The Role of Mothers' Socioeconomic Class on their Children's Dental Health

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationship between the mother's educational level and family income on the dental caries experience of their children. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Babylon, Iraq. The sample comprised 100 children aged 5-15 years. Data was collected in two parts: first, a self-administered questionnaire was obtained from mothers: Mother's age, level of education, family income, child age, and gender. Another part included the clinical examination of dental caries that was measured for mothers and their children using the DMFT/dmft index for permanent and primary dentition sequentially. The collected data were statistically analyzed using mean ± standard deviation (SD mean and standard deviation, t-test, and F-test. Results: The sample showed 60% were boys and 40% were girls, 86% with dental caries. Mothers with a high level of education and high monthly income have significantly lower dental caries experiences than their children (p<0.05). In contrast, there was a significant difference between the two age groups (p=0.000), a considerable difference between the level of family monthly income and dmft (p=0.01), and there was a correlation value between the caries index DMFT value of the children and their mother with mother's education level. Conclusion: Many dental caries were reported among Babylon City/Iraq children. Mothers with high educational levels and family monthly income were correlated to lower dental care for their children than those with low educational levels and economic status, so they need to focus on oral health knowledge and encourage prophylactic intervention and preventive measures for the population.

Devenir périnatal issu des grossesses rapprochées étude retrospective Marocaine / Perinatal outcome of closely spaced pregnancies: a Moroccan retrospective study

Introduction: déterminer les complications périnatales associées aux grossesses rapprochées. Méthodes: une étude cas-témoin rétrospective menée du 1er juin 2020 au 1er juin 2021 au centre hospitalier provincial de Settat. Au total, 670 patients ont été recrutés. Six cent trente personnes ont été réparties en deux groupes. Un groupe de patientes avec des intervalles intergénésique <9 mois (N = 443) et un groupe témoin >9 mois (N = 187). Résultats: la prématurité, la dénutrition et l'anémie p<0,05 étaient les principales complications et les principaux facteurs de risque de grossesse imminente étaient l'âge >35 ans (OR = 19,079 (4,98; 73,06) p<0,005) et le milieu rural (OR = 0,468)) (0,28; 0,78) p<0,005), niveau socio-économique bas (OR = 3,465 (2,06; 5,81) p<0,005); absence de prescriptions contraceptives postnatales (OR = 15,77 [7,31; 33,99]; p<0,005); absence d´allaitement avant la grossesse (OR = 49,462 [15,78; 155,03]; p<0,05). Conclusion: des soins préventifs et ciblés sont nécessaires en matière de planification familiale pour éviter les complications périnatales.

Introduction: the purpose of this study is to provide Moroccan data, study maternal risk factors and identify perinatal complications related to closely-spaced pregnancies. Methods: we conducted a retrospective case-control study at the Provincial Hospital Center in the city of Settat since June 1, 2020 to June 1, 2021. A total of 1,200 patients were admitted, but only 630 were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: a group of patients whose interpregnancy interval was <9 months (N = 443) and a control group whose interpregnancy interval was >9 months (N = 187). Results: prematurity, hypotrophy and anemia p<0,05 were the main complications, the main risk factors for closely-spaced pregnancies were age >35 years (OR =19,079 (4,98; 73,06) p < 0,005), coming from a rural area (OR = 0,468 [0,28; 0,78] p < 0,005), having a low socioeconomic status (OR =3,465 [2,06; 5,81]; p < 0,005); the absence of contraceptive prescription in the postpartum period (OR =15,77 [7,31; 33,99]; p < 0,005); and breastfeeding breaks before getting pregnant (OR = 49,462 [15,78; 155,03]; p<0,05). Conclusion: prevention and specific family planning methods are necessary to avoid perinatal complications.

