Nurses' perspectives and concerns towards an infectious disease epidemic in Egypt

Contingency plans to face infectious disease epidemics should consider the nurses preparedness to face such epidemics. The aim of this study was to 1] assess the effect of 2009 IIIN I pandemic on nurses' working behavior, 2] identify the nurses' willingness to work. concerns and persuading factors towards working during infectious disease epidemics. A cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses [professional nurses and nursing students]. During the 2009 H1N1 epidemic, marked increase in the rate of hand washing and utilization of hand disinfectants was reported by 70% and 60% of the studied nurses respectively. None of the studied nurses provided nursing care to H1N1 patients, but if' forced to do so, 41.5% would not be willing to report to duty. Fear about their families' health and increased workload were the main concerns of professional and student nurses [p>0.05]. Increased rates of infection [OR = 3.33] and deaths [OR = 2.75] among colleagues, and school closure [OR = 7.08] were significant concerns for the student compared to professional nurses [p<0.05]. Receiving treatment for one self and for family came on top of the persuading factors for all nurses. While vaccination for oneself [OR = 2.3] and family [OR = 2.0] came on top of the persuading factors for the nursing students [p<0.05]. The study concluded that providing nurses with appropriate education, training. supply of adequate protection and psycho-social support should be considered on preparing contingency plans for infectious disease disasters

Evaluation of "myrrh extract" against schistosoma mansoni: a histological study

This study investigated the effect of myrrh extract on different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Sixty albino mice were used and divided into three main groups: GI [control group], Gil [infected group] and Gill [infected-treated group]. The last group was further divided into 3 subgroups where the drug was administered in a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for 5 days starting on the 1[st] day PI for IIIA, on the 21[st] day PI for IIIB and on the 45[th] day PI for IIIC. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of granulomas. In Gil, typical bilharzial granulomas were frequently encountered in the portal tracts with numerous eosinophils, collagen fiber deposition and reticular fiber condensation. Hepatocytes revealed vacuolation, nuclear affection and depletion of glycogen. In GIII, granulomas were less frequently observed with apparent decrease of eosinophils. The maximum effect of the drug was observed in SGs IIIB and IIIC as detected by significant decrease in the mean number and size of granulomas, paucity of eosinophils, decreased fibrosis and reticular fibers and the restoration of the glycogen content in the hepatocytes. The present data proved that myrrh has a valuable schistosomicidal effect against different stages of S. mansoni. This chemotherapeutic effect was more evident when the drug was given to infected mice on the 21[st] as well as on the 45[th] day PI

New metal complexes of semicarbazones derived from para phenylene diamine of NOO/or NO donor sites and their antimicrobial screening

The synthesis and characterization of new Mn[II]. Co[II] Ni[II] and Cu[II] complexes with semicarbazone ligands derived from para phenylene diamine [where L[1] = Semicarbazide-4-yl-benzene-4 [2-hydroxybenzalde-hyde semicarbazone] [SBFIBS], L[2] = Betizene-1, 4-bis-[2-hydroxybenz-aldehyde semicarbazone-4yl] [BBHBS], L[3] = Semicarbazide-4yl-benzene-4 [2-hydroxyacetophen-one-semicarbazone] SBHAS and L[4] = Semicarbazide-4yl-benzene-4 [2-nitrobenzaldehyde semicarbazone] [SBNBS]] are reported. The ligands contain NOO/or NO donor sites. The elemental analysis suggests different stoichiometries 1: 2: 1 and 1: 2 [M: L]. IR spectra data indicate covalent bond through the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group, coordination of the carbonyl oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen / or nitrogen of the amine group to the metal ion. TGA determined whether the water or solvent molecules are inside or outside the coordination sphere. Magnetic susceptibility and electronic data are in favour of octahedral structures except in the case of Co [II] complexes of ligand BBHBS and SBHAS as they favour the tetrahedral structure. The biological activity of the complexes has been tested. These complexes showed promising antifungal activities

