Factors affecting internet use among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia: an empirical study

Background: The internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, academic research, information and entertainment. However, heavy users of the internet lead to less confidence in social skills and the tendency to be isolated. The study aimed to assess the pattern of internet use and factors affecting problematic internet use among university students.Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted among the students of a university in Sarawak, Malaysia. A multistage cluster sampling technique was adapted to select the participants. Data were collected from 463 students by self-administered questionnaire. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the potential factors for problematic internet use.Results: The mean age of the students was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 1.6 years. Two-fifths (61.8%) of the students had no problematic internet use. However, 35.4% had moderate and 2.8% had severe problematic internet use. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis found that age of the students, year of study, duration of daily internet use and use of social networking like Skype appeared to be potential predictors of problematic internet use (p<0.05).Conclusions: This study was conducted in only one university, thus did not depict the overall scenarios of the country. The implications of the findings are still worth noting in the process of designing internet addiction studies among university students. Overall, this study has unearthed some useful insights which can serve as a guide to more elaborate studies.

Obesity may be erythropoietin dose-saving in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: In dialysis patients, the obesity-survival paradox still requires an explanation. Anemia and high doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are associated with worse outcomes in the hemodialysis (HD) population. In the present study, we explored the relation between obesity and anemia control in a sample of maintenance HD patients in Egypt. METHODS: This multicenter observational study included 733 patients on maintenance HD from 9 hemodialysis centers in Egypt. Clinical and laboratory data as well as average doses of ESAs and parenteral iron were recorded. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) was calculated. RESULTS: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, was present in 22.6% of the studied population. The target hemoglobin level (10.0–11.5 g/dL) was achieved in 27.3% of non-obese and 25.3% of obese patients, with no significant difference. The median serum ferritin and the values of transferrin saturation index did not differ significantly between these two groups. The weekly ESA dose was significantly lower in obese than in non-obese patients (P = 0.0001). A trend toward higher ESA doses and ERI values was observed in patients with lower BMIs (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression revealed that the BMI and urea reduction ratio were the strongest predictors of the ERI. CONCLUSION: Our study adds more evidence to obesity-associated advantages in HD patients. BMI may determine ESA response, with better responses observed in patients with higher BMIs.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in Saudi Arabia: genotypes distribution review

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] infections in hospital have obviously imposed a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, and strain on healthcare resources. Here, we review the genotype distribution of these pathogens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A PubMed literature search [until May 2014] specified 12 articles that characterized MRSA clones in KSA. Only two regions [Riyadh and Damamm] were represented in ten articles. Data from these articles showed that the pandemic Vienna/Hungarian/Brazilian clone [CC8/ ST239-III] is the most frequent in Saudi regions [Riyadh and Damamm]. Several other clones such as Barnim/ UK-EMRSA-15 [CC22-IV], Southwest Pacific clone [ST30-IV] and European community-associated-MRSA clone [CC80-IV] have been detected in the Riyadh region. A variety of MRSA clones is beginning to circulate in Saudi hospitals. Continued collection and molecular characterization of MRSA is crucial for the effective prevention and treatment

Ameliorative effect of vitamin e on oxidative stress induced by bisphenol a in female albino rats

Objective: Oxidative stress is induced by bisphenol A [BPA] and affects many organs. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which prevents the activity of free radicals. This study was aimed to clarify the effect of vitamin E on the oxidative stress induced by chronic administration of BPA

Materials and methods: 30 female albino rats were divided into 3 groups [10/each]; group1: control rats, group 2: rats treated with bisphenol A [20 mg/ kg.B.wt] for three months, and group 3: rats treated with bisphenol A [20 mg/kg.B.wt] for three months, then treated with BPA and vitamin E [0.57/100 g B.wt] for other 15 days

Results: BPA induced hormonal disrupt in liver and kidney dysfunctions and hyperlipidemia. Vitamin E ameliorated all these parameters

Conclusion: since we exposed to many harmful disruptions and oxidative stress compounds, we must take vitamin E as a protective agent

Effect of Bisphenol A on the first generation of female rats from both parents treated with the same Xenoestrogen

Background: Bisphenol A [BPA] is a worldwide used endocrine disruptor that is incorporated in many plastic industries. The exposure of human to such substances starts early during the fetal life, postnatal life and extends throughout the life of the individual. Many agencies raised warnings against the excessive use of such substances. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the extent to which BPA can affect the first generation [of parents treated with the same compound, during pregnancy and lactation], which treated with the same compound during their life time

