Zika virus antibody-positivity among symptomatic/asymptomatic pregnant women in the Aseer region displays pre-exposure to dengue viruses

@#Antibody cross-reactivity among flaviviruses is a major limitation in understanding the prevalence without vector control measures. In this study, we investigated the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV)-specific antibodies and the significance of their cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses, which could affect the serological specificity in both symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women. Among the results obtained from 217 serum samples tested for ZIKV-specific IgM and IgG, no specific predictions regarding seropositivity or exposure due to extensive cross-reactivity with dengue virus (DENV) serology could be made. Clear-cut positivity was observed in 1.8% (n = 4) and 1.0% (n = 2) for ZIKV IgM and IgG, respectively. The same samples assessed for DENV showed 1.3% (n = 3) seropositivity each for IgM and IgG levels. None of the samples were positive for ZIKV and DENV IgM or IgG. However, one sample (0.4%) tested positive for ZIKV and DENV IgM. No significant correlation was observed between DENV IgM and IgG when comparing the overlapped serotiters. On the other hand, the ZIKV IgG-positive sample showed higher serotiters for DENV IgG, indicating cross-reactivity with ZIKV but without statistical significance. Therefore, screening for the incidence of ZIKV becomes particularly challenging in a population where the presence or pre-exposure to DENV is observed. Our observations further suggest that unless flavivirus prevalence is properly addressed, determining the prevalence of ZIKV antibodies, which may be confounded with other uninvestigated flaviviruses, will be complicated.

Nitrate detoxification using antioxidants and probiotics in the water for rabbits / Detoxificación de nitrato usando antioxidantes y probióticos en el agua para conejos / Detoxificação de nitrato usando antioxidantes e probióticos na água para coelhos

Abstract Background: Agricultural practices increase groundwater pollution from nitrate. High nitrate intake could negatively affect animal growth. Objective: To determine the effects of different levels of nitrate in drinking water on digestive, liver, and kidney functions, and on water and feed intake, and to determine the ability of vitamin C, vitamin E + selenium (Se) or probiotics to overcome the effects of nitrate in New Zealand White rabbit bucks. Methods: Forty-two male rabbits were randomly distributed into six treatment groups: 1) control group (with no nitrate); 2) 350 ppm nitrate; 3) 700 ppm nitrate; 4) 700 ppm + 200 ppm vitamin C; 5) 700 ppm + 200 ppm vitamin E + Se; and 6) 700 ppm + 1000 ppm probiotic. Productive performance, digestive, liver, and kidney functions, and hepatic and renal histology were evaluated. Results: Water intake was reduced (p<0.05) by the 350 ppm nitrate treatment. Rabbits given 700 ppm nitrate showed lower (p<0.05) dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and increased (p<0.05) water and nitrate intake, as well as urea concentration, and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Vitamin C, vitamin E + Se and probiotics improved (p<0.05) feed intake and nutrient digestibility, and reduced (p<0.05) water and nitrate intake, urea concentration, and AST and ALT activities. Conclusion: Rabbits may tolerate up to 350 ppm of nitrate, but 700 ppm of nitrate negatively affect digestive, liver, and kidney functions, which are improved by vitamin C, vitamin E + Se and probiotic supplementation.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las prácticas agrícolas aumentan la polución de aguas subterráneas con nitratos. Una alta ingestión de nitratos posiblemente afecta negativamente el crecimiento animal. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de diferentes niveles de nitrato en el agua de bebida sobre las funciones digestivas, hepáticas y renales, ingestión de agua y alimento, y determinar la habilidad de la vitamina C, vitamina E + Selenio (Se) o probióticos en superar los efectos del nitrato en conejos Nueva Zelanda Blanco. Métodos: Cuarenta y dos conejos machos se distribuyeron al azar entre seis tratamientos: 1) grupo control (sin nitrato), 2) 350 ppm nitrato, 3) 700 ppm nitrato, 4) 700 ppm + 200 ppm vitamina C, 5) 700 ppm + 200 ppm vitamina E + Se, y 6) 700 ppm + 1000 ppm probiótico. Se evaluó el desempeño productivo, las funciones digestivas, hepáticas y renales, y la histología renal y hepática. Resultados: La ingestión de 350 ppm de nitrato disminuyó (p<0,05) la ingestión de agua. Los conejos que consumieron 700 ppm de nitrato presentaron menor (p<0,05) ingestión de materia seca y digestibilidad de nutrientes, y mayor (p<0,05) ingestión de agua y nitrato, concentración de urea, y mayores actividades de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y alanina aminotransferasa (ALT). Las vitaminas C, E + Se y el probiótico mejoraron (p<0,05) el consumo de alimento y la digestibilidad de nutrientes, y redujeron (p<0,05) la ingestión de agua y nitrato, la concentración de urea, y las actividades de AST y ALT. Conclusión: Los conejos pueden tolerar hasta 350 ppm de nitrato, pero 700 ppm de nitrato afectan negativamente las funciones digestivas, hepáticas y renales, las cuales mejoran con la suplementación de vitamina C, vitamina E + Se y del probiótico.