Effects of selenium supplementation on the structure of the tests of adult albino rat subjected to experimentally induced chronic renal failure histological and biochemical study

Infertility, decreased libido and potency are frequently observed in male patients with uremia and usually worsen with tune. Selenium deficiency, known to be associated with in ale infertility, is usually encountered in chronic renal failure. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on the structure of the testis in experimentally induced chronic renal failure. Twenty adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into four groups; two of which were subjected to sham operation [groups: I, II], the other two were subjected to five-sixths nephrectomy to induce chronic renal failure [groups III, IV]. Groups II and IV were given sodium selenite in a dose of 20 ug/kg BW/ day for 10 weeks. At the end of the 10 weeks period of the experiment, group II revealed decrease in the height of spermatogenic epithelium while sonic seminiferous tubules [SNTs] showed arrest at primary spermatocyte stage. Affection of mitochondrial sheath of middle piece was detected. Group Ill revealed marked depletion of spermatogenic epithelium together with complete destruction of some SNTs. Dilatation of cisternae of sER and vacuolation of mitochondria were also observed in the spermatogenesis cells. Increased number of abnormal forms of the head were detected. Group IV showed improvement of the histological picture of the testis as detected by greater number of normal SNTs as compared to group IlL Biochemical results revealed significant increase in serum creatinine, ca[2+], and leutinizing hormone [LH] level in group III as compared to control group whereas Hb content and testosterone level were significantly decreased. In groups II and IV all parameters showed non-significant changes from the control group except for testosterone level which showed a significant decrease. In conclusion, selenium supplementation in experimentally-induced chronic renal failure could improve both the structure of the testis and the biochemical profile. On the other hand, when given in the sham operated group, selenium proved to decrease n umber of spermatids

Estrogen replacement therapy in OVX-STNx rats and its nephroprotective role against progression of renal failure

Inspite of estrogen replacement therapy being extensively used in clinical and experimental studies without renal impairment, there are no long-term studies concerning estrogen replacement in chronic renal failure. This study was performed to explore whether estrogen has a nephroprotective role against progression of renal failure. This study was carried out on 41 adult female albino rats, that were allocated into 3 groups; Group 1 [n = 10] sham-operated rats, that received the solvent [sesame oil] and used as control group, Group II [n = 17], ovariectomized-subtotal nephrectomized rats [OVX-STNx] without treatment, that received the solvent, group III [n = 14], OVX-STNx rats treated with estrogen, subcutaneous [s.c.] at a dose of 30 micro g/kg/day for 10 weeks, started on the second day after ovariectomy. Mean Blood pressure was measured on the day of sacrifice. Blood urea nitrogen [BUN], serum creatinine, malondialdehyde [MDA] and platelet aggregation were estimated. Kidneys were excised and examined histologically. The results of the present study showed that untreated OVX-STNx rats showed significant elevation in mean blood pressure compared to treated OVX-STNx rats [129 +/- 2.2 versus 97 +/- 3.2 mmHg]. The untreated OVX-STNx rats showed significant elevation in BUN and serum creatinine levels compared to sham-operated rats [85.9 +/- 4.0 versus 19.4 +/- 1.6 mg/dl; and 2.6 +/- 0.13 versus 0.16 +/- 0.02 mg/dl, respectively], while, the treated OVX-STNx group showed significant reduction in BUN and serum creatinine levels, compared to untreated OVX-STNx group [24.8 +/- 1.6 versus 85.9 +/- 4.0 mg/dl; and 0.38 +/- 0.04 versus 2.6 +/- 0.13 mg/dl, respectively]. In addition, serum MDA level was elevated in untreated OVX-STNx group compared to sham-operated and to treated group [6.6 +/- 0.4 versus 3.6 +/- 0.3 and 4.8 +/- 0.3 /micro mol/L, respectively]. Also, ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation showed significant reduction in untreated OVX-STNx group in comparison to sham-operated and to treated group [46.8% +/- 2.6 versus 76.5% +/- 1.8 and 65.1% +/- 3.6 respectively]. Histological examination of the remnant kidney models in untreated OVX-STNx group showed a picture of focal glomerulosclerosis, this finding was minimally seen in treated OVX-STNx group