Materials and Methods: Group 1: 15 control female rats. Group 2: 15 female rats of the first generation treated with BPA [20mg/kg b.wt] for one month. Sexual hormones, liver and kidney functions were measured

Results: BPA induced increase in breast and ovarian tumor markers. It also showed significant increase in estrogen, FSH, prolactin, and progesterone. It is also increased liver function, kidney function, lipid profile. In the same time it leads to decrease in LH, HDL, and protein levels

Conclusion: BPA induced toxicity, which is mediated by oxidative stress. This study ringing the bells of danger for using such compounds

Antifibrotic effect of curcumin on thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis

The objective of the present study was to elucidate whether serum ATX activity might be a target for regulation of liver fibrosis and to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effect of curcumin in TAA induced liver fibrosis in rats. Therefore 40 healthy adult albino rats, divided into 4 groups [10 rats in each]. Rats in the 2[nd] group received curcumin [500 mg/kg b. wt /orally every day], the 3[rd] group injected by thioacetamide [TAA] intraperioteneal [250 mg/kg b. wt] three times a week, the 4[th] group injected by TAA intraperioteneal [250 mg/kg b. wt] three times a weeks and received curcumin orally [500 mg/kg b. wt every day]. The changes in body weight index and histopathological examination. In addition, selected biochemical parameters were also determined. The present study revealed that, oral supplementation of curcumin causing increase of liver weight index, autotaxin [ATX], HDL-c level and decrease of total protein, urea, creatinine and ammonia, total cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerols. Treatment with TAA induced increase in the liver weight index, ATX, ALT, triacylglycerols, ammonia levels and decrease in serum proteins, urea, total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL-c levels. Histopathological examination revealed severs necrosis, inflammatory cellular infiltration and nodules in TAA group. While the supplementation of rats with TAA and curcumin orally together resulted in increase in liver weight index, ATX, ALT, triacylglycerols levels and decrease in serum total protein, urea, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c concentration moreover, revealed mild inflammation and necrosis by histopathological examination. Conclusively, the use of curcumin ameliorated the effect of TAA induced liver fibrosis but cannot reach the normal levels

Association of vitamin D receptor gene BsmI [A>G] and FokI [C>T] polymorphism in gestational diabetes among Saudi Women

Objective: Vitamin D receptor [VDR] gene polymorphism have a role in diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. Present study was conducted to determine VDR gene variants among Saudi gestational diabetics [GDM] in Madina, KSA

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 112 GDM patients and 218 normal healthy control. Age, body mass index and blood pressure levels were recorded. Serum triglycerides [mg/dl], total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose FBG and post-prandial blood glucose PPBG were estimated. Extracted DNA template was amplified by PCR reaction and genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphism of BsmI and FokI by restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR [RFLP-PCR] analysis

Results: FBG and PPBG levels in GDM patients were significantly elevated by +48.6% and +50%, respectively [P=0.005]. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol [mg/dl] levels in GDM patients were elevated significantly by +40.5% [P=0.005], +16% [P=0.01] and +30.8% [P=0.005], respectively. Serum HDL-cholesterol [mg/dl] showed significant decline by -10.5%. FokI VDR genotypes showed association with PPBG [P=0.05] among GDM patients. The Ff, FF and ff genotype percentage among GDM patients was 48.2%, 30.4% and 21.4%, respectively. FokI [F and f] and BsmI [B and b] alleles frequency showed no significant difference between GDM patients and control. Percentage BsmI and FokI total homozygous and heterozygous variants among GDM was 45.5% and 81.4%, respectively

