Breastfeeding knowledge among indigenous Temiar women: a qualitative study

@#Introduction: The benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants are widely recognised. Breastfeeding confirms a woman’s unique ability to care for her infant in the best way possible and promotes optimum infant and maternal health. Methods: A qualitative research method involving five focus group discussions (n=33) was chosen in this study to compare and contrast the breastfeeding practice in two different locations: the communities of Pos Pulat and the regroupment scheme settlement at Rancangan Pengumpulan Semula (RPS) Kuala Betis in Kelantan, Malaysia which represents different lifestyle experiences of indigenous Temiar population. Results: The benefits of breastfeeding to the infants reported by some Temiar women (42.4%) were for the infant’s health and growth. Responses from urban RPS Kuala Betis women include breast milk contains antibodies (3.0%), delays in the return of regular ovulation (6.1%), thus lengthening birth intervals and bonding between maternal-baby (6.1%). In general, respondents from Pos Pulat seemed to have little knowledge regarding this issue, except for a woman who mentioned that maternal milk contains vitamins. Based on the narrative analysis, knowledge gap was observed between these two communities. Conclusion: Although all the women interviewed had the experience of breastfeeding their infants, most of them lacked the knowledge regarding the benefits of the breastfeeding either to the infants or to the mothers. The findings from this study are crucial for the preservation of breastfeeding culture among the Temiar women and can be used to improve promotion of breastfeeding to other Orang Asli groups in Malaysia.

Phenolic-antioxidant capacity of mango seed kernels: therapeutic effect against viper venoms

Abstract In this study, mango seed kernels extract contained a considerable amount of phenolics and flavonoids (17,400 and 3325 mg/100 g seed, respectively). The HPLC profiling revealed that hesperidin was the major phenolic compound of the mango seed kernels extract. This is the first report find hesperidin in mango extracts. The phenolic compounds of mango seed kernels extract were effective in scavenging free radicals of DPPH and ABTS with IC50 values of 47.3 and 7.9 µg/ml, respectively. The total antioxidant activity of mango seed kernels extract based on the reduction of molybdenum was also measured. The phenolic compounds of mango seed kernels extract potentially inhibited the protease, fibrinogenase, phospholipase A2, l-amino acid oxidase, hyaluronidase, and hemolytic activities of the most dangerous Cerastes cerastes and Echis coloratus viper venoms. The phenolic compounds of mango seed kernels extract could completely neutralize the hemorrhage and lethality of both venoms in experimental animals. It could be concluded that the mango seed kernels extract phenolic compounds with potential antioxidant activity are considered as a new avenue in the viper bite treatment.

Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles

Background: Iron magnetic nanoparticles have attracted much attention. They have been used in enzyme immobilization because of their properties such as product is easily separated from the medium by magnetic separation. The present work was designed to immobilize horseradish peroxidase on Fe3O4 magnetic nanopraticles without modification. Results: In the present study, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized on non-modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The immobilized HRP was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray. In addition, it retained 55% of its initial activity after 10 reuses. The optimal pH shifted from 7.0 for soluble HRP to 7.5 for the immobilized HRP, and the optimal temperature shifted from 40°C to 50°C. The immobilized HRP is more thermostable than soluble HRP. Various substrates were oxidized by the immobilized HRP with higher efficiencies than by soluble HRP. Km values of the soluble and immobilized HRP were 31 and 45 mM for guaiacol and 5.0 and 7.0 mM for H2O2, respectively. The effect of metals on soluble and immobilized HRP was studied. Moreover, the immobilized HRP was more stable against high concentrations of urea, Triton X-100, and isopropanol. Conclusions: Physical immobilization of HRP on iron magnetic nanoparticles improved the stability toward the denaturation induced by pH, heat, metal ions, urea, detergent, and water-miscible organic solvent.

Isolation and characterization of marine-derived actinomycetes with cytotoxic activity from the Red Sea coast

Objective: To isolate and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of different actinomycetes species isolated from the Red Sea coast in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Methods: Forty actinomycetes strains were isolated from different sediments and seawater samples collected from the Red Sea coast in Egypt. Actinomycetes were recognized by morphological and microscopic examinations. Cell viability and cytotoxicity induced by the crude extracts on breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 were assessed using methylene blue assay. The strains with promising cytotoxic activity were identified by sequencing and amplifying the 16S rRNA genes. The antibacterial activities of the crude extracts were performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The results indicated that five ethyl acetate extracts exhibited cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231. The highest cytotoxic activity was found for the ethyl acetate extracts of EGY2 and EGY39. The isolate EGY3 was identified as a new Streptomyces species, while the actinomycete EGY22 was found to be a member of the genus Nocardiopsis sp. The crude extract of the isolate EGY8 showed slightly high antimicrobial activity against different test microorganisms. Conclusions: The results of the present study reveal that marine sediments of the Red Sea are a potent source of novel species of actinomycetes. The isolates may be useful in discovery of novel bioactive compounds and an important step in the development of microbial natural product research.

