Mismatch Between Furniture Dimension And Anthropometric Measures Among Primary School Children In Putrajaya

Ergonomic is important in classroom. Sitting for protracted period in class may lead students to develop musculoskeletal disorders. Their physical health and performance in the class may increase by designing school furniture that match with human body. In Malaysia, there is a lack of ergonomic assessment for school environment especially in urban areas. The aim of this study is to determine the mismatch between the furniture dimension and anthropometric parameters among primary school children in Putrajaya. This is a cross-sectional study which involved 100, Year 1 and Year 6 primary school students randomly selected in Putrajaya. Five anthropometric measurements (popliteal height, buttock popliteal length, elbow height, shoulder height (sitting), hip breadth) as well as five furniture dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height and seat to desk height) were measured. Instrument used is Martin type anthropometer set, SECA body meter, and SECA weighing scale. Calculation for determining mismatch between the furniture and anthropometric measures were calculated using a standard mismatch formula. There was 100% mismatch for seat height, seat depth, and seat to seat to desk height for Year 1. As for Year 6, mismatch was reported 100% for backrest height and seat to desk height. There were significance difference for parameters of popliteal height between Year 1 and Year 6 and between male and female of Year 1. There was a presence of mismatch between furniture dimension and children anthropometric measurement. Proposed dimension of furniture shows decrease in percentage of mismatch for the most parameter of anthropometric measurement.

Relative abundance of the major piercing-sucking pests andtheir associated natural enemies on coriander plants

The present work was carried out at Shotb and Abnoub locations, Assuit Governorate, Upper Egypt throughout two successive coriander growing seasons, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.The obtained results showed that coriander plants harbored 55 and 43 insect species belonging to 41, 31 families and 9, 9 orders in shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Among these species, [29, 26]; [6, 4]; [7, 4] and [16, 11] were recorded as pests, predators, parasitoids and pollinators and visitors in Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. The order Hymenoptera had the highest number of species [16, 13, species] followed by Diptera [9, 9 species] in both Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. Results also indicated that, regardless of the seasons, aphids [different species] were the most abundant piercing-sucking insect pests on coriander plants, representing 59.00 and 83.14 %, followed by T. tabaci which represented 38.12 and 15.57 % of the grand total of sucking pests. The Empoascae spp. and Campylomma spp. were less abundant and represented only an average of 2.09 and 0.09 % for Empoascae spp. and 1.10 and 1.19 % for Capylomma spp. of the grand total of piercing-sucking pests in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Concerning the relationships between abiotic and biotic factors with the aphid populations, results also indicated that the studied variables were together responsible for 58.49 % of the aphid population changes in Shotb location, while 64.57 % were recorded in Abnoub location. The change of the aphid populations varied with the plant age [23.46 and 39.73 %], maximum temperature [20.34 and 12.16 %] and natural enemies [4.76 and 4.21 %] in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Minimum temperature was found to be related with the population of aphid species only in Abnoub location [7.28 %]

CXCR3 renal expression in glomerulonephritis in children: is there a connection with the course of the disease?

Glomerulonephritis [GN] is a common childhood disease that may represent a significant cause of chronic kidney disease at one point of its course. The role of chemokines in glomerulonephritis, has been long anticipated and studied and the possible link between certain chemokines and different renal pathologies, if proved, can pave the road for future use of such markers for early prognosis and possible therapies for this common disease. Objective: in this study, we aimed at detecting CXCR3 in the renal biopsies done for children with glomerulonephritis and to correlate it to the nature of renal pathology and response to therapy. Methods: The glomerular and interstitial expression of CXCR3 in renal biopsies done for 22 patients with glomerulonephritis was studied using immunohistochemical staining. Pathologies already diagnosed in these biopsies were proliferative GN [mesangioproliferative GN, diffuse proliferative GN, focal proliferative GN, IgA nephropathy and crescentic GN] as well as non-proliferative GN [Minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, diffuse mesangial sclerosis and advanced hypertensive nephrosclerosis]. History, clinical findings and laboratory investigations in the initial presentation and at the time of the study were obtained. Results: The degree of glomerular and interstitial CXCR3 expression did not vary with gender, age of presentation, response to steroids, or cumulative doses of steroids. Percentage of strong glomerular CXCR3 expression was much higher in proliferative GN compared to non-proliferative GN although the difference was not statistically significant, percentage of renal dysfunction was more among strong glomerular and mild/moderate interstitial CXCR3 expression with no statistically significant difference from the counterparts. Conclusion: Our study revealed that enhanced CXCR3 renal expression on glomerular and interstitial levels did not affect the response to steroids along the course of the disease and so can probably act as a therapeutic target rather than a prognostic marker