Conclusion: VDR BsmI and FokI polymorphic marker not associated with Saudi GDM

Effect of sesame oil on serum and liver lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sesame oil on serum and hepatic Iipid profile in induced hyperlipidemic rat .Eight forty rats were randomly divided into equal six groups of eight animals each for 30 days as follows: The first group [control] was kept on basal diet and water, the second group was kept on basal diet added to it sesame oil [SSO]5%, the third group was given a basal diet supplemented by SSO10%,the fourth group [hyperlipidemic] ,hyperlipidemia was induced at last two weeks by intra peritoneal injection of Triton WR1339 [200mg/Kg, /three times /week] ,fifth group was fed basal diet +i.p of Triton 200mg/Kg +SSO5%,the six group was kept on basal diet +i.p injection of same dose of Triton +SSO10% . Blood samples were collected and serum was separated for determination of the followings triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL[high density lipioprotin], LDL[low density lipoprotein],VLDL [very low density lipoprotein], ALT[Alanin aminotrancferase],AST[Aspartate aminotransferase],GGT [garnrna glutamyl tranferase], ALP [Alkaline phosphatase] ,hepatic Iipid profile, thyroid hormones and adiponectin hormone. Induction of hyperlipidema resulted in a significant elevation of all parameters except HDL, adiponectin and thyroid hormones not significant decrease compared to control group .supplementation with sesame oil 5% and SSO 10% signaficantly decrease in all serum and hepatic Iipid profile and liver enzymes while HDL ,adiponectin ,thyroid hormones are elevated . Conclusion: SSO 5% was possess a better improving potential for hyperlipidemia, serum glucose, adiponectin, thyroid hormones, hepatic Iipid profile than SSO 10%

Effect of noise and crowding related stress on serum level of cortisol ACTH, epinephrine and insulin in female albino rats

Noise and crowding are the most stressful factors for human beings.Study aimed to clarify their effect on cortisol, ACTH, epinephrine, insulin and the amelioration effectof Sulpiride. Thirty six female rats were divided into six groups [6/each]:1- Rats served as control, 2- Rats treated with Sulpiride drug, 3- Rats exposed to noise [90db, 3hr. perday] for 45 days. 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed tocrowding. 6- Rats exposed to noise and treated with Sulpiride drug. Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant increase of cortisol, ACTH and epinephrinewhile there was a significant decrease in insulin hormone. Sulpiride drug ameliorated theseparameters. it is useful to use Sulpiride drug with people who are exposing to noise and crowdingstress

Effect of fresh garlic homogenate [FGH] on rat heart after exposure to hot water immersion stress

The present study aims to investigate the possible cardioprotective role of garlic on adult male Sprague-Dawely albino rats after stress exposure. Animals were exposed to stress by immersion in hot water for one day, one week and three weeks of stress. The myocardial activity was evaluated by estimating ECG, heart to body weight ratio, serum creatine phosphokinase [CPK-MB] activity, antioxidant enzymes activities, as well as histopathological alterations in cardiac muscle. Garlic was administered to the animals at a dosage of 250 mg/kg b.w.. Exposure for one day stress was of weak effect, while one week and three weeks of stress exposure were nearly of the same effect, causing significant changes in ECG, cardiac hypertrophy, elevation in serum CPK [MB] activity, significant decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities and increase in MDA content, and significant alterations in histopathological analysis when compared with control. Supplementation of garlic [250 mg/kg b.w.] orally for one day stress exposed and one week stress exposed animals could not produce any significant change when compared to untreated stress exposed animals. However, after 28 days aqueous garlic homogenate supplementation has significantly improved ECG, decreased cardiac hypertrophy, decreased serum CPK [MB] activity, increased all the antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased MDA content as well as improved the myocardial histopathology compared the three weeks stress exposed group. The results indicated that stress exposure affects the myocardial function through direct effect: on the heart muscle, leading to arrhythmia and hypertrophy, and indirect effect: by generating free radicals and oxidative stress

Influence of combined administration of turmeric and black seed on selected biochemical parameters of diabetic rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Turmeric [Curcuma Longa] and Black cumin seed [Nigella Sativa] mixture on selected biochemical parameters of streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Therefore, twenty one healthy adult albino rats divided into three groups [7 rats in each]. Rats of first and second groups were non diabetic and diabetic respectively. Rats of the third group were diabetic and received a mixture of Turmeric [0.5 g/kg b .wt.] and Black cumin seed [1 g/kg b.wt.] orally by intragastric intubations once a day for six weeks. The changes in blood glucose level, body weight and water and food intake were measured. In addition, selected biochemical parameters were also determined. The present study revealed that, dietary supplementation of plant mixture of Turmeric and Black cumin seed to diabetic rats significantly [P<0.05] reduced the blood glucose level as well as water and food intake accompanied by an increase in body weight gain when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Proteins were not affected whereas liver and kidney functions were disrupted in STZ-diabetic rats and restored whenever treated by medicinal plants mixture. Hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-diabetic rats were attenuated by administration of examined medicinal plants combination. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of Turmeric and Black cumin seed mixture reduced blood glucose level and ameliorated the hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia in STZ induced diabetic rats

