Evaluation Of Renal Stones By Computed Tomography And Its Correlation With Urine Ph And Biochemical Analysis

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the composition of renal stones by non chemical analysis that is by use of computed tomography (CT) values in Hounsfield Units (HU) and to compare the results of biochemical stone analysis collected post surgically done in biochemistry lab. Methodology: This is a prospective study, included pa-tients in age group of 25 –60yrs. Patients who were referred to radiology department from Urology and also pa-tients referred from surgery with complaints of loin pain, groin pain, hematuria, crystalluria were recruited for the study. About 100 patients were screened with first line modality of ultrasound evaluation for identifying the pres-ence of stone in kidney, later on positive confirmation from ultrasound evaluation they were further subjected to CT scan evaluation. “Urine was collected from all the patients with renal stones and urine pH was measured. Stones collected post surgically were used for the biochemical analysis to know the chemical composition of the stonesRESULTS: The stone removed from the patients of this group contain high calcium content. Most of the stones re-moved from bladder comprises two categories 1.uric acid (mainly) 2.large stones more than 20 mm size were proved to be calcium stones possibly related to greater sunlight exposure, resulting in increase in insensible fluid losses and increase in vitamin D production. We obtained a reference from hounsfield units value from stones collected post surgically from the urological department. The stones are categorized into three types -Pure highly reflective crystal-line white stones, Stones which appears most mostly black, Complex mild yellow stones. Conclusion: CT may enable accurate in vivo characterization of kidney stone composition.

Neurocysticercosis: A case report and brief review

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the seven neglected endemic zoonoses targeted by the World Health Organization. It is considered a common infection of the nervous system caused by the Taenia solium and is known to be the primary cause of preventable epilepsy in many developing countries. NCC is commonly resulted by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs after consuming undercooked pork, or contaminated water. The parasite can grow in the brain and spinal cord within the nervous system, causing severe headache and seizures beside other pathological manifestations. Immigration and international travel to endemic countries has made this disease common in the United States. NCC can be diagnosed with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The treatment of the NCC including cysticidal drugs (e.g., albendazole and praziquantel), and neurosurgical procedure, depending upon the situation. A patient of Asian origin came to our clinic with complaints of dizziness, headaches and episodes seizures for the past twelve years without proper diagnosis. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated multilobulated cystic mass in the brain with the suspicion of neurocysticercosis.

Hepatic and renal damage induced by oxidative stress are improved by administration of enalapril and nicorandil in diabetic rats

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in tissue damage occurring in diabetes mellitus [DM]. A number of studies reported that antioxidants can attenuate the complications of DM. The present work was undertaken to study the histopathological and biochemical effects of oxidative stress on hepatic and renal tissue in streptozotocin-induced DM in rats, and to evaluate the role of enalapril and nicorandil and their combination in combating oxidative stress-induced pathological effects. Diabetic rats were divided into groups of six rats and received 10mgkg, intraperitoneally of enalapril [an angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor that is used in the treatment of hypertension], 10lmg/kg, orally of nicorandil [a potassium channel opener which is effective in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris] and their combination once daily for one month. Analysis of plasma and tissue parameters of oxidative stress was done. In addition, specimens were taken from the liver and kidney for histopathological examination. Plasma of diabetic rats showed significant elevation of glucose level and alteration in oxidative stress parameters, Cytochernical studies on hepatic and renal tissues showed altered levels of oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological examination of hepatic and renal specimens showed degenerative changes. Treatments of the diabetic rats with enalapril, nicorandil and their combination led,to improvement of the abnormalities in oxidative stress parameters and also in the histopathological abnormalities of the liver may be and kidney. These results indicate that oxidative stress an important cause of the structural damage occurring in many organs in DM, even in early stages of the disease. The antioxidant activities of enalapril, nicorandil and their combination may play an important role in protection against oxidative stress in DM