Salmonella typhi: antibiotic sensitivity pattern in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Drug resistant typhoid fever is a major clinical problem. The object of this study was to determine the sensitivity pattern of various drugs used for treatment of typhoid fever. This was a hospital based descriptive study, conducted from April 2007- May 2009 at the Infectious Diseases Unit and Medical wards, Rashid hospital Dubai, UAE. Only those patients whose blood culture yielded Salmonella typhi were included in the study. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on pure culture by two available methods; broth dilution by VITEK II automated Microbiology system and Disc Diffusion technique. The results were interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] standards. Sensitivity results were reported as sensitive or resistant based on CLSI criteria. A total of 118 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with the mean age + SD 29.2+7.9 years, 86.4% were males and 13.5% females. Most [94.9%] of the patients were expatriates and belong to the developing countries. The history of recent travel [within a month] to endemic areas was positive in 79.6%. The sensitivity pattern showed that the resistance rate was highest for Nalidix acid [71.5%], followed by Chloramphenicol [37.5%], Ampicillin [34.8%], Co-trimaxazole [30.7%], Augmentin [14%] and Ciprofloxacin [6%]. Among the sixty four S.typhi tested for Chloramphenicol sensitivity; 30.2% isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant [i.e. resistant to Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin and Co-trimaxazole]. Whereas, all the S.typhi isolates were sensitive to third generation Cephalosporins, Amikacin, Gentamycin, Tazocin and Meropenem. In this study, we observed that the significant percentage of S. typhi is still resistant to the primary drugs. Whereas, the Quinolones and third generation Cephalosporins are potentially effective drugs against S.typhi, however, the increasing resistance to the Quinolones is a matter of concern

model of end-stage liver disease [MELD] score in predicting postoperative liver failure after hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: the Tunisian experience

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Factors associated with prognosis following resection remain ill defined. The model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] is considered as an index of hepatic functional reserve. This study evaluates the reliability of the MELD score in the prediction of liver failure after hepatic resection for HCC in cirrhotic patients. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of patients with HCC and cirrhosis undergoing hepatic resection between January 1991 and December 2007. A total of 26 cirrhotic patients underwent curative hepatic resection for HCC at our department. Patient information included demographic features, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] class, etiology of cirrhosis, laboratory test results, type of surgical procedure, duration of hospitalization, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh and MELD score. Six patients [23.1%] developed postoperative liver failure. AS much as 66.66% of liver failures were seen in patients who have had major hepatectomy. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we identified that a MELD score equal to or above 9.5 is the best cut-off value for predicting postoperative liver failure. Patients were divided into two groups: MELD below 9.5 [group A] and MELD equal to or above 9.5 [group B]. The highest prevalence of postoperative liver failure of 83.33% was observed in group B. MELD score >/= 9.5 and low serum sodium are strongly predictive of increased postoperative liver failure in patients with cirrhosis undergoing hepatic resection of HCC. The presence of liver cirrhosis is an important factor that affects the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. Cirrhotic patients with a high MELD score are at high risk of postoperative liver failure and complications and should be referred for non-surgical treatment

Typhoid fever with hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations

Hepatic involvement is not uncommon in typhoid fever. We report a case of typhoid fever complicated by acute hepatitis, acute choliangitis, acute acalculous cholecystitis, anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia [platelets 1x10[3]/ul]. He received antibiotics, steroids, immunoglobulin, multiple platelet and packed RBC transfusion. Fever responded and blood parameters started improving after 16th day of the treatment and patient was discharged healthy on 21st day of the admission. In conclusion, hepatic dysfunction with jaundice is a serious development in typhoid fever and patient may take longer time to respond to treatment

Evaluation of the functional results of management of traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability by arthroscopic capsular shift using suture anchors