Clinical assessment of two inlay -retained bridge designs (proximal box-shaped and inlay shaped) in missing posterior teeth cases. (Randomized Clinical Trial) / Avaliação clínica de dois modelos de ponte fixa inlay (forma de caixa proximal e em forma de inlay) em casos de dentes posteriores ausentes. (Ensaio clínico randomizado)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of two inlay-retained bridge designs (proximal shaped and inlay shaped) in single missing posterior teeth cases. Material and Methods: A total of 70 cases with missing single posterior teeth were included in this study and divided into two groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio (n = 35 for each group). Group 1 (the control group): this group received an inlay retained bridge with inlay design on both abutments. Group 2 (the intervention group): this group received an inlay retained bridge with a proximal box on both abutments. PMMA resin (YAMAHACHI PMMA) was used for the try-in stage and monolithic zirconia (Katana, Kuraray) was used for the final restorations. The restoration surfaces were treated using sandblasting and Z-prime S (Bisco) and the cementation was done by using self-adhesive resin cement (Bisco). Fracture, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis were assessed using the modified United States Public Health Service for restoration clinical assessments (MUSPHS standards) over 12 months of follow-up. Results: The results show there was no significant difference between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to calculate the mean survival estimates of the two groups and we found that the two groups were clinically successful during a one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Both designs of inlay retained fixed dental prostheses revealed successful clinical performance in terms of Fracture, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho clínico de dois modelos de ponte fixa por inlay (formato proximal e formato inlay) em casos de dentes posteriores perdidos. Material e Métodos: Um total de 70 casos com perda de um único dente posterior foi incluído neste estudo e dividido em dois grupos com uma razão de alocação de 1: 1 (n = 35 para cada grupo). Grupo 1 (grupo controle): Este grupo recebeu uma ponte fixa por inlay com deseho de inlay em ambos os pilares. Grupo 2 (grupo intervenção): Este grupo recebeu uma ponte fixa inlay com uma caixa proximal em ambos os pilares. Resina de PMMA (YAMAHACHI PMMA) foi usada para a etapa de try-in e a zircônia monolítica (Katana, Kuraray) foi utilizada para as restaurações finais. As superfícies das restaurações foram jateadas com Z-prime S (Bisco) e a cimentação realizada com cimento resinoso autoadesivo (Bisco). Fratura, adaptação marginal, sensibilidade pós-operatória, cárie e gengivite foram avaliadas usando o Serviço de Saúde Pública dos Estados Unidos modificado para avaliações clínicas de restauração (padrões MUSPHS) ao longo de 12 meses de acompanhamento. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos. A curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier foi construída para calcular as estimativas de sobrevida média dos dois grupos e foi concluído que os dois grupos foram clinicamente bem-sucedidos durante um acompanhamento de um ano. Conclusão: Ambos os modelos de próteses dentárias fixas de inlay revelaram desempenho clínico bem-sucedido em termos de fratura, adaptação marginal, sensibilidade pós-operatória, cárie e gengivite(AU)

Thymoquinone ameliorates acute kidney injury induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion / La timoquinona mejora la lesión renal aguda inducida por isquemia-reperfusión renal

SUMMARY: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)is an unavoidable consequence in renal transplantation and multiple clinical settings. A debate has been raised about the particular role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HF-1α) in the renal injury pathogenesis and the renal cortex ultrastructural alterations. Also, we investigated the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect of thymoquinone and its modulatory role on HIF-1α in protection against renal IRI.Adult male Wister albino rats were assigned into 3 groups (n=16); 1) Sham-operated, 2) IRI model and 3) renal IRI pre-treated with thymoquinone 10 mg.kg-1.day-1 (TQ-IRI) for 10 days and at the reperfusion onset. Following the operation, 8 rats from each group were euthanized after 3 hours and the remaining 8 rats at 24 hours. Renal injury was assessed by the increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine level, and the EGTI histological injury scoreat both 3 and 24h. HIF-1α was upregulated (p<0.01) and was correlated with renal tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and total oxidant capacity (TAC) consumption. Elevated inflammatory markers (NFkB, MCP-1 and VCAM-1) were associated with renal IRI.Thymoquinone treatment inhibited the accumulation of HIF-1α (p<0.01), reduced renal oxidation/inflammation process and markedly diminished renal injury.

