Risk factors and diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections in irritable bowel syndrome patients

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is still an ambiguous disorder of the gastrointestinal function. Several theories have been postulated as regard its underlying patho-physiology. Infection with intestinal parasites has been evaluated as a possible etiology with contradictory results. This study compared IBS cases with normal population in Fayoum Governorate as regard infection with parasites, and to detect their possible associated risk factors. Stool samples were parasitologically examined by concentrated sedimentation, stained with Lugol's iodine, trichrome. The RIDA®QUICK Cryptosporidium/Giardia/Entamoeba Combi kits were applied. Stool samples were cultured on Jones and Loeffler's slope media for detection of Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis, respectively. Blastocystis spp., D. fragilis and Cryptosporidium were the commonest parasites in the examined samples. Blastocystis spp. was the only parasite significantly associated with IBS. Contact with animals was a common risk factor for the three prevalent parasites. Low socioeconomic standard was a risk for Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium infections as well as consumption of contaminated food and/or drink was associated with Blastocystis infection

[Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against exercise-induced oxidative stress-mediated muscle fatigue in professional sportsmen]

Sternuous physical exercise may lower endogenous antioxidant bioactivity as a result of excessive generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS] and overproduction of lactic acid. Excessive ROS production can lead to intensive peroxidation of cell membrane lipids in erythrocytes and muscle cells. Exercise-induced oxidative stress and excessive lactic acid production can therefore accelerate muscle fatigability and exhaustion during physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maximal physical exercise on plasma malondialdehyde [MBA], and lactate levels in both untreated and coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]-pretreated Karate sportsmen as compared to individuals with normal physical activity. The effect of CoQ10 -pretreatment on physical endurance and fittness was also studied. Mean plasma MBA and lactate concentrations were significantly lower in Karate sportsmen than in individuals with normal physical activity [control group] immediately after extreme physical exercise. Also, mean plasma MDA and lactate concentrations were significantly lower in CoQ10-pretreated sportsmen than in untreated sportsmen following exhaustive physical exercise. Besides, CoQ10-pretreated Karate sportsmen showed significant increase in exercise tolerance [endurance] compared to untreated sportsmen. We conclude that CoQ10 may improve physical endurance and fittness and reduce muscle fatigue in athletes probably through augmenting endogenous antioxidanmt defenses

impact of U.S. policies to protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens: the critical role of safety-engineered devices

In the United States [U.S.], federal legislation requiring the use of safety-engineered sharp devices, along with an array of other protective measures, has played a critical role in reducing healthcare workers' [HCWs] risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens over the last 20 years. We present the history of U.S. regulatory and legislative actions regarding occupational blood exposures, and review evidence of the impact of these actions. In one large network of U.S. hospitals using the Exposure Prevention Information Network [EPINet] sharps injury surveillance program, overall injury rates for hollow-bore needles declined by 34%, with a 51% decline for nurses. The U.S. experience demonstrates the effectiveness of safety-engineered devices in reducing sharps injuries, and the importance of national-level regulations [accompanied by active enforcement] in ensuring wide-scale availability and implementation of protective devices to decrease healthcare worker risk