This study aimed to evaluate the functional results of management of traumatic anterior gleno-humeral instability by arthroscopic capsular shift using suture anchors. This prospective study was carried out on 20 patients who attended to the outpatient clinic of Suez Canal University hospital, during the period from 2004 to the end of 2006. Patients [19 male patients and 1 female with range of age from 20-50 years] included in the study had the criteria of chronic traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability. Every patient had complete history taking, complete physical examination of shoulders and cervical spine and range of motion of the shoulder joint, evaluation of the strength of the deltoid and rotators and screening neurological examination and investiagations of the shoulder joint by radiographs as plain x-ray and sometimes MRI. All patients had Bankart lesion managed by capsular shift using Mitek suture anchors. Average follow- up period was 16.5 months. Assessment of the improvement of motion ranges were registered, and satisfaction of each patient as well as in the criteria of the UCLA scale. The UCLA score revealed significant improvement in the status of the shoulder. Preoperatively: none of the patients rated their satisfaction as good or excellent. Postoperatively 16 [80%] rated their satisfaction as good or excellent and 4 [20%] rated it as fair or poor. For range of motion, most of the patients show improvement in range of elevation from 158.25 to 172.25 degrees. The mean external rotation measured 48.75 degrees preoperative and 45.20 postoperative with loss less than 5%. The mean abduction was 173.25 degrees preoperative and 172.25 postoperative with loss less than 5%. Most of the patients show improvement in range of all movements within three months of operations. For the degree of instability, the final mean UCLA score was found to be 34.11 points for the patients with recurrent dislocation, 35 points for the patient with recurrent subluxation after an initial dislocation, and 33 points for the patient with Apprehension [p = 0.519]. After one year of follow up no patient suffered from recurrence of dislocation or apprehension and only one patient [5%] suffered from subluxation. Arthroscopic repair with suture anchors is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of degenerated labrum using capsular shift. Open repair does not offer a significantly better result in terms of stability, and what is more, can negatively affect the recovery of full ROM of the shoulder. Because the arthroscopic procedure has some advantages regarding duration of surgery, morbidity, postoperative pain, time of hospitalization, and risk of complications, also it is more cost-effective

Oral health status of residents of elderly homes

Maintenance of oral health is fundamental to prevent any oral and systemic diseases, to achieve the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being and to attain successful ageing, thereby significantly contributing to the better quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of residents of elderly homes in Alexandria. The subjects comprised 238 residents aged 60 years and above residing in all governmental elderly homes in Alexandria. Data was collected using three tools: Structured interview sheet to collect data about personal characteristics of the elders, Kayser-Jones Brief Oral Health Status Examination to assess the oral health status of the elders, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index to assess the elders physical and psychosocial function accompanying oral health problems. The study revealed that the majority of the institutionalized elders had one or more oral health problems particularly tongue lesions, gingival lesions, and denture related lesions that need immediate referral to appropriate specialist. The poor oral health status is mostly the outcome of each of significant factors including age, sex, level of education, financial status, smoking, and follow-up pattern. Moreover, oral health problems have serious physical and psychological impact on the majority of the residents of elderly homes. Therefore, educational programs should be planned and offered on a regular basis for nurses and caregivers to conduct the oral screening at regular intervals for the institutionalized elders

effect of sesame seed oil on major immunoglobulins among young adult females

Folk medicine claims that sesame-seed oil has some medicinal properties and may improve the immune system functions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sesame seeds oil on major immunoglobulin concentrations. A group of thirty healthy female students aged 20.7 +/- 0.47 yr were chosen from Minufiya University - Egypt, and classified into three groups; first group is control [CG]; second group fed sesame seed oil [SG]; and third group fed mixture of sesame seed oil and yogurt [SYG]. The trial continued for four consecutive months. The blood parameters including hemoglobin, RBC, PCV, WBC count, IgG, IgM, and IgE were determined at baseline and after dietary supplementation. The results showed that the majority of students were from moderate socioeconomic class, and their body weight was 66.4 +/- 8.0 kg and BMI was 22.9 +/- 2.8 kg/m2. The dietary supplementation resulted in decrement of hemoglobin, but the highest and significant [P<0.001] decrease was among SYG that decreased by -11.7%. The WBC count was also decreased among CG, SG, and SYG by -13.3, -19.8, -8.1% respectively. The dietary supplementation with sesame oil resulted in significant decrement [P<0.01] of lymphocytes by -14.3%, while the mixture of sesame oil and yoghurt increased it significantly [P<0.01] by 37.6%. Unfortunately, the sesame oil decreased IgG significantly [P<0.001] by -31.1%, whereas the mixture of sesame oil and yogurt decreased it by -34.1%. For IgM, the sesame oil decreased it significantly [P<0.01] by -16.0%. In conclusion, sesame seed oil decreased IgG and IgM that may impair the immune system response among normal people, while it may be valuable and healthful for some patients