Resumo Antecedentes: As práticas agrícolas aumentam a contaminação de águas subterrâneas a partir de nitrato e a alta ingestão desta substância pode afetar negativamente o crescimento animal. Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de nitrato na água de bebida sobre as funções digestivas, hepáticas e renais, ingestão de água e ração e determinar a habilidade da vitamina C, vitamina E + Selênio (Se) ou probiótico em sobrepor os efeitos do nitrato em coelhos Nova Zelândia Branco. Métodos: Quarenta e dois coelhos machos foram distribuídos ao acaso em seis tratamentos: 1) grupo controle (sem nitrato), 2) 350 ppm de nitrato, 3) 700 ppm de nitrato, 4) 700 ppm + 200 ppm de vitamina C, 5) 700 ppm + 200 ppm vitamina E + Se e 6) 700 ppm + 1000 ppm de probiótico. Foram avaliados o desempenho produtivo, as funções digestivas, hepáticas e renais além da histologia hepática e renal. Resultados: A ingestão de 350 ppm de nitrato diminuiu (p<0,05) a ingestão de água. Coelhos que receberam 700 ppm de nitrato apresentaram menor (p<0,05) ingestão de matéria seca, menor digestibilidade de nutrientes, e maior (p<0,05) ingestão de água e de nitrato, maior concentração plasmática de ureia e maiores atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). A adição de vitaminas C ou vitamina E + Se e probiótico melhorou (p<0,05) o consumo de ração, a digestibilidade de nutrientes e reduziram (p<0,05) a ingestão de água e de nitrato, a concentração de ureia e as atividades de AST e ALT. Conclusão: Coelhos podem tolerar até 350 ppm de nitrato, mas 700 ppm de nitrato afeta negativamente as funções digestivas, hepáticas e renais, as quais são melhoradas a partir da suplementação de vitamina C, vitamina E + Se ou ainda probiótico.

Nesting materials for does: Effect on nest building and performance at first parturition / Materiales de nido para conejas: Efecto sobre la construcción del nido y desempeño al primer parto / Materiais de ninho para coelhas: Efeito sobre a construção do ninho e desempenho na primeira parição

Abstract Background: The material placed into the nest should provide comfort to both does and their kits. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different nesting materials on rabbit doe performance and nest building. Methods: Thirty primiparous rabbit does were randomized allotted in a block design with three treatments and ten replicates each. The treatments consisted of nest bedding with wood shavings (280 g, control), Tifton hay (220 g), and thin strips of newspaper (200 g). The state of the nest was assessed to evaluate mixing of the material with doe's hair and preservation of the original material. Kit body weight, daily weight gain, and survival rate were evaluated from birth to weaning. Results: The nesting material did not affect the mixing level of material and hair, amount of hair in the nest, body weight, daily weight gain, or survival rate of rabbits from birth to 35 d of age (p>0.05). However, preservation of original material in the nest was lower when Tifton hay was used (p<0.05). Correlations between material type and total number of born alive and the amount of hair, mixture level between hair and material, and material preservation in the nest were not significant (p>0.05). No correlation (p>0.05) was observed between material preservation and hair presence or mixture level between both. Positive correlation between hair presence and mixture level (p<0.001) was observed. Conclusion: Tifton hay and cut newspaper can be used as nest bedding for pregnant does in replacement of wood shavings, with no negative effects on nest building behavior or kit performance.