Satisfaction, self-use and perception of medical students in Majmaah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, towards complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] is a growing industry in the health care system, and the use of CAM is rapidly evolving. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], little research has addressed the satisfaction, use and perception of medical students towards CAM. The objectives of the current study were to assess the level of medical students' satisfaction and perception towards studying CAM and to determine their self-use of different modalities of CAM. This descriptive study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to the first and second batches of the medical students studying the CAM module at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University KSA. The instrument used in this study was a validated self-administered questionnaire, and the retrieved data were analysed using SPSS

Role of portal haemodynamic parameters in prediction of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

Screening all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy for detection of varices is not cost-effective as the number of patients increases by time and half of them still would not have developed varices 10 years after being diagnosed with cirrhosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate hepatic haemodynamic Doppler parameters in predicting the presence of oesophageal varices [OVs] in cirrhotic patients for better selection of those actually needed for screening endoscopy. Eighty-one patients with liver cirrhosis, 32 females and 49 males, with a mean age of 50.7 +/- 11.7 years were recruited for the study. They included 61 patients with OVs and 20 patients without varices. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on clinical history, examination, and investigations. Liver function and kidney function tests and complete blood count [CBC] were performed for all patients. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound [US], upper endoscopy, and hepatic Doppler US examination. The portal vein velocity [PVV] and liver vascular index [LVI] showed statistically significantly lower values in patients with OVs than those without OVs [p value = 0.02 and 0.000, respectively]. The congestion index [CI] of the portal vein, the portal hypertension index [PHI], and the splenoportal index [SPI] showed statistically significantly higher values in patients with OVs than those without OVs [p value = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively]. CI and SPI were the best parameters that could predict the presence of OVs with high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy when cutoff values were set at >0.069 and 3.57, respectively [area under the curve = 0.864 and 0.894, respectively]. The CI of the portal vein and SPI are good predictors for the presence of OVs in cirrhotic patients, and could be used noninvasively to decrease the burden on the upper endoscopy unit by proper selection of those who are candidates for screening endoscopy

Biochemical evaluation of renal osteodystrophy in uraemic patients

Renal osteodystrophy is a multifactorial disorder of bone remodelling that develops in patients with chronic renal failure [CRF]. Biochemical markers of bone turnover have been proposed for the noninvasive diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH] and some markers of bone disease in predialysis [preD] and haemodialysis [HD] CRF patients and correlate them with bone mineral density [BMD]. Several biochemical markers were measured in the serum of 74 CRF patients [38 preD patients and 36 patients on regular HD]. In addition, 30 healthy volunteers were included as controls. BMD of all patients was measured by means of calcaneal ultrasonography. BMD was measured by means of ultrasound. BMD was significantly decreased in both patient groups when compared with controls. Also, it was significantly lower in patients with osteoporosis than in those with osteopenia. iPTH, total alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and osteocalcin [OC] levels were significantly elevated in both patient groups when compared with controls. Ionized calcium [Ca[2+]], free carnitine and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] levels were significantly decreased in patients compared with controls. There was a significant inverse correlation of BMD with iPTH, ALP and OC and a significant positive correlation with Ca[2+] and IGF-1 in HD patients. PreD patients showed significant inverse correlation of BMD with iPTH and ALP and significant positive correlation with Ca[2+]. The results of the present study suggested that ultrasound is a useful method for evaluating BMD and provides information about diverse regional skeletal changes in CRF patients. iPTH, ALP, OC and Ca[2+] can predict renal osteodystrophy in preD and HD CRF patients. PreD and HD CRF patients often have low serum concentrations of free carnitine and IGF-1

Ameliorative effect of vitamin C on nicotine-induced changes in the liver and the kidney of the adult male albino rat

Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that may antagonize the deleterious effects of smoking. While previous literature indicated the role of cigarette smoking in exacerbation of chronic renal and hepatic diseases, its impact on the healthy kidney and liver tissues needs to be elucidated. To evaluate the effects of administration of high dose of nicotine alone for three weeks or combined with vitamin C on the antioxidant defense status, functional, histological changes, and immunohistochemical demonstration of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] expression in the liver and kidney tissues of the rat. Twenty four adult male albino rats were used. They were divided equally into four groups. Group I was the control group, Group II was given vitamin C only [300mg/kg i.p.], Group III was given nicotine only [5mg/kg i.p.] all were for 3 weeks. Group IV was given vitamin C for 3 days prior to nicotine injection then for 3 weeks with nicotine and for 2 days thereafter. Nicotine exposure caused significant reductions in the total body weight, relative liver and kidney weights, and significant elevations of oxidative stress marker; malondialdehyde in liver and kidney. In addition, in group III the levels of liver alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased compared to other groups. The liver and kidney of group III showed marked structural changes with epithelial shedding and cellular necrosis of parts of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, with partial loss of the brush border. The liver showed vacuolated hepatocytes cytoplasm, lipofuscin granules, peroxisomes, mitochondrial destruction, with dilated central vein and sinusoids. Dense PCNA immunostaining was detected in the liver and the kidney of group III Concomitant administration of vitamin C with nicotine revealed a noticeable amelioration of these structural and .functional changes. Vitamin C exerted a protective effect against nicotine-induced liver and kidney damage

Co-application of corticosterone and growth hormone upregulates nr2b protein and increases the nr2b:nr2a ratio and synaptic transmission in the hippocampus

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the protective effect of growth hormone [GH] on hippocampal function during periods of heightened glucocorticoid exposure. This study was conducted between January and June 2005 at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, in Huntington, West Virginia, USA. The effects of the co-application of GH and corticosterone [CORT] were tested at different concentrations on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials [fEPSPs] of the hippocampal slices of rats in two different age groups. Changes in the protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDAR] subunits NR1, NR2B and NR2A were measured in hippocampal brain slices treated with either artificial cerebrospinal fluid [ACSF], low doses of CORT alone or both CORT and GH for three hours. The co-application of CORT and GH was found to have an additive effect on hippocampal synaptic transmission compared to either drug alone. Furthermore, the combined use of low concentrations of GH and CORT was found to have significantly higher effects on the enhancement of fEPSPs in older rats compared to young ones. Both GH and CORT enhanced the protein expression of the NR2A subunit. Simultaneous exposure to low concentrations of GH and CORT significantly enhanced NR2B expression and increased the NR2B:NR2A ratio. In contrast, perfusion with CORT alone caused significant suppression in the NR1 and NR2B protein expression and a decrease in the NR2B:NR2A ratio. These results suggest that NMDARs provide a potential target for mediating the GH potential protective effect against stress and age-related memory and cognitive impairment

Effects of tramadol versus indomethacin on gastric mucosa in rat model of nociception: a structural, immunohistochemical and hormonal study

Background: Tramadol is centrally acting analgesic that is frequently used clinically but its mechanism of action is still unclear

Aim of work: To evaluate tramadol analgesic activity, and its effect on gastric mucosa and hormones

Material and Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used. Rats were divided into three groups: group [I] was injected with 3 doses of physiological saline [2ml kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.], served as control; group [II] was injected with 3 doses of indomethacin [10 mg kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.]; and group [III] was injected with 3 doses of tramadol [10 m kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.]. 30 min after the first dose of injections, all groups were given 10 ml k[-1] of 1% acetic acid-saline i.p. to induce writhing. After 10 min following acetic acid injection, writhes numbers were counted over 20 min. Gastric mucosa was examined macroscopically and microscopically. Gastrin expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum prostaglandin [PG], E2, ghrelin, and histamine concentrations were measured using ELISA kits

Results: Tramadol has lower analgesic effect compared to indomethacin. The gastric ulcer index was significantly lower in tramadol- versus indomethacin-treated group [P <0.0001]. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher gastrin immunoreactivity in indomethacin- and tramadol-treated groups versus control. Ghrelin serum levels were significantly suppressed by tramadol and indomethacin versus control that were coincident with gastric mucosal lesions. No significant changes in serum levels of PGE2 and histamine were obtained

Conclusion: Our results suggested that tramadol-induced gastric lesions are probably mediated by reduction of ghrelin and increase in gastrin expression. The antinociceptive and gastric effects of tramadol suggest that tramadol is relatively safe clinically in pain therapy

antimicrobial activity of grape seed extract against two important oral pathogens