Effect of crowding stress on lung and heart of the adult albino rats and the possible protective role of sulpiride

Exposure to crowding stress is associated with increased respiratory system morbidity, However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Thus, there is a need for more study of this harmful effect. Sulpiride had been shown to have a protective role against crowding stress on other systems but this role was not studied well on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Investigating the possible harmful effects of crowding on adult albino rats' lung and heart and the possible protective role of combined sulpiride treatment. The present study was carried out on 24 adult albino rats of local strain weighing 120 +/- 3 g which were randomly divided equally into Group 1[C, untreated negative control], Group 2 [Cr, crowding exposed or positive control] where rats were exposed to crowding in a cage [20x20x20 cm- 6 rats /cage] for 1 month, Group 3[D, sulpiride-treated] where the rats were exposed to sulpiride "0.028 mg/B.W./day" and Group 4 [Cr+D, crowding + sulpiride-treated]. Paraffin sections were prepared for histological, histochemical and morphometric studies. The data were statistically analysed. The rats exposed to crowding only or sulpiride only showed highly significant damaging changes on lung such as thickening in the interalveolar septa and obliteration of the alveoli, inflammatory cells infiltration within the pulmonary interstitium, peribronchiolar infiltration and fibrosis, thickening of the pulmonary blood vessels walls, interstitial collagen fibres deposition and apoptotic cellular changes. On the level of heart, significant decrease in the diameters of the myocardial muscle fibres with focal areas of necrosis, apoptotic changes and increased collagen fibres deposition was marked in sulpiride group. When crowding and sulpiride treatments were combined, the damaging effects were maximized on the lung and heart. These results provided evidence that crowding stress causes obvious lung and heart tissue damages. No protective role for sulpiride was proofed. This is because using sulpiride alone or in combination with crowding showed marked damaging effects on the lung and heart tissues

Possible causes of treatment failure of asthmatic children attending the asthma clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital

Objectives: The present study was conducted to identify possible causes of treatment failure among asthmatic children attending asthma clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital [AUCH]

Study Design: This study was carried out on a convenient sample of 100 asthmatic children attending the Asthma Clinic at Alexandria University Children's Hospital [AUCH]. Face to face interview with caregiver using an interviewing questionnaire include data about socio-demographic characteristics of both parents and child clinical data, environmental exposures and treatment behavior

Results: The mean age of studied children was 6.26 +/- 3.11 years and male children constituted two thirds [68%] of the study sample. Out of 100 asthmatic children only 42 children were controlled comparing to 43 children were partially controlled and 15 children were uncontrolled. Several variables were significantly associated with treatment failure include rural residency, school or daycare center attendance, in-appropriateness of asthma treatment, inadequate doses of drugs, poor compliance with the prescribed treatment and incorrect technique of inhaler intake. Continuous exposure to triggers [as smoking, URTI], associated co-morbid diseases and family history of asthma or other allergic conditions were not significant factors in this study; they are important factors that affect asthma control

Conclusion: The current study shows that asthma control remains unsatisfactory, with less than half of children having an acceptable level of control. Several variables were found to be associated with poor asthma control

Comparative study on renoprotective effect of aliskiren-pentoxifylline combination, valsartan and enalapril among patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy

This study was conducted to evaluate the renoprotective effect of aliskiren-pentoxifylline combination and compare it with enalapril and valsartan in patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy [DN]. Sixty patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminurea [20-200microg/min or 30-300mg/24h] were selected from UNRWA and private clinics in Ga/a Strip and divided into three groups. The first group [n=20] was treated with enalapril [10-20mg/day], the second group [n=20] was treated with valsartan [I60mg/day], whereas the third group [n=20] was treated with aliskiren-pentoxifylline combination [150,400mg/day]. All patients were follovved-up for nine months by measuring serum creatinine level and urinary albumin excretion [UAE] rate before and at 3, 6 and 9 months of treatment. Paired T-test and independent T-test were used to analyze our results and the significance was tested at p< 0.05. The results showed a significant reduction in both UAE rate and serum creatinine level among patients who used aliskiren-pentoxifylline combination after 6 and 9 months of treatment, where the reduction was highly significant after 9 months of treatment [p=0.001 for UAE, p=0.000 for serum creatinine level]. In the valsartan treated group, the reduction in UAE rate was significant [p=0.045] after 9 months of treatment, while no significant reduction was noticed in serum creatinine level [p=0.807]. Moreover, no significant reduction was seen in UAE rate [p=0.125] and serum creatinine level [p=0.445] among patients who were given enalapril. In conclusion, aliskiren-pentoxifylline combination showed renoprotective effect more distinct than enalapril and valsartan among patients with DN

