigned directors of the integrated health areas and subsequently to the leaders in lower levels. Fifty primary health care centers were selected by stratified random sampling technique. The executive directors and/or technical supervisors of the centers were interviewed. Data were collected regarding their knowledge, attitude and practice towards leadership. Results showed that both groups of leaders had a sufficient knowledge regarding functions and requirements of leadership. Few substantial negative attitudes were revealed. A pre-employment orientation course for the health care leaders in the region may be required to ensure and fortify their competence in management and leadership

Grand multiparity in Saudi Arabia: an epidemiologic study

A stratified random sample of 5,572 pregnant women [para 1+] attending 69 primary health care centers in the Asir region, southwestern Saudi Arabia was studied. The overall prevalence of grand multiparity [para 7+] was 22.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of socio-biological factors associated with grand multiparity showed that when all other variables were controlled for, illiteracy is a strong significant risk factor [adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.67 to 9.84]. Anemia and pregnancy associated hypertension were more prevalent among grand multipara [34.9% and 3.1%, respectively] compared to pregnant women with para 1-6 [31.8% and 2.4%, respectively]. Multivariate analysis showed that anemia was significantly associated with grand multiparity [adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1 to 2.7]. On the other hand, pregnancy associated hypertension was not associated with grand multiparity. Local programs of health education should be revised to stress the importance of family planning and balanced diet

Socio-demographic determinants of infant vaccination default in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia

The problem of vaccination default in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia and related factors were studied. A random sample of 15 Primary Health Care Centers [PHCCs] out of 238 in the area was chosen. From the PHCCs 225 defaulter parents were included. The leading group of causes of default was negligence and/or lack of information [42.3%] followed by presence of obstacles [36.4%] and lack of transportation [21.3%]. The rate of illiteracy was significantly [P < 0.05] higher [74.7%] in the first group of defaulter parents compared to the other two groups. Family head age, number of children per family and monthly income per capita were not significantly different among the three groups

reliability and validity study of a rating scale for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Egyptian children and adolescents

The Conners Parent-Teacher Rating Scale has been used widely in assessment and treatment studies of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] and proved to be of high reliability and validity. This study reports on the reliability and validity of the Arab version of Conners Rating Scale as used by parents, teachers and other raters in three different groups of Egyptian children and adolescents. A healthy group of normal preschoolers, a medically referred group of children, and a group of children and adolescents with the diagnosis of ADHD. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were analyzed. The high digrees of reliability for the normal preschoolers [r=0.96] and the ADHD group [r=0.64 and 0.68] in contrast to the medically referred group [r=0.53] are discussed. It is emphasized that such a scale should be under no circumstances used as a means for diagnosing ADHD in children, rather it should be viewed as providing additional data that may facilitate the interpretation of other clinical material and assist in the assessment of treatment efficacy

Schizophrenia and affective psychoses: I a clinical comparison

32 male Egyptian psychiatric inpatients with recurring psychotic episodes were compared from the symptomatological profiles using the Present State Examination [PSE], personological organization using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory [MMPI], intellectual functioning using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale [WAIS] and other predictor and follow up measures after 3 years of index evaluation. Results of diagnostic comparison showed schizophrenic patients [n=22] to have a statistically higher Deterioration Quotient [DQ] and lower scores on predictors than patients with affective psychosis. Also affective psychotics [n=10] obtained a significantly higher score on the MMPI scale [SI] Social Introversion than schizophrenics. These results and their clinical implications are discussed

Schizophrenia and affective psychosis: II-a polydiagnostic approach

Departing from the traditional diagnostic groups, 32 patients with schizophrenia and affective psychoses were compared using independent variables regardless of their diagnostic stand. These variables were type of course, recurrence, phase of depression and level of delusional elaboration. Results suggest that differences between subgroups classified according to clinical variables could be meaningful and fruitful when perceived on a continuum of a march of psychotic decompensation. Grouping of patients according to the level of developing delusional elaboration was on the whole the most rewarding classification than other classifications. The implications of our results are discussed

naturalistic study of neuroleptic medication prescription in Egyptian hospital children and adolescents

Patterns of prescription of neuroleptic medication to all consecutive psychiatrically disturbed children and adolescents admitted to a psychiatric institution in Cairo during a 5-year period [1982-1986] were studied and analyzed. Data are presented with respect to the relationship of prescription of medication to sex, diagnosis, types, potency and dosages of neuroleptics used. The trend toward favoring certain types of neuroleptic and variation in the dosage used is reported with examination of our findings in the light of previous literature of child-and adolescent psychopharmacology

Patient's subjective experiences of psychotropic drugs: can these help gaining new insights into pharmacotherapy?