The antimicrobial properties of plant extracts have shown promise for development of new drugs. This study was conducted to measure the antibacterial activity of grape [Vitis vinifera] seed extract against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In this experimental study the grape seed extract have been prepared with maceration method. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was examined by determining Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration [MBC] using the macro dilution broth technique. MIC and MBC for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was 3.84 mg/mL and 7.68 mg/mL respectively. There were not any inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans. The Grape seed extract has inhibitory and bactericidal effects against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. There were not any bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects against Streptococcus mutans

Therapeutic effect of lauric acid, a medium chain saturated fatty acid on giardia lamblia in experimentally infected hamsters

Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrheal disease in humans, particularly among children causing nutritional disorders. Metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles are commonly used as the mainstay of therapy for giardiasis. The present work was carried out to evaluate the effect of lauric acid, a natural product extracted from coconut oil, against G. lamblia in experimentally infected hamsters [Mesocricetus auratus]. Sixty five laboratory bred hamsters were used in the current experimental study. Ten served as normal non infected non treated control group [A]. Fifteen uninfected hamsters served as drug control group [B]: five received metronidazole group [B1]; five received lauric acid group [B2] and five received combined treatment [metronidazole and lauric acid] at a half doses of each drug [B3]. The remaining forty hamsters were orally infected by 10,000 G. lamblia cysts/hamster [group C], and were divided into 4 groups of 10 hamsters each: infected control [C1]; metronidazole treated [C2]; lauric acid treated [C3]; combined treatment at a half dose of each drug [C4]. Two weeks after treatment, compared with infected non treated controls, the highest percentages of reduction in the number of Giardia cysts and trophozoites were in the group that received combined treatment [98.83%, 96.95%, respectively]. Lower percentages of reduction were recorded for the metronidazole treated group [93.77%, 95.50%, respectively] and the lauric acid treated group [82.03%, 78.76%, respectively]. Histopathological examination and electron microscopic examination revealed complete healing of intestinal mucosa after the combined treatment, while partial healing of the lining epithelium of the intestine was noticed after metronidazole or lauric acid treatment alone. Lauric acid improved the therapeutic effect against giardiasis when combined with metronidazole

Diagnostic importance of platelet parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to a tertiary care hospital in southwest region, Saudi Arabia

Identifying risk factors for acute coronary syndrome [ACS] is important for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Abnormal platelet parameters, mainly platelet count [PC], mean platelet volume [MPV] and platelet distribution width [PDW] are thought to be among these risk factors. In this study, the associations between PC, MPV and PDW and ACS were investigated in patients admitted to the tertiary care hospital in the south west region of Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cohort of 212 patients with the diagnosis of ACS admitted to Aseer Central Hospital during the period extending from February 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008 were included. The control group consisted of 49 matched subjects who were admitted for chest pain investigation and subsequently found to be non-cardiac chest pain after performing relevant investigations. Blood samples were taken at the time of admission for platelet parameters. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS software and P-values were considered significant if <0.05. A total of 212 patients with acute coronary syndrome [80 patients with MI and 132 patients with UA] and 49 matched controls were studied. The PC was not statistically different among the three groups [283.3 +/- 94.8 x 10[9] L[-1] for MI cases, 262 +/- 60.8 x 10[9] L[-1] for UA cases and 275.8 +/- 58.9 x 10[9] L[-1] for controls]. The MPV was significantly larger in MI cases compared to controls [8.99 +/- 1.5 fl vs. 8.38 +/- 0.51 fl, respectively, P < 0.009], similarly, the MPV was significantly larger in UA cases compared to controls [9.23 +/- 1.19 fl vs. 8.38 +/- 0.51 fl, respectively, P < 0.001]. The PDW was significantly higher in MI cases compared to controls [15.88 +/- 1.5 fl vs. 11.96 +/- 1.8 fl, respectively, P < 0.001], similarly, the PDW as also significantly larger in UA cases compared to controls [18.1 +/- 18 fl vs. 11.96 +/- 1.8 fl, respectively, P < 0.019]. Platelet parameters mainly MPV and PDW are readily available and relatively simple and inexpensive laboratory tests which we detected to be significantly raised in patients who have suffered an acute coronary syndrome compared with controls

