Saudi Parents Perceptions towards Some Child Abuse and Neglect Related Factors

Background: The impact of childhood abuse and neglect may remain beyond adulthood. This study aimed to assess Saudi parent’s perceptions towards some child abuse and neglect related factors. Methodology: This was a descriptive study involved a cross-sectional survey of 400 Saudi parents. The sample was collected during Feb 2019 to Feb 2020. All responded parents were at the age of 20 years or older. Results: When manipulating parent’s gender and perception towards child abuse associated factors, fathers were more aware of child abuse and neglect related factors than mothers. Conclusion: Saudi parent’s perceptions towards child abuse and neglect related factors are high. Mothers, particularly younger ones need more efforts to improve their awareness towards some child abuse and neglect related factors.

The Effects Of Dietary Sodoium Nitrite Supplementation On Jejunal Mucosa And Possible Protective Effect Of Vitamin A In Albino Rats

Nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) are naturally-occurring oxidation products of nitrogen which widely used in thefood industry. The goal of this study was to illustrate the histopathological effects of sub-lethal dose of sodiumnitrite on jejunal mucosa and the possible protective effect of vitamin A. Thirty adult male Albino rats weredivided into 3 groups as follows: Group I (control) received distilled water, Group II (Nitrite-treated) whichreceived intra-gastric daily dose of 50 mg/kg NaNO2 and Group III (Nitrite & vit-A treated group) which receivedintra-gastric daily dose of 50 mg/kg NaNO2 +10,000 I.U/ rat vitamin A. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks aftertreatment. Blood samples were collected and examined. Specimens from jejunal mucosa of rats were collectedfor the optical and electron microscope study. The blood samples showed significant reduction in all blood cellscounting and albumin level with elevated methemoglobin level in the nitrite treated group. Light microscopicexamination revealed that; Sodium nitrite cause jejunal mucosa damage represented by abnormal shape andlength of jejunal mucosa villi, necrosis with marked loss of covering epithelium and excessive cellular infiltrationin its core of lamina. PAS stained sections exhibited weak or negative PAS reaction of goblet cells of brush borderof villi and crypts. The entrocytes and goblet cells showed ultrastructural changes. Vitamin A administrationresulted in marked regression of the previously mentioned jejunal mucosal effects. Results of the current studyrevealed that diatry supplemtation of nitrite cause multible jejunal mucosal injury but the co-administration ofVitamin A greatly reduce the toxic effects of nitrite supplementation on jejunal mucosa

Retracted: Role of LncRNA MALAT-1 on Induced Submandibular Gland Carcinoma in Albino Rats Treated with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (Histological and Immunhistochemical Study)

Salivary gland tumors show complex histopathology and the treatment depends mainly on the stage of cancer. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) have a great role in regenerative medicine as they can generate pluripotent stem cells from any available cell types as fibroblast. Thus, the aim of this work is to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of (iPS) on induced salivary gland cancer through evaluation of the silent information regulators of sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), Tgf-β genes and their protein expressions in addition to LncRNA MALAT-1 expression. Thirty male albino rats were employed and divided into three groups (ten rats for each group), group 1 (control): Rats were injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), group II induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): rats were injected with squamous carcinoma cells (SCC), group III (induced SCC/iPS): SCC treated rats treated with 5 × 106 iPS cells. Submandibular specimens were taken and prepared for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies for Bax and TGF-β3 protein. Also, Real time PCR was performed for Sirt-1, Tgf-β, and MALAT-1 LncRNA genes expression. SIRT-1 and TGF-β protein level expression was assessed by western blot technique. Group III (iPS treated group) revealed more or less normal acinar structure with normal rearrangement of acini and normal intralobular ducts with an increase in their number. In the iPS treated group there was increasing in the amount of mucopoly saccharide in the acinar cells and intensity of BAX immunostaining while, TGF-β3 was decreased in its intensity in comparison to that of the cancer treated group. In addition to Sirt-1, Tgf-β, and MALAT-1 LncRNA expressions were increased in cancer group compared to iPS treated and control groups. Induced pluripotent stem cells play a potential therapeutic role in treatment of induced submandibular gland carcinoma. Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal after receipt of written complains. This journal is determined to promote integrity in research publication. This retraction is in spirit of the same. After formal procedures editor(s) and publisher have retracted this paper on 19th August-2019. Related policy is available here: http://goo.gl/lI77Nn

Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Microvesicles on Pulmonary Toxicity Induced by Petrol Exhaust Nanoparticle; Histological and Immuno-Histochemical Study

Background: Diesel vehicles exhaust contains toxic nanoparticles that drastically affect lung tissue due to their direct cytotoxic effects, induction of oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling pathways and DNA damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and efficient regenerative capacity in chronic lung diseases. Objectives: Evaluation of the effects of MSCs and MSCs-derived micro vesicles (MSCs-MVs) on pulmonary toxicity induced by diesel exhaust nanoparticles (DENPs). Materials and Methods: Sixty male rats were equally divided into: Group I (Control rats), Group II (DENPs group) received repeated doses of DENPs (180μg/rat) intratracheally every other day for 6 days, Group III (MSCs group) received MSCs intravenously (3×106 cells) after the last dose of DENPs and Group IV (MSCs-MVs group) received MSCs-MVs (0.5 mg/mL) intravenously after the last dose of DENPs. Lung tissue were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Inflammatory cytokines and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contents of inflammatory cells, albumin, LDH and total proteins were evaluated. Results: Histological picture of lung tissue in DENPs group showed numerous collapsed alveoli, thick interalveolar septa and marked cellular infiltration. Elastic fibers were markedly decreased by DENPs. Increased optical density of NF-κB/p65 immunoreactivity. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed significant elevation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), neutrophils, macrophages, LDH, total proteins and albumin. Treatment with either MSCs or MSCs-MVs led to a significant amelioration of all of the aforementioned studied parameters. Conclusion: MSCs-MVs and MSCs showed significant therapeutic effects against DENPs damaging effects on the lung tissues via their regenerative capacity and anti-inflammatory effects.

Microhardness and Ultrastructure of Demineralized Gamma-Irradiated Human Enamel after Diode Laser (980 nm) and Fluoride Surface Treatment

Abstract Quality of life drastically diminished after radiotherapy due to radiation induced oral complications. Fluoride was found to be helpful in decreasing the incidence of radiation caries; however it has not led to elimination of dental caries. Thus, new techniques containing low fluoride concentration or not containing fluoride at all, as laser irradiation, have been studied to prevent the beginning or progression of caries. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of laser surface treatment with or without fluoride on microhardness and ultrastructure of demineralized gamma irradiated enamel; Thirty enamel slabs were allocated into three groups (n=10): G slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation only; GL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by diode laser and GFL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by fluoride then diode laser. Slabs were then exposed to demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Examination of slabs was performed using vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscope; The lowest microhardness was recorded in group G, while inGL and GFL groups it significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope revealed a pronounced loss of central prism core and retention of prism peripheries in group G. Confluence of prismatic and interprismatic structures in GL slabs and irregular rough surface with prismatic boundaries conservation in GFL slabs were detected. Applying laser improved the microhardness and counteracted the adverse effect of gamma radiation. Adding fluoride before laser irradiation had a marked effect on microhardness..

Comparative study between mini-incision and conventional surgical approaches for carpal tunnel release

Background: Conventional approach is an effective method for carpal tunnel release, however it causes scar discomfort, pillar pain and cosmetic complaints. Several mini-incision techniques were introduced to avoid such complications. Aim of the study The aim of this study is to compare the results of two surgical techniques, the conventional longitudinal incision over the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), and the mini-incision at the distal wrist crease and near the proximal border of the TCL for carpal tunnel release. Patients and Methods: This study included 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. 10 were operated upon by classical open palmar incision (group A) and 10 through mini-incision technique at distal wrist crease (group B). Follow up was after 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months. Incisional pain, pillar pain using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Levine symptom and function severity scores were evaluated at 3rd and 6th months postoperatively. Patients' satisfaction about surgery and cosmetic results were evaluated using Visual Analog Patient Satisfaction Scale (VAPSS). Patients graded their cosmetic results from poor to excellent. Results: There were no intraoperative complications. Group B showed significantly less incisional and pillar pain. Patients were significantly more satisfied about cosmetic results in group B. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding time taken to return to daily life activities. Conclusion: Conventional and mini-incision surgical approaches are both safe effective methods for carpal tunnel release. Mini-incision technique provided smaller and less painful scar, hidden in the wrist crease

