Serum Periostin Level in Asthmatic Children with Exercise Induced Bronchospasm

Background:There are few biomarkers that can be easily accessed in clinical settings and may reflect refractory Th2-eosinophlic inflammation and remodeling of the asthmatic airways. Serum periostin may be one such biomarker to aid our understanding of the patho-bio-physiology of asthma and exercise induced asthma. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between serum periostin level and exercise induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on (90) children both sexes aged from 6 to 15 years including, (60) children with bronchial asthma and (30) children were enrolled as control group in the period from January 2018 to January 2019. Patients were randomly classified into two groups: I) Patient group: divided into 2 groups according to standardized treadmill exercise challenge test: Group A: (30) asthmatic children with positive test. Group B: (30) asthmatic children with negative test. II-Control group: (30) children apparently healthy with no personal or family history of asthma. All children were subjected to the following Investigations: Chest x-ray, pulmonary functions tests (FEV1& PEFR) except controls, Laboratory investigations as CBC and Serum periostin level Results:The mean values of both the percentage of PEFR and FEV1 after exercise in group A were significantly lower than those in group B and the percentage of PEFR and FEV1after exercise in each group were significantly lower than the percentage before exercise in the same group. The mean value of eosinophilic count in group A was significantly higher than (group B and control group) and the mean value of eosinophilic countin group B was significantly higher than control group. The mean value of serum level of periostin in group A was significantly higher than (group B and control group), however, there was no significant difference between group B and control group as regard to serum level of periostin.Chest tightness, cough and wheezes after exercise and eosinophilic count in patients with high serum periostin level were significantly higher than patients with low serum periostin level, and both PEFR and FEV1after exercise in patients with high serum periostin level were significantly lower than patients with low serum periostin level. Also the normal serum periostin levels vary among different age groups.Conclusion:Serum periostin level can be considered as a useful biomarker for diagnosis of Exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) in asthmatic children especially when lung function test cannot be done However, cautious is required in evaluating serum periostin levels in children because it varies with age.

Protein analysis and heavy metals accumulation in muscles of wild and farmed nile tilapia [oreochromis niloticus]

The present study aimed to assess the levels of some heavy metals [Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and Cd] in muscles of wild and farmed Oreochromis niloticus as well as to evaluate the human hazard index associated with fish consumption

In addition, total protein, molecular weights and band counts of sarcoplasmic proteins were investigated with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] method. The obtained results revealed that the accumulation of Cu has the highest value in farmed Oreochromis niloticus compared to wild Oreochromis niloticus while the highest Fe, Pb, Zn and Cd concentrations were recorded in wild Oreochromis niloticus compared to farmed Oreochromis niloticus

The calculated hazard index [HI] indicated that all metals had low HI except Pb and Cd levels in both wild and farmed fish were higher than their permissible limits for fish as a human food

There was no significant [P> 0.05] difference between wild and farmed Oreochromis niloticus in total protein

Wild fish predominant farmed fish in the number of separated proteins

Wild fish muscle protein showed 12 protein bands, while farmed fish muscle proteins showed 11 protein bands. Also, these bands were differed in quantitative parameters. Wild fish had unique bands [MW. 198.13, 97.92, 56.77 and 29.75] while farmed fish had unique bands [MW. 121.62, 79.05 and 26,16]

The current data found that there are differences in electrophoretic pattern and heavy metals accumulation between wild and farmed Oreochromis niloticus

Medical students' perception of the reformed medical curriculum at King Saud University

Objectives: To evaluate the King Saud University [KSU] medical students' perceptions of the educational programmes' quality

Materials and Methods: A total of 289 medical students at KSU, College of Medicine were selected randomly from year 1 through year 5 and were invited to participate in a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire was distributed to the students and collected on completion. The questionnaire measured the students' perceptions of the educational programmes and their competence, as well as their overall satisfaction with the training delivered and the feedback system

