Brucellosis trend and effect of domestic livestock vaccination on disease incidence in human

Worldwide, brucellosis continues to be an important public health problem primarily in the Mediterranean region. Vaccination of animals is the suitable method for controlling the infection and this must be the first step for elimination of the disease. The present study is an observational study conducted during the year 2007 at Saudi Arabia. The total number of cases included in the study was 32376, which included all confirmed cases of brucellosis in the period from 2000-2006. Cases were obtained from Ministry of Health Infectious Diseases Department Surveillance data base of reportable disease. Data included: age, sex, nationality, incidence of the disease, common prevalent species of brucella. The incidence of the disease was 72.1 per 100,000 populations in year 1990. After implementation of animal vaccination the disease incidence decreased to reach less than 17 per 100,000 populations in year 2005 and 2006 and the trend was decreasing. Saudi persons represent most of cases [84.54%] compared to non-Saudi [15.46%] and males were more affected than females. Age category 15-44 was more commonly affected and brucella abortus and melitensis were the most frequent species, The disease was prevalent in regions with raising livestock [Qassin, Hail, Hafer Albatin, Bisha, and Qunfuza]. Age category 15-44 was more commonly affected. Disease trend was rising before animal vaccination. After implementation of domestic animal vaccination, the trend of the disease progressively declined. Brucella abortus and melitensis were the most frequent species

Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density among women aged 40 years and above

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that is increasing in prevalence as our population ages. Knowledge of the risk factors and early diagnosis of the disease can prevent and reduce disease complications, especially fractures. This study was designed to estimate the risk factors for low bone mineral density [BMD]; [osteopenia or osteoporosis] among women aged >/= 40 years. the study included one hundred and forty four [144] women aged >/= 40 years who met the inclusion criteria of the study. All participants were selected from the outpatient clinic of physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine, Tanta University hospital. They completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, reproductive and life-style risk factors for low [BMD]. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken and bone mineral density was measured by the ultra-sonography at the heel, and was expressed in T-score in this study the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Most of women with low BMD were of low educational level and housewives. The differences were statistically significant. Physical activities were more frequent among women with normal BMI] than those with low BMD but walking space was the only statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between bone mineral density versus advancing in age and increased postmenopausal years. There was a positive correlation between bone mineral density versus weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold and calcium intake. Body mass index for normal BMD women [30.17 +/- 2.50] was higher compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [29.04 +/- 2.85 and 27.07 +/- 1.32 respectively] the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58 30 [36.15% were o'steopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density were: low educational level, nonwor king [house wife], advanced age, low body mass index, low triceps skin fold, less physical activity and low calcium intake. The study recommended improving the educational level of women and application of health education programs about the risk factors for osteoporosis, especially those which can be modified such as the nutritional status, calcium intake and physical activity

effect of educational intervention on knowledge and risk perception of health care workers towards avian influenza

Avian influenza has emerged as the primary public health concern of the 21st century. Although various strains of avian influenza have been recognized for decades; the scope, lethality and mutability of Asian H5N1 subtype make it a likely source of the next human influenza pandemic-an event that could kill millions. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and risk perception toward avian influenza in human and the effect of educational intervention program [workshop] in improving health team's perception of the problem. The study was conducted among 53 health care workers in Saudi Arabia using a pretest/posttest to evaluate the effect of educational intervention program in improving health team knowledge, practice and risk perception regarding avian influenza and the potential influenza pandemic. The study reported that before intervention, Physicians had significant better knowledge [78.10%] regards optimal time to give oseltamivire for treatment after beginning of symptoms compared to paramedics [52.40%]. Most physicians practice hand wash after contact with poultry compared to 81% of paramedics. Most paramedics [90.40%] lack knowledge about treatment of the disease by oseltamivire than physicians [50%]. Higher percent of paramedics [57.10%] did not practice precautions while in bird market/shops than physicians [43.60%]. After intervention, A significant higher percent of physicians have good knowledge about mode of transmission than paramedics [46.90% and 19.10% respectively]. About two thirds of physicians [59.40%] had better knowledge regard incubation period of the disease compared to 33.30% for paramedics with the difference significant. Also physicians were more knowledgeable about disease manifestation and standard case definition than paramedics [42.90% and 3.10% respectively]. Among physicians, there was significant improvement in knowledge and practice after intervention. There was significant improvement in precautions while in poultry market, practice hand wash after poultry touch and keep disinfectant for use after poultry touch or polluted surfaces. Among paramedics, There was significant improvement in knowledge after intervention while, there was no significant improvement in items related to practice and risk perception. Before intervention, physicians had better knowledge than paramedics. While practice and risk perceptions were low for both. After intervention, there was significant improvement in knowledge items and to some extent in practice and risk perception for physicians compared to paramedics

Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density among women aged 40 years and above