Effect of noise and crowding stresses on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and protective effect of sulpiride drug in adult female albino rats

Noise and crowding are the most stressful factors which cause depressant effects on human beings, especially females.Therfore this study was aimed at clarifying their effects on hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis hormones [luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estrogen [E2]and progesterone as well as prolactin [PRL]and the possible protective effect of antidepressant drug;sulpiride. Sixty adult female rats were divided into six groups [10/each]: 1- Rats served as control, 2- Rats treated with sulpiride drug only, 3- Rats exposed to noise [90db, 3hr. per day] for 45 days, 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed to crowding and 6- Rats exposed to crowding and treated with sulpiride drug. Results: Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant decrease of estrogen [E2], progesterone [P], LH and FSH levels and high significant increase in PRL level. Sulpiride drug ameliorated these parameters changes except PRL level which showed a high significant level compared to control group. It is useful to use antidepressant drug [e.g. sulpiride] with people who are exposing to noise and crowding stress

accuracy of FNAC for diagnosis of breast carcinoma in Gezira state, central Sudan

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in many countries worldwide and breast lesions remain a common diagnostic dilemma. Fine-needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] has been suggested as the most important, first line, minimally invasive procedure in the management of patients with breast lesions. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic efficacy of breast FNAC in patients with breast lesions compared with that of the definitive histological diagnosis. This is a hospital-based retrospective study of 112 breast FNAC samples were carried out at Cancer Institute in Medani Gezira state. FNAC findings were correlated with data from histopathology records to determine the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC. Age group of the patients ranged from 26 to 80 years with mean of 42 years. Among the study subjects [112 case], ductal carcinoma is the common hitological linding 83/88 [94%]. According to the cytology, 79% were malignant, 4% were benign and 2% were suspicious. Histological correlation was done in 68 cases. The overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was 92.3%, with sensitivity and specificity of 89.2% and 66.5% respectively. FNAC of breast is asimple, cost effective and less traumatic method for diagnosing breast cancer. It is highly sensitive and accurate, and can reduce the needs for open biopsies. It is recommended that FNAC should be used as a first line method for determining the nature of breast lumps

Quality of life of Sudanese patients with benigan prostatic hyperplasia. The oblivious problem

Although the IPSS and QOL index are universally used, they can only quantify the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH] and evaluate treatment efficacy, but cannot fully reflect the overall quality of life. Moreover, because QOL scale depends on the culture background, it is necessary to develop a Sudanese version of the scale. To evaluate the impact of BPH on the quality of life by assessing the physical, mental and stress states among patients of BPH. This study was conducted on 424 patients with BPH in Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery [GHRDS], Sudan. The study was cross-sectional, prospective small-scale hospital based study using simple random sampling technique. The subjects were limited to the Sudanese patients, who could hear and answer the questions of the questionnaire independently and that was done for accuracy and privacy. Taking the patient's educational level into account, all items were expressed in spoken language. The data collection tool was a questionnaire which was modified to twelve items from the BPH Quality of Life Index. The majority 386 patients, 91% were physically fit. The pattern of urination was bothering to their daily life of around 320 patients/75.5%, 225 patients/53.1% of patients were worried about the outcome of the disease, 259 patients/61.1% were not concerned of having prostate cancer and 332 patients/78.2% were satisfied with their sleep. The sexual life had been affected in 201 patients/47.4%. The physical state was assessed by the ability of the patient to pray Friday Jomaa at the mosque which was 85.8% and also by attending important Sudanese obliging social activities like condolence which was [91.9%] of the patients. The impact of BPH on quality of life was obviously significant in the three domains; physical, mental and stress state among patients of BPH in GHRD and S. There should be a validated scale for the BPH Quality of Life Index addressing the traditional strata for Sudanese patients