Results: About 60.5% of the students declared that the educational programmes provided them with the necessary knowledge while only 48.5% of students believed that it provided them with the necessary skills required. Only 34% of students stated that the intended learning objectives were known to them at the beginning of the courses. About half of the students indicated that the programmes actively involved them in the problem-solving process. Half of the students believed that the amount of basic science knowledge provided was enough; however, 39.5% of students [in their clinical years] believed that the amount of knowledge delivered in the basic science courses was inadequate. Only 18.4% of students considered that the basic science courses prepared them for a clinical clerkship. 17.7% of the students declared that the research activities improved their research skills. 47.3% believed that the research activities helped them in understanding community characteristics, 57.6% asserted learning the basics of medical statistics, 44.6% believed it helped them in using the available resources in solving community problems and 49.5% believed it helped them in learning as well as acquiring project management skills. 34% of the students participated in planning educational activities while 53.7% participated in evaluating these educational activities. 36.1% of students gave frequent feedback to the college. Only 30.2% of the students were satisfied with the overall quality of the educational programmes

Conclusion: The students' perception of the educational programmes was illustrated and important aspects were highlighted which needed to be addressed and revised in order to improve the quality of the curriculum

Evaluation of the reformed medical curriculum at King Saud University College of Medicine by its first graduates

The College of Medicine of King Saud University [KSU], Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], recently graduated the first batch of students who studied the newly reformed, problem-based, system-oriented medical curriculum. The present study was conducted to determine the graduates' perceptions of the reformed medical curriculum and the effect of its educational program. In this cross-sectional study, the first batch of the graduated students was invited to participate in a survey evaluating their perceptions of the reformed educational program. A four-scale, self-reported questionnaire was administered electronically to all of the participants. The highest score in terms of the education program's efficacy was given to 'clinical knowledge and skills', and the lowest score was given to 'the acquisition of 'basic science knowledge'. Concerning the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills, the highest score was awarded to 'history taking', and the lowest score was given to 'knowing the basic concepts and procedures of occupational medicine'. The graduates' opinions about the first reformed medical curriculum at KSU raised special concerns about the acquisition of basic science knowledge and generic concepts related to occupational medicine. These opinions will provide valuable directions for curriculum revisions. Future studies are advised to explore the perceptions of the graduates in further details to monitor improvements in curriculum design

Mucoadhesive polymers as efficient drug delivery systems

The drug action can be reinforced as a result of the development of new drug delivery systems. Over the past few decades, mucosa/ drug delivery has received a great deal of attention to improve both the local and systemic drug effects. Drug delivery across the mucosa bypasses the first-pass hepatic metabolism and avoids the degradation caused by the gastrointestinal enzymes. Mucoadhesive dosage forms are designed to enable prolonged retention at the desirable site of action, provide sustained release of drug and thus, lead to an improved bioavailability, as well as therapeutic outcomes. Compared with other mucosa/ rissues, vaginal mucosa/ cavity is more appropriate and attractive for drug delivery. In addition, a prolonged contact of mucoadhesive dosage forms with the vaginal mucosa may be achieved more easily than at other absorption sites like rectum or intestinal mucosa. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in the study of mucoadhesion and mucoadhesive polymers. It provides an overview of the structure of mucosa/ membranes, the mechanism and theories involved in mucoadhesion, and finally it describes briefly the main characteristics and the advantages of vaginal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems compared with other delivery systems

Antioxidant Effect of Sepia Ink Extract on Extrahepatic Cholestasis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of our study was to assess the complications of hepatic fibrosis associated with bile duct ligation and the potential curative role of sepia ink extract in hepatic damage induced by bile duct ligation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rattus norvegicus rats were divided into 3 groups: Sham-operated group, model rats that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL), and BDL rats treated orally with sepia ink extract (200 mg/kg body weight) for 7, 14, and 28 d after BDL.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant reduction in hepatic enzymes, ALP, GGT, bilirubin levels, and oxidative stress in the BDL group after treatment with sepia ink extract. Collagen deposition reduced after sepia ink extract treatment as compared to BDL groups, suggesting that the liver was repaired. Histopathological examination of liver treated with sepia ink extract showed moderate degeneration in the hepatic architecture and mild degeneration in hepatocytes as compared to BDL groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sepia ink extract provides a curative effect and an antioxidant capacity on BDL rats and could ameliorate the complications of liver cholestasis.</p>