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that is increasing in prevalence as our population ages. Knowledge of the risk factors and early diagnosis of the disease can prevent and reduce disease complications, especially fractures. This study was designed to estimate the risk factors for low bone mineral density [BMD]; [osteopenia or osteoporosis] among women aged>/=40 years. A cross sectional study included one hundred and forty four [144] women aged>/=40 years who met the inclusion criteria of the study [purposive sample]. All participants were selected from the outpatient clinic of physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine, Tanta University hospital. They completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, reproductive and life-style risk factors for low [BMD]. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken and bone mineral density was measured by the ultra-sonography at the heel, and was expressed in T-score. In this study the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Most of women with low BMD were of low educational level and housewives. The differences were statistically significant. Physical activities were more frequent among women with normal BMD than those with low BMD but walking space was the only statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between bone mineral density versus advancing in age and increased postmenopausal years. There was a positive correlation between bone mineral density versus weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold and calcium intake. Mean age of normal BMD women [48.80 +/- 5.36] was lower compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [55.69 +/- 8.89 and 58.75 +/- 3.39 respectively]. Body mass index for normal BMD women [30.17 +/- 2.50] was higher compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [29.04 +/- 2.85 and 27.07 +/- 1.32 respectively]. The frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Risk factors and determinants associated with low bone mineral density were: low educational level, nonworking [house wife], advanced age, low body mass index, low triceps skin fold, less physical activity and low calcium intake. The study recommended improving the educational level of women and application of health education programs about the risk factors for osteoporosis, especially those which can be modified such as the nutritional status, calcium intake and physical activity

study of physicians' knowledge concerning the legal aspects of medicalisurgical profession at medical and surgical departments in Alexandria Main University Hospital [AMUH]

Objective: to investigate physicians' knowledge about the legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at internal medicine and surgical departments at AMUH in the period from 16/3/2004 to 30/4/2004. Data was collected through a specifically designed self-administered questionnaire handed-out to 506 personnel comprising all physicians, including house-officers, presently working in study departments. Data collection tool was composed of three sections, first section included seven items covering physicians' personal and professional attributes; second section, comprised a forty-three-item scale measuring physicians' knowledge about legal aspects of their profession; and a third five-item section covering other inquiry points. One hundred and sixty six physicians responded

Results: 65.7% of physicians had a poor overall knowledge level and 98.2% had no previous training pertaining to legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. Approximately [four-fifths] 81.9% were dissatisfied with their level of knowledge about legal aspects of medicine, yet, 86.1% were interested to be trained. About one-third [34%] of licensed physicians had been involved in legal difficulties related to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was demonstrated that residents, assistant lecturers and lecturers were the categories most liable to have legal difficulties due to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was concluded that medicine and law meet in some very important ways, together, these two domains of knowledge tackle such subjects as professional confidentiality, sanctity of the dead, euthanasia, informed consent, torts, and definition of death to name a few. Though healthcare is a high-risk industry, this study revealed that physicians at AMUH, had an overall poor level of knowledge regarding the legal aspects of medical/surgical responsibility; however, the majority was dissatisfied with this lack of knowledge and interested in having training programs specifically designed to cover the legal aspects of medical/surgical practice. It was recommended that physicians and students should be made more familiar with the theories and procedures involved in medical malpractice through specifically designed educational programs formulated to continuously make physicians adequately knowledgeable about sources of torts and malpractice risk according to Egyptian Law. Risk management was presented as a preventive strategy to protect customer, provider, and institution against malpractice and litigation. Embracing clinical expectations [guidelines] within the context of QI was also advised

Is vernix caseosa a protective material to the newborn? A biochemical approach.

Twenty random samples of vernix caseosa were collected from immediately born neonates, in Jamahiriya Hospital, Benghazi. Biochemical studies of these samples revealed presence of lipids (62.5%), proteins (36%) and carbohydrate (1.5%). Also we could observe inhibition of staph. aureus and klebsiella growth on nutrient agar by this vernix. This observation could be explained either by its higher asparagine content or by its elevated lipid component. In addition tripalmitin was found to be the major lipid constituent, responsible for its hydrophobic property. So we recommend leaving this vernix layer on newborn skin until spontaneous drying.

Porphyrin metabolism in rats intaking chemical carcinogens

This study was performed on rats receiving nitrosamine precursors, as potent liver carcinogens, in order to investigate and follow up the porphyrin metabolism during intaking hepatocarcinogens. As clarified from our results, progressive increase in free erythrocyte porphyrins, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, haem content and hepatic total porphyrins were observed after 2 months intaking these carcinogens and further increases were gradually elevated in parallel with continued receiving these chemicals which was extended to 7 months.At the same time, such elevations were also observed in the activity of hepatic 5- aminolevulinic acid [ALA] - synthetase and uroporphyrinogen-1-synthetase either in hepatic tissue or erythrocyte of these carcinogen subjected rats.However significant inhibition was found in the activity of erythrocyte ALA- dehydrase which was reached to 40.5% of the control values after 7 months.Therefors, these observations demonstrate that intaking hepatocarcinogens may influence the rate of hepatic porphyrin and haem biosynthesis