Predictors of premarital screening and genetic counseling knowledge and attitude among deaf and hard hearing females in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision, research should be directed to prevention, early detection, and intervention to reduce all types of disability. The current study aimed to investigate the predictors of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling (PMSGC) knowledge and attitude among deaf and hard hearing females' in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive correlational design was conducted on a convenience sample of 67 deaf and hard hearing students from the Tabuk region. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire elaborated to the participants using sign language. The results revealed that most participants had incorrect answers regarding most PMSGC questions. Around two-thirds (68.7%, 65.7%, and 71.6%) of them strongly agree that PMSGC is very important, compatible with Islamic principles, and prevents family social and psychological problems, respectively. Older, urban area residents and university-educated participants have significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores than their peers (t=2.239, 4.887, 4.790 & p<0.05), respectively. Multiple regression shows that age (b=0.302, t=-2.795, p=0.007), education (b=0.336, t=2.425, p=0.019), mothers' education (b=0.314, t=2.345, p=0.023), and monthly income (b=-0.337, t=-2.503, p=0.015), are significant predictors of PMSGC knowledge. Furthermore, age (b=0.659, t=4.024, p=0.000), residence (b=0.293, t=2.233, p=0.030), education (b=-0.395, t=3.028, p=0.004), and type of disability (b=-0.443, t=-3.763, p=0.000) are significant predictors of PMSGC attitude. Although most deaf and hard hearing females have incorrect knowledge regarding PMSGC, most have a positive attitude. The study concluded that participants' education, mothers' education, and monthly income are significant predictors of PMSGC knowledge. Moreover, age, residence, education, and type of disability were significant predictors of higher PMSGC attitudes.

Flavoring and extending the shelf life of cucumber juice with aroma compounds-rich herbal extracts at 4 °C through controlling chemical and microbial fluctuations.

This work aims to enhance the flavor of functional cucumber juice using herbal extracts of peppermint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass ethanolic extracts and extend its lifetime by controlling the chemical and microbial fluctuations. Cucumber juices were processed as; non-supplemented (J-Con), J-PME, J-BE, J-LE, and J-LEE supplemented with peppermint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass ethanolic extracts, respectively. Peppermint extract was significantly scavenged 88% of DPPH radicals and inhibited the growth of tested gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi followed by the lemongrass extract. The antioxidant activity of cucumber juices increased due to polyphenols and aroma compounds in the added extracts. However, the antioxidant content was decreased after two months of storage at 4 °C, due to the decrease in polyphenols. The flavor compounds were determined using GC mass, wherein hydrocarbons, acids, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds were the main aroma contents in cucumber juices, and their contents decreased with storage time. Peppermint and lemongrass extracts were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the whiteness of J-PME, and J-LEE, respectively. The highest score of flavor and taste was observed in J-PME that scored 8.3 based on panelists' reports followed by J-LEE. The PME was significantly maintained 91% of the odor and color of J-PME as compared to other juices.

Cervical cancer perceived risks and associated factors among women in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Examining the risk perception of one of the most life-threatening cancers among women, such as cervical cancer, will guide the development of targeted advocacy and educational programs to reduce the burden of the disease. The current study investigated cervical cancer perceived risks and associated factors among Saudi women. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a social media-based survey, which conveniently targeted 1085 Saudi women in Najran city. The survey questionnaire consisted of four parts: basic sociodemographic data, cervical cancer knowledge quiz, attitude scale, and risk perception Scale. The present study confirmed that 57.4% of the study participants had high-risk perception regarding cervical cancer. Among the study participants, 42.6% had a low perception of the risk of cervical cancer, 57.3% had unsatisfactory knowledge, while 59.4% had a positive attitude (59.4%) towards cervical cancer prevention and its screening. The binary logistic regression proved that the positive significant factors associated with risk perception were higher education [AOR=3.105 (1.300 - 7.418), p=0.011], increasing age [AOR=1.191 (1.043-1.359), p=0.005], longer duration of marriage [AOR=3.123 (1.112 - 8.767), p=0.031], having family history of cancer/cervical cancer [AOR=4.498 (1.119 - 18.085), p=0.034], satisfactory knowledge [AOR=2.304 (1.289 - 4.116), p=0.005], and positive attitude [AOR=3.248 (2.532 - 4.166), p=0.000]. We conclude that more than half of the women in Najran city had high cervical cancer-related risk perception while more than two-fifths perceived low risk with unsatisfactory knowledge and a positive attitude. These results highlight the pressing need to develop cervical cancer health education programs to foster risk perception as a driving strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabian women.

Predictors of cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city: A cross-sectional study.