Neurocysticercosis: A case report and brief review

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the seven neglected endemic zoonoses targeted by the World Health Organization. It is considered a common infection of the nervous system caused by the Taenia solium and is known to be the primary cause of preventable epilepsy in many developing countries. NCC is commonly resulted by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs after consuming undercooked pork, or contaminated water. The parasite can grow in the brain and spinal cord within the nervous system, causing severe headache and seizures beside other pathological manifestations. Immigration and international travel to endemic countries has made this disease common in the United States. NCC can be diagnosed with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The treatment of the NCC including cysticidal drugs (e.g., albendazole and praziquantel), and neurosurgical procedure, depending upon the situation. A patient of Asian origin came to our clinic with complaints of dizziness, headaches and episodes seizures for the past twelve years without proper diagnosis. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated multilobulated cystic mass in the brain with the suspicion of neurocysticercosis.

CXCR3 renal expression in glomerulonephritis in children: is there a connection with the course of the disease?

Glomerulonephritis [GN] is a common childhood disease that may represent a significant cause of chronic kidney disease at one point of its course. The role of chemokines in glomerulonephritis, has been long anticipated and studied and the possible link between certain chemokines and different renal pathologies, if proved, can pave the road for future use of such markers for early prognosis and possible therapies for this common disease. Objective: in this study, we aimed at detecting CXCR3 in the renal biopsies done for children with glomerulonephritis and to correlate it to the nature of renal pathology and response to therapy. Methods: The glomerular and interstitial expression of CXCR3 in renal biopsies done for 22 patients with glomerulonephritis was studied using immunohistochemical staining. Pathologies already diagnosed in these biopsies were proliferative GN [mesangioproliferative GN, diffuse proliferative GN, focal proliferative GN, IgA nephropathy and crescentic GN] as well as non-proliferative GN [Minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, diffuse mesangial sclerosis and advanced hypertensive nephrosclerosis]. History, clinical findings and laboratory investigations in the initial presentation and at the time of the study were obtained. Results: The degree of glomerular and interstitial CXCR3 expression did not vary with gender, age of presentation, response to steroids, or cumulative doses of steroids. Percentage of strong glomerular CXCR3 expression was much higher in proliferative GN compared to non-proliferative GN although the difference was not statistically significant, percentage of renal dysfunction was more among strong glomerular and mild/moderate interstitial CXCR3 expression with no statistically significant difference from the counterparts. Conclusion: Our study revealed that enhanced CXCR3 renal expression on glomerular and interstitial levels did not affect the response to steroids along the course of the disease and so can probably act as a therapeutic target rather than a prognostic marker

Establishing molecular microbiology facilities in developing countries

Microbiology laboratories play an important role in epidemiology and infection control programs. Within microbiology laboratories, molecular microbiology techniques have revolutionized the identification and surveillance of infectious diseases. The combination of excellent sensitivity, specificity, low contamination levels and speed has made molecular techniques appealing methods for the diagnosis of many infectious diseases. In a well-equipped microbiology laboratory, the facility designated for molecular techniques remains indiscrete. However, in most developing countries, poor infrastructure and laboratory mismanagement have precipitated hazardous consequences. The establishment of a molecular microbiology facility within a microbiology laboratory remains fragmented. A high-quality laboratory should include both conventional microbiology methods and molecular microbiology techniques for exceptional performance. Furthermore, it should include appropriate laboratory administration, a well-designed facility, laboratory procedure standardization, a waste management system, a code of practice, equipment installation and laboratory personnel training. This manuscript lays out fundamental issues that need to be addressed when establishing a molecular microbiology facility in developing countries

study of the changes for pesticide residues after preparation and cooking potatoes and its effect on Albino rat