RESUMEN: La lesión por isquemia-reperfusión renal (IRR) es una consecuencia inevitable en el trasplante renal como también en múltiples contextos clínicos. Se ha suscitado una discusión referente a la relación particular del factor inducible por hipoxia (HF- 1α) en la patogénesis de la lesión renal y las alteraciones ultraestructurales de la corteza renal. Además, investigamos el efecto antioxidante / antiinflamatorio de la timoquinona y su papel modulador sobre HIF-1α en la protección contra IRR. Se utilizaron ratas albinas Wister macho adultas divididas en 3 grupos (n = 16); 1) Intervención simulada, 2) modelo IRR y 3) IRR pretratado con timoquinona 10 mg/kg-1. día-1 (TQ-IRR) durante 10 días y al inicio de la reperfusión. Posterior a la operación, 8 ratas de cada grupo fueron sacrificadas después de 3 horas y las 8 ratas restantes a las 24 horas. La lesión renal se evaluó por el aumento de nitrógeno ureico en sangre, el nivel de creatinina y la puntuación de lesión histológica EGTI tanto a las 3 como a las 24 horas. HIF-1α se incrementó (p <0,01) y se correlacionó con la producción de especies de oxígeno reactivo (ROS) del tejido renal y el consumo de capacidad oxidante total. Los marcadores inflamatorios elevados (NFkB, MCP-1 y VCAM-1) se asociaron con IRR. El tratamiento con timoquinona inhibió la acumulación de HIF-1α (p <0,01), redujo el proceso de oxidación / inflamación renal y disminuyó notablemente la lesión renal.

Predisposing factors, clinical assessment, management andoutcomes of agitation in the trauma intensive care unit / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Agitation occurs frequently among criticaly il patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to evaluate the frequency, predisposing factors and outcomes of agitation in trauma ICU. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to include patients who were admitted to the trauma ICU between April 2014 and March 2015. Data included patient's demographics, initial vitals, associated injuries, Ramsey Sedation Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, head injury lesions, use of sedatives and analgesics, head interventions, ventilator days, and ICU length of stay. Patients were divided into two groups based on the agitation status. RESULTS: A total of 102 intubated patients were enrolled; of which 46 (45％) experienced agitation. Patients in the agitation group were 7 years younger, had significantly lower GCS and sustained higher frequency of head injuries (P<0.05). Patients who developed agitation were more likely to be prescribed propofol alone or in combination with midazolam and to have frequent ICP catheter insertion, longer ventilatory days and higher incidence of pneumonia (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, use of propofol alone (OR=4.97; 95％CI=1.35–18.27), subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR=5.11; 95％CI=1.38–18.91) and ICP catheter insertion for severe head injury (OR=4.23; 95％CI=1.16–15.35) were independent predictors for agitation (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Agitation is a frequent problem in trauma ICU and is mainly related to the type of sedation and poor outcomes in terms of prolonged mechanical ventilation and development of nosocomial pneumonia. Therefore, understanding the main predictors of agitation facilitates early risk-stratification and development of better therapeutic strategies in trauma patients.

Evaluation of gold nanoparticles coated sandwich elisa as innovative diagnosis for human bancroftian filariasis

This study compared the traditional sandwich ELISA and nano-sandwich ELISA methods for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. With the ability to interact with matter at the nanoscale, the development of nanotechnology architecture and materials could potentially extend molecular detection beyond the limits of conventional diagnostic modalities. This study included 142 subjects who were classified into; filarial diseased, other parasitic diseased and healthy control groups. Firstly, thick blood film was done for all subjects under study and their sera were obtained and preserved. A prepared sitarial antigen was injected into a rabbit to obtain polyclonal antibodies. That rabbit serum was purified, then pure IgG was obtained and a part of it was conjugated with gold nanoparticles. Conventional ELISA and nano-ELISA were done for patient's serum to detect circulating filarial antigen. Examination of blood film for microfilaria resulted in that; 5.1% of all patients were positive however 94.9% were negative. In comparison between ELISA and nano-ELISA readings, it was obvious that nano-ELISA is advantageous than traditional ELISA in all cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ELISA were 90.7%, 75%, 84.8% and 84% respectively. While by using nano-ELISA, they were 95.1%, 87.5%, 92.9% and 91.3% respectively. It was concluded that using nano-sandwich ELISA of the serum samples for detection of circulating filarial antigen in patients infected with W. bancrofti gave higher sensitivity and specificity than conventional ELISA, as proved by statistical study

Effect of gonadotrophin dose on oocytes yield and quality and embryonic development in Super ovulated mice

Background: Hormonal control for multiple follicular growths in IVF program was directed toward maximizing the yield of fertilizable oocytes, enhance successful implantation and improve early embryonic development