This study explores the predictors of cervical cancer (CC) knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran/ KSA to recruit 1085 participants from June to September 2021. An online self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection; it consisted of basic data and health history, a CC knowledge quiz, and a CC attitude scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA)'. The findings revealed that more than half of the participants (57.7%) had insufficient knowledge regarding CC. At the same time, 59.4% of them had a positive attitude toward CC screening. According to binary logistic regression analysis, University-educated participants had increased odds of sufficient knowledge (OR: 1.774, 95%CI1.101-2.856) and positive attitude (OR: 4.246, 95%CI 1.545-11.669) about CC compared to the participant with secondary education. Moreover, participants with no family history of CC were less likely to have sufficient knowledge (OR: 0.554, 95%CI 0.102-2.745) and positive attitude (OR: 0.867, 95%CI 0.776 - 0.968) about CC compared to participants with positive family history. Also, sufficient knowledge was statistically associated with a positive attitude (OR: 1.754, 95%CI 1.112-2.849). Among all basic variables, participants' educational qualifications and positive family history of CC are significant socio-demographic predictors of CC knowledge and attitude. Specific educational interventions to enhance women's knowledge and attitude toward CC screening should be developed and implemented in the community without delay, particularly for less-educated women.

Perceptions of barriers to cervical cancer screening among Saudi women: A cross-sectional study.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Cervical Cancer (CC) ranked fourth in incidence and associated mortality among all cancers, with a mean age incidence of 61 years. This study evaluates the perceived barriers to CC screening among Saudi women in Najran city, KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran/ KSA, involving 1085 females. The data collection instrument comprised three main parts: basic data questionnaire, women's knowledge regarding CC screening, assessment of health belief model scale for CC, and Pap smear test. Data collection started through an online survey from the beginning of October 2021 till the end of January 2022. Data analyses were performed using the Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The results showed that fear of bad results (68.9%), cost of treatment (58.8%), embarrassment (59.9%), and preference for female physician (47.4%) among several others were the barriers to CC screening identified by women Over 61% of the participants had a moderate barrier to CC screening, and 24.8% had high perceived barriers. Ordinal logistic regression shows that age, higher education, high monthly income, positive family history for CC, and adequate CC screening knowledge are positive predictors of low CC screening barriers (p˂0.05). Increasing number of deliveries and parities was a negative predictor for low CC screening. CC screening barriers are still high among Saudi females. Some demographic variables may predict low CC screening barriers, and health care providers should consider these variables during CC preventive and educational programs.

Saudi women health beliefs and associated factors regarding cervical cancer prevention at Najran city: A theory-based study.

According to Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision, research should be directed to promote health and prevent diseases like cervical cancer (CC). Furthermore, the Kingdom pays specific attention to the health of women. CC ranks eighth among all cancers in Saudi Arabia; therefore, determining women's beliefs and associated factors will help prevent and treat them early. The objective of this study was to explore Saudi women's health beliefs and associated factors regarding CC prevention in Najran city. A cross-sectional design was carried out using a convenience sampling technique of 1085 participants from the Najran region. Data collection was done from June to September 2021, using tools consisting of basic data and personal/family history of the study participants and the health belief model (HBM) scale for CC. The findings revealed that up to 99% of the participants did not take the HPV vaccine, while only 2% undertook the Pap smear test. Less than one-fifth (17.9%) of the participants believed they were highly susceptible to developing CC, although more than two-thirds (70.4%) of them believed CC is a serious disease. Only one-tenth (9.8%) of the participants had low perceived barriers to undergoing a Pap smear test, even though a large proportion (85.3%) of them highly perceived its benefits and were motivated to uptake CC prevention. Rural area residence, low education, insufficient monthly income, and young age were negatively associated factors with CC prevention and health beliefs (p< 0.05). Participants with a family history of CC or who previously performed Pap smear test had a higher health motivation and perceived benefits of CC screening and prevention (p<0.05). The study concluded that most Saudi women did not undertake Pap smear tests or HPV vaccine, although average scores of the sub-dimensions of the HBM scale about CC were moderate or high except for perceived susceptibility to CC. Therefore, national educational programs for Saudi women should be directed to increase their perceived susceptibility to CC and decrease the perceived barriers to Pap smear test. In addition, the ministry of health's educational efforts should be directed to rural areas' residents with low education, insufficient monthly income, and young age women.

Impact of an educational intervention on deaf and hard hearing females' knowledge and health beliefs regarding cervical cancer in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A theory-based study.