Effective factors in enhancing school managers job motivation

This study examines the effective factors in enhancing school managers' job motivation from viewpoint of school mangers, teachers, education department managerial and staff experts in teaching, and also identifies and prioritizes each of these factors and indicators. For selecting a representative sample and increasing measurement precision, 587 people were selected using classified random sampling. The measurement tool was a 79-questionnaire made by the researcher. The questionnaire was collected using motivation theories and observing the findings of previous researches. Then, according to the three-stage Delphi technique, the questionnaire was sent to experts in education. The reliability of instruments was measured by calculating Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, and total reliability of the test was 0.99; the validity of the instrument was assessed by factor analysis [Construct Validity] and its load factor was 0.4 which was high. The results from factor analysis shows that the effective factors in enhancing managers' job motivation are as follows: self- actualization [51%] including 28 indices; social factor [7/9%] including 22 indices; self-esteem [3.2%] including 17 indices; job desirable features [2.2%] including 4 indices; physiologic [1.8%] including 4 indices; and job richness [1.6%] including 4 indices. The results show that the six mentioned factors determine 68% of the total variance of managers' motivation

field trial to investigate of the postpartum uterine infection and its susceptibility to the antibiotics

This study aimed to investigate the postpartum [P.P.] uterine infection in daii'y cattle and the more susceptible antibiotic treatment. This study was carried out in large commercial imported Holstein-Friesian dairy farm. The animals were classified according to the reproductive status during the postpartum period into three groups. Group [I]: [26 cows] represents control animals which exhibited normal spontaneous birth without any birth help and didn't develop any clinical disorders. The drop of fetal membranes occurred within the first 12 houis after calving. The lochia was normal in color 8 odor and within the normal range in amount. Group [II]: [9 cows] Suffered from dystocia due to abnormal fetal alignment with retained fetal membranes [>I2 hrs PP]. Group [Ill]: [8 cows] with post partum uterine infections [abnormal puerperium]. The cows were examined from the late stages of pregnancy to the end of puerperuim period to determine the types of bacterial infection of the postpartum period. The prevalent ostpartem peridf er00obic bacteria isolated from the normal cows were E.coli [30.8%] Streptfaecalis [15.3%], Staph. aureus [31.5%] and Arcanobacterium [Actinomyces] pyogenes [7.7%]. The isolated bacteria rom cows with Retained placenta were E.coli [89%], Arcanobacterium [Actinomyces] pyogenes [33%], Strept. faecalis [33%] Staph. aureus [22%], Staph. pidermidis [22%] and Proteus vulgaris [11%]. while those for cows with disturbed puerperium were Arcanobacterlurn [Actinomyces] pyogenes [87.5%], E.coli [75%], Staph. aureus [50%], Staph. epidermidis [50%], Proteus vulgaris [37.5%] and Strept. faecalis [25%]. The most common bacteria isolated frequently from the postpartum uterine disorders are E.coli and Arcanobacterium [Actinomyces] pyogenes. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated that Actinomyces pyogenes can be resistant to the common antimicrobial agents [tetracycline, penicillin, enrofloxacin and ceftiofur] used for intrauterine treatment in the practice field to treatment P.P. Uterine infection. While, E.coli isolates were sensitive to [enrofloxacin and ceftiofur], but they were resistant to [tetracycline and oxytetracycline]. It could be concluded that the most prevalent bacterial infection in postpartum dairy cattle were E. coli, Staph. aureus and Actinomyces pyogenes. While the most suscepible antidotic were anrofloxacin and ceftiofur

Comparison between ruler set and instrument for assessment of simple reaction time in workers occupationally exposed to cyanide

