Adenovirus type D and type E infection in broiler chickens: the effect on CD4 and CD8 T cell response, cytokines expression and their immunopathology.

1. A total of 150-day-old chicks were divided into three groups of 50 birds (G1-G3); G1 and G2 were orally inoculated at 1-day old with 0.5 ml of 107 TCID50/ml FAdV-D serotype 2 (MT386509.1) and FAdV-E serotype 8a (MW847902), respectively, and G3 was blank control group.2. Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated by detection of CD4, CD8 T lymphocytes and the mRNA expression of IL6 and IL8 in the chicken spleen using q-PCR. Additionally, immunopathology was performed at 3, 5 and 7 day post infection (dpi) and weekly until the end of the experiment.3. Results revealed that transcription of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8) was up regulated in the spleen of FAdV type D and type E infected chickens at various time points relative to the control group. A marked decrease in the number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes at 5 and 7 dpi in G1 of chickens infected with FAdV type D. Whereas, in chickens infected with FAdV type E, the CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes were markedly decreased at 7 dpi.4. In contrast, there were no significant differences in humoral immune responses against NDV vaccine in (G1 and G2) at different intervals post-vaccination compared to the control group. The histopathology of the bursa, thymus, and spleen in the infected groups showed lymphocytolysis with severe reticular cells hyperplasia and lymphoid depletion.5. In conclusion, fowl adenovirus types D and E have an immunosuppressive effect in broilers which may be considered one of the main causes of the continuous co-infections with other viruses reported in the field during the last 10 years.

Effect of replacement of antibiotics with thyme and celery seed mixture on the feed intake and digestion, ruminal fermentation, blood chemistry, and milk lactation of lactating Barki ewes.

The study investigated the effect of in-feed administration of dried thyme leaf and celery seed mixture (at 1 : 1 DM basis) compared with salinomycin ionophore on milk production and milk nutritive value of Barki ewes. Thirty ewes (37.5 ± 1.8 kg), divided into 3 treatment groups, were fed: (1) a complete control diet comprising concentrates and fodder maize (Zea mays L.) at 60 : 40 dry matter basis, (2) the control diet plus 20 g of thyme and celery mixture supplementation and (3) the control diet supplemented with 1 g of salinomycin per ewe daily for 90 days. Inclusion of thyme-celery treatment increased (P < 0.05) weight gain, average daily gain, milk yield, milk component yields, and feed efficiency, without affecting milk composition. In addition, the thyme-celery treatment enhanced (P < 0.05) nutrient intake and digestibility, total ruminal volatile fatty acids, branched chain fatty acids, and acetate proportions and decreased ammonia-N concentration. Thyme-celery treatment increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose, thyroxine, and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase concentrations. It is concluded that the thyme and celery mixture (1 : 1 DM basis) at 20 g per lactating ewe daily can replace the salinomycin ionophore. Enhanced feed utilization and lactational performance as well as milk nutritive value for human consumption were observed with the natural additive mixture supplementation.

Correction: Long term conjugated linoleic acid supplementation modestly improved growth performance but induced testicular tissue apoptosis and reduced sperm quality in male rabbit.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226070.].

Long term conjugated linoleic acid supplementation modestly improved growth performance but induced testicular tissue apoptosis and reduced sperm quality in male rabbit.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known for its multiple benefits including improvement of growth, increasing lean mass, and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, when used in long-term supplementations CLA does not improve semen parameters in boar and bull and reduces fertility in Japanese quails. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in dietary lipids plays a significant role in spermatogenesis owning the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in plasma membrane of sperms. Whether CLA plays a role in testicular tissue and epididymal fat is still unknown. Therefore, in this study we hypothesize that long-term supplementation of equal proportion of CLA isomer mix (c9,t11-CLA and t10,c12- CLA) in rabbit bucks might alter male reproductive potentials. Twelve V-Line weaned male rabbits were used in 26 weeks trial, rabbits were individually raised and randomly allocated into three dietary groups. Control group (CON) received a basal diet, a group received 0.5% CLA (CLA 0.5%), and a group received 1% CLA (CLA 1%). Rabbits were euthanized at the end of the trial and several parameters were evaluated related to growth, semen quality, and testicular and epididymal tissue histopathology and transcriptome. The long-term supplementation of CLA increased feed intake by 5% and body weight by 2-3%. CLA 1% decreased sperm progressive motility. In testicular tissue L-carnitine and α-tocopherol were decreased by CLA supplementation. In epididymal fat, CLA tended to decrease concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the expression of SCD5 gene was upregulated by CLA 1% and CASP3 gene was upregulated by CLA 0.5%. Transcription of PPARG was downregulated by CLA. Feeding 1% CLA also decreased testicular epithelial thickness. Long-term supplementation of CLA modestly enhanced male rabbit growth, but negatively impacted male reproduction, especially at high dose of CLA.