Early detection of Candidaemia using Mannan antigen assay among liver transplant recipients in National Liver Institute, Menoufia University

Background: Candidia is the most common fungal infection affecting the transplant recipients. Regular monitoring of at-risk patients by detection of circulating Mannan antigen is an aid in early diagnosis of Candidaemia

Objectives: determination of the hospital risk factors for developing Candidaemia, the average time for occurrence of Candidaemia among living donor liver transplant [LDLT] recipients andevaluation of the value of Mannan antigen in early detection of Candidaemia

Methodology: This study was conducted on 50 LDLT recipients. All patients were subjected to history taking and complete medical examination. Blood culture was done for detection of Candidaemia and serum Mannan antigen level was measured by EIA technique every five days postoperative for six times

Results:During the first month postoperative 7/50 cases [14%] of our LDLT patients had Candidaemia .The cultures done on the 5th day, were negative for all patients, however serum Mannan antigen was positive in 3 cases [sensitivity 42.9%, specificity 95.3%]. In the 10th day only 4 cases were positive by blood culture [sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 100%]., while serum Mannan antigen was detected in the all seven cases [sensitivity 100% specificity 95.3%]. On the 15th day,2 new cases became positive by blood culture [sensitivity 85.7%,specificity 100%], while serum Mannan antigen was still detected in the all 7 cases of Candidaemia [sensitivity 100% specificity 95.3%]. Finally on 20rh day postoperative, the last case tested positive by blood culture [sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 85.7%]

Conclusion: Serum Mannan antigenis a good tool for early detection of Candidaemia in LDLT recipients

Caffeine and nifedipine effect on cataract induced by selenite in rats

Background/aim: cataract is one of the major causes of visual impairment globally and the first cause of blindness. The present study analyzed the impact of caffeine and/or nifedipine in a model of cataract caused by selenite

Materials and methods: a total of 75 albino Wistar rats were alienated into five groups [15 each]: group I served as control and group II was subcutaneously injected with 30 nmol/g body weight of sodium selenite. Group III received an intraperitoneal injection of 5.15 micro mol of caffeine; group IV received 0.1 mg/kg of nifedipine; and group V received the two treatments in the same dose after selenite injection. Groups were decapitated after 5, 15, and 25 days of selenite injection. Comet assay to lens epithelium, refractive index, and ultraviolet absorption spectra for lens proteins were studied

Results: the results indicated very high significant increase [P<0.001] in comet assay parameters and refractive index. Also variation of ultraviolet spectra for all groups injected with selenite was observed. Partial recovery was observed after treatment with caffeine or nifedipine but there were no significant differences in groups treated with a combination of caffeine and nifedipine

Conclusion: the study stated that to achieve attenuation or delay of lens cataract formation, a calcium channel blocker must be used in addition to antioxidants

Autologus serum and sodium hyaluronate role in alkali corneal burn healing

Background/aim: corneal burn wound healing includes a sequence of difficult processes that are focused on improving the outcomes, in particular, the healing time and the feature of the scar. Bodily fluids such as natural tears and autologus serum were used in the treatment of corneal burn. The aim of the study was to investigate the cure of corneal burn alkali injury by autologous serum [AS] and/or sodium hyaluronate

Materials and methods: a total of 50 Wister rats [200-250 g] were distributed into five groups: group I acted as the control, group II had alkali burn [AB] withsodiumhydroxide, group III had AB treated with AS, group IV was AB treated with sodium hyaluronate, and group V had AB with sodiumhydroxide treated with autologus serum and sodiumhyaluronate. Comet assay analysis was applied for cornea to determine DNA damage. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were measured to estimate the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the cornea