Resumen Antecedentes: El material ubicado en el nido debe proporcionar confort a la coneja y a su camada. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de nidos forrados con diferentes materiales sobre el desempeño de la coneja y sobre la construcción del nido. Métodos: Treinta conejas primíparas fueron usadas en un diseño en bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y 10 repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en forrar el nido con viruta (280 g), heno de Tifton (220 g) y periódico cortado en tiras (200 g). El estado del nido fue determinado para evaluar la mezcla del material y los vellos de la coneja, la preservación del material original, y el peso corporal, la ganancia de peso diaria y la tasa de supervivencia fueron evaluados desde el nacimiento hasta el destete. Resultados: El tipo de material no afectó el nivel de mezcla entre el material y los vellos, cantidad de vello en el nido, peso corporal, ganancia de peso diaria, o tasa de supervivencia de las crías desde el nacimiento hasta el d 35 de edad (p>0,05); sin embargo, la preservación del material original en el nido fue menor cuando el heno de Tifton fue usado (p<0,05). Las correlaciones del tipo de material y número total de nacidos vivos, y la cantidad de vello, nivel de mezcla entre vello y material, y preservación de material en el nido no fueron significativas (p>0,05). No hubo correlación (p>0,05) entre preservación del material en el nido con presencia de vello o nivel de mezcla en los nidos. Hubo una correlación positive entre la presencia de vello en el nido y el nivel de mezcla (p<0,001). Conclusión: El heno de Tifton y el periódico cortado en tiras puede ser usado como revestimiento de nidos para conejas gestantes, sustituyendo la viruta de madera sin efectos negativos sobre el comportamiento de construcción del nido de la coneja ni sobre el desempeño de las crías desde el nacimiento hasta el destete, considerando el primer parto.

Resumo Antecedentes: O material colocado no ninho deve proporcionar conforto à coelha e sua ninhada. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de ninhos forrados com diferentes materiais sobre o desempenho da coelha e sobre a construção do ninho. Métodos: Trinta coelhas primíparas foram usadas em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três tratamentos e dez repetições cada. Foram avaliados três tipos de material para forrar o piso do ninho com maravalha (280 g), feno de Tifton (220 g) e jornal cortado em tiras (200 g). O estado do ninho foi determinado para avaliar a mistura do material com os pelos da coelha, a preservação do material original. Peso corporal, ganho de peso diário e a taxa de sobrevivência foram avaliados desde o nascimento até o desmame. Resultados: Nenhum efeito foi observado do tipo de material sobre o nível de mistura do material e pelos, quantidade de pelos no ninho, peso corporal, ganho de peso diário ou taxa de sobrevivência dos láparos do nascimento até 35 d de idade (p>0,05), entretanto, a preservação do material original no ninho foi menor quando o feno de Tifton foi usado (p<0,05). As correlacões de tipo de material e número total de nascidos vivos com a presença de pelo, nível de mistura entre pelo e material, e preservação de material no ninho não foram significativas (p>0,05). Não houve correlação (p>0,05) entre preservação do material no ninho com presença de pelo ou nível de mistura nos ninhos. Houve correlação positiva entre a presença de pelo no ninho com nível de mistura (p<0,001). Conclusão: Feno de Tifton e jornal cortado em tiras podem ser usados como revestimento de ninhos para coelhas gestantes, substituindo a maravalha sem efeitos negativos sobre o comportamento de construção do ninho da coelha nem sobre o desempenho dos láparos do nascimento até o desmame, considerando-se o primeiro parto.

Magnetized drinking water improves productivity and blood parameters in geese / El agua de bebida magnetizada mejora la productividad y los parámetros sanguíneos en gansos / A água magnetizada melhora a produtividade e os parâmetros sanguíneos em gansos

Abstract Background: Quality of drinking water is an issue that imposes limits on animal farming. Improving water quality can be a solution to animal farming and to the enhancement of animal production in areas with limited water supplies. Objective: To evaluate the effect of water quality and magnetized water on productivity and blood parameters of Egyptian geese. Methods: One hundred and eight (108) Egyptian geese were randomly distributed among four water treatments in a 2×2 factorial design that included two types of water (tap water and well water) and exposure or non-exposure to magnetized tap water and magnetized well water. Results: Well water was of poor quality. Geese consuming this water exhibited lower productive and reproductive performance, lower progesterone and estrogen levels, impaired renal and liver functions and lower total antioxidant capacity. Their eggs had lower weight, lower yolk percentage and reduced shell thicknesses. The magnetic treatment improved the quality of both types of water, with a greater effect on well water. Magnetized water increased water consumption and performance of geese, along with improved renal and liver functions, reproductive hormones, and antioxidant status. Magnetized water improved growth performance, dressing percentage of goslings, and the amount of meat produced. Conclusion: Magnetized tap water improved body weight and feed conversion rate, besides renal and hepatic functions. It also increased production, quality and hatchability of eggs, and levels of reproductive hormones (i.e. progesterone and estrogen), and the antioxidant status in blood.