Cyanide is a chemical widely used in industry and is a major environmental pollutant and an important toxic asphyxiant, to which exposure occurs through inhalation as well as ingestion and skin contact. 1. This work aimed to measure the simple reaction time [SRT] in workers exposed to cyanide using our experimental modified reaction time ruler se which was approved by the Academy of The Scientific Research in 2002 and the reaction time standardized instrument 2. To confirm the efficacy of the ruler set by comparing its results with those of the standardized instrument. 3. To elicit the effect of smoking on cyanide level in blood. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a unit for hardening and metal plating process in 99-Army Factory, Helwan. One hundred male workers with a possibility of cyanide exposure were studied in addition to 100 male workers in the same factory without possible exposure to cyanide, as a control group. All exposed group were evaluated using a self-administered questiolmaire, medical examination and cognitive test including simple reaction time [ruler, instrument]. In addition, serum level of cyanide was measured for both groups and subgroups, comparing the results to the maximum serum level that might be present in normal non-exposed individuals. The mean age was 42.83 +/- 8.26 years and 41.45 +/- 8.1 years in the study and control groups, respectively. The mean duration of exposure to cyanide was 20.14 +/- 7.88 years. Environmental measurement of hydrogen cyanide [HCN] in air ranges between 9.2 and 9.3 ppm. The serum level of cyanide in the exposed workers who were also reported to be smokers was 0.08 +/- 0.01 1g/ml compared to 0.05 +/- 0.01 Ig/ml in smokers of the control group, a difference which is statistically significant. On the other hand, cyanide serum level in exposed, non-smoker workers was 0.05 +/- 0.01 compared to 0.0 1 +/- 0.01 jig/ml in non-smokers of the control group, a difference which is statistically significant. Simple reaction time ruler set assessment: statistical analysis showed mean and standard deviation of 31.04 and 4.02 for the exposed group and 21.46 and 1.16 for the control group. The difference is statistically significant [p < 0.001].Simple reaction time instrument assessment: Statistical analysis showed mean and standard deviation of 30.93 and 4.00 for the exposed group and 21.39 and 1.16 for the control group. The difference is statistically significant [p < 0.001]. Cyanide exposure causes lag of respofise as evidenced by prolongation of reaction time. We recommend using SRT ruler instead of instrument being cheep, simple and accurate with a short application time. Workers in industries with a hazard of cyanide exposure should wear protective mask, and work at a suitable spacing distance away from the source of cyanide release. Measuring SRT on periodic basis is recommended for early detection of cyanide poisoning in those workers

Analysis of the filed data of a sample of Egyptian children with bronchial asthma

Identification of the clinical profile of asthma in a community is crucial to the understanding of the growing disease burden. We sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics and management outcome of a sample of asthmatic children from Cairo city and its suburbs. This retrospective study analyzed the data of 422 consecutively numbered files of asthmatic children from the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit of Am Shams University Children's Hospital. Data collected included the age at onset, duration of follow up, precipitating factors, feeding history, clinical severity, presence of other allergic diseases and outcome and course of the disease. This is besides the available results of laboratory and imaging studies and the treatment received including the routes and types of therapy. The results revealed that 197 children [46.7%] had bronchial asthma only while 225 [53.3%] had concomitant allergic disorders. Males outnumbered females and urban residents outnumbered suburban and rural residents and all cases belonged to the low and middle social and economic community sectors. A positive family history of allergy in general was evident in about 40% of cases. Viral infection was the most common precipitating factor for exacerbations. Mild and moderate persistent asthma were more frequent than the severe variety [15.10%, 10.20%, and 1.50%]. Serum total IgE and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were elevated and atopy was evident in most cases. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy was the most commonly prescribed treatment in the current study but compliance was generally poor. Wider scale multi-center studies in Cairo and other localities of Egypt are needed to outline the profile of childhood asthma in the whole country using a population rather than a referral center-based approach

Fasciola gigantica: parasitological and scanning electron microscopy study of the in vitro effects of ivermectin and/or artemethea

To evaluate the in vitro effects of different, concentrations of ivermectin and/or arteinether on Fasciola giganfica worms and to study the parasitological changes and tegumental alterations using scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. F. giganhica worms were incubated in vitro for 24 and 48 hrs with 3 concentrations of either ivermectin 01. artemether [10, 20 and 50 micro g/ml] or both in half the concentration of either of them [5, 10 and 25 micro g/ml]. Exposure of Fasciola worms to 25+25 micro g/ml of combined drug regimens or to 50 micro g/ml of either ivermectin or artemether for 48 hrs led to 100%, 41.7% and 75% worm killing which were accompanied by a significant reduction in egg laying capacity and significant increase in dead eggs which were maximally recorded in combined drug regimens. SEM of the flukes incubated for 48 hrs with combined drug regimens showed maximal tegumental disruption with swelling of the worm body, roughness, blebbing, sloughing and complete loss of spines. Disruption to the tegument of the flukes induced by artemether was more than that of ivermectin. Artemether alone or combined with ivermectin in half doses had potent fasciocidal activities. Besides, half doses of combined drug regimens had higher ovicidal effects than each drug alone, in vivo studies are recommended to furtherly explore the efficacy of combined regimens against Fasciola infection

Health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students: an assessment study