Histological study on the effect of calcium supplementation in prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

With the onset of menopause, reduced estrogen levels and insufficient calcium in diet create serious problems with resultant osteoporosis and fractures. Recent moves away from hormone replacement therapy suggested calcium, as the simplest and cheapest strategies to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Accordingly, this study was carried out to focus histologically on the efficacy of calcium in the treatment and prevention of osteoporotic bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Forty adult female albino rats weighing 200 gm were used and divided into four groups. Group I [control group] included non-ovariectomized untreated rats. Group II rats were ovariectomized on day 1 of the experiment and sacrificed on day 30 after ovariectomy. Group III rats were ovariectomized on day 1 of the experiment and received 27 mg calcium carbonate daily from day 30 to day 60 and then sacrificed. Group IV rats received the same dose of calcium carbonate daily for 30 days prior to ovariectomy and for 30 days after it. The rats were ovariectomized on day 30. Group II animals showed marked decrease in the cortical bone thickness and bone trabeculae were thin and discrete. In group III animals, the decrease in cortical and trabecular bone thickness was mild. Regarding group IV, the bone architecture was maintained so that the cortical bone, and the bone trabeculae were more or less comparable to the control group. From the results of this work, it is concluded that calcium supplementation was effective in reduction and prevention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

Histological changes of the contralateral adrenal cortex following unilateral adrenalectomy in male albino rat

Unilateral adrenalectomy [UA] is performed not only to treat adrenal tumors but also as part of radical nephrectomy. The aim of the present study was to detect the effects of UA on the contralateral adrenal cortex, to identify the primary zone that was affected by adrenalectomy and the time at which the gland was histologically stabilized. Forty adult male albino rats with average weight 150-200 gm were used in this study. The animals were divided into 5 groups. Twelve rats were sham-operated and served as control group [group I]. The remaining 28 rats underwent right UA and were sacrificed after 3 days, 1, 2, 3 weeks [groups II, III, IV, and V respectively]. At the planned times, the left adrenal glands were excised and specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopic studies. Morphometric study was done to measure the thickness and the surface area of the cells of the three classical zones of the adrenal cortex. The results showed frequent mitotic figures in the outer zone of zona fasciculata in group II which was not evident in all other groups. In group III, the thickness and the surface area of the cells of zona fasciculata showed highly significant increase. The cells of zona glomerulosa and fasciculata showed marked cytoplasmic vacuolation more in zona fasciculata. Group IV showed gradual decrease in size and vacuolation of the cells which reverted to near normal in group V; three weeks after UA, denoting stabilization of the adrenal cortex. Electron microscopic examination revealed enlarged mitochondria, dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum and decreased lipid content in group-III, while near normal appearance was achieved in group V. These results suggested that the compensatory growth in the adrenal cortex following UA was due to both hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and that zona fasciculata is the primary zone responsible for this compensatory growth

Experimental study of biochemical effects of insecticides in albino rats

To detect the acute toxicity of some insecticide rats were divided into ten treatments each one contained six rats. These rats administered a single oral dose of 1/10 LD[50], 1/4 LD[50] and the LD[50] of primiphos-methyl, Chlorpyriphos-methyl and fenitrothion. After 24 hr treated rats were sacrificed. The activity of some biochemical parameters glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT], alkaline phosphatase [Alk. Ph.], creatinine, urea, total protein and total cholesterol] were detected in blood serum. The results indicated that all treatments caused significant increase in the activity of GOT, GPT and [Alk. Ph.], as well as the level of creatinine, urea and total cholesterol as compared by control ones. While the results indicated that 1/4 LD[50] and 1/10 LD[50] of the three tested insecticides caused significant decrease in total protein concentration. These detected differences observed on values between enzymes tested of liver and kidney function by increase or decrease it is considered a sign and pronounced that treated animals affected by oral dose through 24 hr

