potential effect of technology and distractions on undergraduate students'concentration

Background and Objectives: In the present era, it is difficult to keep the concentration of college students at its maximum potential during the class time, as there are many distractions that negatively impact students' concentration and prevent optimal learning. Technologies such as laptops and cell phones have invaded the classroom, raising considerable concerns about their effects on college students' attention in the classroom. Despite these concerns, no research has been done in Saudi Arabia on the effects of technology and other types of classroom distractions on students' concentration. In the current study, we have attempted to identify students' perceptions of major distractions in the classroom based on seventeen internally [self-produced] and twenty-four externally produced classroom situations

Methods: The students participating in this study rated the degree to which each distraction interferes with their concentration on the class materials and their ability to learn. Data were collected through surveys of 265 students ]66 and 199 students from medical and basic classes, respectively], including 97 females and 168 males 17-23 years of age from the academic years 2010 to 2014. A validated self-administered questionnaire was handed to the students in the classroom

The students were asked to report and rate the classroom distraction produced by 24 external internal distracters [Table-ll], on a 5-point scale

Results: The results revealed that ringing cell phones in the class were the most commonly reported electronic external distractor for 68% of students, and 21% of them reported being extremely distracted by this noise. Having an instructor who is difficult to understand was the most commonly reported external behavioral distractor for 75% of students, and 48% of them rated this as extremely distracting. Students talking in class were the most self-produced distractor for 72% of students; negatively impacting their concentration and ability to learn, and 42% of them rated it as an extreme distractor. Wearing clothing with unusual words, drinking and eating in the classroom were minimally distracting colleagues. Overall, distractions [internal and external] were more significant for fifth-year students than the other years at a p-value< 0.001

Conclusion: Students believed that laptop and cell phone use in the classroom can effect their concentration and ability to learn. The students also felt that inappropriate behavior is a major distraction for students as well, and thus necessitates monitoring and improvement

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Almadinah Almunawwarah KSA

Objectives: Given its detrimental obstetric and congential sequelae, the detection of primary toxoplasmosis is most critical during pregnancy. This study aims to detect the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii [Toxoplasma gondii] among pregnant women who either have histories suggestive of toxoplasmosis or may be at risk

Methods: Serum samples of 150 pregnant women aged 18 -45 years were tested by the rapid Toxoplasma test [TOXO IgM/IgG test, InTec]. The results were further confirmed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] technique for IgM and IgG

Results: Serological results of toxoplasmosis seropositivity were statistically analyzed in light of the available epidemiological data. Thirty-two cases [21.3%] were IgG positive, and none was IgM positive, as shown by both tests

Conclusion: Significant relations were observed between seropositivity, maternal age and history of abortion, and probability of delivering a child with a congenital anomaly. Despite the lack of evidence of recent infection in this study, the high rates of T. gondii seropositivity among pregnant women signaled a threat of primary exposure during pregnancy

Prevalence of thrombophilic gene polymorphisms [FVL G1691A and MTHFR C677T] in patients with myocardial infarction

Inherited thrombophilia may be caused by mutations, polymorphisms in a variety of genes mainly involved in haemostatic pathways was to find the prevalence of thrombophilic gene factor V Leiden [FVL] and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] gene polymorphism in patients with myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at early diagnostic methods and guiding preventive procedures. This study was carried on 30 patients who survived their first MI as compared to 15 healthy volunteers. Patients and controls were subjected to history, physical examination. Factor VL G1691A and MTHFR C677T genotypes were determined by RT PCR. The prevalence of heterozygous FVL GA genotype was significantly higher among MI patients as compared to the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous AA was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to control. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of GA genotype as compared to high risk cases. As regards MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, the prevalence of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype showed significant increase in MI patients compared with the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous TT genotype was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to the control group. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype than high risk cases The prevalence of heterozygous [FVL G1691 A] and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms was significantly increased in MI patients compared with the control group and these gene polymorphisms are probably risk factors for myocardial infarction among Egyptian cases especially if integrated with other environmental and genetic risk factors. We recommended screening high risk patients for this polymorphism and the use of specific thromboprophylaxis to prevent recurrent thrombotic disease

Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of FC gamma receptor type 1 [NCD64] and procalcitonin in comparison with conventional methods for diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis

Early onset neonatal sepsis < 72 hour is associated with high morbidity and mortality, early clinical signs and symptoms of neonatal infection are often inconspicuous and can be confused with non infective causes furthermore a negative microbiologic culture results don't always suggest absence of bacterial cause thus a good indicator of infection would be clinically desired to differentiate infected from non infected patients. To evaluate the detection of activated surface marker CD64 on peripheral blood neutrophils as a diagnostic tool for early detection of neonatal sepsis, and as a highly negative predictive marker ruling out the non-septic cases, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CD64 expression as a marker for early neonatal sepsis with that of CRP and Procalcitonin. The study was conducted on 45 high risk neonates in the first 7days of their lives, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tanta University Hospital from January 2012 to March 2013, 30 of them were diagnosed as suspected sepsis [group I], by clinical sepsis score >/=10 and hematological sepsis scoring system >/= 3 but the blood culture were negative and 15 were diagnosed as proven sepsis [group II] based on the same soring systems and positive blood culture .15 healthy newborns were chosen as a control group .All subjects were subjected to Blood culture Quantitative Measuring of CRP level by means of immunonephlometry., procalcitonin [PCT] measurement by ELISA, Flowcytometric measuring of CD64 expression level on peripheral blood neutrophils. Klebsiella [40%] was the commonest microorganism isolated from blood cultures followed by E. coli [20%], Pseudomona [13.3%], Staph aureus [13.3%],, and Coagulase Negative Staph. [13.3%], CRP test had, 80% Sensitivity, 60% Specificity, 66.7% PPV, 75% NPV, and 63% Accuracy .PCT test had, 66.7%Sensitivity, 60% Specificity, 62.5% PPV, 64.3% NPV, and 59.6% Accuracy, while CD64 test had, 100%Sensitivity, 80% Specificity, 83.3% PPV, and 100% NPV and accuracy of 82%

simplified schematic design for cytogenetic testing strategies

The development of new genetic diagnostic, and hence therapeutic possibilities, has brought the realization that genetic disease is now an integral part of medical practice. Advances in cytogenetic and molecular testing have drastically improved the ability to diagnose with certainty many previously unrecognized genetic diseases. However, this advance in technology does not come without new questions. New tests are not always the most cost-effective ones and some have significant diagnostic limitations. Genetic tests fall under three major categories: chromosomal genetic tests; molecular genetic tests [DNA and gene tests]; and biochemical genetic tests [measuring the amount and activity of proteins]. This review article focuses on chromosomal anomalies and cytogenetic tests. The different types of cytogenetic tests, their indications, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are discussed. This review will also present the strategy of choice for each one of these tests depending on the type of chromosomal anomalies that we are searching for and the available specimen for diagnosis. Chromosomal anomalies represent one of the entities of genetic diseases. A large number of cytogenetic tests exist for diagnosis of these chromosomal anomalies. However, the choice of cytogenetic test to be carried out should be based on clinical indications, on the type and size of cytogenetic anomaly that we are searching for, and on the available specimen for diagnosis

Macro and micromorphology of the aerial parts of Lantana montevidensis [spreng.] briq. cultivated in Egypt

Lantana montevidensis [Spreng.] Briq. is a member of family Verbenaceae, that includes about 98 genera and more than 2600 species which are predominantly tropical or subtropical plants. The leaf infusions of the plant are used in folk medicine to treat fever, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, and many other diseases. Biological studies showed that the plant has antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. No detailed information could be traced concerning the macroand micromorphology of the plant. This motivated the authors to carry out this study to identify the drug in both entire and powdered form

Assessment of renal affection in opioid abusers admitted to Ain Shams university hospitals