Plasma proteosome level as a potential marker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is a fatal malignancy. Effective curative surgery is achieved when HCC is detected earlier. Proteosomes, the main non-lysosomal proteolytic structures organising the cellular mechanisms of cleaving proteins, can be considered a tumour marker in many kinds of malignancies. The aim of this study was to assess the plasma proteosome level in HCC and cirrhosis and, accordingly, evaluate its potential diagnostic ability in the detection of HCC in cirrhosis. This study included 60 patients, divided into two groups: the HCC group and the liver cirrhosis group. Twenty normal subjects served as a control group. Serum levels of proteosome and alpha-foetoprotein [AFP] were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] technique. Plasma proteosome levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC and in patients with cirrhosis without HCC when compared to controls individually [p > 0.002 and p > 0.001, respectively] but did not reach a significant differentiating level between them [area under curve [AUC] = 0.641, p = 0.061]. Moreover, the plasma proteosome level was not correlated with the severity of HCC by the Milan criteria or with AFP level. In addition, it was not significantly related to laboratory or Child-Pugh scoring. Moreover, the combined use of plasma proteosome level and AFP measurements for the diagnosis of HCC was not effective. In this study, the plasma proteosome level was comparably recorded in both patients with cirrhosis and patients with HCC [mean value +/- standard deviation were 5.796 +/- 1.46 and 7.176 +/- 2.48 microgml[-1], respectively], not reaching a significant differentiating level between them, although predictability of HCC using the plasma proteosome level was significant [p = 0.017]

Effect of Helicobacter pylori on the mucosa of the lower end of the esophagus in induced chronic gastritis in adult albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Although Helicobacter pylori is linked to the occurrence of chronic gastritis, its effect on the lower end of the esophagus is still an open question. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes in the mucosa in the lower end of the esophagus after experimental induction of chronic gastritis by H. pylori, with special emphasis on changes occurring under its different lines of eradication. Thirty-six adult female albino rats were divided into control [group I] and experimental [group II] groups. The latter group received 0.5 ml of H. pylori brucella broth through an orogastric tube in daily morning doses for 1 week. Eight weeks later, rats of group II were further subdivided into four subgroups: lla, lib, He, and lid. Rats of the latter three subgroups were treated for an additional 4 weeks with amoxicillin, curcuminoid extract, and a mixture of both, respectively, whereas subgroup lla underwent no treatment for H. pylori. Twelve weeks after induction of H. pylori, samples from the lower end of the esophagus were stained with H and E, Mallory's trichrome, and nitrotyrosine immunoperoxidase and studied morphometrically. Subgroup lla showed an increase in the height of the epithelium that had inflammatory infiltrations, mitotic cells, spaces separating prickle cells, and many keratohyalin granules. The lamina propria showed elongated connective tissue papillae, wide spaces, and inflammatory cells. There was a highly significant increase in the mean number of inflammatory cells, epithelial and connective tissue papillae height, thickness of keratohyalin granules-containing layer, and area% of nitrotyrosine immunostaining. Subgroup lib treated with amoxicillin showed worsening of histological and immunohistochemical changes as well as of all morphometrically measured values. However, subgroups He and lid showed improvement in most of these changes, H. pylori treated with amoxicillin worsened the inflammatory changes, whereas curcuminoid extract improved the condition. Further studies to evaluate the use of curcumin with other anti H. pylori drugs are needed

Nutritional and health status of medical students at a university in northwestern Saudi Arabia

To assess the nutrition and health status, nutrients intake, and physical activity among Saudi medical students. A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory assessments was conducted from January to May 2011 on 194 randomly selected Saudi medical students at Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The adequacy of nutrient intake was compared with the recommended daily intake [RDI] per the National Research Council. Caloric intake was derived from carbohydrates [72.1%], fats [19.4%] and proteins [8.4%]. Proteins and fats were obtained from a greater number of animal sources than of plant sources [5.3% versus 3.2% for proteins and 11.6% versus 7.8% for fats]. There were low percentages of RDI of fibers [8.5%], most vitamins especially vitamin D [14.2%], and minerals [potassium [31.3%], zinc [40.7%], magnesium [24.5%], and calcium [47%]. Overall, 34.5% of the students were overweight, and 10.3% were obese. Dyslipidemia was diagnosed in 24.7%, and 56.2% had high high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]. There was a positive correlation between the median caloric intake and both the BMI [r=0.42, p=0.00] and hs-CRP [r=0.3, p=0.001]. Inactivity was prevalent among the students [64.4%]. This study showed deficiencies in several essential nutrients among medical students, and the prevalence of overweight status, obesity, and inactivity were relatively high. These results indicate the need to improve nutrition and promote healthy lifestyles among the medical students