Quality improvement programme for diabetes care in family practice settings in Dubai.

A continuous quality improvement programme for the care of registered diabetes patients was introduced in 16 government-affiliated primary health care centres in Dubai. Quality improvement teams were formed, clinical guidelines and information systems were developed, diabetes nurse practitioners were introduced and a team approach was mobilized. Audits before and after the introduction of the scheme showed significant improvements in rates of recording key clinical indicators and in their outcomes. For example, the proportion of patients with glycosylated haemoglobin levels < 7% increased from 20.6% to 31.7% and with LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL increased from 20.8% to 33.6%. Mean systolic blood pressure of registered patients fell from 135.3 mmHg to 133.2 mmHg.

Quality improvement programme for diabetes care in family practice settings in Dubai

A continuous quality improvement programme for the care of registered diabetes patients was introduced in 16 government-affiliated primary health care centres in Dubai. Quality improvement teams were formed, clinical guidelines and information systems were developed, diabetes nurse practitioners were introduced and a team approach was mobilized. Audits before and after the introduction of the scheme showed significant improvements in rates of recording key clinical indicators and in their outcomes. For example, the proportion of patients with glycosylated haemoglobin levels < 7% increased from 20.6% to 31.7% and with LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL increased from 20.8% to 33.6%. Mean systolic blood pressure of registered patients fell from 135.3 mmHg to 133.2 mmHg

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity.

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women (27.7% versus 12.7%). The combined effect of impaired perceived health status (52.4%) and functional capacity (26.6%), loneliness (4.5%), single status (24.3%), and lack of education (80.5%) explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended.

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]. The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women [27.7% versus 12.7%]. The combined effect of impaired perceived health status [52.4%] and functional capacity [26.6%], loneliness [4.5%], single status [24.3%], and lack of education [80.5%] explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended

Dental caries: experience in relation to wasting and stunted growth among schoolboys in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the dental health status of Saudi schoolboys in an urban city in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the association of dental caries with wasting and stunted growth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A two-stage stratified random sample of 959 schoolboys representative of the 6 to 13 year-old school population in Abha were subjected to dental examination. Using the WHO criteria, decayed, missing and filled teeth were determined, and the prevalence of caries for each age group was determined by means of decayed and filled primary teeth (dft), and decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) epidemiological indices. The children were also subjected to weight and height measurements and their values were compared with the local growth standards. RESULTS: The total prevalence of caries-free children was 14.6%. The mean dft values at ages 6, 9 and 12 years were 6.53, 3.97 and 1.07, respectively (P<0.001), while the mean DMFT values were 0.16, 0.83 and 1.23 for such ages (P<0.001). After adjusting for age and social class, the wasted children were found to have a higher caries prevalence in the primary dentition than the well-nourished children (P<0.01), while children with stunted growth exhibited lower caries prevalence in the permanent teeth (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Comparisons with international goals for oral health by the year 2000 show that the goal for 12 year-olds with respect to the status of the permanent dentition has been attained, but not the goal for 5-6 year olds with respect to caries-free primary teeth. It is likely that nutritional status may have different effects on susceptibility to caries of deciduous and permanent teeth.

Cross-sectional study of a child health care programme at one family practice centre in Saudi Arabia.

We randomly selected 100 mothers with children under 2 years attending an immunization clinic to measure satisfaction with and the effects of a child health care programme. Mean duration of breastfeeding was 10.7 +/- 6.9 months; 37% of children were exclusively breastfed, 16% artificially fed and 47% mixed fed. Breastfeeding knowledge scores were good or fair for most mothers. Only 26% used effective contraception and 46% had a child-spacing of < or = 12 months. We found 78.6% of lactating mothers had well or fairly balanced diets. Process of care was satisfactory in 73% of records reviewed, programme structure was satisfactory and 91% of mothers were satisfied with the programme.

The need for traditional birth attendants (dayas) in Saudi Arabia.

