Anthropometry and breast cancer risk

There is a growing interest on the relation of anthropometry and breast cancer. The main objective of this study was to clarify this relation, taking into account the influence of menopausal status and the implication of lipoproteins and estrogen levels. A hospital based, age matched, case-control study was conducted on a total sample of 164 women [80 cases and 84 controls]. Cases were found to have significantly greater body weight and body mass index [BMI] and to be of long stature than their controls. A clear direct trend of increasing odds ratios for postmenopausal breast cancer risk as weight and BMI increased was observed, while a risk reduction with increasing weight and BMI was noticed for pre-menopausal women. A significant trend of positive association between height and breast cancer risk was demonstrated for both pre-and post-menopausal women; but it was more pronounced for post-menopausal cancer. Abdominal adiposity was also found to be associated with an increased risk of pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer. Additionally, it was ascertained that as BMI elevated, estrogen levels had decreased in pre-menopausal women; but increased in post-menopausal [P>0.05]. High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] also decreased with increasing BMI in pre-menopausal[P>0.05]; while both Low Density Lipoprotein[LDL]and triglyceride levels were increased as BMI increased in pre-and post-menopausal women. It appears that women who heed public health messages to maintain a healthy weight will lower their breast cancer risk

Towards premarital counseling among a sample of Egyptian youth

Premarital counseling [PMC] is a necessity to maintain healthy marriage and reproductive performance. To assess knowledge and attitude of Egyptian youth towards PMC as well as their preferences and concerns; a household survey on a multi-center multistage random sample of 1200 Egyptian youth aged from 16 to 25 years of both sexes [45.3% males and 54.7%females] was conducted on four governorates that represent upper Egypt [Assuit], lower Egypt [Dakahlia and Damietta] and Sues Canal governorates [Ismailha]. The results revealed that 77.5% of the total sample heard before about PMC; of them 73.4% knew well its objectives. The majority [93.4%] knew that PMC is targeted for both males and females; Assuit recorded the highest percentage [97.2%]. Mass media was the main source of knowledge [48%]. It was also found that 75.1% of studied youth accept to do PMC, 37.4% agree on compulsory implementation and70.4% direct others to do PMC. Presence of hereditary diseases or STDs was the leading cause to cancel marriage [92.7%and 91.8% respectively]. Educational level was the single most powerful determinant of PMC knowledge and attitude [F=42.08]. In addition, it was ascertained that 34.9% of youth prefer providing PMC through specialized centers. Accuracy was the main reason for their preferences [recorded for 55.1%]. 80 we can conclude that Egyptian youth are not against PMC; but more efforts are required to strength it

Indoor home environment and childhood chronic respiratory morbidity; the role of sensitization to dust mite and molds

Several factors in home environment have been implicated in the risk of childhood respiratory illnesses This study aimed at assessing the role of sensitization to dust mite and molds 1n the relation to home dampness and other housing conditions and ch1on1c respiratory morbidity in children. A hospital based, group matched, case control study was conducted on a total sample of 128 child [64 cases and 64 controls] of both sexes. Sensitization of studied children to dust mite and molds was ascertained and the level of specific Ig.E was measured: A positive linear trend was demonstrated between sensitization grades to molds as well as to mite and the occurrence of respiratory morbidity with a maximum odds ratio reaching 23.8 for grade 5 sensitization to Penicillium Notatum, 13.41 for grade 4 sensitization to Aspergillus Fumigatus and 3.63 for grade 5 sensitization to Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus. Height of the flat, windows space and presence of animal pets in the home were the most significant determinants for sensitization to Penicillium N. [partial F=7.4, 6.8 and 5.5 respectively]. Presence of mold spots on the inner surfaces of the house was the single most powerful predictor of sensitization to Aspergillus F. [partial F. = 18.3]. On the other hand, presence of wet spots, infrequent home aeration, little exposure of rooms to sunlight and presence of moldy patches were the most important contributors for sensitization to dust mite Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus [partial F= 7. 4, 3. 8, 3. 6 and 3.1] respectively]