Food safety is an area of growing worldwide concern on account of its direct bearing on human health. Pesticides [ insecticides, fungicides, etc.] are used globally for the protection of food. The presence of harmful pesticide residues in food has caused a great concern among the consumers. This study aimed to determine and investigate the changes of pesticide residues in potatoes during preparation and processing, and investigating the health effects of pesticide residues on albino rats. Potatoes was collected from local market and analyzed for pesticide residues, imidaclopride, metalaxyl, and cloropropham were found. Results showed that all processing and preparing technique led to a decrease in pesticide residues. Treating potatoes by cooking [ boiling, streaming, grilling, roasting, frying, and microwave] led to reduce in imidaclopride residues by 99.71%, 94.71%, 99.43%, 98.14%, 98.42% and 90% respectively. While metalaxyl residues was reduced by 95.7%, 91.71%, 69.29%, 93.14%, 94.95% and 52.29% respectively. Cloropropham residues were reduced by 72.96%, 59.26%, and 51.85%, 37.04%, 62.96% and 41.67%, respectively. Feeding albino rats basal diet and different cooked potatoes led to significant increase [p<0.05] in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and MDA levels compared to positive control group. While there was no significant difference in serum total protein levels in all treated groups. The study demonstrate that in most cases processing leads to reductions in residues level in the cooked potatoes, particularly through boiling, but pesticide residues affect liver function and lipid oxidation. In addition it causes histological changes in the liver and lungs of rats

Renal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in lupus nephritis the pediatric age groupin

Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] plays a crucial role in preservation of renal functions and may also serve as a useful biomarker in monitoring the progression of lupus nephritis [LN]]. We thought to correlate VEGF expression in the kidney with renal histopathology in lupus nephritis to unveil its possible relation to disease activity and severity. We consecutively enrolled 15 patients with lupus nephritis and ten renal biopsy specimens from patients with cystic renal diseases as controls. The study measurements included SLEDAI, SLICC/ ACR damage index and BILAG renal score. Paraffin sections from renal biopsies were subjected to routine haematoxylin and eosin staining and Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF. Results: Among SLE patients, 7 [46.7%] showed mild expression of VEGF, 5 [33.3%] showed moderate while 3 [20%] had strong expression of the marker. On the contrary, the control samples [100%] revealed strong marker expression. All subjects with class IV and V lupus nephritis had mild renal expression of VEGF. Renal expression of VEGF had a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and complement C3 levels. The 24 hours' excretion of urinary proteins had a significant negative correlation with the renal expression of the marker. On the other hand, the activity indices and therapeutic modalities did not correlate with VEGF expression. Conclusion: This pilot study among pediatric cases of SLE revealed mild to moderate VEGF expression in most cases of proliferative LN. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the consequences of this finding on the prognosis of the disease

Prevalence of schistosomiasis among patients attending qena general hospital over the years 2011 and 2012

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Egypt. To detect the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Qena Governorate, 1601 urine and stool samples of patients attending Qena General Hospital were examined of whom 1601 patients had urinary symptoms and 893 patients had dysentery and bloody stool. Sheets were filled out on each patient. Also, a total of 7590 Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were collected from water bodies in Qena Governorate. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 13.9%; with maximum among 6-18 year-old age group and higher in males than in females. Risk factors for S. haematobium infection were this age group; particularly males. However, males swim and play in water bodies and women wash cloths and utensils there, and children swimming or playing in canals. The S. haematobium peak of infection was in winter correlated with the highest prevalence in Dandara City, Qena City, Awlad-Amr and El Hijarat. S. mansoni were negative in the examined individuals. The infective rate among snails was 1.82% in B. truncatus and 0.0% among B. alexandrina and M. tuberculata

Establishment of callus and cell suspension cultures of cassia bicapsularis L.

Callus cultures were initiated from leaf of Cassia bicapsularis L. on solid Murashige and Skoog [MS] basal medium supplemented with different growth regulators. Excellent growth of callus was obtained in medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2, 4-D] and grown in the dark. The obtained callus was subcultured every 4 weeks in the dark at 25°C. The Callus was compact, yellowish brown in color and used for establishment of cell suspension cultures. Maximum growth of suspension cultures was achieved in medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 2, 4-D and 0.1 mg/l kinetin. The growth rate of cells was initially slow but as the cultures proceeded, the growth increased significantly over a period of 22 days then the growth of cells was stable for 35 days

Detection and identification of staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins in some milk products and their handlers

Background: Staphylococus aureus may contain one or more genes that encode staphylococcal enterotoxins [SE] that cause food poisoning. The previously known toxins were the five major classical types; however, with the extensive analysis of the S. aureus genome, new genes encoding enterotoxin-like superantigens have been identified. Milk and dairy products are frequently contaminated with enterotoxigenic S. aureus, which is often involved in staphylococcal food poisoning; these contaminations are either from animal or human sources