Results: the data indicated a significant increase [P<0.05] in all comet assay parameters and malondialdehyde level in addition to a significant decrease [P<0.05] in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity owing to AB. Enhancements of measured parameters were observed in all other treated Groups

Conclusion: AS accelerates the AB healing process, but the process was faster when diluted by sodium hyaluronate

Value of cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-ALPHA] for rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

Meningitis is common in tropical areas and also in Egypt and has a world-wide distribution This study evaluated the potential role of CSF TNF alpha in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute meningitis [bacterial versus aseptic meningitis]. This case-control study was conducted between Ain Shams University Tropical Medicine Department and Embaba Fever Hospital. Fifty patients with suspected meningitis were recruited during from January 2014 to June 2014. They were divided according to culture results into 2 groups: GI: 40 patients with acute bacterial meningitis [proved by CSF culture], G2: 10 patients matched according to age and sex with clinical sings of CNS infection but without laboratory evidence of bacterial origin, [Suspected cases, and negative culture]. Both groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including CSF analysis and CSF TNF was measured by ELISA. The results showed a highly significant difference between cases and control regarding CSF TNF [P=0.00]. The criteria's of diagnostic validity test was 100% for all at cutoff >/= 275ng/ml and 0.05]

Effects of Bilberry on Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage and Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in the Lens, Induced by Ultraviolet Radiation

Background: This study investigated the possible protective effects of bilberry extract after exposing rat eyes to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Methods: Four groups of rats were included in this study, each consisting of 10 Wistar rats. The first group acted as the control, and the second group was exposed to UV-B, 5 KJ/m2 (λm = 300 nm), for 15 minutes. The third group was orally administered bilberry extract (160 mg twice per day) for two weeks before exposure to the UV-B, while the fourth group was administered the same dose of bilberry extract for two weeks before euthanisation. A comet assay was used to examine DNA damage, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), activities were measured in the lens. Results: After exposing the rats to UV-B radiation, the mean percentage tail DNA and tail moment were significantly increased (P < 0.001) when compared to the control group. In the same context, the lens tissue MDA levels and CAT activity were also significantly increased (P < 0.001). The supplementation of the bilberry extract was found to improve the comet assay parameters and enzymatic activity of the rat lens tissue. Conclusion: The administration of bilberry led to a decrease in the oxidative stress in the lens tissues and DNA damage induced by UV-B radiation in the lenses of Wistar rats.

The influence of leptin on Th1/Th2 balance in obese children with asthma / Influência da leptina no equilíbrio Th1/Th2 em crianças asmáticas obesas

OBJECTIVE: In individuals with asthma, obesity induces the production of leptin and is associated with disease severity. Our objective was to evaluate the levels of serum leptin and their effect on Th1/Th2 balance in obese and non-obese children with asthma, as well as to investigate the association between serum leptin levels and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We evaluated 50 atopic children with physician-diagnosed moderate-to-severe persistent asthma and 20 controls. The children with asthma were divided into two groups, by body mass index percentile: obese (n = 25) and non-obese (n = 25). From all subjects, we collected peripheral blood samples in order to determine the levels of leptin, IFN-γ, and IL-4. Asthma severity was assessed by an asthma symptom score, and the results were correlated with the parameters studied. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese asthma group than in the non-obese asthma group, as well as being significantly higher in the children with asthma than in the controls, whereas IFN-γ levels were significantly higher and IL-4 levels were significantly lower in the obese asthma group than in the non-obese asthma group. In addition, the obese asthma group showed higher asthma symptom scores and significantly lower FEV1 (% of predicted) than did the non-obese asthma group. There was a significant positive correlation between leptin and IFN-γ levels only in the obese asthma group. CONCLUSIONS: Although leptin is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma in obese and non-obese children, its effect is more pronounced in the former. In the presence of high leptin levels, only obese children with asthma exhibited Th1 polarization, with higher IFN-γ levels and greater asthma severity. .