Physicians' career satisfaction

A substantial decline in physicians' career satisfaction has been documented in several studies. This work aimed at assessing physicians' satisfaction with different aspects of their professional life. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 681 physicians of both sexes. Career satisfaction was first assessed in general; then an inquiry was done about physicians' satisfaction with current practice environment. Most physicians were dissatisfied with their career in general[64.3%], the quality of health care[63.9%]and the income they derive from practice[63.0%].Physicians' discontent with work load and the time they spend on administrative tasks were recorded among 25.6% and 40.1%respectively. Nevertheless, the majority [82.8%] were satisfied with their relation with patients. One third of physicians [33%] found their work unrewarding, 22% perceived their professional choice as a wrong choice and up to 34.4% were unwilling to recommend medicine as a profession. Physicians' career satisfaction was significantly related to their personal and professional characteristics [p<0.05]. Younger physicians, those having short time experience, M.B.B.Ch. graduates and general practitioners were more likely to be dissatisfied and found job unrewarding. Inadequate medical supplies and facilities was the most frequent cause for physicians' dissatisfaction [33.9%], then financial deficit and excessive work load [14.5% and 14.1% respectively]. Physicians' satisfaction with the quality of care they able to provide was the most powerful determinant of their satisfaction with medical profession in general [partial F= 34.9]. Job dissatisfaction among physicians actually reflects a more general discontent with many influences in the practice environment. The findings of this study point to the need to enhance physicians' career satisfaction as a part of more broad initiatives for promoting medical care

Effect of relactation on the nutritional and immuno-microbiological status in persistent diarrhea: a multi-stage study

Lactation failure is known as one of the most important risk factors associated with the development of persistent diarrhea [PD]. The subjects of this study included 41 infants, of 41 respondent mothers, who are suffering PD. They were 21 females and 20 males with ages ranging from 2 to 12 months [X +/- SD, 6.7 +/- 2.5 mo]. Nutritional and immunomicrobiological assessement was tried at initial diagnosis of PD, and one month after established relactation. A statistically significant improvement of all nutritional parameters, except pallor, hypotonia and length/age, was observed. Abnormal findings detected in stool examination and culture, before relactation, in the form of visible blood, pus cells, RBCs, reducing substances, acidity and pathogenic organisms disappeared significantly, one month after established relactation. A statistically significant rise of serum IgG and absolute lymphocyte count was observed after relactation. Meanwhile, IgM levels and CD[+4] / CD[+8] showed non-significant change. On other hand, IgA levels dropped significantly after relactation. It is concluded that; relactation is possible among the majority of mothers of infants suffering PD and so it is worthtrial in every episode of PD; and relactation should be included in the management strategies of PD, as it is benificial for the nutritional and immunomicrobiological outcome of these infants

Rapid detection of vaginal colonization with group B streptococci

The results of this study showed that the incidence of vaginal colonization with Group B. Streptococci [GBS] in 100 women in labor was 14% that of rectal colonization was 17%. The incidence of vaginal colonization with GBS did not differ significantly with age, gravidity and parity, but it was significantly more in cases of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. The sensitivity of latex agglutination test for rapid detection of GBS was 78.5%, the specificity 97.6%. The results were available in a time that is significantly shorter than times required for standard culturing technique. The starch serum medium for rapid detection of GBS has a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 100% and all the results were, available in less than 18 hours. The enzyme immunoassay [EIA] that was compared with culture for rapid detection of moderate to high level of GBS colonization had sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of [71.4%, 100%, 100%, 95% respectively]. The [EIA] test can be performed in less than 10 min and appears to be a reliable method for detecting moderate or greater amounts of GBS in vaginal specimens

Immunologic study on patients with chronic granular pharyngitis

A study of the SIgA levels in saliva, serum and pharyngeal mucosa with lymphoid tissue of 35 patients suffering from chronic granular pharyngitis was done by an immuno-chemical method. The results were compared with those from 30 healthy subjects served as a control group. The SIgA level in the saliva of the chronic granular pharyngitis patients was significantly lower than that of the control group. This may decrease the local immunity of the pharyngeal mucosa leading to repeated pharyngeal infections. The SIgA level was significantly higher in the pharyngeal mucosa with lymphoid tissue of the chronic granular pharyngitis patients than that of the control group. This may be due to repeated stimulation by microorganisms leading to rise of SIgA level strengthen the protective ability of the pharyngeal mucosa. No significant change was found in the SIgA serum levels of the chronic granular pharyngitis patients compared to the control group. These findings prove that SIgA has a local immune function that can be stimulated independently of systemic immunity. Our results stress the importance of raising and adjusting the immune function of the chronic granular pharyngitis patients beside other measures