Relation of helicobacter pylori CagA to gastric mucosal dna damage: a potential pathway to cancer

Helicobacter pylori [H .pylori] has been considered as a most important risk factor for gastric cancer by inducing chronic inflammation. CagA positive H.pylori strain is associated with higher levels of gastric inflammation, however there is no universal agreement on the link between H. pylori harboring CagA and the reportedly risk of precancerous lesions. To ascertain whether CagA positive H. pylori infection correlates with higher gastric epithelial cells oxidative DNA damage and precancerous changes. Sixty two dyspeptic patients attending for diagnostic GIT endoscopy were enrolled in this study .10 patients had normal endoscopic findings [group I], 10 cases had non ulcerative gastritis with H. pylori negative [group II], while 25 patients presented with non ulcerative gastritis were positive for H. pylori [group III], and 17 cases had ulcerative gastritis with H. pylori positive [group IV]. All involved individuals were subjected to clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonographic examination, histopathological examination of gastric mucosa and culturing of mucosal biopsies for H. pylori detection. Seroprevalence of H. pylori strains bearing the cytotoxin associated gene A [CagA] in the serum were assessed by ELISA. DNA damage in gastric epithelial cells was investigated by comet assay. H. pylori CagA was detected in 10 cases of group III and 13 cases of group IV. Gastric epithelial cells DNA damage was significantly increased in H. pylori positive groups [III, IV than H. pylori negative group II] [P< 0.001] with the highest values in group IV [P<0.001], also in CagA positive cases either in group III [P< 0.001] and group IV [P<0.001] compared to CagA negative cases with a significant correlation with more severe grade of gastric atrophy [P< 0.001] and intestinal metaplasia [P< 0.001] as precancerous lesions. CagA H. pylori strains sero-positivity was related to more advanced gastric pathology and precancerous changes with increased oxidative DNA damage in the epithelial cells which could represent as cancer prone biological context

Chitosan microspheres as potential carriers for colon targeting

Chitosan microspheres have been in the focus of increasing interest as polymeric drug carriers due to their appealing properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, mucoadhesion and relative low cost of production. Gel formation can be obtained by interactions of chitosan with low molecular we. counter-ions such as polyphosphates. However, one drawback of using this natural polysaccharide for oral controlled release dosage forms is its fast dissolution rate in the stomach. Since chitosan is positively, charged at low pH values [below its pKa value], it spontaneously associates with polyanions to form polyelectrolyte complexes [PEC]. These PEC these PEC exhibit favorable physicochemical properties with preservation of chitosan's biocompatible. characristics. These complexes are therefore good candidates for the design of colon-targeted dosage forms. Various techniques are used for preparing chitosan microspheres which have been reviewed. This review also includes factors that affect the release characteristics of drugs from chitosan microspheres

Histological study on the possible protective action of ginseng on the injurious effect induced by acrylamide on the midbrain in adult male albino rat

Acrylamide is a synthetic chemical compound commonly used in many branches of industry. Researchers have found acrylamide in certain foods that were heated to a temperature above 120[degree]C. Ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine with numerous beneficial effects. Ginseng is suggested to contribute to a protective effect in neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of ginseng against the midbrain injury induced by acrylamide in adult male albino rats. A total of 35 adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups. Group I [15 animals] was allowed water ad libitum and fed a standard diet [control]. Group II [10 animals] was given acrylamide orally by means of a gastric tube daily at a dose of 30 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Group III [10 animals] was given acrylamide daily at the same dissolution, dose, route and duration as group II concomitantly with ginseng solution through a gastric tube at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Samples from the brainstem were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic investigation. Light microscopic examination of the midbrain of the acrylamide-treated animals showed signs of injury. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells were more abundant in the midbrain of treated animals compared with control animals. Ultrastructural study of the midbrain of the acrylamide-treated group showed dilated RER in association with mitochondria with destroyed cristae. Many myelinated nerve fibers showed degenerative changes. These structural changes were much less pronounced in animals concomitantly treated with acrylamide and ginseng. Ginseng can reduce the severity of the injurious effects induced by acrylamide

possible protective role of ginseng on the sciatic nerve neuropathy induced experimentally by acrylamide in adult male albino rat: a histological and morphometric study

