Reproductive Health Education Using Interactive Learning Approach among the University Students

@#Introduction: This study objectives were to evaluate the youth’s knowledge and awareness of reproductive health issues among the Hashemite University students and to measure the effectiveness of the interactive teaching approach in delivering the reproductive health knowledge course. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. The sample was 160 (two cohorts) undergraduate students who enrolled in the reproductive health course during two semesters at the Hashemite University. Quantitative data was collected from the students before and after receiving a reproductive health course. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions. Results: The study results showed an improvement in the reproductive health awareness level of students. There was a statistically significant increase in the total score of knowledge between the pretest (M = 19.97, SD = 3.89) and posttest (M = 21.65, SD = 4.03) for the first cohort at p =.00. There was a statistically significant increase in the total score of knowledge between pretest (M = 19.33, SD = 2.89) and posttest (M = 20.66, SD = 5.78) for the 2nd cohort at p =.00. Qualitative data revealed that the students were very interested in the reproductive health course and found it very useful for themselves, their families, friends, and society. Conclusion: The interactive learning approach was useful in teaching reproductive health course and increased university students’ awareness regarding reproductive health topics, which were important for students. It was recommended by students to teach reproductive health course to other students in all universities using interactive learning.

Development, implementation and evaluation of a medication safety programme for schoolchildren in Qatar

The objectives of this study were to assess the needs of schoolchildren relating to medication safety and to develop and implement a health promotion programme in Qatar. Semi-structured interviews were completed with teachers, nurses and school administrators at 2 primary schools in Doha. Two main themes were identified from these interviews, namely medication basics and medication safety. Subsequently, a 25-minute health promotion programme was developed and delivered to 11 groups of schoolchildren aged 6-10 years. The student groups contained both expatriate and local Qatari students. The programme was evaluated based on perceptions of site representatives, investigators and peer reviewers using a standardized evaluation form. All the evaluators agreed that the programme was beneficial and should be recommended to other schools in Qatar. This study can serve as a prototype for future programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and elsewhere

Morpho-physiological and biochemical criteria of acanthamoeba spp. isolated from the Egyptian aquatic environment

The free-living amoebae Acanthamoeba spp., have been recognized as etiologic agents of amoebic encephalitis, keratitis, otitis, lung lesions and other skin infections mainly in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from the Egyptian aquatic environment were surveyed. Some Acanthamoeba species were cultivated on non-nutrient agar. Isolated strains of Acanthamoeba were identification based on the morphology of trophic and cyst forms in addition to temperature and osmo-tolerance assays. Biochemical characterization of the isolated amoeba strains was performed using quantitative assay as well as qualitative determination of proteolytic activity in zymograph analysis. Potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species were isolated from all of the examined water sources. Colorimetric assays showed protease activity in the heat-tolerant isolates of Acanthamoeba. All pathogenic isolates of Acanthamoeba exhibited higher protease activity than did the non-pathogenic ones. The zymographic protease assays showed various banding patterns for different strains of Acanthamoeba. The incidence and prevalence of the pathogenic Acanthamoeba species in the aquatic environment using parasitological and biochemical diagnostic tools will provide baseline data against which the risk factors associated with waterborne transmission can be identified.

Role of intestinal microflora [Lactobadllus Acidophilus] in phagocytic function of leukocytes in type 2 diabetic patients

The prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes has steadily increased in the last decades. In addition to the genetic and environmental factors, gut microbiota may play an important role in the modulation of intermediary phenotypes leading to metabolic disease. Infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Chronic hyperglycemia impairs host defense mechanism such as cell mediated immunity, polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, and antibody formation. So we aimed to study the association between intestinal microflora [Lactobacilles acidophilus] count and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in humans with type 2 diabetes. The study included 20 type 2 diabetic patients with good glycemic control and 20 type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. In addition, 20 normal healthy subjects were included as normal controls. The fecal composition of L. acidophilus was detected using de Man Rogosa Sharp agar followed by further confirmation using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was assessed using the phagocytosis index%. Fecal L. acidophilus count was significantly increased among uncontrolled diabetic patients, while the phagocytosis index% was significantly reduced among the same patients. In uncontrolled diabetics, a significant positive correlation was observed between fecal L. acidophilus count and HbA1c and a significant negative correlation between phagocytic activity and L. acidophilus count. In conclusion, type 2 diabetes is associated with compositional changes in fecal L. acidophilus especially in the uncontrolled diabetes. The levels of glucose tolerance or severity of diabetes should be considered while linking the level of intestinal microbiota with a phagocytosis index of leukocytes

