Interstitial cells of cajal in normal human alimentary tract: an immunohistochemical study

Objectiver lnterstitial cells of Cajal [ICC] are c-kit positive immunoreactive cells which are thought to play an important role in the control of gut motility. The work aimed at studying the morphology of ICC and precisely localize their regional and transmural pattern of distribution in normal human alimentary tract. The study included 102 normal human alimentary tract specimens obtained from male patients with a mean age 37.92 +/- 8.53. All sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and c-kit immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemically stained sections were submitted for a computer aided image analytical study to detect the area percent of immunoreactive cells. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. ICC could not be demonstrated in H and E stained sections. Immunohistochemically, two morphological subtypes of ICC were recognized, a spindle bipolar and stellate multipolar forms. ICC were detected in the myenteric plexus layer of the esophagus, corpus, pylorus, small intestine, colon and rectum. Intramuscular ICC could be demonstrated in the esophagus, fundus, corpus, pylorus, colon, rectum and anal canal. ICC at the deep muscular plexus were found only in the small intestine. In the pylorus, colon and rectum, ICC were also found at the submucosal border of the circular muscle layer. The wide distribution of ICC all over the human alimentary tract is compatible with their physiological role being important mediators of gut motility

Seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella among staff of a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed at screening immune status of Health Care Workers [HCWs] against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, and assessing the reliability of the history of previous illness due to these infections or vaccination against them as an indicator of the immune status, as checked by laboratory tests. Demographic data, history of previous illnesses and previous vaccinations were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Also, serologic screening was done for these infections. Antibodies tested using ELISA. Among tested hospital staff, 71.8%, 60.3%, 47.9% and 68.4% reported history of infection or vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella respectively, while laboratory results proved that 4.5%, 10.8%, 12.9% and 11.3% were susceptible respectively. Susceptibility was most frequent among housekeeping staff against measles and varicella, while administrative staff were the most susceptibles to mumps, and nurses were the most susceptibles to rubella. Sensitivity of past history of illness as an indicator of the immune status, was found to be [85%, 83%, 66%, 86%]; Specificity was [81%, 81%, 89%, 87%]; Positive Predictive value [PV] was [99%, 98%, 98%, 98%] and Negative PV was [16%, 29%, 22%, 39%] for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella respectively. Screening for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella among hospital staff is mandatory to detect those who are susceptible for infections and should be vaccinated, and so preventing transmission of these infections to their colleagues or patients

Workplace influenza vaccination in two major industries in Saudi Arabia a cost benefit analysis

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of mass Influenza vaccination on workers health and costs reductions. We compared 1396 Influenza vaccinated workers versus 1004 not vaccinated workers from same workplaces, regarding outcome of interests, like frequency of Influenza Like Illnesses [ILI], frequency of physician office visits due to ILI, sick leaves due to ILI, and cost benefit analysis and cost saving analysis in two major industries in Riyadh; food processing, and chemical industries. The goal of vaccination coverage was 80%, but the maximum coverage reached was 58%. Average sick-leave days reduction during the 4 months follow up period was from 1.27 days/worker in the no vaccine group to 0.31 days/worker in the vaccine group [p<0.001]. Also, there is a reduction in the average number of physician office visits from 0.99/worker in the no vaccine group to 0.23 days/worker in the vaccine group [p<0.001]; with relative risk reduction of ILI among vaccinated workers to 0.37 [0.31<95%CI< 0.44] compared to no vaccine group. Combined data from the two industries showed a net saving of about 28 US$ per each vaccinated worker