Study of common food habits among students of health colleges in dammam and its relation to lifestyle, social, economical, and health factors

Saudi society is one of the gulf societies that changed dramatically during the last three decades. The changes include life style, nutrition pattern and food habits. This study aimed to identify the common food habits among students of health colleges, beside clarifying its relation with other factors. A sample of 645 students [401 male and 244 female] aged 18 to 24 years were chosen from the two health colleges in Dammam. Data about socioeconomic status, health history, anthropometric measurements, and food habits were collected. Also, a special food habits measure consists of 25 parameters were used for classifying students according to their food habits. According to this measure, students were classified into three groups; students with bad food habits [BFH]; acceptable food habits [AFH]; and excellent food habits [EFH]. The results showed that 55.96% of students had bad food habits, and 35.97% had acceptable food habits, while 8.07% had excellent food habits. Also, the bad food habits were more common among males than females [66.8% vs. 38.1% respectively]. The majority of BHF group do not eat three meals daily; less than one fifth of them drink milk daily; 90.0% drink carbonated beverages daily; and the daily consumption from carbonated beverages among BHF group was significantly higher than AHF group [2.1 +/- 1.3 vs. 1.2 +/- 1.0 time/day respectively] [P<0.05]. The education of the majority of BHF and AHF fathers had less than university degree [79.3% and 82.4% respectively] while the education of the majority of fathers of EHF group had university degree or higher. In contrary the mother education had no effect where the education of more than 75% of mothers in this study was less than university. Moreover, more than 50% of EHF group suffer from underweight. In conclusion the majority of health sciences college students had bad food habits particularly males, and father education determine the acquired food habits. This study recommend promotion of healthy eating, habits and physical activity

survey of computer and internet use among students in the faculty of dentistry, alexandria university

The present study was conducted in Alexandria Faculty of Dentistry, in December 2004 to assess computer and internet use among undergraduate students. A comprehensive questionnaire including 22 computer and internet-related items was designed and distributed to students in laboratory or clinical sessions. A total of 979 students [303 of them males] completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 74.4%. The results of the study revealed that 91% of students had access to computers and 76.4% of them owned these computers. About 92.8% could use computers and 36.8% used them regularly for more than 3 years, while only 7.2% of the total sample reported that they never used computers. Most students used the internet and e-mail [82.8% and 71.4% respectively] mainly for personal reasons than for their studies. A high percentage of students judged themselves to be proficient [either moderate or very good] in word, internet and e-mail [72.2, 73.5 and 69.6% respectively]. The majority of students had not received formal computer courses [62.5%], while 62.1% of them declared their need to take computer courses in different programs. Males, students whose fathers have a university degree and students graduating from private secondary schools were more likely to be experienced computer users, have access to modern computers and to be proficient in word, internet and e-mail. The study indicates that dental students in Alexandria University have an adequate access and positive general use of ICT resources. However, they need some training in different programs

Feeding camel milk and Nigella sativa oil [NS] and their effect on the immunity of children with viral hepatitis

Camel milk is known for its antimicrobial properties, and used for treatment of diabetes and liver diseases in folk medicine. So, this study aimed to find out the health benefits of camel milk alone or mixed with Nigella sativa [NS] oil on outcome of viral hepatitis among children. 35 [14 girl and 21 boy] children infected with viral hepatitis with mean age 8.1 +/- 3.6 years were selected from outpatients of Minufiya University and Monshaat Sultan hospitals, Minufiya Governorate, Egypt. The selected children were divided into 4 groups; control group [CG] [n=5] they didn't receive any dietary intervention; milk group [MG] [n=10] they receive 100ml/day of camel milk; oil group [OG] [n=10] they receive 2ml/day of NS oil; and milk oil group [MOG] [n=10] they receive 100 ml of camel milk in addition to 2 ml of NS oil daily. The children were free living and receive their standard medical treatment and normal diet without any modification. The dietary intervention continued for 35 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected from subjects at baseline and after dietary intervention period for determination of ALT, AST, IgG, IgM, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, hemoglobin, and HCT. The results showed that feeding camel milk alone decreased IgM by 34.5% and increased IgG by 84.3%, while mixing it with NS oil resulted in decrement of IgM by 47.1% and increment of IgG by 91.7%, and surprisingly NS oil decreased IgM by 64.8% and increased IgG by 72.7%. Whereas, the concentration of elevated liver enzymes decreased significantly by the dietary intervention, especially among group fed camel milk alone or combined with NS oil. In conclusion, feeding camel milk alone or mixed with NS oil had a favorable affect on health status of children with viral hepatitis