Scanning electron microscopy of Subulura brumpti from domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus from Taif, Saudi Arabia

The nematode Subulura brumpti is described from the caecae of the domestic fowl collected from Taif, Saudi Arabia. The surface topography of the worms is described using scanning electron microscopy. This included the description of mouth opening, sensory papillae, cuticular surface, copulatory spicules and copulatory papillae

Morphology and ultrastructure of the digenetic trematode calicophoron microbothrium from a cow in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Several digenetic trematode flukes belonging to the family Paramphistomidae were recovered from a cow slaughtered at Taif abattoir KSA. Parasites were identified as Calicophoron microbothrium [Tamily Paramphistomidae] .The surface tegumental structures and the anatomical details of the flukes were studied by making sagittal hand sections in the fluke and observations were made by scanning electron microscopy, which is a very useful technique in case of paramphis-tomes. This included the description of tegumental surface of the fluke, mouth opening and pharynx, acetabulum, genital atrium, caecum and eggs. Adult C. microbothrium is described for the first time using SEM from Saudi Arabia

Study of paraoxonasel activity and lipid peroxidation in selected male patients with the metabolic syndrome

Today, the metabolic syndrome is one of the major public health concerns as its prevalence increases worldwide with a subsequent predisposition to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and even mortality. Paraoxonasel [PONI] is a high-density lipoprotein HDL]-associated enzyme capable of hydrolyzing diverse substrates including oxidized phospholipids. The reactive oxygen species induced oxidative stress may play a role in the development of insulin resistance. The oxidative stress causes increased tissue/cellular damage manifested by lipid peroxidation. Was to study PNO1 activity and lipid peroxidation in male patients with the metabolic syndrome. The patients were neither diabetic nor hypertensive apart from mild to moderate hypertension. They were also free from coronary artery disease. 45 male patients the criteria of the metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP] were chosen in the study. They were chosen also to be nondiabetic, nonsmoker, non hypertensive or with mild to moderate degree of hypertension and not suffering coronary artery disease. 15 apparently healthy male, not fulfilling the criteria of the metabolic syndrome and age and culture matched, constituted the control group. All the chosen subjects underwent thorough clinical examination specially measuring waist circumference and the blood pressure. Fasting and postprandial serum glucose. high and low density lipoproteins, serum triglycerides, paraoxonasel activity and malonaldehyde were assayed. Compared with the controls, the patients bad significantly higher level of serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], fasting and postprandial glucose and fasting insulin. There were also significant higher measurements of waist circumference and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However the patients had lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C]. They were more insulin resistant as measured by HOMA index. Patients had higher serum malondialdhyde level and lower serum paraoxonasel [PNOl] activity when compared with the controls. There were positive correlations between HOMA index and waist circumference, fasting and postprandial serum glucose, serum triglycerides, serum malondialdhyde level. HOMA index was negatively correlated with HDL-C and PONT activity. There were positive correlations of PONT activity with HDL-C and serum triglycerides and no correlation waist circumference, while there were negative correlation of PONI activity with blood pressure and serum glucose levels. There were negative correlations of PONT activity with HOMA index and serum malondialdhyde level. Serum malondialdhyde level showed positive correlation with waist circumference, blood pressure levels, serum glucose levels, serum triglycerides. Serum malondialdhyde level showed negative correlation with PONT activity and HOMA index. It showed no correlation with HDL-C. Male patients with MetS, who were normotensive or not severely hypertensive and not yet developed DM or cardiovascular complications of MetS, had diminished serum paraoxonasel activity and increased lipid peroxidation. These were correlated with the degree of insulin resistance. These results pointed strongly to increased oxidative stress, The increased oxidative stress along with their atherogenig lipid profile indicated a proatherogenic state. We recommend that clinicians should deal with these hidden factors aiming to avoid MetS complications