OBJETIVO: A obesidade induz a produção de leptina em asmáticos e está associada à gravidade da doença. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os níveis de leptina sérica e seu efeito no equilíbrio Th1/Th2 em crianças asmáticas obesas e não obesas e investigar a associação desses níveis com desfechos clínicos. MÉTODOS: O estudo envolveu 50 crianças atópicas com diagnóstico médico de asma persistente moderada a grave e 20 controles. Os asmáticos foram agrupados como obesos (n = 25) e não obesos (n = 25) de acordo com o percentil do índice de massa corpórea. Amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas de todos os sujeitos, e os níveis de leptina, IFN-γ e IL-4 foram determinados. A gravidade da asma foi avaliada por um escore de sintomas de asma, e os resultados foram correlacionados com os parâmetros estudados. RESULTADOS: Os níveis séricos de leptina foram significativamente maiores nos asmáticos obesos do que nos asmáticos não obesos, assim como nos asmáticos comparados aos controles, enquanto os níveis de IFN-γ foram significativamente maiores e os de IL-4 foram significativamente menores nos asmáticos obesos do que nos asmáticos não obesos. Os asmáticos obesos tiveram maiores escores de sintomas de asma e VEF1 (% do previsto) significativamente menor que os asmáticos não obesos. Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre os níveis de leptina e IFN-γ somente entre os asmáticos obesos. CONCLUSÕES: Embora a leptina esteja envolvida na patogênese da asma em crianças asmáticas obesas ou não, seu efeito é maior naquelas obesas. Na presença de altos níveis de leptina, somente as crianças asmáticas obesas apresentaram polarização Th1 com ...

IgG-index as early predictor for neurological morbidity in Egyptian patients with acute meningitis

Diagnostic procedures to predict the prognosis of acute meningitis are of paramount importance in order to choose the appropriate level of further surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive power of IgG-ndex as CSF biomarker for disease prognosis in patients with acute meningitis. This is a prospective study done on forty patients; group I: Twenty patients with the clinical diagnosis and CSF analysis of acute bacterial meningitis and group II: Twenty patients with the clinical diagnosis and CSF analysis of aseptic meningitis. All the patients were subjected to routine clinical and laboratory evaluation and complete CSF analysis. Intrathecal IgG synthesis was measured using radial immunodiffusion [RID] technique. Glasgow outcome scale [GOS] was done at discharge. The duration of hospital stay was recorded. The IgG-index was the only independent predictor for unfavorable outcome [GOS <5] in patients' groups' especially aseptic group. The best cut off value of IgG index for early prediction of unfavorable outcome [GOS <5] in bacterial meningitis group was >/=6.75 with AUC of 0.922 and 95% CI of 0.769-1.07 and sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.7%. While, in aseptic meningitis group was >/=7.9 with AUC of 1 and 95% CI of 1.00-1.00 and sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%

reproductive toxicity of ribavirin in the adult rabbit testis [light and electron microscope study]

Ribavirin is one of the approved antiviral drugs indicated for various viral infections. So it is used as a current chemotherapy with interferon alpha for treatment of viral hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to assess Ribavirin toxicity on the structure of testicular tissue of adult male rabbits after exposure to the drug as well as to evaluate the extent of improvement of testicular tissue structure after stoppage of drug administration. Eighteen adult male rabbits were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into three groups: control group [C] 6 male rabbits received distilled water by the same method and duration as the corresponding experimental groups, a treated group [T] was formed of 6 adult rabbits receiving Ribavirn in a dose of 15mg/kg/day at two divided doses for 10 weeks and a recovery group [R] receiving Ribavirin in a dose of 15mg/kg/day for 10 weeks followed by 10 weeks without treatment to assess the effect of drug withdrawal. The testes of each rabbit were immediately dissected out and specimens were fixed and stained with H and E. Minute specimens were stained with Toluidine blue for LM examination, and ultrathin sections were stained with Uranyl acetate and Lead citrate for TEM examination. Marked histological changes of the testis at the level of the light and electron microscope including disorganization of the semineferous tubules, reduction in the thickness of the germinal epithelium vaccuolation and degeneration of the spermatogenic cells. Sertoli cells and leydig cells were also affected. Partial recovery of the testis was observed in the recovery group, but some of the changes were still obvious. These testicular changes persisted after stoppage of Ribavirin administration indicates the cumulative toxic effects of Ribavirin that lead to hypospermatogenesis, oligospermia and then azospermia