Pharmacokinetics effects of some insecticides on white albino rats

The treatment of adults' female albino rats with Maximum Residue Limit [MRL] to tomato fruits of the three organophosphorus insecticides namely, primiphos-methyl, chloriphos-methyl and fenitrothion [1, 0.5 and 0.5 ppm] respectively on different periods [from 1. 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 hours and 7 days] to indicate and follow-up the effect of these insecticides on liver and kidney functions. A significant increasing activities of Aspartate Amino Transferase [AST] were found. No changes in Alanine Amino Transferase [ALT] and Alkaline phosphatase activities were observed in treated rats by the MRLs of the tested insecticides as compared with control. The data gathered showed that there were no significant changes in creatinine levels and urea concentrations of the treated rats at the different periods after dosing by the MRL of the tested insecticides. The data also clearly indicated an insignificant decrease in total protein levels, observed in rats treated by MRL of the tested insecticides after 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 hrs and 7 days of treatment. Cholesterol level displayed slight or insignificant increasing in rats which were treated with the aforementioned insecticides. Generally treating rats by MRL of the prementioned insecticides resulted in a small [deleterious] effect on some biochemical parameters after 7 days of treatment. No effects have been detected at the first hours of the experiments

Synthesis, spectral and magnetic studies of binuclear Mn [II], Co [II] and Cu [II] complexes with hydrazone ligands derived from 1,4-dihydrazinophthalazine

Binuclear Mn[II], Co[II], Ni[II] and Cu[II] complexes of some hydrazone derivatives were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements and IR spectra. The hydrazones behaved as monoanionic bidentate ligands. Electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the solid complexes indicated tetrahedral geometry around Co[II] and Mn[II] ions, octahedral geometry around Ni[II] and square planar the Cu[II] ion

Uterine factor in repeated abortion, hysteroscopic, hysterographic and ultrasonographic study

Recurrent abortion is a frustrating problem due to the despair of being unproductive in spite of conception. Uterine factor represents a contributing element in that problem. This work comprised 120 patients presenting with history of recurrent abortion. All patients were subjected to careful history taking and clinical examination. Hysterography, ultrasonography and hysteroscopy were performed for all cases. It was revealed that hysteroscopy and hysterography were nearly equal in diagnosing uterine anomalies and both methods were superior to ultrasonogrphy. However, hysterography can not precisely differentiate bicornuate from septate uterus, whereas hysteroscopy was more informative about extent and thickness of the septum. As regard fibroid uterus, both hysteroscopy and hysterography were equal in diagnosing submucos myomata, whereas ultrasonography was much more superior in diagnosing intra-mural and subserous myomata. Operative hysteroscopy resulted in successful division of uterine septum in 89% of cases and incomplete procedure in 11% of cases. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis of synechiae resulted in successful procedure in 55% of cases, incomplete procedure in 13% and failed procedure in 32% of cases

Formation of Cu [II] -sulphato schiff base complexes spectral and magnetic studies

Cu[II]-sulphato Schiff base complexes of the type [Cu [SB]SO[4]]2H[2]O or [Cu[SB]SO[4] [H[2]O][2]],where [SB] is bidentate or tetradentate Schiff s base, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurement IR, electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra as well as magnetic moments determination. Generally, the spectral results showed that Cu[II] ions are present in an axial elongated symmetry [D[4h]]. Moreover, the magnetic moment values [<1.74 B.M.] measured at room temperature and the g values suggest the presence of an appreciable metal - metal interaction

Ultrasonography in intraperitoneal ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst

Inraperitoneal rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst is a known complication of this disease. Recently, we had a child with blunt abdominal trauma who had rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst. This was detected preoperatively by ultrasonography and was confirmed successful surgery. Relevant literature is reviewed

Spectroscopic studies of some Schiff bases derived from ethylene-diamines and phenylenediamines

The electronic absorption spectra of 14 Schiff base compounds derived from ethylenediamines and phenylendiamines were investigated in organic solvents of varying polarities. The acid dissociation constants of the compounds are determined by potentiometric technique. The important bands in the IR spectra and the main 1HNMR signals are assigned and discussed in relation to molecular structure

On formation and characterization of CU [II] -anthranilic acid anilide complexes: spectroscopic and thermogravimetric studies

New series of Cu[Il]-anthranilic acid anilide complexes has been prepared and characterized by the application of a number of different experimental techniques. Determination of stability constants potentiometrically and chemical composition by elemental analysis indicated the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 [Cu[2+]L] complexes according to the side chain X-substituents. Measurements of Spectroscopic [IR, electronic and EPR] and thermal [TGDTA] behaviour were carried out. The results of both electronic and EPR] 9 =2-09-2.11 and 11 = 2-24-2.25] spectra indicated that Cu[II] ions are present in a nearly square planar coordination with tetragonal symmetry. TG results of the studied examples of 1:1 and 1:2 Cu [II] - complexes showed, on the other hand, the presence of two types of lattice and/or coordinated water and/or ethanol molecules

Knowledge and attitude of medical personnel towards expanded program of immunization in Giza governorate

This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel toward vaccination programme in Giza Governorate. The subjects of this study were consisted of 252 physicians and 215 nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health Centers and the Ministry of Health Hospitals in Giza Governorate. One third of these health units were selected by simple random sample. The results of this study revealed that there are a statistical significant differences of level of knowledge and attitudes of physicians and also of nurses. Unsufficient level of knowledge were observed among medical personnel about cold chain and new concept which limit the list of contraindication of administration of EPI vaccines. The main causes of underutilization of vaccination in the opinion of health personnel were illiteracy, unawareness lack of information of utilizers. The researchers recommend a pre-service, inservice training and up-dating knowledge of health personnel about cold chain, new concept of EPI vaccines contraindication and role of community participation in the success of such program

Comparative toxicity of flucythrinate and fenvalerate to albino rats

[R S]-alpha-cyano-m-phenoxybenzyl [S]-2-[p-[di [fluromethoxy]-phenyl]-3-methylbutyrate [flucythrinate] and-alpha-cyano-m-phenoxybenzyl]-alpha-isopropyl-p-chlorophenylacetate [fenvalerate] and their commercial formulations 30% EC and 20% EC, respectively, were tested for their subchronic dermal toxicity to albino rats at different concentrations. Flucythrinate at a level of 100mg/kg and its commercial formulation showed symptoms of parathyroid poisoning. Either flucythrinate or fenvalerate caused an elevation in both blood urea and blood glucose levels after 2 weeks of the treatment while a significant reduction in serum proteins occurred. Estimation of total serum amino acids indicated a marked reduction in glycine, cysteine and methionine confirming that these amino acids are the major conjugates of the pyrethroisd under test and their metabolites from rat tissues. The present work recommends that accidental exposure to pyrethroids for a long time might be very dangerous to man and animals

Effect of some recent analgesics on labour pain and materno-fetal blood cases and pH

This studs attempts to determine the analgesic property of nalbuphine hydrochloride, pentazocine lactate and butorphanol tartarate during labour, and their potential effects on materno-fetal blood gases and pit. The analgesic efficacy of the tested drugs was assessed by Steinhouse scoring systern [1964]. Butorphanol analgesia was superior to either nalbuphine or pentazocine in relieving labour pains. The studied analgesics caused significant maternal respiratory acidosis and fetal metabolic acidosis. These acidotic changes were more marked in the pentazocine, moderate in the nalbupitine and minimal in the butorphanol group