Ginseng's active compounds exert beneficial effects on central and peripheral nervous system disorders. The sciatic nerve was used as a model to study the possible protective effect of ginseng on peripheral neuropathy induced by acrylamide. The study was carried out on 35 adult male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II treated daily with acrylamide [30 mg/kg body weight] orally for 4 weeks, and group III [protective] treated with acrylamide at same dose, route, and duration as in group II concomitantly with ginseng [20 mg/kg body weight]. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed. Samples from sciatic nerve were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic and morphometric studies. Light and electron microscopic observations of group II revealed infoldings, splitting, and degeneration of myelin. Changes in axons included degeneration, compression, irregularity, and shrinkage with swollen mitochondria. Large vacuoles and swollen mitochondria were seen inside the Schwann cells. Changes in the myelin and axons in group III were much less frequent than those observed in group II. Only mild splitting and irregular thickening of the myelin with few swollen mitochondria were observed in some axons and Schwann cells. Morphometric study revealed a highly significant reduction [89.6%] in the mean g-ratio [axon/fiber ratio] and body weight in group II compared with the control and group III. Ginseng protected the sciatic nerve from the harmful effect of acrylamide to a great extent

Effect of experimentally induced portal hypertension on the fundic mucosa of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of quercetin supplementation: histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

Portal hypertension [PHT] is a hyperdynamic circulation disorder. Its precise effect on the fundic mucosa remains a matter of controversy Evaluation of the effect of long -term experimental induction of PHT on the rat fundic mucosa and the possible protective role of quercetin. Forty rats were divided into the following three main groups; control, partial portal vein ligation [PPVL] and PPVL receiving 50 mg/kg /day of quercetin given intraperitoneal. After ten weeks from PPVL induction, samples from fundus of stomach were prepared for light and electron microscope. Tissue and blood samples were examined for inflammatory, oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. The number of parietal cells, area% of collagen fibers, PAS -alcian blue reaction, nitrotyrosine- and caspase-3 positive reaction were measured morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Fundic mucosa of PPVL group showed loss of normal architecture, exfoliation of the surface epithelium, inflammatory cellular infiltration and congestion of blood vessels in lamina propria. Parietal cells showed dilatation of their intracellular canaliculi. Many mucous cells had apoptotic nuclei. Chief cells had few secretory granules and dilated RER. Statistically, there was significant increase in the area% of collagen fibers, nitrotyrosine, caspase- 3 and inflammatory markers while area% of PAS-alcian blue reaction, number of parietal cells and tissue antioxidant enzymes showed significant reduction comparing with the control. Quercetin markedly protect fundic mucosa from histological and biochemical deleterious effects of PHT. PHT exerts a deleterious histological and biochemical effects on the fundic mucosa. Both antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of Quercetin offer degree of protection for fundic mucosa, therefore, it may protect from gastropathy resulted from PHT