Aim of the work: To detect the presence and prevalence of coagulase positive S. aureus in milk, kariesh cheese and ice-cream samples and in nasal swabs and stool samples from milk handlers, and to detect types of S. aureus enterotoxins by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE], and to detect the type of enterotoxins genes by PCR

Material and Methods: 250 samples of Milk, ice-cream, kariesh cheese, nasal swabs and stool samples from milk handlers were examined for the presence of Coagulase positive Staph aureus, using Mannitol salt agar, Baird-Parker agar, tube coagulase test, and latex agglutination test for protein A and capsular polysaccharides. Confirmed S. aureus isolates were examined for the production of SEs using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE], and the type of SE genes by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]

Results: Coagulase positive S. aureus isolates were detected in 82% of Staph colonized raw milk, 80% of Staph colonized ice-cream and 82.3% of Staph colonized kariesh cheese samples and 86.6% of Staph colonized nasal swabs, and 60% of Staph colonized stool samples; with 70.9% of total samples staph colonization exceeds the Egyptian standards. Collectively, 44.3% of coagulase positive S. aureus isolates were enterotoxigenic and the highest percentages were detected in raw milk taken directly from animals [75%] and kariesh cheese from street distributors [66.6%]. In all samples, the major classical enterotoxin genotype was SEA which was detected in 44.4% of toxigenic isolates. SEC was detected in 22.2% of isolates and SED in 18.5% of isolates. SEB could not be detected. For the newly described genes, SEG was detected in 7.4% of isolates and SEH in 7.4% of isolates

Conclusions: Raw milk and some dairy products in the markets in Assuit Governorate rural areas-Egypt, are contaminated with enterotoxigenic S. aureus. The most common type in both milk and dairy products as well as in nasal swabs and stool samples was SEA which is known to be less common among strains from animal origin than from human. Nasal and fecal carriage in human milk handlers is considered a primary source of contamination of milk and dairy products

Selective IgA deficiency among children with recurrent infection

Aim of the study: to evaluate the incidence of IgA deficiency among children suffering from recurrent infections that were suspected to have a primary immunodeficiency disorder from the Assiut Pediatrics University Hospitals, in a hope that this would be the first step to establish a wider epidemiological study including the whole suspected primary immunodeficiency [PID] patients in the country

Methods: This study included 80 cases suffering from recurrent infections that were suspected to have a PID disorder from the Assiut Pediatrics University Hospitals. And eight apparently normal infants and children, age and sex matched that were enrolled as control in the period from July 2011 to May 2012. All children included in the study were subjected to the initial evaluation of immunocompetence which includes a clinical history and physical examination, and investigated for complete blood picture, ESR, Plain chest X-ray when indicated, Screening for serum level of IgA by Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay [ELISA] and Radial Immuno-Diffusion [RID]. Patients with proved IgA deficiency were assayed for IgG and IgM

Results: Out of the 80 patients studied, 4 [5%] patients [group I] had laboratory evidence of IgA deficiency; three of them had IgG and IgM within normal level so they were diagnosed as selective IgA deficiency and one [25%] patient had low IgG and normal IgM level so that was diagnosed as common variable immunodeficiency disorder [CVID]. The mean values of age at onset of symptoms, age at diagnosis and the diagnosis lag were 10, 37.25 and 27.25 respectively

The diagnosis delay ranges from 2 months to 7 years. Parents' consanguinity was evident in our study, since 3/4 [75%] patients of group I were the products of consanguineous parents while the ratio was lesser in group II18/76 [23.7%] patients. The current study showed that patients with severe infections had significantly lower IgA levels, younger age and had earlier onset of recurrent infections than patients with less severe infections. There was no specific sex predilection in patients with IgA deficiency. There were no significant differences in both the total leucocytic, absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil counts or hemoglobin level in patients with selective IgA deficiency when compared to patients with normal IgA levels. The duration of infections was significantly longer in patients with selective IgA deficiency [mean: 11.5 days] when compared to patients with normal IgA levels [mean: 9.18 days]