Immunomodulatory therapy in chronic hepatitis C infection

The imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cytokine production may play an important role in immunopathogenesis of persistent HCV infection and disease progression. BCG vaccine induces TNF gamma, causing Th1 type immune response. This study aimed to demonstrate the immunomodulatory effect of BCG vaccine on the progression of Hepatitis C viral infection. Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C were included [Group I] as well as 10 healthy controls [Group II]. All participants were subjected to: clinical examination, laboratory investigations, HCV antibodies by ELISA, quantitative PCR for HCV, HBsAg, HBcAb, serum IL-4, serum IL-2, tuberculin test and BCG vaccine [patients only]. Tuberculin positive, diabetic and bilharzial patients were excluded. The previous work-up was repeated only to group I at 12 weeks after BCG vaccine. Showed significant statistical elevation of both IL-2 and IL-4 pre vaccination compared to controls. Significant statistical elevation in levels of IL-2 and lowering in levels of IL-4 at 12 weeks post vaccination occured in patients. Levels of IL-4 were still significantly higher than those of controls. A significant lowering of viremia as detected by quantitative PCR also occurred BCG vaccine could be considered a new line of immune therapy based on its immunomodulatory action on chronic hepatitis C patients

Detection of helicobacter pylori infection and upper gastrointestinal disorders among Zagazig university hospitals waste collectors: a comparative cross- sectional study

Hospital work, involving direct patient contact and poor sanitary conditions, constitutes a major risk factor for acquisition of H. pylori infection. 1] determining the prevalence and occupational risk of, pylori infection among hospital waste collectors, 2] identifying some of its associated risk factors, 3] investigating the validity of some non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in comparison with the gold-standard invasive test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy, 4] comparing the diagnostic performance of salivary H. pylori IgG with that of serum H. pylori IgG, and 5] determining the percentages of upper gastrointestinal [GIT] symptoms and the endoscopic findings among hospital waste collectors and assessing their relation to H. pylori infection. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 hospital waste collectors and 78 security and administrative workers from Zagazig University Hospitals as a control group. All participants filled pre-constructed questionnaires and were subjected to H. pylori stool antigen and serum and salivary anti-H. pylori IgG tests; while only 110 workers underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy and rapid urease test. The results revealed absence of significant occupational risk of H. pylori infection acquisition among hospital waste collectors compared to the controls. Moreover, Male sex, smoking habit, low socioeconomic status, poor personal hygiene, and family history of upper GIT complaints were the risk factors significantly associated with active H. pylori infection. Fecal antigen test had the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of H, pylori infection compared to the other non-invasive tests. Moreover, there was a fair degree of agreement between salivary and serum H. pylori IgG tests regarding their diagnostic performance [0.34]. Also, absence of statistical significant differences between both studied groups regarding the percentages of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and different endoscopic findings was revealed. Finally, current H. pylori infection was found to be significantly associated with different types of gastritis; however, normal mucosa by endoscopy didn't exclude the presence of H, pylori infection. So, improving the overall standard of living in our country, environmental sanitation, introducing effective anti-infective sanitary regulations at work, mass screening through either stool antigen or serum IgG or salivary IgG tests to detect infected persons, and proper treatment of infected persons are mandatory

Role of descending venography and endovenous embolization in treatment of females with lower extremity varicose veins, vulvar and posterior thigh varices

To evaluate the prevalence of refluxing pelvic veins among female patients with lower extremity varicose veins and the role of embolization treatment in these cases. Of 158 female patients suffering from primary varicose veins of the lower extremities presented to the Venous Disease Clinic at Dhahran Health Center between January 2002 and December 2004, 25 patients [15.8%] were noted to have vulvar or postero-medial thigh varices or both. Those were referred for trans-jugular descending pelvic venography with or without subsequent embolization of the contributing refluxing veins. Venous reflux contributing to the vulvoperineal or posterior thigh varices was detected in 23 patients [92%] on catheter venography. Left ovarian venous reflux was responsible for 60% of all cases. Embolization, using multiple coils, was successful in 18 patients with positive reflux [78.3%]. One patient had primary vulvar venous malformation that required additional percutaneous sclerotherapy using dehydrated ethanol. Four patients had femoro-saphenous reflux contributing to the varices and required subsequent surgical ligation excision. All treated cases showed significant improvement of their symptoms without any procedure related complications. In patients with vulvar or postero-medial thigh varicose veins, radiological study of ovarian and hypogastric venous reflux should be considered. Trans-jugular descending venography and embolization is a feasible, effective and safe diagnostic and therapeutic modality

