Volumetric Assessment of the Insula in a Normally Functioning Human Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Evaluación Volumétrica de la Ínsula en un Cerebro Humano que Funciona Normalmente Utilizando Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Volumetric assessment of brain structures is an important tool in neuroscience research and clinical practice. The volumetric measurement of normally functioning human brain helps detect age-related changes in some regions, which can be observed at varying degrees. This study aims to estimate the insular volume in the normally functioning human brain in both genders, different age groups, and side variations. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on 42 adult Sudanese participants in Al-Amal Hospital, Sudan, between May to August 2022, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and automatic brain segmentation through a software program (BrainSuite). The statistical difference in total insular volume on both sides of the cerebral hemisphere was small. The insular volume on the right side was greater in males, while the left side showed no difference between both genders. A statistically significant difference between males and females was found (p > 0.05), and no statistical difference in different age groups was found according to the one-way ANOVA test (p>0.05). Adult Sudanese males showed a larger insular volume than females. MRI can be used to morphometrically assess the insula to detect any pathological variations based on volume changes.

La evaluación volumétrica de las estructuras cerebrales es una herramienta importante en la investigación y la práctica clínica de la neurociencia. La medición volumétrica del cerebro humano, que funciona normalmente, ayuda a detectar cambios relacionados con la edad en algunas regiones, las cuales se pueden observar en diversos grados. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar el volumen insular en el cerebro humano que funciona normalmente, en ambos sexos, de diferentes grupos de edad y sus variaciones laterales. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo transversal en 42 participantes sudaneses adultos en el Hospital Al-Amal, Sudán, entre mayo y agosto de 2022, utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética y segmentación automática del cerebro a través de un software (BrainSuite). Fue pequeña la diferencia estadística en el volumen insular total, en los hemisferios cerebrales. El volumen insular del lado derecho fue mayor en los hombres, mientras que el lado izquierdo no mostró diferencia entre ambos sexos. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres (p > 0,05), y no se encontró diferencia estadística en los diferentes grupos de edad, según la prueba de ANOVA de una vía (p> 0,05). Los hombres sudaneses adultos mostraron un mayor volumen insular que las mujeres. La resonancia magnética se puede utilizar para evaluar morfométricamente la ínsula y para detectar cualquier variación patológica basada en cambios de volumen.

A meta-analysis of pre-and postoperative corticosteroids for reducing the complications following facial reconstructive and aesthetic surgery / Uma meta-nálise sobre o uso de corticosteroides pré e pós-operatórios para reduzir as complicações após cirurgia estética e reconstrutiva facial

Abstract Introduction Edema and ecchymosis after facial plastic surgery are a troublesome concern for both patients and surgeons. Corticosteroid administration is thought to shorten the recovery period and reduce these sequelae. Data regarding the efficacy of corticosteroid administration remains controversial among surgeons. Objective We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of preand postoperative corticosteroids on postoperative complications in patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery supported with different subgroup analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, and EBSCO through October 2019. We included all clinical trials in which patients underwent any type of facial plastic surgery to study the effect of corticosteroids on postoperative complications. We performed subgroup analysis according to the types and doses of corticosteroid preparation, in addition to a subgroup analysis of preor postoperative corticosteroid usage. All statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan software. Results Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review, but only 10 of them were eligible for meta-analysis. The periorbital edema and ecchymosis scores were significantly reduced in the corticosteroids group compared to placebo −0.82, 95% CI (−1.37, −0.26), and -0.95, 95% CI (−1.32, −0.57), respectively. However, these significant differences were not maintained at day 3 and 7. Smaller doses of corticosteroid (8 mg and 10 mg) were associated with smaller differences in the mean score of upper and lower eyelid edema and ecchymosis, while the higher doses were associated with greater differences. Furthermore, preoperative corticosteroid usage significantly reduced the intraoperative bleeding when compared to placebo for higher doses > 50 mg per day (p < 0.0001), but not for 8 mg corticosteroid (p = 0.06). Adding postoperative steroid dose to the preoperative one was associated with less edema and ecchymosis than preoperative administration alone. Conclusion This comprehensive meta-analysis confirms a statistically significant benefit of preoperative corticosteroids. Furthermore, continuing the steroids postoperatively is associated with long-term reduction of complications. Higher doses of corticosteroids are associated with a more significant reduction in edema and ecchymosis, but further studies are recommended to determine the postoperative side effects, including surgical site infection and delayed healing.