Aim: The effect of different doses of urinary human menopausal gonadotropin [U-hMG] in superovulation regimen was studied

Materials and Methods: Four groups of immature female mouse were sequentially injected by 5 IU, 10 IU, 15 IU and 20 IU of U-hMG followed by injection of 15 IU human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] for all groups. Mature cumulus oocytes complexes [COCs] were collected 12 hours later then the grading of cumulus cell expansion and oocytes maturity was determined. In vitro fertilization for mature oocytes was done by using epididymal sperm, the embryonic development was followed up till the blastocyst stage

Results: Results demonstrated that the super ovulatory response in immature mice increased with increasing dose of hMG. 15 IU U-hMG was the optimal dose that gave maximum number oocytes with higher maturation rate,minimum degeneration rate and support embryonic development

Conclusion: 15 IU is the optimal dose for induction of superovulation and support in vitro embryo developmentin immature female mice

Fungal diabetic foot infections

Background: Fungal infections play important role in pathogenesis of diabetic foot infections

Objective: to investigate the prevalence of fungi among patient with diabetic foot infections

Methodology: one hundred and twenty diabetic patients hospitalized due to foot infections were enlisted in this study. Deep tissue specimens from depth of the wound and nail samples were collected from the infected sites using the standard protocol. Laboratory identification of samples was done and pathogens were identified to the species level by morpho-physiological methods. Polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the presence of fungi in samples from infected sites

Results: Fungi were found in 51.7% of the patients. Candida albicans were the most predominant isolated organism [40.1%]. Amphotericin B had 100% sensitivity against all Candida isolates. The most susceptible Candida species to fluconazole were C. dubliniensis and C. albicans. The most susceptible Candida species to voriconazole were C. dubliniensis. The most susceptible Candida species to itraconazole were C. dubliniensis. Of the study population, 70.0% had bacterial infection. The predominant isolates were Klebsiella spp. [32.7%]. Mixed fungal and bacterial infections were seen in 20.3% of patients. Sensitivity of Pan fungal PCR was 97.4%, specificity was 92.4%

Conclusion: Fungal infections were more in patients with poor glycemic control.The role of antifungal agents in management of diabetic foot infections needs to be evaluated further

Inhibitory effect of bee venom against potassium bromate causing genetic toxicity and biochemical alterations in mice

Background/aim: Bee venom [BV] therapy is a highly effective treatment, capable of improving one's health. The present study attempts to assess the effect of BV on the toxicity of oral administration of potassium bromate [KBrO[3]] which has been widely used in food and cosmetic industries

Materials and methods: Sixty adult male mice were gavaged with KBrO[3] at two doses [100 and 200?mg/kg body weight] for 10 days. Afterwards, BV at a dose of 120?micro g/kg body weight was injected subcutaneously three times per week for two successive weeks. The genetic study was performed using chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation in the bone marrow, DNA fragmentation in liver cells and by sperm analysis. In addition, serum biochemical markers such as catalase and malondialdehyde, kidney, and liver functions were assessed

Results: The results have shown that KBrO[3] caused DNA damage that represented the increase in the frequencies of chromosome abnormalities, micronuclei formation, percentage of DNA fragmentation, and sperm morphological abnormalities. Meanwhile, the results showed that KBrO[3] exhibited severe toxicity for antioxidant activities for liver and kidney functions. Conversely, BV significantly decreased the frequencies of DNA damage in all aforementioned parameters induced by KBrO[3]. In addition, it improved the antioxidant activities and the function of the liver and kidneys

Conclusion: BV has a potent ameliorating effect against the KBrO[3] hazard impacts in animal tissues especially at higher doses. This observation indicated that BV could be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of KBrO[3] risk

Motivation in self-regulated learning and learning strategies in self-regulated learning in relation to Academic procrastination among first year secondary school students

Purpose: The purpose if this study was to explore motivation in self- regulated learning and learning strategies in self- regulated learning in relation to Academic procrastination among first year secondary school students

Sample: 140 first year .secondary school students participated in this study. The consent of the participants was sought before they participated in this study. The majority of the participants were female 80 [57.0%] and the rest male 60 [43.0%]