Comparative study of two purified inulinases from thermophile Thielavia Terrestris NRRL 8126 and mesophile Aspergillus Foetidus NRRL 337 grown on Cichorium Intybus l

Thirty fungal species grown on Cichorium intybus L. root extract as a sole carbon source, were screened for the production of exo-inulinase activities. The thermophile Thielavia terrestris NRRL 8126 and mesophile Aspergillus foetidus NRRL 337 gave the highest production levels of inulinases I & II at 50 and 24 ºC respectively. Yeast extract and peptone were the best nitrogen sources for highest production of inulinases I & II at five and seven days of incubation respectively. The two inulinases I & II were purified to homogeneity by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography with 66.0 and 42.0 fold of purification respectively. The optimum temperatures of purified inulinases I & II were 75 and 50 ºC respectively. Inulinase I was more thermostable than the other one. The optimum pH for activity was found to be 4.5 and 5.5 for inulinases I & II respectively. A comparatively lower Michaelis-Menten constant (2.15 mg/ml) and higher maximum initial velocity (115 µmol/min/mg of protein) for inulinase I on inulin demonstrated the exoinulinase's greater affinity for inulin substrate. These findings are significant for its potential industrial application. The molecular mass of the inulinases I & II were estimated to be 72 & 78 kDa respectively by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Effect of infrared radiation on the lens.

Background: Infrared (IR) radiation is becoming more popular in industrial manufacturing processes and in many instruments used for diagnostic and therapeutic application to the human eye. Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of IR radiation on rabbit’s crystalline lens and lens membrane. Materials and Methods: Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were used in the present work. The rabbits were classified into three groups; one of them served as control. The other two groups were exposed to IR radiation for 5 or 10 minutes. Animals from these two irradiated groups were subdivided into two subgroups; one of them was decapitated directly after IR exposure, while the other subgroup was decapitated 1 hour post exposure. IR was delivered from a General Electric Lamp model 250R 50/10, placed 20 cm from the rabbit and aimed at each eye. The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase was measured in the lens membrane. Soluble lens proteins were extracted and the following measurements were carried out: estimation of total soluble protein, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For comparison between multiple groups, analysis of variance was used with significance level set at P < 0.001. Results: The results indicated a change in the molecular weight of different lens crystalline accompanied with changes in protein backbone structure. These changes increased for the groups exposed to IR for 10 minutes. Moreover, the activity of Na+-K+ ATPase significantly decreased for all groups. Conclusions: The protein of eye lens is very sensitive to IR radiation which is hazardous and may lead to cataract.

Students' feedback on objective structured clinical examinations [OSCEs] experience in emergency nursing course

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations [OSCEs] are an effective assessment strategy for assessing clinical skills and for highlighting curriculum problem areas Since its inception, the OSCE has been increasingly used to provide formative and summative assessment in various medical disciplines. The study was conducted at Critical Care Nursing and emergency Department, the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Specifically in emergency nursing course. Data were collected using questionnaire comprised 26 items to determine students' feedback in relation to OSCE as an assessment method in acute care. The majority of students agreed that the OSCE was comprehensive and covered a wide range of knowledge and clinical skills taught and in addition the exam was less stressful than other exams and the students felt the OSCE exam highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the exam increase their self confidence to face real situations. OSCE as an assessment method is an effective method to test students' competencies and teachers can diagnose the teaching defects and OSCE provides opportunities for students to learn from mistakes and increase their self confidence .OSCE can be implemented in different nursing specialties

Effect of low or normal protein diets and green tea extract on rats suffering from chronic renal failure