Hypoparathyroidism with severe hypocalcaemia in a patient with beta-thalassaemia major

Hypoparathyroidism [HPT] is a well recognized complication in beta-thalassaemia major patients. However; severe disease resulting in symptomatic hypocalcaemia is rare. We describe an 18-year old boy who had severe hypocalcaemia with convulsions, intracerebral calcifications and electrocardiographic abnormalities secondary to HPT

Eimeria gazani N. SP. [apicomplexa: eimeriidae] from the lizard, scincus hemprichii [Sauria: Scincidae] in Saudi Arabia

Eimeria gazani n. sp. was described from the intestine of the lizard, Scincus hemprichii captured at Gazan, western region. Sporulated oocysts ovoidal 23.5x19.7 [20.8-25.0 x19.0-21.2] micro m, with smooth brownish-green bilayered wall. Micropyle present, covered by a dome-shaped cap. Oocyst residu-um and polar granule are present. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 10.8x6.9 [10.0-11.4x6.1-7.4] micro.m., with a prominent Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum present, sporozoites elongate, laying head to tail in sporocysts, each with large and small subspherical refractile globule

Eimeria hemprichii N. SP. [apicomplexa: eimeriidae] from the lizard, scincus hemprichii [sauria: scincidae] in Saudi Arabia

Eimeria hemprichii n. sp. was described from the gall bladder of the lizard, Scincus hemprichii captured at Gazan Province, western region, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoidal, 34.6x2 1.4 [32.5 - 36.3 x 20.7 - 22.5] micro m. with smooth greenish-yellow bi-layered wall. Micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11.6 x 8.0 [11.2-12.6 x 7.5-8.4] micro m. Sporocyst residuum is present, but without stieda or substiedal bodies. Sporozoites are elongate, laying head to tail in sporocyst and each one contains a single spherical posterior re-fracttile body

Intramedullary versus extramedullary tibial resection in total knee replacement

This study was performed to compare the accuracy of intramedullary versus extramedullary tibial resection in 54 total knee arthroplasties. An intramedullary guide was used in 27 patients[group 1] and an extramedullary guide was used in another 27 patients [group 2]. Femorotibial angles were measured postoperatively with group 1 averaging 7.52-degree valgus in 25 out of 27 patients and 1.5-degree varus in 2 out of 27 patients. In group 2, the average femorotibial angles were 6.92-degree valgus in 26 out of 27 patients and 1.0-degree varus in one patient. The tibial component alignment angles averaged 89.78-degree varus in group I versus 90.85- valgus in group 2. However, 77.8% of the patients were aligned within the range of 7 +/- 2-degree valgus femorotibial angle in group 1 versus 62.96% in group 2

Role of radionuclide scintigraphy in the diagnosis of breast lesions as compared to mammography

The present study was performed to assess the role of radionuclide scintigraphy in evaluation of breast masses as well as its ability to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lumps in comparison with standard mammography. The work included 32 female patients with breast masses presented to El Hussein Hospital, with ages ranging between 35 and 57 years. All the patients were subjected to soft tissue mammography and radionuclide scintimammography using technetium 99m methoxyisobutyl isonitrile [99mTc MIBI]. Results were correlated with histopathological findings. Radionuclide Scintimammography has a higher degree of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the differentiation between benign and malignant breast masses

Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. from Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Saudi Arabia

Fecal samples from 12 Pipistrellus kuhlii captured at Shagrah, Saudi Arabia, were examined for coccidia and three (25%) found to harbor a undescribed eimerian, herein described as Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical, 24.8 x 23.2 (22-27 x 20-25) microns, with a bilayered and smooth wall. The micropyle was absent, but a large oocyst residuum and a single polar granule were present. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.6 x 8.3 (10.5-13 x 7.5-9) microns, with a prominent Stieda body, but without a substiedal body; sporozoites lay head to tail in sporocysts and contained one large posterior refractile body. Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. is the 3rd species of the genus Eimeria found from bats of the genus Pipistrellus.