Opioid abuse represents an often neglected risk factor for the development of wide spectrum of renal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess renal affection in opioid abusers. The current work was carried out on 25 adult opioid abusers admitted to Ain Shams University Hospitals in the period from April 2008 to October 2008, in addition to ten healthy adult individuals serving as controls. All subjects were subjected to sociodemographic study, full clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations that included assessment of serum creatinine, BUN, beta 2microglobulin [beta 2M] and CPK levels, screening for viral infections [HIV, HCV and HBV], detection of proteins in urine and urine screening for opioids. Results of this study revealed significant increase of both beta 2M and CPK serum levels in the studied opioid abusers compared to the control group with no significant difference between the two groups as regard serum creatinine and BUN. Proteinuria was detected in 40% of opioid abusers. Significant increase of infection was observed in opioid abusers including skin infection and viral infections. In conclusion, renal affection is a significant finding in opioid abusers. So, during treatment of opioid abusers it is recommended to assess beta 2M level and to test urine for proteinuria as they both are early and sensitive indicators of renal affection. Additionally, a campaign for awareness of the people about the complications of drug abuse should be carried out

Comparative study between non lethal and lethal strains of Plasmodium yoelii with reference to its immunological aspect

Innate immunity has an important role in the protection against malaria. To clarify the effect on non lethal and lethal strain of Plasmodium yoelii, comparison between two groups of C57BL/6 mice infected with 10[4] parasitized RBCs was performed. Liver and spleen mononuclear cells were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. The parasite appeared in blood on day 3 in both strains, with non lethal infection parasitemia reached a peak of 60% on day 14 and mice completely recovered, while in lethal infection parasitemia was 80% on day 7 and mice succumbed to death. In non lethal strain, mice became anemic and the hematocrit percentage returned to its normal value during recovery, while in the lethal strain mice were severely anemic before death. The major expanding cells were found to be TCR Intermediate [TCR[int]] cells, mainly NK1.1 subset, these TCR[int] cells were distinguished from conventional T cells of thymic origin. CD4[-] and CD8[-] cells increased in both strains. During malarial infection, the population of conventional T cells did not increase and usually associated with thymic atrophy. The present results showed that TCR[int] cells were intimately associated with the protection against malarial infection in both non lethal and lethal strains but the mice died in lethal infection due to the massive destruction of red blood cells leading to fatal anemia

Study on the effects of gestational and lactational administration of caffeine on the cornea and retina of the albino rat offsprings

Caffeine was a methylated xanthine derivative, widely used psycho-stimulant that is self-administered by population and present in numerous drugs and dietary products. It was a legal stimulant that is readily available even to pregnant women and children. Caffeine crossed the placenta easily, passed to the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and appeared in the urine and plasma of the neonates. It was diffused readily into the breast milk, A total number of 18 adult female albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups, one control group and two experimental groups, each was formed of 6 animals. The control group received distilled water during gestation and lactational period, the first experimental group received caffeine powder dissolved in distilled water using a oro-gastric tube in a single dose of 25 mg/kg/ day from the day zero of pregnancy until the day of labor while the second experimental group received a single dose of 25 mg/kg/ day during lactational period only until the age of weaning. The litters of the first experimental and half of the control group were sacrificed just after being delivered while those of the second experimental and other half of the control were sacrificed at the age of twenty two postnatal days. Ten litters from each group were used. The specimens obtained from the right eyes were prepared as semithin sections for histological and morphometric studies. The litters of the experimental groups revealed increased thickness of the corneal epithelial layer, prominent Descemet 's membrane, thickened endothelial layer and an apparently normal corneal stroma. The total thickness of the retina and the thicknesses of different retinal layers of the experimental groups revealed marked significant reduction in comparison to the control groups in the newly-born and twenty two days old rats

Effect of healthy life style practice for reliving lower limp edema during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome

Dependent edema is a common discomfort that occurs as a result of physiological changes during pregnancy. The nurse plays an important role in caring for woman with lower limb edema during pregnancy. Of the study was to explore the effect of healthy life style practice [HISP] for relieving lower limb edema during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome Quasi-experimental study use 150 pregnant women recruited from both the outpatient clinic at Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital and from two MCH centers at abassia zoon by purposeful random sample. Subjects were classified into two groups: study group [100 subjects] followed HISP program and control group [50 subjects] took routine hospital care. Data were collected through interviewing sheet, general examination life style and lower limb edema and follow up sheets. Assessment of edema was done by evaluating the extent and degree of edema also by measurement of lower limb circumference and subjective feeling. In the third visit, there was a significant difference was observed in study group than in control group regarding extent of edema [P<0.005], but no significant difference was detected regarding degree of edema [P>0.05]. Also, there was a significant difference in study group than in control group regarding the subjective feeling about the edema problem [P<0.05]. HISP in management of lower limb edema has an important value in relieving symptoms of lower limb edema during pregnancy and also it has a positive effect on pregnancy outcome. Of this study show that HISP program can relieve or control minor discomfort which annoys and worries the pregnant women also it can decrease adverse pregnancy outcome

Indoor pollution and its effect on the pregnancy outcome in cluster and non cluster areas

Indoor pollution is one of the causes of death and disease in the world's poorest countries. Indoor pollution remains a silent and unreported killer, women and children are the most at risk. Smoke rising from stoves and fires inside homes is associated with million deaths per year in developing countries. Indoor air pollution is caused by poor water/ sanitation/ hygiene/ ventilation/ housing conditions. This study was aiming to evaluate the effect of indoor pollution on the pregnancy outcome in cluster and non cluster areas. The study aim was achieved through assessing the pregnant women socio-demographic characteristics, Assessing indoor environment and assessing the pregnant women [pre and postnatal] as well as the newborn. The study was conducted at Ain shames maternity university hospital the MCH Center at EL Dowika Maternal and Child Health Center, Manshiat Naser Maternal and Child Health Center [cluster areas] and El Daher Maternal and Child health Center [non cluster area] and at homes through home visits, started in November 2006 and was completed by Feb. 2008 study design: a descriptive comparative study, Sample type: a purposeful sampling. The selected sample included 200 pregnant women in the 3rd trimester, 100 in each group,. The study revealed an increased level of exposure to indoor pollution, increased level of CO and blood lead of the pregnant women in the cluster area more than the non cluster area. Increased complications during pregnancy, labor and increased adverse newborn outcomes as prematurity, stillbirth, SIDS, congenital malformation were more frequent in cluster areas than non- cluster areas. There were correlations between exposure to indoor pollution and adverse effect on women and newborn outcomes in both cluster and non cluster areas. The study recommended educational programs for the pregnancy women in MCH centers about indoor pollution and its effect on health

Teratogenic effects of adriamycin on the prenatal development of the vertebral column of the albino rat

Adriamycin [cytotoxic, antineoplastic antibiotic] and its metabolites had been implicated as human teratogens. Teratogenic studies had shown multiple congenital defects in rats exposed prenatally to adriamycin including esophageal atresia, multiple intestinal atresias, hydronephrosis and retarded bone ossification and formation of accessory ribs. Forty litters were used in this study for both control and experimental groups [20 for each] in the present study. Their mothers received 3 intra peritoneal injections [each of 1.75 mg/kg] in the 6[th], 7[th] and 8[th] days of gestation. On the 21[st] day of gestation all pregnant animals were sacrificed and their fetuses were obtained through laparotomy and uterine incisions. One half of the litters of both control and experimental groups were used for gross skeletal study using alizarin red stain and the other half was subjected for light microscopic study using ordinary paraffin section preparation technique. Morphometric measurements were applied to study variations of the total body weight, the CRL of the litters, the vertical and antro-posterior diameters of the vertebral bodies and the disc space and vertical diameter of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs. Multiple vertebral defects in the form of delayed or absent ossification features in the vertebral bodies, delayed or fusion between the bodies and neural arches, abnormal fusion between vertebral bodies, non visualization of most caudal vertebrae and significant decreased morphometric measurements of the experimental animals were observed in the present work. These abnormalities as well as features of intrauterine growth retardation caused by adriamycin that is considered as an antimitotic agent causing delayed differentiation and growth by interfering with cell division