effect of d-glucosamine sulfate on temporomandibular joint antigen induced arthritis in albino rats [histological, histocheniic and digital image analysis]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of d-glucosamine sulfate on tem-poromandibular joint arthritis. The present study was carried out on ninety male albino rats of average weight [150 - 20gmO]. These rats were divided into control healthy, arthritic arthritic nontreated and treated groups. Thirty rats for control and sacrificed parallel with group II and, III, thirty rats for group II [arthritic nontreated] which subdivided into three equal subgroup A, B,C they were sacrificed after arthritis induction by thirty, sixty, ninety days respectively and thirty rats for group III [treated group] which subdivided into three equal subgroups D, E, F. they were sacrificed after thirty, sixty and ninety days of treatment of arthritis respectively. The specimens were taken, fixed, demineralized and processed for paraffin sections. The sections were studied histologically, his-tochemically, statistically and digital image analysis.The results of this study, histologically; in group II there were side adhesion between the articular cartilage and the disc, thinning and irregularities of some parts of articular cartilage and destruction of subchondoral bone. These criteria decreased in severity from subgroup A to C. but in group III all these criteria in group II regenerated gradually from subgroup D to F which appeared nearly normal at subgroup F. Histochemically; in group II the collagen fibers were decreased and disarranged with matrix defect and loss of toludine blue stain, intense reaction to acid phosphatase, mild reaction to alkaline phosphatase. In group III the collagen fibers and matrix regenerated gradually from D to F after the treatment, very weak reaction to acid phosphatase and intense reaction to alkaline phosphatase. Digital image analysis revealed that the net collagen matrix was increased in group III more than group II. statistical analysis, there was significant increase in cartilage thickness and collagen matrix in group III more than group II.Based on the previous results we conclude that, treatment of temporomandibular joint arthritis by d-glucosamine sulfate leads to decrease the degenerative changes of osteoarthiritis in the joint, increases collagen formation, enhances the matrix formation and reduce the osteoarthritic pain. This paper was extracted from a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for master degree in oral biology by rehab r elzehery [demonstrator in oral biology, faculty of dentistry, man-soura university]

Cellular and humoral immune responses to recombinant Smp17.7 Schistosoma mansoni antigen

To determine the immunological responses to S. Mansoni antigen rSmp 17.7, a total of 184 subjects [174 patients from a schistosomiasis endemic area and 10 controls] was used. Proliferation, cytokine profile in culture supernatants from antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and specific IgG1, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgM and IgE levels were assessed. The highest stimulation index to rSmp 17.7 was detected in S. mansoni patients. The evaluation of the cytokine profile [IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma] in response to this antigen showed a significant increase as demonstrated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Specifically, IFN-gamma and IL-2 were significantly detected by flow cytometry. IgG1 and IgM were significantly increased. These results highlighted the importance of rSmp 17.7 as a candidate vaccine for schistosomiasis. The results facilitate to understand the mechanism of schistosome vaccine efficacy

Studies on the liver fluke fasciola in Egypt: III. spermatogenesis

The spermatogenesis of the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica isolated from Egypt was studied using electron microscopy. It begins with primary spermatogonium, which undergoes 3 mitotic and 2 meiotic divisions to give rise to 32 spermatids. The microtubule organizing center [MTOC] was clearly described in the present trematode. Spermatids become morphologically transformed into spermatozoa. The spermatozoon possesses two axonemes, each of 9 + [1] pattern of microtubules and two mitochondria. Phylogenetic relationships between Fasciola and other Platyhelminthes was also discussed

Studies on the liver fluke Fasciola in Egypt: II. ultra-structural and histochemical observations on the intestinal caeca