Result: The result of a Pearson correlation analysis revealed that intrinsic goal orientation, task values, rehearsal, elaboration, meta cognitive self regulation, resource management strategies, organisation and critical thinking as self- regulated learning components that have significant negative correlations with academic procrastination. In addition, anxiety was found to have a significant positive correlation with academic procrastination. Extrinsic goal orientation and control of learning beliefs were not significantly correlated to academic procrastination

Cost-Effectiveness analysis of family planning services offered by mobile clinics versus static clinics in Assiut, Egypt

Cost effectiveness studies of family planning (FP) services are very valuable in providing evidence-based data for decision makers in Egypt. Cost data came from record reviews for all 15 mobile clinics and a matched set of 15 static clinics and interviews with staff members of the selected clinics at Assiut Governorate. Effectiveness measures included couple years of protection (CYPs) and FP visits. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) and sensitivity analyses were calculated. Mobile clinics cost more per facility, produced more CYPs but had fewer FP visits. Sensitivity analysis was done using: total costs, CYP and FP visits of mobile and static clinics and showed that variations in CYP of mobile and static clinics altered the ICER for CYP from $2 -$6. Mobile clinics with their high emphasis on IUDs offer a reasonable cost effectiveness of $4.46 per additional CYP compared to static clinics. The ability of mobile clinics to reach more vulnerable women and to offer more long acting methods might affect a policy decision between these options. Static clinics should consider whether emphasizing IUDs may make their services more cost-effective

The Evolving Role of Erythropoietin in Lung of Irradiated Rats

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible curative effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on radiation-induced damage to the lung and its renin angiotensin system. EPO (200 U/100g) was i.p. injected to male rats one hour post 6 Gy whole body gamma irradiation. The animals were sacrificed after 14 days post irradiation. Irradiation induced significant drop of haematological values, bone marrow (BM) count, lung oxidative stress markers, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) associated with significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) and nitric oxide (NO) besides serum inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also serum and lung renin angiotensin system markers, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were elevated whereas calcium (Ca) was decreased. EPO treatment post irradiation has significantly ameliorated blood parameters and BM count also lung oxidative stress markers were improved associated with decreased serum Na, TNF-α, and LDH levels. Lung K and Ca showed no change compared to irradiated group. The findings of the present study suggest that EPO might contribute to enhance recovery of the lungs from radiation-induced damage due to its erythropoietic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

role of brimonidine eye drops as an adjunctive therapy for optic nerve protection in patients with controlled open angle glaucoma

Objective: this study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective role of brimonidine eye drops in patients with controlled open angle glaucoma

Methods: this study is prospective and non-randomized. It was done between January,2014 and April, 2016. It included 33 eyes with controlled open angle glaucoma who were referred to Al Zahraa University Hospital. Brimonidine eye drops [BMD] were administrated. Follow up was done every 6 months for 12 months and three visual field [VFs] examinations were done to all patients using Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer II 745

Results: there is a gradual decline of IOP mean values from 15.3 +/- 3.6 mmHg baseline to 13.5 +/- 3.0 mmHg after 6 months and to 11.7+/-2.1 mmHg after one year of the use of BMD eye drops. The mean values of MD measurements showed improvement after BMD eye drops use as it becomes lower than baseline values after 6 months [-7.2 +/- 5.2 vs -5.1 +/- 3.7 respectively], with further improvement after one year of BMD eye drops use as it becomes lower than that after 6 months [-5.1 +/- 3.7 vs -3.3 +/- 3.6 respectively]. Similarly, PSD measurements after 6 months [4.6 +/- 3.1 vs 4.0 +/- 3.1]. Furthermore, measurement after one year of BMD eye drops use show more improvement as it becomes lower than measurements after 6 months [4.0 +/- 3.1 vs 3.4 +/- 4.4]

Conclusion: neuroprotection can be used to reduce the risk of glaucomatous progression independent of its effects on IOP as the future treatment modality

Exposure of early adolescent girls to genital mutilation/cutting: [secondary analysis of survey of young people in Egypt]

Background: female genital mutilation/cuutting [FGM/C] is one of the main social problems affecting adolescent girls in Egypt. FGM/C has many health hazards affecting adolescents later in their lives. Researches related to FGM/C in Egypt focused mainly on prevalence and causes of FGM/C among women. However, there was little attention in exploring this problem among early adolescent girls