Deaf people experience barriers to communication that prevent access to health care and information that puts them at increased risk for lack of knowledge about prevention and early detection approaches to cancers. With decreased screening, they may be at a higher risk of discovering cervical cancer (CC) at a late stage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on deaf and hard hearing females' knowledge and health belief regarding cervical cancer in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A quasi-experimental study was performed from the beginning of April till the end of October 2021 using a convenience sample of 33 deaf and hard hearing married females students from Al-Amal center for deaf and hard hearing females and Tabuk University. The data were collected using an interview schedule composed of three parts translated to American Sign Language: background variables (basic data), cervical cancer knowledge quiz, and health belief model scale for CC and Pap smear test. About 75.8% of the participants were older than 20 years. The intervention-based HBM showed significant improvement in the overall knowledge score after the intervention compared to pre-intervention (FET = 16.345 P = 0.000). Moreover, significant enhancements (P <0.05) in all HBM construct scores after the HBM intervention compared to the pre-intervention. HBM-based educational interventions can be useful educational modalities for deaf and hard hearing populations. This intervention effectively enhanced the deaf and hard hearing females' overall knowledge and health beliefs scores.

Intention and self-efficacy for pap smear screening and Human Papilloma Virus vaccination among Saudi women at Najran city, KSA.

Exploring the women's intention of the core self-directed behaviors for cervical cancer prevention and their confident abilities for engagement is of utmost importance for targeted intervention development. This study investigates the Saudi women's intention and self-efficacy for Pap Smear Screening and HPV Vaccination in Najran city, KSA. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study incorporating a convenient sample of 1085 Saudi women through a social media-based four-part questionnaire: Basic Data and Reproductive Health History, Pap Smear Intention Scale, HPV vaccination intention scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Pap smear testing, and HPV vaccination. The results indicated that 59.5% of the study participants had a low intention for Pap testing, while 62.5% of them had a high intention to receive the HPV vaccine, and the self-efficacy for both was high among 57.0% of them. Binary logistic regression showed higher odds for Pap testing intention among older women with enough family income and those with no history of Pap testing and higher gravidity and parity. Rural resident women and those having no family history of CC have Lower odds for HPV vaccination intention. Women of reproductive age and those with high gravidity and parity have higher odds. Self-efficacy has lower odds among divorced, rural resident women and those with no history of Pap testing or HPV vaccine; however, women with longer marriage duration and higher gravidity and parity had higher odds. Hence, there is an apparent high intention for HPV vaccination with a low intention for Pap testing among Saudi women in Najran despite having a higher self-efficacy. These necessitate establishing consolidated efforts for awareness-raising and advocacy programs to prevent CC.

Gestational Diabetes Self-Care Behavior: An Empowerment Educational Intervention Based on BASNEF Model.

Background: Gestational diabetes is a widespread pregnancy-related health problem. Its associated complications can be minimized by empowering women to enhance their self-care behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention using the Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model on Gestational Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors (GD-SCB) among gestational diabetic woman. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed at the outpatient clinic, El-Shatby hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, on 180 gestational diabetic women (91 intervention and 89 control groups). Data were collected from April to November 2019 using an interviewing schedule involving sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrics/medical history, BASNEF model questionnaire, and gestational diabetes self-care behavior scale. Results: The findings revealed that an absence of statistically significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrics/medical history between the intervention and control groups. Two months post-intervention, all BASNEF model subcontracts and total GD-SCB showed significant improvement in the intervention than the control group; knowledge (F1 = 173.92, p < 0.001), personal beliefs (F1 = 286.54, p < 0.001), subjective norms (F1 = 248.82, p < 0.001), behavioral intention (F1 = 235.43, p < 0.001), enabling factors (F1 = 59.71, p < 0.001), and total GD-SCB (F1 = 775.10, p < 0.001). The effect size showed that 48.60% of the improvement within the intervention group total GD-SCB was due to the intervention. Conclusions: Empowerment through education using the BASNEF model for enhancing GD-SCB was effective and beneficial. Therefore, it can serve as a basic framework for constructing and executing educational programs in the field.

Empowering Saudi women in higher educational institutions: Development and validation of a novel women empowerment scale.

The government in Saudi Arabia in 2016 declared the necessity to overcome the ancestral oil-based economy and move towards a more diversified model. One of the significant steps to achieve this goal is to empower Saudi women, who form half of the Saudi population, to actively contribute their much-needed talents and skills to the Saudi labour market. However, there is a scarcity of existing scales to measure women empowerment in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to construct and validate a reliable novel scale for the empowerment of Saudi women employed in higher education institutions. A methodological study was conducted from January to April 2020 among Saudi women academic and administrative staff (n=160) working in the higher educational institutions located in the northwestern and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. The tool underwent content and face validity as well as factor analyses. Internal consistency was analyzed through Cronbach's alpha and Pearson correlation coefficient. The data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23. A Cronbach's alpha value of 0.94 was obtained in reliability analysis. The results showed that the total women empowerment scale had an exceptional internal consistency (>9). The three domains of the scale and total woman empowerment scale had a score close to 1, indicating a high Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, and showed a high similarity between values at the second and third measurements. Self-esteem and self-efficacy subscales were the most important indicators of women's' personal empowerment. Furthermore, a highly positive correlation (p <0.01) was found between the total domains of empowerment scale. A novel women empowerment tool was developed and validated in Saudi women working as academic and administrative staff. This can serve as a reliable tool to measure women's empowerment in higher education institutions. It will eventually enable the formulation of strategies that facilitate women's empowerment and pave the path for a strong foundation for the development of the country.