Resumen Antecedentes: La calidad del agua de bebida es un problema que limita la cría de animales. Mejorar la calidad del agua puede ser una solución para la cría de animales y para aumentar su producción en áreas con limitado suministro de agua Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la calidad del agua y del agua magnetizada sobre la productividad y los parámetros sanguíneos de gansos egipcios. Métodos: Ciento ocho gansos se distribuyeron al azar en cuatro tratamientos con un diseño factorial 2×2, que incluyó el efecto de dos tipos de agua (agua de grifo o agua de pozo) y el efecto de la magnetización de ambos tipos. Resultados: El agua de pozo presentó baja calidad. Los gansos que consumieron dicha agua exhibieron peor desempeño productivo y reproductivo, menor nivel de progesterona y estrógeno, deficiencia en las funciones renal y hepática y menor capacidad antioxidante total. Sus huevos mostraron menor peso, bajo porcentaje de yema y reducido espesor de cáscara. El tratamiento magnético mejoró la calidad de ambos tipos de agua, con mayor efecto sobre el agua de pozo. El agua magnetizada mejoró el consumo de agua y el desempeño de los gansos, lo cual contribuyó a una mejoría en las funciones renal y hepática, en las hormonas de la reproducción y en los índices antioxidantes. El agua magnetizada indujo una mejora en el crecimiento, rendimiento en canal y cantidad de carne producida. Conclusión: El agua de pozo magnetizada mejoró el peso corporal y la conversión alimenticia de las aves, además de las funciones renal y hepática; aumentó la producción, calidad y eclosión de los huevos, así como los niveles de hormonas reproductivas (i.e. progesterona y estrógeno) y el estatus antioxidante en sangre.

Resumo Antecedentes: A qualidade da agua é um problema que limita a criação de animais. Melhorar a qualidade da água pode ser uma solução para a criação extensiva de animais e para ampliar a produção animal em áreas com limitado fornecimento de água. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da qualidade da água e da água magnetizada sobre a produtividade e os parâmetros sanguíneos de gansos Egípcios. Métodos: Cento e oito gansos Egípcios foram distribuídos ao acaso entre quatro tratamentos de água em arranjo fatorial 2×2 incluindo dois tipos de água - água da torneira × água de poço e a exposição ou não à água de torneira magnetizada × água de poço magnetizada. Resultados: A água de poço apresentou baixa qualidade. Os gansos que receberam esta água exibiram piores desempenhos produtivo e reprodutivo, menores níveis de progesterona e estrógeno, deficiências nas funções renal e hepática, e menor capacidade antioxidante total. Seus ovos mostraram baixo peso, porcentagens menores de gema e espessura de casca reduzida. O tratamento magnético melhorou a qualidade de ambos os tipos de água, com maior efeito na água de poço. A água magnetizada melhorou o consumo de água e o desempenho dos gansos, o qual contribuiu para a melhora nas funções renal e hepática, nos hormônios da reprodução e nos índices antioxidantes. A água magnetizada induziu uma melhora no crescimento, no rendimento de carcaça e na quantidade de carne produzida. Conclusaõ: A água de poço magnetizada melhorou o peso corporal e a conversão alimentar das aves, além das funções renal e hepática, aumentou a produção, qualidade e eclodibilidade dos ovos, também os níveis de hormônios reprodutores (i.e. progesterona e estrógeno) e o status antioxidante no sangue.

When prone position is contraindicated or not preferable, can supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy solve the problem?

PURPOSE: To assess safety and efficacy of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients for whom prone position or general anesthesia is contraindicated or not preferable due to associated comorbidities, overweight or ipsilateral upper ureteric calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty two patients (37 males and 15 females, mean age 33 ± 10.2 years) were included in this study. Supine position was selected due to anesthetic considerations (preexisting compromised cardiopulmonary status, morbid obesity (body mass index > 40 kg/m²) and/or other associated medical comorbidities), impossible prone position due to bone deformities or associated ipsilateral upper ureteric stone. Regional anesthesia was used in 24 patients while 28 patients underwent general anesthesia. After standard cystoscopy and retrograde ureteropyelography in the dorsal lithotomy position, the position was modified using 3 liters of saline bag below the ipsilateral upper flank. Percutaneous access to the pelvicalyceal system was performed through the posterior axillary line under fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Successful renal puncture was achieved in all cases. Single access via the lower calyx was the most commonly used access (36 cases). Stone-free rate was 92.3%. Postoperative complications classified according to Clavien Dindo classification included bleeding requiring transfusion (3.8%), urinary leakage requiring ureteric stenting (5.8%), prolonged fever (7.7%), deep venous thrombosis (1.9%) [grade III in all] and urinary leakage requiring ureteric stenting (5.8%) [grade IIIa]. CONCLUSIONS: The modified supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective option that offers several advantages with an excellent outcome. It can be performed safely for morbidly obese patients and those with cardiopulmonary compromise.