Aim: the objectives of this study included determining the prevalence and correlates of FGM/C among early adolescents in Egypt

Subjects and Methods: a secondary analysis of a nationally representative stratified multistage cluster sample using early adolescent girls using Survey of Young People in Egypt [SYPE] data 2009. Descriptive analysis was done using univariate and bivariate analysis to identify prevalence of FGM/C in Egypt among early adolescents and associated factors. Correlates of FGM/C were identified using logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval and P <0.05 as a significant level. Software used was SPSS version 20

Results: nearly two thirds of 10-14 years old girls in Egypt were exposed to FGM/C.FGM/C was carried on the majority of them by medical personnel [70.7%] at home or at private medical facilities. Older age, living in rural areas, and belonging to lowest wealth quintile were the main predictors of FGM/C exposure

Conclusions: FGM/C is still a major threat to early adolescent girls in Egypt especially by medical personnel among rural and poor families. Emphasizing strict legal sanctions against physicians performing the procedures as well as against responsible parents is very crucial in Egypt

Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Cardiac Arrest: Case report.

Hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hypersecretion of parathyroid hormones due to abnormal activity of one or more parathyroid glands. Several cardiac abnormalities have been reported due to hyperparathyroidism. In this case report, a case of cardiac arrest due to hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia is presented and discussed. A female patient, 73 years old, was admitted to surgical ward (SICU) with malignant goiter extending to the retrosternum. She was a known case of hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia. After the operation, the patient was shifted to SICU for further management. Suddenly, the patient had sudden cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated within 2 minutes. The ECG showed a new Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) changes. Patient remained on ventilator, not obeying commands, and opened her eyes spontaneously with cough reflex. A week after, percutaneous tracheostomy was performed, and patient became hemodynamically stable, weaned from ventilator and allowed to breathe spontaneously. Although cardiac arrest is a rare complication, it should be expected by health care providers when dealing with patients with hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia.

Recent advances in topical formulation carriers of antifungal agents.

Fungal infections are amongst the most commonly encountered diseases affecting the skin. Treatment approaches include both topical and oral antifungal agents. The topical route is generally preferred due to the possible side effects of oral medication. Advances in the field of formulation may soon render outdated conventional products such as creams, ointments and gels. Several carrier systems loaded with antifungal drugs have demonstrated promising results in the treatment of skin fungal infections. Examples of these newer carriers include micelles, lipidic systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsions and vesicular systems such as liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, ethosomes, and penetration enhancer vesicles.

Toxicological effects of generated radiations on the eye among computer users

Background: Nowadays computers being used in every aspect of life in both developed and developing countries. These electronic devices generate a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation which exerts negative influence on human health. Eyes are particularly vulnerable; thus computer vision syndrome or dry eye disease is the most frequent health problems among computer users. This study aims to assess toxic effects of computer generated radiation on eyes among a sample of Egyptian computer users

Subjects and Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 volunteers from both sexes who worked daily on a computer. All participants were subjected to a self-filling questionnaire including questions about personal information, work and workplace related information as well as, Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] with 12 questions about symptoms of eye and vision problems

Results: this study revealed that more than three fourths [79.0%] of the studied computer workers suffered from symptoms of dry eye disease, 40.5% of them had severe eye affection, 26.6 % had moderate and 32.9 % had mild eye affection. Those with severe eye affection of participants with dry eye disease were using the computer for a mean duration of 10.3 +/- 2.4 hour/day and 70.9 % of them not taking regular rest during computer work. Wearing visual aids showed a significant association with dry eye disease [P = 0.002]

Conclusion: the majority of participants had symptoms of dry eye disease. The most vulnerable persons were those who wearing medical glasses or lenses and use the computer for around 10 h / day without regular rest. Occurrence of eye dryness was relevant to the presence of fan and air conditioner in the workplace. These results indicated the valuable role and the essential need for visual assessment of computer workers for early and proper diagnosis of dry eye disease in order to minimize its impact on their productivity and quality of life

Microbiological profile of acute retropharyngeal abscesses in children: analysis of 26 Egyptian patients

Objectives: this work aims to describe our experience in a tertiary centre for the diagnosis of acute retropharyngeal abscesses in children as regards the diagnosis, microbiological analysis and their management