Preferences of women living in remote areas regarding delivery place and attendant were surveyed, opinions of primary health care (PHC) doctors about traditional birth attendants' (TBA) maternal care were assessed and training needs for TBAs were identified using questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Home deliveries and TBAs were preferred by approximately 24% and 38% of the women respectively. The fact that they were women and psychological comfort were the main reasons for preferring TBAs. TBAs disclosed many harmful practices. No PHC centre help was sought by 75% of TBAs. Lack of cooperation between PHC centres and TBAs was a concern of most of the doctors. Training and links to PHC services for TBAs are needed.

Cross-sectional study of a child health care programme at one family practice centre in Saudi Arabia

We randomly selected 100 mothers with children under 2 years attending an immunization clinic to measure satisfaction with and the effects of a child health care programme. Mean duration of breastfeeding was 10.7 +/- 6.9 months; 37% of children were exclusively breastfed, 16% artificially fed and 47% mixed fed. Breastfeeding knowledge scores were good or fair for most mothers. Only 26% used effective contraception and 46% had a child-spacing of < 12 months. We found 78.6% of lactating mothers had well or fairly balanced diets. Process of care was satisfactory in 73% of records reviewed, programme structure was satisfactory and 91% of mothers were satisfied with the programme

The need for traditional birth attendants [dayas] in Saudi Arabia

Preferences of women living in remote areas regarding delivery place and attendant were surveyed, opinions of primary health care [PHC] doctors about traditional birth attendants' [TBA] maternal care were assessed and training needs for TBAs were identified using questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Home deliveries and TBAs were preferred by approximately 24% and 38% of the women respectively. The fact that they were women and psychological comfort were the main reasons for preferring TBAs. TBAs disclosed many harmful practices. No PHC centre help was sought by 75% of TBAs. Lack of cooperation between PHC centres and TBAs was a concern of most of the doctors. Training and links to PHC services for TBAs are needed

Risk factors of coronary heart disease: attitude and behaviour in family practice in Saudi Arabia.

To study risk factors of attitudes and behaviour towards coronary heart disease (CHD), 280 Saudis > or = 20 years attending a family practice answered a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire and had their weight, height, blood pressure and random total cholesterol measured. Significant difference was found between males and females in the mean number of cardiovascular risk factors (t = -3.03, P < 0.01). Few people with high dietary fat intake, obesity or physical inactivity perceived their behaviour as harmful. The number of people who perceived an associated risk to their health increased with incidence of smoking and obesity but not with high fat intake. Physically inactive people were least likely to perceive their behaviour as harmful.

Compliance and control of diabetes in a family practice setting, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to identify some determinants of compliance with diet, anti-diabetic drugs and the appointment system amongst diabetic patients (n = 294) attending a family practice setting. The results showed that good compliance with diet was significantly higher among males (P = 0.01) and those with good diabetic control (P = 0.01), while good compliance with appointment systems was significantly associated with type II diabetes (P < 0.01) and good care (P < 0.01). Compliance with drugs showed no significant association with any of the studied determinants (P > 0.05). When multiple regression analysis was applied, the degree of control of diabetes, its duration and the total score of care were the only predictors of the three aspects of compliance (P < 0.05).

Compliance and control of diabetes in a family practice setting, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to identify some determinants of compliance with diet, anti-diabetic drugs and the appointment system amongst diabetic patients [n = 294] attending a family practice setting. The results showed that good compliance with diet was significantly higher among males [P = 0.01] and those with good diabetic control [P = 0.01], while good compliance with appointment systems was significantly associated with type II diabetes [P < 0.01] and good care [P < 0.01]. Compliance with drugs showed no significant association with any of the studied determinants [P > 0.05]. When multiple regression analysis was applied, the degree of control of diabetes, its duration and the total score of care were the only predictors of the three aspects of compliance [P < 0.05]

Risk factors of coronary heart disease: attitude and behaviour in family practice in Saudi Arabia

To study risk factors of attitudes and behaviour towards coronary heart disease [CHD], 280 Saudis > or = 20 years attending a family practice answered a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire and had their weight, height, blood pressure and random total cholesterol measured. Significant difference was found between males and females in the mean number of cardiovascular risk factors [t = -3.03, P < 0.01]. Few people with high dietary fat intake, obesity or physical inactivity perceived their behaviour as harmful. The number of people who perceived an associated risk to their health increased with incidence of smoking and obesity but not with high fat intake. Physically inactive people were least likely to perceive their behaviour as harmful