Nosocomial infections and fever of unknown origin in pediatric hematology/oncology unit: a retrospective annual study

Pediatric hematology / oncology patients are faced with an increased risk of nosocomial infections [NIs] that vary in different populations and different institutes with considerable morbidity and mortality. Our aims were to assess the frequency and patterns of NIs in this group of patients relation to the risk of neutropenia and to determine the prevalence of causative organisms and their antimicrobial sensitivities. A retrospective analysis of the data for all children admitted to pediatric hematoloy/oncology unit of Mansoura University, Egypt, was done over one year from January, 2007 to January, 2008. A total of 1564 patients were included [173 children with leukemia, 39 with lymphoma, 49 with other solid tumors, 1293 with thalassemia and 10 withaplastic anemia] corresponding to 2084 admissions and 27092 inpatient days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used as standard definition for NI. The overall incidence density rates of NIs in all patients and neutropenic patients were 8.6 and 25.3 per 1000 patient-days respectively. The most frequent sites of microbiologically and or clinically documented NIs were blood stream [42.7%], respiratory [25.3%], Urinary [22.2%] and CNS infections [9.8%] whereas nosocomial fever of unknown origin [nFUO] constituted 52.9% of defined cases with incidence density rates of 9.7 and 15.4 per 1000 patient-days in, all patients and neutropenic patients respectively. The frequency of NIs and nFUO were significantly higher during neutropenic days [p<0.001]. Gram-positive organisms represented 64.5% of isolated pathogens [Staphylococci 71.5%, Streptococci 16%, Pneamococci 7% and Enterococci 5.5%], gram-negative organisms represented 30% [E coli 48.6%, Klebsiella 15.7%, and Pseudomonas 35.7%], and Candida 5.5%. Positive cultures were more frequent in summer months [July to September]. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolated organisms were relatively low [cefoperazone/sulbactam 49.9%, amikacin 35.9%, imipenem/cilastatin 34.4%, cefoperazone 33.6% and vancomycin 36.5%]. Blood stream infection and fever of unknown origin are the most common nosocomial infections in pediatric hematology / oncology patients with a higher risk during neutropenic days. Isolated organisms are multi-drug resistant, predominantly gram-positive pathogens

Prolonged hemiplegic migraine

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine variant. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of headache associated with temporary neurological deficit, usually unilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. It can be difficult to distinguish from migrainous stroke clinically, and a full neurological work-up and careful review of medical history and symptoms are necessary for the diagnosis. Two forms of hemiplegic migraine are known: familial and sporadic, phenotypically similar, differentiated by the absence of family history of similar attacks in the sporadic form. We report a case of sporadic hemiplegic migraine with unusually prolonged deficit and progression to quadriplegia with complete return to baseline 7 days after onset. Diffusion weighted images helped in excluding infarction

Physician's perceptions of fever in children: Facts and myths

To ascertain the knowledge and attitude of physicians, regarding fever in children. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 600 randomly selected pediatricians, family practice physicians, emergency medicine physicians and general practitioners, who practice in Saudi Arabia. Appropriateness of responses to questions was determined on the basis of current medical literature. A rectal temperature of 38.0°C is generally accepted as indicative of fever in children. Of the 600 physicians surveyed, 419 [70%] completed and returned the questionnaire; 17% of the physicians were consultants, 28% specialists and 55% general practitioners. Fifty-eight% of the physicians had 10 years or more of experience. A rectal temperature of less than 38.0°C was considered to indicate fever by 38% of physicians. Nearly 84% of physicians would initiate antipyretic therapy at a temperature of 38.5°C or less and 56% cited a temperature of 40.0°C or less to be dangerous. Only 5% believed that fever was not dangerous, while the remaining cited the principal danger of fever to be convulsions [69%], brain damage [35%], or death [8%]. The responses to the main purpose of antipyretic treatment were to prevent convulsions [70%], to make the child comfortable [55%] and to prevent brain damage [29%]. Approximately 53% of physicians reported that the most serious consequences of febrile convulsions were brain damage, learning disability, epilepsy, or death. Only 26% of physicians agreed that a sleeping child with fever should be left undisturbed. Approximately 25% advised inappropriate dosage or administration intervals of paracetamol. Almost all physicians recommended sponging or bathing to reduce fever. All respondents try to educate parents regarding fever and its management. A significant number of the surveyed physicians have demonstrated a serious lack of knowledge of the nature, dangers and management of an extremely common health problem. Physicians differ substantially in their knowledge of, and attitude toward fever in children, which is perhaps attributed to their different background in medical education and clinical training