Effect of Helicobacter pylori on the mucosa of the lower end of the esophagus in induced chronic gastritis in adult albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Although Helicobacter pylori is linked to the occurrence of chronic gastritis, its effect on the lower end of the esophagus is still an open question. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes in the mucosa in the lower end of the esophagus after experimental induction of chronic gastritis by H. pylori, with special emphasis on changes occurring under its different lines of eradication. Thirty-six adult female albino rats were divided into control [group I] and experimental [group II] groups. The latter group received 0.5 ml of H. pylori brucella broth through an orogastric tube in daily morning doses for 1 week. Eight weeks later, rats of group II were further subdivided into four subgroups: lla, lib, He, and lid. Rats of the latter three subgroups were treated for an additional 4 weeks with amoxicillin, curcuminoid extract, and a mixture of both, respectively, whereas subgroup lla underwent no treatment for H. pylori. Twelve weeks after induction of H. pylori, samples from the lower end of the esophagus were stained with H and E, Mallory's trichrome, and nitrotyrosine immunoperoxidase and studied morphometrically. Subgroup lla showed an increase in the height of the epithelium that had inflammatory infiltrations, mitotic cells, spaces separating prickle cells, and many keratohyalin granules. The lamina propria showed elongated connective tissue papillae, wide spaces, and inflammatory cells. There was a highly significant increase in the mean number of inflammatory cells, epithelial and connective tissue papillae height, thickness of keratohyalin granules-containing layer, and area% of nitrotyrosine immunostaining. Subgroup lib treated with amoxicillin showed worsening of histological and immunohistochemical changes as well as of all morphometrically measured values. However, subgroups He and lid showed improvement in most of these changes, H. pylori treated with amoxicillin worsened the inflammatory changes, whereas curcuminoid extract improved the condition. Further studies to evaluate the use of curcumin with other anti H. pylori drugs are needed

Two integrator loop quadrature oscillators: a review

A review of the two integrator loop oscillator circuits providing two quadrature sinusoidal output voltages is given. All the circuits considered employ the minimum number of capacitors namely two except one circuit which uses three capacitors. The circuits considered are classified to four different classes. The first class includes floating capacitors and floating resistors and the active building blocks realizing these circuits are the Op Amp or the OTRA. The second class employs grounded capacitors and includes floating resistors and the active building blocks realizing these circuits are the DCVC or the unity gain cells or the CFOA. The third class employs grounded capacitors and grounded resistors and the active building blocks realizing these circuits are the CCII. The fourth class employs grounded capacitors and no resistors and the active building blocks realizing these circuits are the TA. Transformation methods showing the generation of different classes from each other is given in details and this is one of the main objectives of this paper

Effect of chronic lead intoxication on the distribution and elimination of amoxicillin in goats

A study of amoxicillin pharmacokinetics was conducted in healthy goats and goats with chronic lead intoxication. The intoxicated goats had increased serum concentrations of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase), blood urea nitrogen, and reactivated delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase compared to the controls. Following intravenous amoxicillin (10 mg/kg bw) in control and lead-intoxicated goats, elimination half-lives were 4.14 and 1.26 h, respectively. The volumes of distribution based on the terminal phase were 1.19 and 0.38 L/kg, respectively, and those at steady-state were 0.54 and 0.18 L/kg, respectively. After intramuscular (IM) amoxicillin (10 mg/kg bw) in lead-intoxicated goats and control animals, the absorption, distribution, and elimination of the drug were more rapid in lead-intoxicated goats than the controls. Peak serum concentrations of 21.89 and 12.19 microg/mL were achieved at 1 h and 2 h, respectively, in lead-intoxicated and control goats. Amoxicillin bioavailability in the lead-intoxicated goats decreased 20% compared to the controls. After amoxicillin, more of the drug was excreted in the urine from lead-intoxicated goats than the controls. Our results suggested that lead intoxication in goats increases the rate of amoxicillin absorption after IM administration and distribution and elimination. Thus, lead intoxication may impair the therapeutic effectiveness of amoxicillin.