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of eudispert hydrogel rectal suppositories containing salicylamide

This article aimed to formulate and evaluate salicylamide suppositories. The prepared formulae "with and without different concentrations of gels were tested for hardness, melting time, content uniformity and drug release. The stability of some of the selected formulae was assessed. Salicylamide was formulated as a rectal suppository with emulsifying fatty bases [witepsol H15, W25 and W35] and water - soluble bases [PEG] adopting the molding from a melt technique. Physical characteristics and dissolution profiles of the prepared formulations were determined. The effects of adding gel [eudispert hv] in concentrations of [2, 4 and 6%] were also investigated. Formulations showing high rank order were scaled up for shelf-life stability study for one year. The results showed that all the investigated formulae have acceptable physical characteristics with respect to hardness, melting time and uniformity of drug content. The amount of drug released during 120 min. was inversely affected by the melting point of the fatty base. The release from PEG bases was found to be molecular weight dependent. Addition of 2% eudispert gel increased the release from all the investigated formulae. Increasing gel concentration to 4% then to 6% showed different effects on the release. Rectal suppository of salicylamide could be prepared as an alternative to the oral dosage form to circumvent the first - pass metabolism

Internal hemipelvectomy, a limb saving procedure, NCI experience

Treatment of primary malignant tumors involving the pelvic girdle traditionally necessitated the sacrifice of a healthy lower extremity. Internal hemipelvectomy offers a safe alternative to this problem. With careful selection, the lower limb can be salvaged with acceptable function and hip stability. This study comprised 40 patients with malignant tumors of the pelvic bone treated by different types of internal hemipelvectomy at the National Cancer Institute [NCI], Cairo University in the period extending from 1996 to 2005. According to the location and extent of their tumors, they were ascribed to one of three groups. Group A included 28 patients who underwent type I hemipelvectomy [iliac bone resection], Group B included 8 patients who underwent type I+II hemipelvectomy [iliac and peri-acetabular resection] and group C included 4 patients who underwent type III hemipelvectomy [pubic bone resection]. The mean age for groups A, B and C was 35 +/- 11.9, 39 +/- 17.8 and 33.5 +/- 13 years; respectively. The study comprised 14 patients with Ewing's sarcoma, 12 patients with chondrosarcoma, 6 patients with osteosarcoma, 4 patients with giant cell tumor, 2 patients with aneurysmal bone cysts and 2 patients with malignant fibrous histocytoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 11 patients and 7 received preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy; whereas 22 patients received no neoadjuvant treatment. The mean +/- SD duration of the surgical procedure was 2.67 +/- 0.32 hours and the mean +/- SD intra-operative blood loss was 1323 +/- 233 ml. The difference between groups A, B, and C was statistically significant [p <0.05]. Intra-operative complications were encountered in 9 patients where 5 patients had various nerve injuries, 2 patients had vascular injury and 2 had bladder injury. In the postoperative period, 4 patients developed deep vein thrombosis, 7 showed wound infection, 3 had deep pelvic infection and 2 developed hematuria secondary to intra-operative bladder injury. Upon evaluation of the functional results obtained, 50% of the patients were judged to have good results and 30% had fair results and ambulation aids could be discarded after 6-8 months. The remaining 20%, who had undergone type I+II hemipelvectomy, demonstrated a poor functional result in the form of flail hip. At a median follow-up of 18 months, 70% of the patients were alive and free of disease, 17.5% were alive with loco-regional recurrence and 5 died; 3 from lung metastases and 2 of unrelated causes. Internal hemipelvectomy can achieve limb salvage in most cases of pelvic tumors without compromise to surgical margins, local control or survival rates. Functional results obtained with this technique were quite satisfactory when the hip joint could be preserved