Health attitudes and behaviors develop in childhood and progress through adolescence into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the different health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students. The study was implemented at 7th of April University, Faculties of medical science in both zawya and Surman city in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. From the above mentioned setting 750 students were selected by means of a convenience sampling method. The data was collected by using the Youth risk behavior questionnaire that had been validated previously for use among University students included dichotomous questions to monitor different health risk behaviors. The results of this study demonstrate the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the undergraduate college students. Tobacco use was reported by [19.3%] of students, alcohol and drug use [15%], unsafe driving [58.9%], violence [41.4%], sexual practices [20.8%], dietary behahaviors and physical activity [74.8%]. Males, younger age and those had family size more than five were significantly more likely to participate in most of different health risk behaviors. Significant correlation was found between the different investigated risky behaviors, where violence related behavior shows a highly significant positive correlation with all risk behaviors. Also, positive correlation was found between sexual practices and alcohol, drug use, violence, dietary behavior and physical activity. The study provide valuable information to policy - makers, educators, health providers and community workers for planning programmes, develop priorities and adapting interventions to promote health of adolescents and youth in Libya. Much more work must be done through a national comprehensive health programme to raise the knowledge about risk factors and unhealthy behavior among youth and educating parents about how to prevent them

[ effect of aerobic training on the improvement of expanded disability status scale [EDSS] in multiple sclerosis patients]

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is a disease of central nerve system which involves brain and spinal cord. The cause of this disease is still unknown. It causes disorders in conducting nerve and electrical current by destroying myelin. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of aquatic exercises for 8 weeks on the improvement of balance among female MS patients. This is an applied research study using semi-experimental method. From 100 MS patients, 25 people were randomly selected on the basis of illness degree and age. The criteria applied for the random selection were: Patients' responses to an Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS, 1-4], an average illness time of 4 +/- 1 and the age range of 20-50 years. They were divided into two groups: The experimental group consisting of 15 patients and the controlled group which consisted consists of 10 patients. The experimental group participated in the exercises with an intensity rate of 40-50 percent of the maximum heart-beat rate for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. Krutzke EDSS questionnaire was used to measure the EDSS in experimental and controlled groups both before and after the exercises. The gathered data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic and dependent sample t-test. The research has shown that after 8 weeks of treatment, the balance in the experimental group was significantly improved [P=0.000]. A significant difference in their mean scores on EDSS was observed [p=0.000]. Also, there was a significant difference in the experimental group's EDSS scores in the pre-test AND post-test [P=0.000]. However, there was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the controlled group [P=0.279, alpha=0.05]. As the findings suggest, exercises of this type could decrease up to 0.5 degree in EDSS scores among MS patients. Such amount of decrease is very valuable for MS patients. Considering the results of this research suggesting an improvement in the balance of MS patients with low EDSS, it seems necessary to apply aquatic exercises for such patients. Therefore, it is recommended that MS patients practice such exercises, under the supervision of specialists, as a supplementary remedy along with the medical treatments

detection of doth fasciolu gigantica circulating antigen and coproantigdn by monoctonal-based sandwich ELISA in diagnosis of human fascioliasis

Human fascioliasis is another important health challenge in Egypt. lip till now and due to many factors. its diagnosis is a problematic issue. In many eases, a considerable damage of the hepatic tissue often occurs before a proper diagnosis could he done. This in turn necessitates finding a reliable. easily applicable and locally affordable diagnostic test to overcome the diagnostic difficulties that handicap prevention and control efforts. The detection of E/S antigens in stool specimens [coproantigens] and in sera of infected humans using a MAb-based sandwich ELISA system. Stool and serum samples were collected from 35 fascioliasis patients having clinical and parasitological evidences of infection, 20 patients harboring other parasites [Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium Wuchereria bancuofti and hydatid cysts] and 25 healthy subjects. A pair of monoelonal antibodies [MAbs: 9F/10B and 5F/6H], raised against both FascioIa gigantica excretory-Secretor [E/S] products and crude antigens respectively, were employed in sandwich ELISA. The lower detection limit of E/S coproantigen assay corresponded to 15 ng/ml, while that of E/S antigen assay in serum corresponded to 50ng/ml. The anti-F gigantica MAb-based sandwich ELISA for antigen detection in collected sera showed 77% sensitivity and 100% specificity with 87% diagnostic accuracy. Coproantigen detection in stool samples showed 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity with 97% diagnostic accuracy. A positive correlation was detected between antigen level in stool samples and its level in corresponding serum samples. This study showed that the use of anti-F gigantica MAb-based sandwich ELISA was more ssensitive for antigen detection in stool samples of fascioliasms patients. Than its detection in their corresponding serum samples, providing a simple, reliable, non-invasive diagnostic method for active human infection