The present work was conducted to study the influence of low or normal protein diet content and different levels of green tea extract on rats suffering from chronic renal failure [CRF]. Sixty three male rats [200 - 210g] were established in this study. The rats are divided into two main groups. Group 1 [n=7 rats] used as a negative control group fed on basal diet [B.D]. The other group [n= 56 rats] fed on basal diet containing 2% W/W arginine for two weeks to induce chronic renal failure [CRF], then this group was divided into eight subgroups [n=7 rats]. Which were fed on low or normal protein diet. Throughout the experimental period [4 weeks], subgroups 3, 4 and 5 also 6, 7 and 8 were given 2 ml, green tea extract from 10g, 15g and 20g green tea, twice daily, respectively. Results indicated that, kidneys weight / body weight% was decreased significantly in all tested groups, as compared to the positive control groups. The mean values of serum uric acid, urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus as well as liver enzymes [AST and ALT] inhibited significantly in all CRF groups which were fed on low or normal protein diet and treated with the different concentration from green tea extract, while serum calcium increased, as compared to CRF groups [positive control groups]. Groups of rats fed on low protein diet and treated with tea extract from 15 and 20g green tea realized the best results. In conclusion, low protein diets with 15 or 20g green tea extract realized the best modulating effects in chronic renal failure

Effect of dietary fat type on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and the histopathology of some tissues in the experimental rats

Types of fat have a great role in determining risk of coronary heart disease than total amount of fat in the diet. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of different type of fat solely representing a wide range of fatty acids on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and the histopathology of liver and heart of the experimental rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups. They were randomly allocated to various experimental diets as follows: corn oil [control group], shortening group, samn nabati [palm oil] group and butter ghee group. Serum total cholesterol was significantly higher for all groups compared with control group. There was no significant difference among all groups in serum HDL-c. Serum LDL-c was significantly higher in shortening and palm oil groups compared with control group. Atherogenic index of shortening and palm oil groups showed significant increase compared to control group while, there was no significant difference in atherogenic index between butter ghee group and control group [corn oil]. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly among all groups compared to corn oil [control group] however, serum malondialdehyde [MDA] showed no significant difference for all groups. Vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes was observed in liver of shortening and palm oil groups. However, apparent normal hepatocytes were noticed in liver sections in butter ghee group. Heart of palm oil group showed the most sever change, followed by shortening group but heart of butter ghee group showed slight change. Therefore, it can be concluded that butter ghee group gave the best results than shortening and palm oil groups in atherogenic index, lipid peroxidation, liver and heart histopathology. Thus, shortening and samna nabati or palm oil are not good substitute of fats in food preparing and cooking; and it is better to use mixture of oils relatively high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with butter ghee

Health advice seeking behavior during childhood diarrhoea in a semi-urban area in Assiut

To describe the pattern and determinants of health services utilization in case of childhood diarrhea. A cohort of 257 infants, aged 0-9 months was selected from a semi-urban area in Assiut, Egypt, followed up for 12 months from October 1999 to October 2000. Diarrhoeal morbidity data was collected biweekly. Initially a baseline household survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the sociodemographic background of the family and the household environment. When diarrhoea was reported in a child, the mother was asked a standard series of questions on her child's stool frequency, consistency associated symptoms, perception of severity of the attack, her behavior toward her child ot home, the use of health care services, type of provider used and perception of quality of care. Utilization of health services was categorized into outpatient visits; emergency care visits, and hospital admissions. In 53.1% of diarrhoeal episodes mothers sought a health care provider outside the house; mainly from outpatient clinics [87.5%]. Emergency services were used in 7.1% of the episodes and hospital admission occurred in 5.4%. Multivariate analysis revealed that mothers' perception of severity of their children's diarrhoeal episodes held the major determinant for utilization of health services [OR=13.09, P=0.000]. Other determinants of using health services during diarrhoea included factors related to episode characteristics as presence of vomiting [OR=3.1. P=0.000] or fever [OR=2.63, P=0.000] and using of self-prescribing drugs [OR=0.224, P=0.000] for treatment of the episode at home. Mothers also sought medical care for younger infants than older ones [OR=2.42, P=0.001]. No association between utilization of health services and socioeconomic factors was found. Health services utilization in case of childhood diarrhoea interact with multiple factors, but mothers' perception of their children's health status during diarrhoea held the major influence on the utilization of health services. Furthermore, public health services were the most frequent type of services utilized for treatment of diarrhoea