Effect of selected natural products, thioproline and pegasys on hepatic platelet activating factor [PAF] in CCl[4]-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

This study aimed to estimate hepatic levels of platelet activating factor [PAF] in liver fibrosis induced by CC1[4] in rats. A group of selected natural products; boswellic acids, curcumin and glycyrrhizin [preparation named OMNI[R]; a drug under clinical trials for treatment of hepatitis C virus], Mirazid[R] [a commercially available schistomicidal drug], Thioproline [a commercially available hepatoprotective agent] and Pegasys[R] [peg interferon alpha-2a; a commercially available therapy for treatment of hepatitis C virus] were examined for their effect on hepatic PAF after CC1[4] intoxication. For this purpose, 54 rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into 6 groups each comprised 9 rats. Group 1 was treated only with CC1[4], groups 2 to 5 were treated with OMNI[R], Mirazid[R], Thioproline and Pegasys[R], respectively, whereas the sixth group was the normal control group [with no treatment, except an injection of the vehicle]. Liver damage was induced in all groups except normal control group [groups 1 to 5] by i.p. injection of 40% CC1[4] in corn oil [0.375 ml/kg] 3 times a week for 3 weeks. One week after CC1[4] intoxication, all tested drugs were injected i.p. daily for 3 weeks. Hepatic PAF concentration was estimated by HPTLC [high performance thin layer chromatography], while, levels of serum transaminases [ALT, AST], hepatic hydroxyproline [as markers of liver fibrosis], serum malondialdehyde and catalase [as markers of oxidative stress] were estimated spectrophotometrically. The hepatic PAF levels were significantly higher in CC1[4] group [24.24 +/- 2.01 pmol equiv./mg] as compared to normal control [8.81 +/- 1.09 pmol equiv./mg] [p<0.001]. Treatment with OMNI[R], Mirazid[R], Thioproline and Pegasys[R] reduced hepatic PAF significantly to be 11.84 +/- 0.22, 14.5 +/- 1.00, 13.17 +/- 0.54 and 14.26 +/- 1.09 pmol equiv./mg, respectively. This study may add further rational to the anti-fibrotic activity of the tested drugs via reduction of hepatic PAF

Effect of ethanol administration on thyroid gland of adult albino rat: histological and steriological study

Excessive consumption of ethanol is well known to cause many harmful health effects, involving damage to various organs and systems. The effect of continuous administration of 10% ethanol, the only drinking fluid for eight weeks on the structure of the gland were studied. Ten male albino rats Wistar strain of ten weeks old and 250 gm initial body weight were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups. One group was received 10% ethanol as the only drinking fluid [ad-libitum], for eight weeks. The second group drank distilled water free of ethanol, and served as control. Thyroid lobes were collected and immediately fixed. Fixation was done in formaldehyde 10% [for paraffin section] and gluteraldehyde 5% for semithin sections, for 24 hours for both. Paraffin sections were cut at 7 micro/m and routinely were stained with hematoxylin and eosin [Hx and E] for morphological examination by a light microscope, and others were stained by Van Gisson stain for the reticular fibres. Toluidine blue stain was done for the semithin sections [0.5 micro m]. Stereological techniques were done to estimate the volume proportion of the reticular fibres and fibrous element relative to total glandular tissue of both control and treated animals using the point counting technique. Also the thickness of the follicular epithelium was measured. Exposure to ethanol results in changes in the histology and morphometry of the thyroid. Changes were in the form of desquamation of the lining epithelium in some follicles, increased thickness of the glandular epithelium, increased amount of fibrous tissues between the follicles. Increased number of dilated blood vessels in the thyroid gland of the rats exposed to ethanol. Our study seems to indicate that excessive consumption of ethanol can affect the structure of the thyroid gland