Efficacy evaluation of the protein isolated from Peganum harmala seeds as an antioxidant in liver of rats

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the curative effect of the 132 KD protein isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala (P. harmala) L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced oxidative stress in rats.@*METHODS@#Animals were post treated intraperitoneally with 132 KD isolated protein at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg body weight and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (8 mg/kg body weight) as well as vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight p.o.) for 7 d after they challenged with CCl(4) orally (1 mL/kg body weight) in olive oil (50%) for 2 d.@*RESULTS@#The purified protein from seeds of P. harmala plant showed in vitro antioxidant activity with DPPH assay. Administration of CCl(4) induced induction in serum aminotransferases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile parameters and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in serum total protein, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. 132 KD protein treatment of rats post CCl4 intoxication successfully alleviated the toxic effects of CCl(4).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The isolated protein possessed strong antioxidant activity comparable to that of BSA (negative control) and vitamin C (positive control).

Laparoscopic crural repair with simultaneous sleeve gastrectomy: a way in gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment associated with morbid obesity

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [LSG] has become popular both as a definitive and a staged procedure for morbid obesity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a common co-morbid disease in bariatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LSG and hiatal hernia repair [HHR] to treat obesity, complicated by hiatus hernia [HH]. The participants in the study were twenty patients, 14 women and 6 men, with a mean body mass index of 43.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m[2] and mean age of 47 years. All the subjects were eligible for LSG and eight were found to have esophagitis at pre-operative endoscopy. Patients with Barrett's esophagus were excluded. GERD symptom questionnaire, 24-hour esophageal pH-metry, and manometry were employed as Pre-and post-procedure assessments. The mean follow-up period was eight months. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated in terms of GERD symptoms improvement or resolution, interruption of antireflux medication, and X-ray evidence of HH recurrence. Symptomatic HH was diagnosed preoperatively in 18 patients. In the other two patients, HH was asymptomatic and was diagnosed intra-operatively. Prosthetic reinforcement of crural closure was performed in two symptomatic cases with an HH > 5 cm. Mortality was nil and no complications occurred. After a mean follow-up of seven months, GERD symptoms resolution occurred in nine patients, while the other patients reported an improvement of reflux. Body mass index had fallen from 43.4 to 36.2 kg/m[2]. A laparoscopic hiatal repair with or without commercially available onlay reinforcement biologic mesh and a sleeve gastrectomy performed at the same time, was successful in controlling the reflux symptoms and reducing body weight

Effect of surgically implanted root-end filling materials on the structure of draining lymph nodes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

The success of endodontic surgery depends on the histocompatibility of the root-end filling material. Applications of nanotechnology improve their performance. Aim of the work was to compare the effect of a mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA]and a bioceramic nanoparticulate bioaggregate [BNB] on the histological structure of draining axillary lymph nodes of adult male albino rats after their surgical implantation into the skin. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups.The latter was subdivided into MTA and BNB surgically implanted subgroups. After 7 days, the rats were sacrificed. Paraffin sections from both the proximal part of the dorsal skin and draining axillary lymph nodes were processed for H and E staining.Lymph node sections were further subjected to silver reticulin, Verhoeff's Van Gieson stains as well as kappa light chains. Quantitative assessments and statistical analysis of the results were carried out. There was an increase in mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating the skin in the MTA subgroup. Lymph nodes of the MTA subgroup showed a marked decrease in the lymphocyte content of lymphatic nodules, wide lymph sinuses, multinucleate giant cells, and many macrophages. In the BNB-treated subgroup, lymphatic nodules had wide corona and small germinal centers. Reticular and collagen fibers were increased in the MTA subgroup. Kappa light chains' immunoreactions were strong positive in MTA and mild positive in BNB subgroups. A highly significant increase in the mean area% of all fibers and kappa light chain immunoexpression of lymph nodes of the MTA subgroup were observed. MTA had less biocompatibility. BNB showed limited signs of acute inflammation. BNB is an up-to-date alternative to the currently used root-end filling materials. The chronic effects caused by BNB may require further study

Student perception of small group teaching in first year MBBS at king Saud university medical college Saudi Arabia

