Effect of cyclosporine-A on the structure of adult albino rat testis and the role of lycopene supplementation: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Cyclosporine A [CsA] has improved the quality of life and survival rate of transplant patients. However, the oxidative stress induced by CsA limits its use as it causes side effects in different organs. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes, water melon, and pink guava. This study aimed to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes occurring in rat testes following CsA intake and evaluate the role of lycopene supplementation. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I, group II, and group III. Group I was divided into subgroup IA, which received distilled water, and subgroup IB, which received lycopene [10 mg/kg/day] dissolved in corn oil. Group II received CsA [15 mg/kg/day] dissolved in distilled water and group III received CsA+lycopene at the same doses as above. All treatments were given by oral gavage for 21 successive days. Testis samples were prepared for light microscopic [histological and immunohistochemical] and electron microscopic examination. The area percentage of bcl-2 reaction and height of the germinal epithelium were morphometrically measured and statistically analyzed. The germinal epithelial cells of the CsA-treated group were separated and were seen to contain dark nuclei. Sloughed germ cells in the lumen were seen. Ultrastructurally, primary spermatocytes showed vacuoles. Spermatids had shrunken nuclei and irregular distribution of mitochondria. Leydig cells contained lipid droplets of different densities with projecting multiple processes. The basement membrane was thick and contained multiple collagen fibers. The axonemes of the mid-pieces of sperms were disorganized with swollen mitochondrial sheathes. Statistically, the area percentage of bcl-2 reaction and germinal epithelial height showed a significant decrease in group II versus other groups. Lycopene improved the adverse effects of CsA in group III. CsA induced profound damage in the testicular structure in rats. It was ameliorated by concomitant lycopene administration. Thus, these results could be considered for further clinical investigations to recommend lycopene with CsA in transplant patients

Epidemiology of intractable epilepsy in Al-Kharga district; new valley; [Egypt]

Drug-resistant epilepsy, despite the advancement in epilepsy treatment, continues to be a major clinical problem with devastating consequences. Identification of the prevalence of intractable epilepsy, as well as causes of intractability. Total population of 62,583 persons were screened through door to door survey, including every door. All suspected cases of epilepsy were subjected to complete history taking, meticulous examination, conventional EEG, and Stanford-Binnet intelligence scale. Monitoring of serum level of AEDs was done for those with possible intractable seizures to ensure adequate dose compliance. Patients have an average seizure frequency of one or more per month during the last 6 months despite optimal and suitable use of AED were considered truly intractable Ohtsuka et al [2001]. They were subjected to video monitoring EEG, and brain MRI. In this study, 437 epileptic patients were identified with a life time prevalence rate of epilepsy 6.98/1000, out of whom, 11.4% [n = 50/134] of patients were intractable with a prevalence rate 0.8/1000. Possible aetiology of intractable epilepsy was determined among 46% of cases [Remote symptomatic], while 58% of cases had unknown causes [idiopathic and cryptogenic]. Symptomatic and cryptogenic causes had signicantly lower IQ than idiopathic group Perinatal complications should be better avoided and/or managed to avoid a large sector of intractable epilepsy

Knowledge and attitudes towards premarital health care among couples attending premarital clinics in Assiut city

Premarital health care is one of the most important strategies for prevention of genetic disorders, congenital anomalies and several medical, psychosocial marital problems. Assess knowledge and attitudes of premarital couples towards premarital examinations and counseling in Assiut City. This cross sectional study was conducted in three premarital clinics in Assiut City, from June to August 2010. A simple random sample of 706 respondents [345 males and 361 females] completed semi-structured questionnaires by direct interviews. The collected data included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes of the respondents towards premarital heath care. The mean age of the studied sample was 26.4 +/- 5.9 years. A total of 434 subjects [61.5%] were from urban areas. The majority of the studied couples. [97.2%] were previously heard about premarital health care. Most of the respondents mentioned laboratory investigations as a mandatory component of premarital health care, while counseling was reported by 6.3% only. 30.5% didn't know about the availability of laboratory investigation such as voluntary HIV testing and hepatitis viruses B and C at premarital health care investigations. There was good knowledge about premarital health care among premarital couples but many did not know its components and available investigations. There is a need for health education about the importance of the premarital care and its services

Physical activity and menstrual cycle characteristics among adolescents in Assiut University

Women of all ages are increasingly becoming active participants in competitive and recreational physical activity. Concern has arisen regarding the effect of physical activity on the physiology of menstrual cycle. The aim of this study: was to determine the influence of physical activity on menstrual cycle characteristics among adolescents. This prospective study was done in Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, 2005-2006. A cohort of 347 university girl students, aged 17-21 years participated in the study and completed follow up for about seven months. A detailed self-administered questionnaire was used for collection of baseline data. It included questions on sociodemographic and individual characteristics, training and/or physical activity patterns, and menstrual history. Weight and height were measured after completing the questionnaire. Mean cycle length, variability of cycle length, and mean bleed length were calculated from monthly menstrual calendars for 6 cycles [collected prospectively]. Participants also reported daily amount of physical activity in their diaries during the study period. Age at menarche was significantly [P=0.01] later in athletes [13.7 +/- 1.17] than in non-athletes [13.4 +/- 1.12]. A higher percentage of athletes [6.0% versus 1.7%] reported a history of primary amenorrhea [p=0.03]. Athletes suffered less from premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea. Total physical activity was positively associated with cycle length, but inversely associated with bleed length. A higher percentage of athletes reported present menstrual dysfunction. Moderate levels of physical activity can lengthen the menstrual cycle. Exercising adolescents could potentially be subject to menstrual cycle dysfunction. In general the numerous health benefits associated with regular physical exercise out-weigh any potential risks. Early recognition of these problems and appropriate management are essential

Agricultural child labor and related hazards in a village in Assiut, upper Egypt, 2004

Child labor is a pervasive problem throughout the world, especially in developing countries. Child labor is simply the single most important source of child exploitation and child abuse in the world today. The vast majority of child laborers around the world- 70 percent or some 170 million- are working in agriculture. To describe agricultural child labor profile in Ezzawya village, Assiut, Upper Egypt. A cross-sectional study included all working children with four agricultural contractors in the village. They constituted a total of 250 children. Their ages ranged between six and eighteen years. Data were collected via personal interview in the farms, using structured questionnaire which included: socioeconomic and demographic data, some work- related data, and health hazards, as well as schooling problems. The mean age [ +/- SD] of the child laborers was 12.6 years [ +/- 2.2], and the majority of them were girls [69.2%]. They started to work in agriculture at a very young age [mean age 8.9 +/- 1.8 years]. They used to work about 10-12 hours per day, mostly on seasonal basis [74.4%]. About half of children [51.2%] reported exposure to work-related health hazards. The most frequently encountered health hazard was sun stroke, followed by wounds, pesticide exposure, bilharziasis, and food poisoning. 44.4% of child laborers were illiterate and 5.6% of them dropped-out after enrollment in the school programs. Child agricultural workers are the objects of extreme exploitation in terms of toiling for long hours for minimal pay. Their work conditions are so severe; often violate their rights to health, education, and protection from work that is hazardous and exploitative

Violence among secondary school students in Assiut district

Violence by young people is one of the most visible forms of violence in society. Violence among adolescents may have serious developmental, physical and mental health consequences for the affected individuals. Violent youth are more likely than their peers to have poor mental health, use drugs, drop out of school, and be delinquent. Describe pattern, magnitude, and determinants of violence among secondary school students. A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 1,404 secondary school students was conducted in Assiut, Egypt, 2004-2005, using a self-administered questionnaire. [Youth self-report] scale of Achenbach was used to measure [aggression], other measures of violence were included: physical fighting and weapon carrying. The main independent variables included in the study were: age, gender, religion, residence, smoking, family bonding, and attitude towards violence, depression, victimization and conflict resolution skills. Results: 59.8% of students were involved in a physical fight in the last 12 months prior to the survey, with significant gender differences and boys being more likely to be involved in such a behavior. Weapon carrying was reported almost exclusively by boys. In the Logistic regression analysis victimization, poor self-control, poor cooperation, and possessing attitudes with a positive violence orientation were found to be strong predictors of aggression and violence. Violence is a seriously growing behavior among secondary school students that needs to be addressed through school health programs investing in healthy development of adolescents pays off in mental health of tomorrow's adults