The alimentary tract of adult Egyptian liver fluke Fasciola gigantica was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy, the intestinal caecum was found to be composed of a single layer of epithelial cells, which contain numerous organelles such as mitochondria, well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum, few secretory gransules, and prominent nuclei, each containing a single nucleolus. The apical surface of the gut has numerous elongate lamellae extending into the lumen of the caecum. It was proposed that the intestinal epithelium has both secretory and absorptive functions. The localization of both carbohydrates and proteins within the intestinal cells of the fluke was also demonstrated. Results were discussed and compared with other studies on digenetic trematodes

Studies on the liver fluke fasciola morphometrical studies

A comparative scanning electron microscopy and morphometric study of the two geographically isolated species of Fasciola [F. heptica European isolate and F. gigantica from Egypt] was studied in order to Clarify their genetic relationships and specific identification. Although the present study revealed that most of the diagnostic morphological and morphometric criteria in the two species are highly variable, the position of the ventral sucker relative to the whole body length produced the most significant differentiating criterion, in addition to the presence of markedly larger tegumental papillae on the ventral surface of F. gigantica

Long- term effect of melatonin on submandibular salivary glands in old rats

The effect of melatonin on the submandibular salivary glands of old rats was studied using 20 control and 20 experimental rats which had received melatonin daily for 5 months. The glands were first weighed and then processed for light and electron microscopy. The glands of the melatonin rats were significantly heavier than the controls. With light microscopy, the control group showed a loss of normal architecture of the acini and multiple degenerative changes whereas in the melatonin group the acini had clear architecture and few degenerative changes. With electron microscopy, the control group again showed degenerative changes and little cellular activity whereas the melatonin group had features which indicated increased cellular activity

Scanning electron microscopic study of visible light curing effects on the oral mucous membrane

The present investigation was undertaken on rats to demonstrate the structural changes that took place after the exposure of the gingiva to a dental visible light curing unit. Sixteen rats were irradiated and four were considered as controls. The mandibular right first molar was exposed to radiation for 40 seconds. The animals were classified into four groups [4 experimental and 1 control] and were sacrificed immediately, 2 days, 4 days and 2 weeks after exposure. Specimens were processed for ultrastructural and light microscopic investigations. The results indicate that emission from dental light curing units can affect the oral mucous membrane and may reduce its functional abilities

Histological and ultrastructural study of submandibular salivary gland alterations following diclofenac sodium administration [experimenttal study]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of diclofenac sodium on the submandibular salivary gland through the light microscope [using H and E stain] and the transmission electron microscope. Light microscopical examination revealed structural degeneration and vacuolization of acinar cells in diclofenac sodium treated rats, with dilatation of the ductal lumina and apparent chronic inflammatory cells infiltration together with red blood cells extravasation. The examination of the submandibular salivary glands of treated rats, in electron microscope, revealed the serous acinar cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and few cytoplasmic organelles. There was extensive coalescence of the mucous secretory granules and the lumina of the mucous acini were abnormally distended and filled with the mucous secretory materials. In both serous and mucous acinar cells, the mitochondria were few and altered, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum was significantly inconspicuous. The nuclei were heterochromatic with irregular nuclear outlines

Trypanosoma mega [Kinetoplastida] from bufo viridis in Siwah Oasis, Egypt

A large pleomorphic trypanosome [identified as Trypanosoma mega] was described from the toad Bufo viridis collected from Siwah Oasis at the Western Desert of Egypt. The prevalence of the trypanosome was 83.3%. Three trypanosome forms were described [small, intermediate and large stumpy form]. Observations were also made on the lysed [diffused] trypanosomes. This was the first record of T. mega from B. viridis in Egypt, which represents a new host and new geographical location. The measurements of the present trypanosome were given and compared with related forms previously described from Egypt

Studies on the helminth parasites of birds from Egypt: 1-trematoda and cestoda

A total number of 1019 wild birds was examined, 486 of which were found to be infected with one or more species of helminth parasites. Digeneans were recovered from 151 and cestodes from 249 birds. Out of 20 helminth species recovered, 10 were found as new [7 trematodes and 3 cestodes]. The prevalence and the effect of concurrent infection on the most frequently occurring helminth parasites were recorded and discussed. A review of all the trematode and cestode parasites previously described from the Egyptian birds was also given