Microbiological assay of colistin sulfate antibiotic in pharmaceutical formulations

A simple, sensitive and specific agar cup diffusion bioassay for the antibacterial Colistin sulfate was developed. Using a strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 as the test organism, Colistin sulfate at concentrations ranging from 100 to 1600 micro g/ml could be measured in pharmaceuticals. A prospective validation of the method showed that the method was linear [r[2]= 0.999], precise [RSD< 2.8%] and accurate [percent recovery ranges between 98-102%]. The method shows that results confirm its precision, not differing significantly from the other method described in the literature. We conclude that microbiological assay is satisfactory using Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 for quantitation of in-vitro antibacterial activity of Colistin sulfate

Deterioration of testicular functions in adult male rabbit after exposure to mobile phone radiation with impending recovery

The accumulate effects of electromagnetic field [EMF] release from mobile phones have many effects on multiple organs. Nevertheless, its effect on testicular function is still debated. The objective of the study is to clarify the alterations in testicular functions after exposure to electromagnetic radiation of mobile phone and to investigate the possibility of recovery. Eighteen adult male rabbits are enrolled into 3 groups: control, exposed and recovery group. Tine exposed and recovery groups are exposed to mobile phones in standby position for 18 hours /day and six day/week for 14 weeks. After that, the recovery group was monitored for another 14 weeks. exposure to EMR induced a significant drop in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm fast forward motility at the 6[th], 12[th] and 9[th] week respectively and get maximum inhibition at the 14[th] week. These finding were concomitant with degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells of Leydig. These negative effects may be attributed to the detectable decrease in the serum level of testosterone, gonadotophic hormones, increase the level of oxidative stress and direct deterioration of testicular tissue. The other study points [body and testicular weight, body temperature and percentage of sperm morphology and live sperm] did not show any alteration. Recovery period significantly ameliorated the suppressed testicular functions and also, restored the hormonal and oxidative biomarkers within the 14 weeks. the longitudinal exposure to EMR causes testicular dysfunction that may be mediated by hormonal disturbances, oxidative stress or direct damage on testicular tissue that could reverse and improve within the recovery period

Genetically confirmed fasciola hepatogigantica N.SP.

Identification of liver fluke species cannot be achieved by clinical, pathological, coprological or immunological methods. However, the differential diagnosis between F. hepatica and F. gigantica infection is very important because of their different pathological manifestations. Moreover, in countries where the two species co-exist, morphologically intermediate forms were reported. The present study aimed to identify these forms by the use of molecular characterization of DNA sequence. Based on morphometric criteria, adults of Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica and intermediate forms were collected from naturally infected sheep and cattle from various regions of Sohag Governorate. A simple and rapid new method [QIAamp DNA Mini Kit] was used to isolate DNA from the worms and their RELP patterns were obtained after digestion of the PCR products with AvaII restriction enzymes. The result of a regular PCR experiment for the amplification of the selected 28S rDNA fragment with the designed primer set yielded identical 618- bp-long PCR products for the three types of Fasciola where the RFLP profile obtained from F. hepatica revealed four fragments of 628, 575, 165 and 95 bp, and F. gigantica generated three fragments corresponding to 628, 358 and 300 bp fragments whereas the intermediate forms revealed four fragments of 628, 541, 358 and 300 bp, which were similar to those of F. gigantica but with a distinctive fragment of 541. These results confirmed that three species are present in our locality: F. hepatica, F. gigantica and an intermediate form which was named F. hepatogigantica n.sp. on basis of having few morphometric characters from F. hepatica [length and pattern of uterine coils] but genetically they were more related to F. gigantica