To assess the students' perception of the small group teaching sessions in first year MBBS at King Saud University Medical College in Saudi Arabia. The study also evaluated the role of the tutors during the small group sessions. A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted at the end of the cardiovascular block during 2009-2010 academic year among the first year medical students at the King Saud Medical College [168 male and 104 female]. A 19-item questionnaire [in English language] that included closed-ended questions that addressed the issues of concern in the integrated curriculum in regards to small group sessions was administered on line. The overall response rate was 93%. The students were satisfied regarding the structure of the sessions [89.7%]. The students thought that their role was made clear [90.3%] and were satisfied about the location and the facilities [71.6%]. The students thought that the sessions were provocating [75.7%], helped them to be active learners [88.5%] and led them to be deep learners [87.2%]. The learning needs were made clear [62.5%]. The tutors were enthusiastic [81.2%] but offered plenty of information [61.2%]. The sessions were useful, taught life-long learning [78.7%], improved the students' abilities to think and solve problems [83%], developed their skills to work as a team [43.6% strongly agreed] and improved their communication skills [89.1%]. The students are generally happy with the small group session's structure and process. Tutors are enthusiastic and helpful. However, the tutors offered plenty of information and need re training

Parasite community of wild and cultured oreochromis niloticus from lake Manzalah, Egypt

A total of 323 O. niloticus [168 wild fishes and 155 cultured fishes] were collected from Lake Manzala, Egypt from July to September 2010. The fish samples were examined for both ectoparasites and endoparasites. The parasite community of wild and cultured, O. niloticus consisted of ten parasitic species, one protozoon [Trichodina spp.], six monogenea [Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. thurstonae, C. hallitypicus, C. tilapiae, C. ergensi, C. tiberianus], one acanthocephalan [Acanthogyrus [Acanthosentis] tilapiae] and two crustacean species [Lernaea cyprinacea and Ergasilus sp.]. Mean parasite species richness significantly differed between wild [4.9 +/- 0.3] and cultured [6.6 +/- 0.8]. The overall prevalence of infection in cultured O. niloticus [54.84%] was significantly higher as compared to that in wild fish [39.9%]. The most prevalent parasite was C. thurstonae [37.46%] and C. sclerosus [35.91%] while the less prevalent one was Ergasilus sp. [14.55%]. Host sex and host body size significantly affect parasitism in most parasite species

Factors affect adolescent's girl using reproductive health services

This is a descriptive study aimed at assess factors that affect adolescent's girls using reproductive health services. It was conducted at Technical School of Nursing [Ain Shams University]. The sample was consisted of 130 out of 170 student who complained from reproductive health problem and aged 14-19 year and agreed to participate in the study using purposive sample technique. Two tools used for data collection consisted of structured interview questionnaire and Likert rating scale. Results revealed student's nurse age ranged between less than 16 up to 19 years with mean age [17.1 + 1.02] . Concerning distribution of the study sample regarding their reproductive health problem. It was found the majority of them [88.46%] were had reproductive health problem while the minority of them [11.54%] were free of reproductive health problem. As regard students' knowledge about reproductive health and its services it was observed that majority of them [76.92%] were had poor knowledge while the minority of them [9.23%] were had average knowledge, in regarding to source of RH knowledge [77.63%] were from their family while the minority [3.85%] were from social worker. Concerning distribution of the study sample regarding to socioeconomic factors which prevent adolescent's girl using reproductive health services. It was found [83.85%] of them were a shamed from being examined, [12.31%] of them were have large family size. Regarding distribution of the study sample related to services factors which prevent adolescent's girl using reproductive health services, It was observed that [60%] of them was refused gender of the doctor while [36.92%] medicines are unavailable. In Conclusion the present study drew attention to a critical point that the adolescents face many factors prevent them to use reproductive health services include factors related to adolescent as a shamed from being examined, fear from painful examination and fear from examination, factor related provider as lack of nurses and doctor care of these age group and factor related to services as no presence of reproductive health clinics for adolescents .also the adolescents had poor knowledge and negative attitude toward reproductive health services. So the researcher recommend conduction of awareness programs about [ARHS] adolescent reproductive health services for adolescent girls, their family, teachers at schools and the community. And increase programs that improve availability and accessibility of adolescent reproductive health clinics