Stability of extemporaneously prepared spironalactone suspensions in Saudi hospitals

The stability of spironolactone in suspensions prepared extemporaneously by five Saudi hospitals was studied. The suspensions were stored at 4C 90% of the initial concentrations, except one individual suspension. After 30 days only two suspensions remained stable, with >90% of the initial spironolactone concentration. Whereas, mean spironolactone concentrations in only one sample met the 90% cut off for at least 35 days. Suspensions pH, and particle size remained unchanged throughout the period of test and there were no changes in physical appearance. Also counts of bacteria and fungi remained within acceptable limits within 35 days. Only two spironolactone suspensions [5 mg/ml] were found to fulfil the expiry date [30 days] stated in the labels

effect of different curing methods on the bond strength of heat-cured soft lining material and heat-cured acrylic resin: a comparative study

One of the serious defects of soft lining materials is their poor adhesion base. So, in this study the effect of different curing methods on the bond strength of heat cured acrylic resin and heat cured acrylic soft liner was investigated. Sixty specimens were prepared, thirty for shear test, and thirty for tensile test and eash of them was subdivided equally into three groups according to different curing methods, microwave oven, conventional curing bath and domestic pressure cooker [P.C] Half of the specimens were stored in distilled water for 2 days and the remainder for 30 days. The force required for failure by separation of soft liner was measured using Lloxd universal testing machine at cross heat speed 22mm/min. The results of this investigation showed that the highest bonding strength was obtained when using domestic P.C. either after 2 days or after 30 days storage in distilled water. While the bond strength of soft lining material cured by conventional curing bath and microwave oven was less than cured by domestic P.C, also there was a reduction of this bond strength after 30 days of storage in distilled water. The microwave group showed the least value of bond strength. There was no significant difference between the bond strength of the microwave group and conventional group after 2 days of storage while there was significant difference between them after 30 days of storage

Parental perceptions of fever in children

Fever is a common medical problem in children which often prompts parents to seek immediate medical care. The objective of this study was to survey parents about their knowledge and attitude concerning fever in their children. Patients and The study involved the random selection of Saudi parents who brought their febrile children to the emergency rooms or walk-in clinics of four hospitals in Riyadh. Parents of 560 febrile children were interviewed using a standard questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic information and current knowledge of fever. Approximately 70% of the respondents were female, and the ages of the most were in the range of 20-40 years. More than 80% of the parents had two or more children. More than 70% of parents demonstrated a poor understanding of the definition of fever, high fever, maximum temperature of untreated fever, and threshold temperature warranting antipyresis. About 25% of parents considered temperatures less than 38.0°C to be fever, another 25% did not know the definition of fever, 64% felt that temperatures of less than 40.0°C could be dangerous to a child, and 25% could not define high fever. Another 23% believed that if left untreated, temperatures could rise to 42.0°C or higher, but 37% could not provide an answer, and 62% did not know the minimum temperature for administering antipyretics. Approximately 95% of parents demonstrated undue fear of consequent body damage from fever, including convulsion, brain damage or stroke, coma, serious vague illness, blindness, and even death. Parental misconceptions about fever reflect the lack of active health education in our community. Health professionals have apparently not done enough to educate parents on the condition of fever and its consequences, a common problem

effect of diabetes on neuro muscular transmission

This work included clinical and experimental studies. The clinical study included ten normal females as controls and ten uncontrolled diabetic females who did not receive insulin therapy before. Estimation of fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin and measurement of hand grip strength before and after treatment with insulin were done. The results demonstrated that diabetes produce marked weakness of the hand grip strength which improves markedly after insulin therapy. The experimental study was carried on rat phrenic diaphragm preparations taken from normal rats and alloxan diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels were determined, then the time needed to induce neuro muscular block was calculated when indirectly stimulated at a rate of 1 impulse/second and 5 impulses/second. Five experiments were done after addition of insulin to the bath in diabetic rats. It can be concluded that the time is much shortened in diabetic rats and significantly prolonged after addition of insulin to the bath