Currently, there is a promising renewal of interest in patients' personal experiences and interpretations of illness and treatment in psychiatric research. The main question of the present study is: It we learn to listen carefully to what patients experience when taking psychotherapeutic drugs, could this have the potential to enrich and expand our knowledge of clinical psychopharmacology? The presented clinical material may help further illumination of such a question

Psychiatric disorders in Egyptian immigrants

This study was conducted with the aim of exploring some demographic and clinical characteristics of psychiatric disorders among Egyptian immigrants. Psycholbiograms of 103 immigrant patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Cairo over period of 6 years were assessed for revenant demographic and clinical data. The results revealed a preponderance of males with mean age of 31.2 years. Married and single patients were almost equally represented and the level of education showed a peak representation of middle level group followed by higher and lower levels. The majority of patients were temporary immigrants to Arab-oil countries and most of them exhibited their disorder during the first immigration attempt. Clinically, schizophrenia paranoid type was the most frequent diagnosis [39.8%] followed by affective disorders [24.7%] and paranoid states [22.4%]. [47.5%] showed prominent paranoid symptoms while depressive symptoms were marked in about one fourth of the cases [26.3%]. The diagnostic categories were compared with a corresponding sample of non-immigrants frequenting the same hospital. Positive past and histories were detected in a substantial percentage of the sample. Findings were discussed, particularly in relation to social selection and social causation hypotheses and inferences point to a complex interplay of aetiological factors rather than a simple explanation

Evaluation of cases with pyrexia of unknown origin [P.U.O.]

Twenty two cases of P.U.O. were sleeted out of 698 inpatients at Mansoura Fever Hospital. Through clinical examination, laboratory investigations follow up were undertaken to reach the possible etiological diagnosis. It was found that, the commonest cause of pyrexia among the whole cases wase upper respiratory tract infections, followed by infective hepatitis and then enterica. P.U.O. represent at least 3.15% of the whole febrile inpatients. Infection is a very important preventalbe group in Egypt [50%]. Schistosomiasis has been found among the causes of P.U.O. in our locality. The emperical use of antibiotics should be prohibited in P.U.O. before doing blood picture, Widal test, urine and stool analysis

Defective antibody production in Down's syndrome

The work included 62 patients with trisomy 21 and 24 normmal children of matched age and sex. They were divided into two groups: [1] the first group comprised 29 patients and 12 controls. They were vaccinated with Measles vaccine, [2] the second group comprised 33 patients and 12 controls and were vaccinated with TAB vaccine. Serum samples were taken before and after vaccination. Determinations of antibody titres against measles in the first group and O, TH, AH, and BH antigens were done. It is evident that antibody response against both measles and TAB and the increase in levels of antibodies is significantly defective in trisomy 21 compared to normals. We conclude that there is some defect in the mechanism by which specific antibodies are either elaborated or released into the circulation in response to antigenic stimulation

Brief communication: milieu therapy, an Egyptian experience

The impact of a given hospital milieu upon the patients depends upon so many variables. The aim of this brief communication is to give an idea about a nine-year trial at creating a therapeutic milieu in an Egyptian private mental hospital. The theory and hypotheses underlying the proposed milieu, the administrative and therapeutic arrangements and the preliminary results of the experience are briefly discussed. Finally, the difficulties and frustrations encountered during the trial are mentioned

Work treatment: meaning and rationale

The concept of using work as a treatment technique has led either to expansion of the concept to include many activity therapies or its reduction to the idea of occupying the patient's time with certain stereotyped activities. This paper presents a new definition of the concept which stresses certain common principles between work treatment and psychotherapy. The general plan of this type of therapy, as practiced in a private mental hospital for 7 years, is outlined. Examples of patients' comments are cited

Evaluation of cytological and microbiological methods in diagnosis of vaginal trichomoniasis and candidiasis

600 pregnant women with leukorrhae were examined for the detection of Trichomonus or Candia. Diagnosis was done by cytological [Papanicolaou stained smears] and microbilogical [fresh wet films and culture] procedures, in order to evaluate the best method for diagnosis of these conditions. Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis could be diagnosed by one or more methods in 188 and 150 cases respectively. One single method could diagnose 11.71% of Trichomoniasis and 48.67% of Candidiais, while if two methods were used in comination the percentage were 28.72% and 36% respectively, Moreover, the three methods used together gave the highest diagnositc percentage [59.57% for Trichomoniasis and 14.67% for Candidiasis]. So., it is extremly adisable and important to follow the three methods togther in the diagnosis of these two conditions