Assessment of ground reaction force components in stroke patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ground reaction force components in stroke patients [mild and moderate spasticity] and to compare them with normal subjects' parameters. Fifteen normal subjects and thirty stroke patients were participated in this study. Stroke patients were assigned into two equal groups, group I with mild spasticity and group II with moderate spasticity. All components of ground reaction force [vertical and horizontal [anteroposterior and lateral]] were calculated both in normal subjects and stroke patients. Force platform with a computer system were used to calculate ground reaction force components. Results of the study showed varied significant reduction of ground reaction force in all parameters in both groups [I and II] of stroke patients compared with normal subjects. All ground reaction force parameters were significantly higher in patients with mild spasticity, compared to moderate once. So, assessment of ground reaction force should be considered as a useful evaluating tool for kinetic gait analysis of patients. It also helps in detecting the prognosis of stroke patients, by comparing the ground reaction force parameters of those patients with normal parameters

Biochemical studies on ionic homeostasis in diabetic and insulin-treated albino rats [with 2 tables]

In the present study, copper, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium homeostasis as well as blood glucose and liver glycogen were investigated in untreated and treated diabetic rats. The ionic alterations in plasma and liver were concomittant with those fluctuations occurring in blood glucose and liver glycogen through all the periods of investigation. In treated rats, insulin injection was able to maintain, for a large extent, the ionic homeostasis. It seems that the endocrine imbalance was responsible for the alterations in both transport and metabolism of those ions. Also, it is possible that alterations in plasma and tissue levels of those ions may contribute to the development of liver complication

Implications of primary health care integration among a group of upper Egyptian women: a community based study

Integration of the fragmented vertical program is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of the primary health care [PHC] services. Therefore, identification of the strengths and challenges confronting the integration process through family medicine [FM] approach in some pilot projects will give insight to the potential to capitalize on the gains achieved. The study is an operations research, post intervention design. It used a test health facility [PHC unit implementing FM approach in rural Upper Egypt], and a comparative health facility in a demographically matched village [PHC unit operating according to the traditional PHC vertical programs]. Data sources were household survey, service statistics, and in depth interviews with the principal official stakeholders. The findings show that, the volume of services delivered in the test group showed initial increase. However, with no pronounced community satisfaction As well, the profile of utilization pattern did not show improvement specially for the women. The study recommended the gradual informed introduction of the concept of integration for all the concerned stakeholders including the served community.

Reproductive and sexual functions in blind Egyptian males

Both endogenous and exogenous factors are involved in the regulation of endocrine secretions. Among the exogenous ones, light plays an important role in both animals and humans. Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland mainly during the biological night and exerts its effects on the reproductive system through specific high affinity receptors in the hypophyseal pars tuberalis and hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus. This study is aimed to evaluate melatonin secretion in blind males, in a trial to determine whether blind's eyes convey sufficient photic information to suppress melatonin secretion. Forty one subjects were included in this study, divided into two groups; group 1 included 17 totally blind adult healthy males and group 2 included 24 age and sex matched sighted healthy adult males served as controls. All studied subjects were submitted to full history taking, stressing upon age of puberty, number of children and sexual function including: frequency of intercourse, degree of erection, libido and ejaculation as well as thorough general and local examination. Results showed non-significant statistical difference between blind and sighted males regarding period of marriage, age of puberty, frequency of intercourse and the grade of erection [p> 0.05]. Libido was found to be slightly less in blind males [94%] than in sighted ones [100%]. There is non-significant statistical difference between blind and sighted groups regarding serum melatonin, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], prolactin [PRL] and free testosterone [F7] levels. There is non-significant positive correlation between serum melatonin and each of FSH and FT levels, whereas non-significant negative correlation existed with PRL level in both studied groups. We concluded that totally blind males look like the sighted males in the reproductive and sexual function. Blind males may have unknown mechanisms that may operate rather than light signaling controlling and regulating melatonin secretion