Gasification kinetics of date palm seed using carbon dioxide

Gasification is a well-known reaction owing to its relevance to generation of sustainable energy from biomass and development of porous carbons. The present paper attempts to experimentally investigate the kinetics of palm shell char gasification using carbon dioxide [CO[2]] in a controlled environment using Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer [TGA] at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1000°C. A relevant kinetic model representing the experimental data was identified by fitting the experimental data with popular semi empirical kinetic models such as Linear Model [LM], Volume Reaction Model [VRM], Shrinking Core Model [SCM], and Random Pore Model [RPM]. The model kinetic parameters were evaluated by minimizing the sum of root mean square error [RMSE]. Among the models tested the RPM exhibited very close adherence to the experimental data evidenced from the minimum RMSE of 0.0046. The ability of the RPM model to represent the gasification kinetics was attributed to its ability to account for the pore growth during initial stages of gasification and destruction of pores due to coalescence in later stages of gasification. The rate of reaction increased with increase in temperature and activation energy was found to be 64.5 KJ/mol

An Audit Investigating the Usefulness of a Hospital-Based 4-Week First Postoperative Review Following Routine Cataract Surgery.

Aim: Timing of postoperative review after routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery in the English National Health Service is not specified in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Cataract Surgery Guidelines. There are wide variations in when the first postoperative review occurs in routine practice. This audit assesses the usefulness of a 4-week first postoperative review in the hospital setting, in the context of high volume routine cataract surgery. Setting: Manchester Royal Eye Hospital cataract treatment centre based at Withington Hospital, UK. Methods: Retrospective review of 200 consecutive sets of case notes of patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery with standard 4-week postoperative review using a proforma. Results: 88% of patients were discharged at the 4-week review for this episode. 4.5% of patients required earlier unplanned review. 16.5% of patients experienced a postoperative problem, anterior uveitis was the commonest complication. 15% of patients were referred from the postoperative clinic for investigation or continuing management of co-existing ocular disease. Conclusions: A four-week hospital-based first post-operative review following routine cataract surgery does not serve the purpose of treating sight-threatening complications. A substantial proportion of routine cataract surgery patients (88%) were discharged at this review. A routine 4-week follow-up review may therefore not be required within a hospital setting in many cases. It would be a reasonably safe option to consider early discharge of such patients to an accredited community optometrist for routine postoperative review and refraction in the presence of careful patient selection and good access to emergency eye care facilities.

Antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial activities of the aerial parts of polygonum bellardii all

The methanolic extract of Polygonum bellardii All [flowering aerial parts] and its fractions in addition to the isolated compounds [1-6] showed significant antioxidant potential by DPPH scavenging activity technique. It also showed hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride [CC[4] induced hepatic injury in albino rats. The fractions exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria in addition to antifungal activity. The total methanolic extract of Polygonum bellardii All did not show signs oftoxicity and mortality up to 4 g/kg dose. Determination of total flavonoid content with respect to quercetin spectrophotometrically indicated the presence of 185. 2 +/- 1.03 mg/g dried extract

Teaching of major communicable diseases in Sudanese medical schools: a critical look

This descriptive, cross-sectional study of Sudanese medical schools aimed to describe and analyse the proportion of their curricula currently allocated for teaching of communicable diseases and to assess the teaching methods and student assessment tools. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from heads of departments and students in 20 of the 27 medical faculties and from ministry of health staff at federal and state levels. Curriculum designs ranged from traditional to innovative, community-oriented programmes. Problems regarding student evaluations were identified. Major limitations included shortages of staff, reference materials and teaching aids. Poor knowledge of students about different aspects of diseases endemic in Sudan was found. Recommendations include curriculum development, staff recruitment and training, and improvement of teaching and training of students

Verbal and physical abuse against Jordanian nurses in the work environment

This descriptive cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and sources of verbal and physical workplace abuse in the last 6 months, the nurses' reactions to abuse, and their opinions about it. Data were collected by questionnaire from 447 nurses working in various departments in 3 hospitals in Amman. The prevalence of verbal and physical abuse was 37.1% and 18.3% respectively. Younger, less experienced nurses and those in emergency and intensive care departments experienced more abuse. Patients and their relatives were the usual abusers. Only 35.1% of the abused nurses reported it; of those that did not, 57.1% thought it was useless to do so, while 34.2% thought they could handle the incident without help. Over half of the abused nurses considered leaving nursing and felt their quality of work decreased because of the abuse. Negative societal image of nurses [64%] and poor support from hospital authorities [60%] were the factors the nurses believed most contributed to abuse