Resumo Introdução O edema e a equimose no pós-operatório da cirurgia plástica facial constituem um problema preocupante para pacientes e cirurgiões. Considera-se que a administração de corticosteroides diminua o período de recuperação e reduza essas complicações. Os dados sobre a eficácia da administração de corticosteroides permanecem controversos entre os cirurgiões. Objetivo Fizemos essa revisão sistemática e metanálise para determinar o efeito da administração de corticosteroides nos períodos pré- e pós-operatório sobre as complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia reconstrutiva facial apoiada em diferentes análises de subgrupos. Método Foi feita uma busca abrangente de artigos nos bancos de dados PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus e Ebsco até outubro de 2019. Incluímos todos os ensaios clínicos cujos pacientes foram submetidos a qualquer tipo de cirurgia plástica facial para estudar o efeito dos corticosteroides nas complicações pós-operatórias. Fizemos a análise de subgrupos de acordo com os tipos e as doses de preparação de corticosteroides, além de uma análise de subgrupos de uso de corticosteroides pré ou pós-operatório. Todas as análises estatísticas foram feitas no software RevMan. Resultados Dezenove estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão sistemática, mas apenas 10 deles foram elegíveis para a metanálise. Os escores de edema periorbital e equimoses reduziram significantemente no grupo de corticosteroides em comparação com o placebo: -0,82, IC95% (-1,37, -0,26) e -0,95, IC95% (-1,32, -0,57), respectivamente. Essas diferenças significantes não se mantiveram nos dias 3 e 7. Doses menores de corticosteroides (8 mg e 10 mg) foram associadas a menores diferenças no escore médio de edema e equimoses palpebrais superiores e inferiores, enquanto as doses mais altas foram associadas a diferenças maiores. Além disso, o corticosteroide pré-operatório reduziu significantemente o sangramento intraoperatório quando comparado ao placebo para doses maiores > 50 mg por dia (p < 0,0001), mas não para 8 mg de corticosteroide (p = 0,06). O uso de corticosteroides no pós- e pré-operatório foi associado a uma diminuição maior de edema e equimoses do que no pré-operatório isoladamente. Conclusão Esta metanálise abrangente confirma um benefício estatisticamente significante do uso de corticosteroides no pré-operatório. Além disso, a manutenção dos esteroides no pós-operatório está associada à redução das complicações em longo prazo. Doses mais altas de corticosteroides estão associadas a uma redução mais significativa no edema e nas equimoses, mas estudos adicionais são recomendados para determinar os efeitos colaterais pós-operatórios como infecção do sítio cirúrgico e atraso na cicatrização.

Clinical significance of p27 Kip1 expression in advanced ovarian cancer

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy. In patients with advanced ovarian cancer, some biological parameters have prognostic implementations. P27kip1 is an inhibitor of a cycline-dependent kinase, its loss, can contribute to tumor progression. Objective: This study aimed to examine the importance of P27KIP1 protein in predicting the prognosis and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian epithelial cancer and to compare the outcomes of immunohistochemistry with Quantitative Real-time PCR. Patients and methods: We have studied P27KIP1expression by both immunohistochemistry and Quantitative Realtime PCR from 88 patients with advanced ovarian carcinomas undergone radical debulking surgery and received Paclitaxel followed by Cisplatin every 3 weeks for a total of 6 cycles. We also studied their association with both chemotherapy response and patient survival. Results: Nuclear expression of p27KIP1 protein was intense in 86 normal ovarian tissues and 42 of 88 carcinomas. The P27kip1mRNA expression level by qRT-PCR was very low in ovarian cancer tissues relative to its adjacent normal tissues. The results were statistically significant by both methods of determination. p27KIP1 expression was significantly related to good prognostic parameters as low stage tumors, differentiated tumors, absence of ascites, residual disease < 2 cm, and response to chemotherapy but not with histopathological type in case of determination by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of P27kip1 by both immunohistochemistry and qRTPCR with different prognostic parameters revealed no significant difference between both methods in the assessment of these parameters. In 4 years of follow-up, 20.5% of patients were alive without evidence of disease. 6.8% were alive with disease. The disease-related four -year survival rate for the whole group was 28.2%. In multivariate analysis, residual disease, histological type, tumor differentiation, ascites was of independent prognostic significance. Conclusion: In ovarian cancer, patients with loss of p27KIP1 expression are at a greater likelihood of disease progression, p27KIP1 may be used as a molecular marker to predict response to chemotherapy and prognosis. Both immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR have equal reliability in the determination of p27 KIP1

Elettaria Cardamom Extract Synergistically Enhaning Sorafenib-Induced Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells

Introduction: Liver cancer is ranked as the second most common cause of death globally as a result of its poorprognosis. It can be treated with sorafenib, but its use is limited due to its toxicity and adverse reactions. Lowerdoses of sorafenib with other complementary agents are recommended to minimize toxicity. Cardamom seeds areone of the most common ingredients of Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, and different studies havesuggested that cardamom extract can display anti-cancer activities. Aim: this study aims to investigate theefficiency of Elettaria Cardamom Extract (ECE) on enhancement of Sorafenib-induced apoptosis in HepG2.Methods: Human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were exposed to increasing concentrations of individual andcombined treatments of Sorafenib and ECE for 24 h. The viability of cells was examined using MTT Assay.Clonogenicity and cell migration assays were carried out. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation andmitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level were determined by DCFH-DA and JC-1 dye, respectively.Agarose gel electrophoresis and comet examinations were carried out to estimate the DNA damage. Results:Combined treatment of ECE with sorafenib suppressed the proliferation, colony formation and cell migration ofHepG2 cells more than the sorafenib did alone. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), after 24h ofincubation were 15 µM of sorafenib and 9 and 7.3 µM of sorafenib enhanced by 5 and 10 µg / 100 µl of ECErespectively. HepG2 treated cells displayed biochemical features of apoptotic cell death. The combined treatmentincreased the ROS production, reduced the level of MMP, increased Comet tail length and induced DNAfragmentation more than sorafenib did alone. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that ECE enhanced thesorafenib effect in HepG2 cells and suggest that the ECE may be a promising agent for reducing sorafenib sideeffects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Cancerous Inhibitor of Protein Phosphatase 2A as aMolecular Marker for Aggressiveness and Survival in OralSquamous Cell Carcinoma

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) has been identified as one of the most commonly altered proteins in humancancers. It blocks the tumor-suppressive action of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) complex and enhances malignancy. Thirty-fivepatients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity underwent surgical resection of the tumor. CIP2A was assessed by quantitativereal-time PCR in the resected tumor tissues and in their adjacent normal tissues. CIP2A was found to be overexpressed inall oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens in comparison to their surrounding normal tissue. CIP2A overexpression wasstatistically correlated with poor prognostic feature of the tumor. Thus, a high expression level of CIP2A was associated with shortersurvival. In conclusion, CIP2A is upregulated in OSCC, and its overexpression is correlated with aggressiveness of the tumor andpoor outcome and survival. It may serve as a prognostic marker of OSCC.

Attitudes and barriers of undergraduate students towards conducting research at Fakeeh college for medical sciences, Jeddah, KSA: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Background: To evaluate attitudes and barriers toward medical research among undergraduate students at Fakeeh College for Medical Science (FCMS), Jeddah, KSA in order to improve their awareness towards medical research criteria and develop action plan to subdue all obstacles.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional multi-disciplinary study was conducted from March to September 2018 on undergraduate students at FCMS. A questionnaire was completed by 129 students; addressing 6 factors, consisting of 30 questions: 15 questions assessing the attitudes and 15 questions assessing the barriers.Results: Out of the 443 students enrolled in all 3 Programs 129 of the students responded. No significant differences towards research were noted between genders. A comparison between the three programs (medicine, nursing and medical laboratory sciences) towards research revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (P<0.01) between the 3 programs for all factors. Overall, the assessment of students' perception was the highest for factor on the relevance of research to their everyday life with a mean of 4.2 (0.40) whereas, the factor that addressed the research anxiety had the lowest perception with a mean of 3.76 (0.77).Conclusions: The majority of students in the study considered research to be valuable but, at the same time they had little time to conduct research because of their educational tasks. Accordingly, allocating credited hours in their educational schedules for research activities can help encourage students at FCMS to conduct research projects.

The Use of Micro-Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Internal Adaptation of Dental Restorative Materials in Primary Molars: An In-Vitro Study

Aim: To evaluate the internal adaptation of some dental adhesive restorative material (Nano-composite resin /Biodentine,Nanocomposite resin / Nano- resin-modified glass ionomer and Nano-composite resin) to the primary dentinal surface usingmicro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) Materials and methods: Forty-five extracted primary molars, due to caries ororthodontic reasons, were collected provided that it has an intact buccal/ lingual surface(s) and one half to two-thirds ofroot length. The selected teeth were disinfected and stored in normal saline at room temperature. The teeth were randomlyassigned to one of the three experimental restorative groups according to the restoration type (15 per group): group A:Nanocomposite resin / Biodentine, group B: Nanocomposite resin / Nano-resin-modified glass ionomer and group C:restored totally with Nanocomposite resin. A high- resolution desktop micro-CT (Model 1172, Skyscan, Belgium) was usedto image the samples. Results: The mean rank of volumetric dimension values of the total gap at the restorative material –dentine interface demonstrated significant difference among the three groups (P= 0.003). Moreover, there was a significantdifference in the mean rank of the ratio of total gap volume/cavity volume among the three restorative groups (P=0.015).The data demonstrate that group A showed the lowest in total gap volume and mean ratio of total gap volume /cavity volumewhile group C recorded the highest value. Conclusion: Biodentine exhibited a higher internal adaptation to a dentinalsurface which is comparable to Nano resin-modified glass ionomer. The study results potentiate the importance of usingBiodentine liners under Nano-composite (sandwich technique) in terms of excellent internal adaptation, in addition to itshigh biocompatibility and easy handling as well.

Gossypiboma presenting as a sterile abscess

We present a case of a chronic abdominal pain which was due to a retained surgical sponge 4 years after an open cholecystectomy. A review of literature was done with emphasis on the incidence and factors contributing to such entity. The medicolegal aspect was discussed

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection among Egyptian children hospitalized with severe acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Viral respiratory infections are associated with nearly 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. These can have severe adverse outcomes in patients with established asthma

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the viral causes of acute respiratory infection that precipitate acute asthma exacerbation in Egyptian asthmatic children

Patients and methods: The current prospective study was conducted in Cairo University Children's Hospitals from December 2010 to December 2011. All asthmatic children [n=130] aged 2-12 years admitted with asthma exacerbation due to severe lower respiratory tract infection were included. All cases were subjected to nasopharyngeal or throat swabs that were analyzed for common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], human metapneumovirus [hMPV], influenza B [Flu B], human parainfluenza virus [hPIV], influenza A [H1N1], and adenovirus [ADV] using the real-time PCR technique. All patients were followed up to record the outcome

Results: PCR analysis was positive for one respiratory virus in 54 asthmatic patients [41.5%] and was negative in 76 patients [58.5%], with a high predominance of RSV [51.9%] and hMPV [25.9%] especially in winter and early spring months. Hypoxia was detected in all patients with RSV infection; of these patients, 21.4% were admitted to the ICU, 14.3% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.3% died. In contrast, among those with hMPV infection, hypoxia was detected in 71.4%; none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation

Conclusion and recommendations: Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections constitutes an important cause of acute asthma exacerbation in asthmatic children admitted to children's hospitals in Cairo, supporting the need for large-scale multicentric studies on asthmatic patients over multiple years using a wider-panel PCR for detection of respiratory viruses

Role of fish oil in gasoline vapor-induced lung damage in adult male albino rats

Background: Exposure to gasoline vapor is known to produce oxidative stress and induce pulmonary diseases. Fish oil was found to play a role in the prevention of chronic lung diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Aim of the study: To study the role of fish oil in lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation in male adult albino rats

Materials and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of 20 rats each: control, gasoline-exposed, gasoline+fish oil-concomitant, and fish oil-treated groups. The rats of the control group were subjected to fresh air, whereas rats of the gasoline-exposed group were exposed to gasoline vapor for 10 weeks. Rats of the concomitant group received 0.5 ml/kg fish oil orally daily while being exposed to gasoline vapor. Rats of the fish oil-treated group only received fish oil. Right and left lungs were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, respectively

Results: Lung tissues of gasoline vapor-exposed rats showed collapsed alveoli, thick interalveolar septa, inflammatory cell infiltration, intra-alveolar exudates, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and hypocellularity. Rats of the concomitant group showed a marked reduction in these pathological features

Conclusion: There is evidence that fish oil can ameliorate lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation

Value of purified schistosoma snails antigens in diagnosis of schistosomiasis

This study was done to assess the value of purified Schistosoma snails antigens in diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Five antigens were used, S.mansoni adult worm crude antigen, snails antigens [foot and visceral hump of B.alexandrina and B.truncatus]. Specific hyperimmune mice sera versus each antigen were prepared. Known positive and negative human sera and uninfected mice sera were used as control. Two ELISA techniques [conventional and sandwich] were performed. There was high similarity between S.mansoni crude antigen and B.alexandrina foot antigen in detecting S.mansoni antibodies [100% and 80% respectively] at serum dilution 1:50. B.alexandrina visceral hump antigen detected only 33.3%. Both B.truncatus antigens gave negative results. Sandwich ELISA technique proved to be more species specific than conventional ELISA. B.alexandrina foot antigen was found to be the best antigen among the tested antigens that can replace S.mansoni adult worm crude antigen in diagnosis of schistosomiasis

Clinical characteristics and outcome of pediatric patients with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma

While treatment outcomes for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma [HL] have improved remarkably, patients with disseminated disease still have a poorer outcome. Stage IV HL is often repported with other "advanced stage" categories, confusing the specific contribution of disease dissemination to the outcome. This single-institution report looks at characteristics and outcomes of this specific category. The medical records of pediatric HL patients [<14 years] from 1975 through 2003 were retrospectively reviewed and the data analyzed. Stage IV patients [n=67] had more poor -risk characteristics than patients in stages I-III [n=300] [B symptoms 86.6% vs. 19.3%, bulky disease 57.6% vs. 45.5% and mediastinal mass 77.6% vs. 29.7%; P < .001 for all characteristics]. The liver was the most common extralymphatic site [in 51.5% of patients with stage IV diseease. Stage IV patients received chemotherapy [CT] alone [n=55] or combined modality therapy [CMT] [n=12]. Fifty-four patients [80.6%] achieved complete remission, 2 [3%] partial remission, 10 [14.9%] had progressive disease and 1 was lost to follow up. Overall survival was 79.4% and event-free survival [EFS] was 63.9% at 5 years. There was a non-significant benefit for CMT [OS=91.7% v. 77.1%, P=.3; EFS=70.7% v. 62.7%, P=.3]. Ten of 12 relapsed and only 1 of 10 progressive disease patients were salvaged. On multivariate analysis, failure to achieve complete remission with CT was associated with a poorer outcome. Stage IV disease is associated with poor risk features and confers a worse outcome than stage I-III disease. Achievement of complete remission with CT is an important prognostic feature. Slow responders may require novel and/or aggressive therapy to achieve complete remission

Prevalence of statin use in type 2 biabetes mellitus and/or hypertensive patients at risk of coronary heart disease in Shamiya family practice health center-kuwait

Hyperlipidemia represents an important risk factor in the development and progression of coronary heart disease. Statin, as a lipid-lowering therapy, is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of primary and secondary cardiovascular events. To determine the prevalence of statin use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and/or hypertensive patients at high risk of coronary heart disease. The study design was cross sectional descriptive one that was carried out in Shamiya primary health care center-Kuwait. All patients with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension attended for follow-up during the study period were potentially eligible for the study if their age was

Differentiation between viral infected and vaccinated chicken by use of tetanus toxoid as an exogenous marker

The present work was carried out to develop a simple and effective method for differentiating infected from vaccinated chickens to improve the control of infectious diseases. The differentiation of vaccinated and infected birds is based on addition of a suitable exogenous marker to the vaccine either during its preparation or mixed with it just before vaccination. This study has evaluated that the use of a tetanus toxoid [TT] marker in chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus [NDV] and avian influenza [AI] vaccines eliciting a strong, protective antibody response and enabling serological discrimination between vaccinated and virus-infected chickens. All chicken groups were seronegative for TT-specific antibodies without vaccination, however post vaccination with three different doses, they elicited high levels of TT-specific antibodies that persisted all over the experiment regardless the used dose. Incorporation of TT with inactivated NDV vaccine during its manufacture elicited strong TT and Newcastle-specific antibody responses. Furthermore, vaccination with combined doses composed of avian influenza vaccine and TT induced high levels of antibodies to both antigens. There was no detectable interference by incorporation of TT in both inactivated NDV and Al vaccines for the viral antigens or TT-seroconversion. Thus TT is recommended as a suitable exogenous marker for avian vaccines. Moreover, testing the antibody response to the marker would confirm approved vaccine use and the antibody responses to the viral antigen would determine levels adequate for protection or indicate recent infection

Isolation, identification and antimicrobial activities of some fungi associated with marine algae

Ninety four fungal isolates belonging to nineteen fungal genera and thirty seven species were isolated from different algae samples collected from Abou-keer, Alexandria, Egypt, during the four seasons of 2004. The marine fungal genera were Helicascus, Sigmoidea and Varicosporina, while the terrestrial fungal genera were Acremonium, AIternaria, Aspergillus, Chrysonilia, Cladosporium, Dendryphiopsis, Fusarium, Geotriclium, Helminthosporium, Moniliella, Mucor, Penicillium. Scopulariopsis, Trichoderma, Ulocladium and Verticillium. All fungal isolates were tested against some pathogenic bacteria, yeast and fungi. The results revealed that, Penicillium brevicompactum [APt] and Varicsporina ramulosa [SPa] were the most promising fungi which were active against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and fungi

Production of some biologically active secondary metabolites from marine-derived fungus Varicosporina ramulosa

In a screening of fungal isolates associated with marine algae collected from Abou-keer, Alexanderia during the four seasons of 2004, to obtain new biologically active compounds. Varicosporina ramulosa isolate was identified and selected as a producer of 13 compounds. Out of 13 pure compounds produced, compounds 3 and 10 were considered as antibacterial and antifungal compounds, respectively as they were active against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and a fungus. Optimization of conditions (fermentation media, incubation period, temperature, initial pH, aeration levels) which activate compounds 3 and 10 production were studied. Also the spectral properties (UV, MS, GC/MS, IR and 1H-NMR) of the purified compounds were determined. Compound 3 suggested to be dibutyl phthalate and compound 10 may be ergosterol or one of its isomers. Biological evaluation of the two compounds towards 6 different types of tumor cell lines showed weak effect of compound 3 at different concentrations on the viable cell count of the different tumor cell lines. While compound 10 showed different activities against the viable cell count of the 6 different tumor cell lines. It kills 50% of the viable infected liver and lung cells at concentrations equal to 99.7 μg/mL, 74.9μg/mL, respectively. Compound 10 can be recommended as new anticancer compounds.

Mothers' knowledge, fears and self-management of fever: a cross-sectional study from the capital governorate in Kuwait

To survey mothers about their knowledge concerning fever in children, how they manage it at home, what their fears of fever are and to study the relationship between mothers knowledge and fear with the educational level and number of children. Primary health care clinics in the capital health region in Kuwait. Five hundred and twenty accompanying mothers of feverish children. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey. 34.8% of mothers would recognize fever by the general appearance of the child, 32.6% by touching the child; one third [32.6%] would measure the temperature. More than 60% use digital thermometers, 15.7% would use mercury thermometers. The association between the educational level of mothers and method used to measure the temperature was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. The most common site mothers use for measuring temperature of a child less than 3 years was the armpit [57.3%]. The majority of mothers [81.6%] believed that teething can cause fever in children. Approximately 60% of all mothers believed that an untreated fever could lead to convulsions. The association between perceived consequences of fever and level of education was statistically highly significant [p < 0.005]. A significant association was also found between perceived consequences of fever and number of children [p < 0.05]. Doctors should spend enough time with mothers attending a feverish child, explaining and answering their queries about fever, and providing adequate information that might allay their fear and promote an appropriate fever management at home

Adiposity and physical activity levels among preschool children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

To assess the levels of adiposity and physical activity among Saudi preschool children from Jeddah. Participants included 224 Saudi preschool children, randomly selected from public and private preschools in Jeddah during April and May of 2006, using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Measurements included weight, height, body mass index, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, fat percentage, fat mass [FM], fat-free mass [FFM], FM index [FMI] and FFM index [FFMI], time spent watching television and physical activity levels using electronic pedometer for 3 continuous days during weekdays. The fat content averaged 20.6% of body weight, while the prevalence of obesity was 10.8%. There were significant gender differences in fat percentage, FM, FFM, FMI, and FFMI. The mean value for pedometer-determined steps counts for the preschool children was 6773.2 steps per day. Boys were significantly more active than girls. Only 22.4% of the preschool children had 10000 steps or more per day. There were no significant age differences in skinfolds measurements, fat percentage, FMI, FFMI, central obesity or daily steps counts. Television viewing time increased by 22.5% from age 4 to age 6. Compared to non-obese, obese preschool children were significantly heavier, taller and had higher values for all adiposity indices and television viewing time. A considerable proportion of Saudi preschool children is obese and even a greater proportion is physically inactive. Obesity and physical inactivity represent major risks for a number of non-communicable diseases, and an early intervention is most appropriate

handsearching of 2 medical journals of Bahrain for reports of randomized controlled trials

To identify reports of randomized trials by handsearching 2 Bahrain medical journals, which are indexed in the biomedical database EMBASE and to determine any added value of the handsearching by comparing the reports found by handsearching with what would have been found by searching EMBASE to examine [i] the precision and sensitivity of the EMBASE index term Randomized Controlled Trial [RCT] and [ii] The Cochrane Collaboration's systematic electronic search of EMBASE [which uses 4 index terms and 9 free-text terms]. All issues of the Bahrain Medical Bulletin [BMB] [1979-2004] and the Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society [JBMS] [1989-2004] were handsearched in February 2005 for reports of RCTs or Controlled Clinical Trials [CCTs] according to Cochrane eligibility criteria. Out of 395 articles in BMB we found reports of 12 RCTs and 4 CCTs. Distribution by country of corresponding author: Jordan [4 RCTs, one CCT], Bahrain [one RCT, one CCT], India [3 RCTs, one CCT], Kuwait [one CCT], Saudi Arabia [2 RCTs], USA/Bahrain [one RCT], and Oman [one RCT]; and by specialty: Anesthesia [8], Surgery [1] Pediatrics [1], Radiotherapy [1], Community Medicine [1], Sports Medicine [1], Obstetrics/Gynecology [3]. The Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society included reports of 14 RCTs and 3 CCTs, out of 97 articles. Distribution by country of corresponding author: Jordan [9 RCTs, 2 CCTs], Bahrain [3 RCTs], Egypt [one RCT], Kuwait [one RCT], and Saudi Arabia [one RCT]; and by specialty: Anesthesia [7], General Surgery [3], Obstetrics/Gynecology [1], Radiotherapy [1], Pediatrics [1], Orthopaedic Surgery [1], Education [1] Ear Nose and Throat [1] Ophthalmology [1]. Overall, of the 33 reports of trials found by handsearching I both journals, only 23 were included in EMBASE of 1 which only 6 had been indexed with the term RCT. Off the 23 reports of trials included in EMBASE, 16 had been identified in the Collaboration's systematic search of EMBASE. Two reports of trials could have been retrieved by this search but there was insufficient information in the title and abstract to code these as trials. The EMBASE records for the remaining 5 reports of trials did not contain terms currently used by The Cochrane Collaboration to identify reports of randomized trials in this database. The handsearching of these journals will help minimize publication bias by locating randomized trials not previously identified and, through their inclusion in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL] in The Cochrane Library, will ensure reports of randomized trials will not remain 'buried' through indexing bias

Effect of the pattern of colonization of the maternal genital tract at the time of delivery on early onset neonatal sepsis

Early onset neonatal sepsis increases significantly in the presence of vaginal and cervical colonization with pathogenic organisms. The aim of this study was to study the effect of the pattern of colonization of the maternal genital tract at the time of delivery on early onset neonatal sepsis. A prospective clinical study was conducted in Cairo University Hospitals on 352 pregnant women coming for delivery and their newborns. Vaginal swabs were taken from the mothers before first vaginal examination [PV] and just before delivery. Surface swabs from the body of babies were taken. The neonates were clinically evaluated and prospectively followed up in the first week of their life for clinical evidence of sepsis and blood cultures were done for clinically septic neonates. Swabs were taken from different environmental sources in the Obstetric and Neonatology wards. Microbiological typing was conducted by biotyping and antibiogram to prove the similarity between microorganisms isolated from maternal or environmental sources and the corresponding neonates. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used for genotyping of phenotypically similar isolates. Microbiological similarity between culture results of mothers and their newborns was proven in 86% of cases. The correlation between clinical sepsis and microbiological agreement was also highly significant [p value=0.001]. Positive vaginal swab cultures were highly predictive of positive blood culture [p-value=0.09]. We found that, multiple vaginal examinations [more than 3 times] was the most frequent maternal risk factor of neonatal bacteremia [p-value=0.049]. Contamination of environment [gel and gloves] and equipment [suction sets] used for mothers and their babies during delivery was probably an important source of microorganisms. Maternal colonization and the contaminated environment were important risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Hence, limitation of PV and strict infection control measures should be followed in delivery room