Methodology: A prospective study that included 26 patients suffering from acute retropharyngeal abscess in children was done for a period of about 3 years from September 2011 to July 2014 on pediatric patients. CT was used for diagnosis of the abscess. Twenty patients were underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Pus was aspirated from all patients and used for microbiological analysis. Data for clinical presentation, X-ray, CT scan findings, bacteriological profile and management of the cases were collected

Results: 26 patients were investigated in this study. Males were more commonly affected than females. Their ages ranged from 8month to 12 years [mean +/- 5.45 years]. The most common symptoms at time of investigation were fever followed by dysphagia/odynophagia and neck swelling. The most common clinical sign was cervical lymphadenopathy. Positive microbial cultures were detected in 84.6%. Polymicrobial growth was recorded in 34.6%. The most common isolated organism was MRSA [38.5%] followed by Staphylococcus aureus [26.9%] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [19.2%]

Conclusion: The used antibiotics in the retropharyngeal abscesses to be used should cover mainly Gram positive bacteria especially MRSA. This may substitute surgical intervention in many cases. MRSA found to be a rising causative agent of acute retropharyngeal abscess in children in our locality. Obtaining samples may be difficult for microbiological culture. Antibiotics should be prescribed immediately according to the antibiotic guide in each locality to reduce the morbidity rate of the acute retropharyngeal abscess

Health-related quality of life of chronic hepatitis c patients attending the outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospital

Kgypl has possibly the highest chronic hepatitis C [CMC] prevalence in the world, which has been associated with decreased health-related quality of life [HRQoL]. Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the most important predictors of HRQoL of CMC patients attending the outpatient clinics in Assiut city. HRQoL of 200 CMC patients and 200 age-and sex-matched normal subjects, was assessed by the validated Arabic version of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36]. All patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the factors that could affect their HRQoL. Validated reliable instruments were used lo assess depression, illness-related stigma and disease related worries. HKQoL scores of CMC patients [age 40.43 +/- 12.11, 82.5% males] were significantly lower than age and sex matched controls. The most important predictors of the physical summary score of SF-36 were; depression [beta = 0.611, P = 0.000] and the presence of co-morbidities [beta =- 0.218, P - 0.000].while for the menial summary score, the most important predictors were; depression [beta =- 0,651. P=0.000] and illness-related stigma [beta= 0.222, P = 0.000]. Other factors such as age. Sexual dysfunction, interferon therapy and work affection by CMC illness showed a weaker, but nevertheless statistically significant relationship with HRQoL of CHC patients. The study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C had lower HRQoL than the healthy controls, and, depression, co-morbiditics, illness-related stigma were the most important predictors of their iower HRQoL. The results its of this study would assist healthcare personnel to introduce modifications in patient care protocols with relevance to patient needs

Familial clustering of type 2 diabetes among Omanis

The aim of this study was to screen Omani individuals for the familial aggregation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A random cohort of 1182 Omani individuals visiting the Family Medicine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH], Muscat, Oman, for regular medical checkup, aged >/= 40 years, were sampled. Patients were categorized into three groups: [1] individuals who claim not to have diabetes and had no family history of diabetes; [2] individuals who claim not to have diabetes but had family history of diabetes; [3] individuals with diabetes. Only 16% of these Omani individuals had no diabetes and no family history of diabetes. Another separate random cohort of 234 Omani type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, from the Diabetes Clinic at SQUH, were interviewed and questioned about their family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ninety five percent of the patients had a family history of diabetes. Eighty percent had first degree relatives with diabetes and 46% had second degree relatives with diabetes. At least one parent with diabetes was reported among 55% of these diabetics, while maternal diabetes [55%] was found to be higher than paternal diabetes [47%]. However, only 15% had both parents with diabetes. Furthermore, almost half of the 234 diabetics were having at least one of the following relatives with diabetes: brother, sister, aunt or an uncle. The findings of this study confirm familial aggregation of diabetes among the Omani population. Compared to other populations, familial aggregation of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Omanis is relatively very high, and is perhaps due to the very high degree of consanguinity among Omanis. Since almost everyone seems to have a genetic predisposition to diabetes, the dramatic lifestyle changes over the past 25 years, could tip the population into an epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus