Assessment Of Menstrual Health And Analgesics Usage In Young Age Women

Objective: The study focuses on assessing the incidence of menstrual irregularity among young women and the factors for a disturbance with the rationale to assess the use of analgesic drugs during Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 2500 randomly selected young female between the age of 11 and 30 y completed the study questionnaire to assess lifestyle pattern, variations in menstrual pattern, perceived stress, and to capture information about their menstrual cycle and related problems. In addition, the questionnaire assessed the use of analgesics for PMS. Results: 2481 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age of participants’ menarche was 12.85±1.432 y. The prevalence of menstrual irregularities was 25.0 % (n=621) and about 8.5% (n=211) of respondents had severe pain that was not relieved by the use of analgesics. On the other hand, 50.9 % (n=1262) reported severe pain that was relieved by analgesics. A total of 1279 (51.6 %) of participants in this study used Over The Counter (OTC) analgesics to relieve PMS. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is the most common complaint among young females in Saudi Arabia. Low Body Mass Index (BMI), sedentary lifestyle, stress and early age of menarche are the most important factors associated with menstrual irregularities. Proper education programs and awareness among young girls about their menstrual health, and the provision of guidance in choosing effective analgesics and treatment options for dysmenorrhea are highly recommended.

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

Mineralogical composition of khamasin wind dust at Assiut, Eygpt

The present study investigated the mineralogical composition of the deposited dust from Khamasin wind on the agricultural soils at Assiut city through April 2008 and 2009. Five sites were chosen between the fringes of eastern and western deserts throughout the Nile valley. Wood boxes [dimensions of 1xlm] were put in the selected sites and precipitated dust was collected from each box after the finish of Khamasin storms in the two years. The quantity, pH and EC were determined for the collected Khamasin dust. The mineral particles of these dusts were examined by the scanning electron microscope [SEM] and the X-ray analysis. The obtained results revealed some variation in the dust quantity of Khamasin wind in the year of 2008 and 2009. The quantity of the collected bulk samples of the Khamasin dust varied from site to another in both 2008 and 2009 years. The highest amounts in both years are recorded in the sites of the eastern side of the Nile valley that faraway from the western desert where the Khamasin wind come. The mean values of dust EC and pH were low and similar in both years of 2008 and 2009. The Scanning electron microscope photomicrographs showed that the grain sizes of Khamasin dust in the sites located in the interference zone of Nile valley with the eastern desert were finer than those in site located in the western side of the Nile river. Generally, relatively large angular to subangular grains, larger amount of very Fine grains with more oblate particle and spherical particles with differences in size as well as particles with irregular shapes in Khamasin dust of 2008 and 2009 years. Semi-quantitative measurements of the identified minerals in the Khamasin dust of 2008 year have shown the order of quartz >k-feldspar>calcite> magnetite >epidote> anhydrite > garnet > augite> tourmaline > zircon > ilmenite > plagioclase > goethite > actinolite > hematite. However, the minerals in the Khamasin dust of 2009 year could be ordered as quartz >k-feldspar>calcite>epidote> magnetite > tourmaline > anhydrite > augite > plagioclase >Imenite>rutile> hematite > garnet >actinolite. There was no general trend for distribution of these minerals throughout the studied sites. From a qualitative point of view, most of the sites have the same mineralogical composition. Comparison of the mineralogical compositions of mineral dusts at the five sites, revealed certain quantitative differences

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

Serosurvey of measles, mumps and rubella antibodies in Saudi children

A serosurvey study to evaluate the proportion of children with antibodies against diseases targeted by the Expanded Program of Immunization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Using multistage sampling techniques, we collected samples and sent them for laboratory assay from the following age groups; 100 samples at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 6 years, 13 years, and 17 years. We conducted the study from September 2001 to February 2002. We assayed sera for measles, rubella, and mumps antibodies in the measles-mumps-rubella reference laboratory in Germany, using enzyme immunoassay and plaque neutralization [PN] as a backup test for equivocal and negative samples. We only carried out a backup test for measles samples. The age group of 6 months had the highest proportion with negative measles antibodies. After adding the backup test [PN], the proportions of children with protective measles antibody were; 64% at 6 months, 87% at 12 months, 91% at 18 months, 75% at 6 years, 96% at 13 years, and 98% at 17 years. Rubella antibody positivity rates [>7 IU] were 28% at 6 months, 49% at 12 months, 97% at 18 months, 98% at 6 years, and 100% at 13 years. While positivity rates in mumps were 14% at 6 months, 29% at 12 months, 59% at 18 months, 64% at 6 years, and 75% at 13 years. The unexpected low proportion of children with protective level at 6 years, despite being vaccinated with 2 measle doses is an important phenomenon. This reflects the interference between the first and the second measles dose. The Ministry of Health decided to conduct a catch up campaign targeting 1st through 3rd grade primary schools, who did not catch the mass campaign conducted in 2000. Also, this supports the decision taken by the ministry to change the measles immunization schedule to MMR at 12 months and a second dose at 6 years of age

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

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among low socio-economic workers.

Epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a community and occupational health are closely related to lifestyle and socio-economic status. There is little information on H. pylori profile in industrial workers in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of H. pylori profiles among low socio-economic workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was undertaken by determining IgG H. pylori antibody profiles among industrial exposed and referent workers, sera. Presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in the frozen stored sera was determined by ELISA. Also, data on dietary and lifestyle were obtained. The result was considered positive if IgG anti-H. pylori antibody titers was > 300. People with seropositive levels of IgG antibodies to H. pylori were assumed to be infected with H. pylori. Most of the industrial workers lived in less modern accommodation, were less educated, ate their vegetable products unwashed and did not have drinking water facilities, when compared to referents. H. pylori serology by IgG was positive in 167 industrial workers (78.4%) and 137 in referent workers (64.3%) respectively, (p < 0.002). The sensitivity and specificity of the IgG serology assay were 94.5%, and 97.2% respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the exposed industrial and non-exposed control groups in respect of their H. pylori profiles.

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

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

Scanning electron microscope observations on corrigia vitta [Dujardin, 1845] Shtrom, 1940 [trematoda: dicrocoeliidae]

The surface topography of the digenetic trematode Corrigia vitta was described by scanning electron microscope. It revealed the presence of several small sensory papillae on the oral sucker, ventral sucker and along the ventral surface of fluke. Several tegumental projections [spines or tubercles] cover the whole tegument, which vary in shape and length in different areas of the body, and several small invaginations [tegumental pores] are present allover the surface. The eggs are operculated at one pole and possess a smooth surface

Ultrastructural study of the body surface and the flame cell of oochoristica sp [cestoda: anoplocephalidae]

Ultrastructural studies on the body surface of the adult tapeworm Oochoristica sp. revealed that all the strobilar surface including the scolex and the adhesive surfaces of the suckers are covered with long filamentous microtriches. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopes, the basic morphology of the microtriches was studied and found to be similar to those described in other cestodes, but differs in having a relatively long basal regions. The flame cell was also described

Scanning electron microscopy of ascaridia galli [Shrank, 1788], freeborn, 1923 and A columbae [Linstow, 1903]

The morphology of the two ascaridoid nematodes Ascaridia galli and A. columbae was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The two nematodes were compared together and their specific characteristics were established, including lips, cephalic papillae, body cuticle, spicules and caudal papillae of the male

Description of hastospiculum bipinnatum [Linstow 1899] Chandler, 1929 [nematoda: diplotriaenoidea] from Egyptian varanus griseus

Hastospiculum bipinnatum worms were recovered from the thoracic cavity of the lizard Varanus griseus from Egypt. Both adult worms and their larvae were described and compared with the related species. The present is the first record of the parasite from Egypt

Scanning electron microscope observations on parapharyngodon bulbosus [Linstow, 1899] [nematoda: pharyngodonidea] from Egyptian chalcides ocellatus

The oxyurid nematode Parapharyngodon bulbosus was collected from the lizard Chalcides ocellatus from Egypt. Male and female worms were described by light and scanning electron microscopes. The specific characteristics of the worms were defined, including mouth opening cuticular surface of the body, genital cone and genital papillae in the male