Empowering deaf and hard hearing females toward premarital counseling and genetic screening: An educational intervention based on empowerment model.

Hearing loss affects many people worldwide, and it hinders speech, language, and social development. Consanguineous marriage is the most prevalent social custom that leads to an increased prevalence of congenital anomalies. Premarital Counseling and Genetic Screening (PMSGC) educational program is urgently needed to empower deaf and hard hearing girls. This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the empowerment model on deaf and hard hearing females' self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitude toward PMSGC. A Quasi-experimental research design was conducted on 64 deaf and hard hearing female students. The data collection instrument comprised four parts: basic data and personal/family history, PMSGC quiz, Likert attitude scale, and general self-efficacy scale. Data were collected from September to December 2020. The empowerment educational intervention was conducted in four sequential phases; needs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The intervention addressed the students' knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. The results showed that 76.6% of the study participants had consanguineous marriage between their parents, 64.1% had a history of hereditary deafness in first-degree relatives. There were statistically significant differences between the total knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy before and after intervention (p <0.001). In detail, 76.6% of the participants had good knowledge after the intervention compared to only 12.5% before it. Besides, 81.3% of the study participants had a positive attitude toward PMSGC before the intervention compared to 95.3% after it. Self-efficacy was low (25.0%) or moderate (75%) before the intervention compared to moderate (45.3%) or high (42.2%) after the intervention. Educational intervention based on the empowerment model significantly increased the deaf and hard hearing population's self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitude toward PMSGC. The use of the empowerment model in health education should be encouraged and taught to the medical and paramedical students.

Perceived and real barriers to workplace empowerment among women at Saudi universities: A cross-sectional study.

Academic women in the Arab world, especially Saudi women, have numerous barriers inhibiting their leadership power at the workplace. The current study explores the perceived and real barriers to workplace empowerment among women at Saudi universities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at 15 Saudi governmental universities. A multistage cluster sampling technique was followed to select (5587 participants) The data collection started from the beginning of April to the beginning of September 2020. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the real barriers to women empowerment at the workplace. The study showed that 52.1% of the study participants had moderate workplace empowerment, and only 10.2% have a low level. Regarding perceived barriers to workplace empowerment, 42.6% of the participants agree that male dominance was a barrier. Moreover, 36.2% of the participants agreed and strongly agree that the customs and traditions are a barrier to women empowerment at the workplace. Multiple linear regression showed that age, followed by years of experience (p <0.000), were the most significant demographic predictors of women empowerment at the workplace. Moreover, positive attitude, high self-esteem, and good knowledge (p <0.000) were considered other variables that positively predict women's empowerment at the workplace. The experience of gender-based violence (p <0.000) was a negative predictor of women empowerment at the workplace. The study concluded that around 62.3% of Saudi female academics and administrative staff have moderate or low workplace empowerment at Saudi Universities. Male dominance is perceived as the highest barrier.

Women empowerment among academic and administrative staff in Saudi universities: A cross-sectional study.

Women in Saudi Arabia constitute nearly 50% of the population, but their participation in economic and social activities are far below the kingdom's potential. According to the 2030 vision, women empowerment is an essential requirement for community transformation and development. The study aims to explore women empowerment among academic and administrative staff in Saudi Universities. A cross-sectional research design was conducted at 15 Saudi governmental universities. A multistage cluster sampling technique was followed to select 5587 participants. The data collection starts from April to September 2020. The current study results illustrate statistically significant differences between academic and administrative staff in the total women empowerment score and all of its dimensions (p <0.05). The majority of academic staff (84.4%) have high personal empowerment compared to 73.7% of the administrative staff. The study concluded that women empowerment is higher among academics compared to administrative staff in Saudi Universities.

The role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in women empowerment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to explore the role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in women empowerment among academic and administrative staff at Saudi universities. A cross-sectional design was carried out at 15 governmental universities. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 5587 participants. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the predictive relation. Data collection included socio-demographic variables, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, general self-efficacy scale, and women empowerment scale. The results indicated that study participants' self-esteem was equally distributed between moderate (49.8%) and high (50.2%). Also, 66.9% of the participants had high self-efficacy, and 86.8% had high total women's empowerment. Regression coefficient showed that self-esteem (B=0.521, b=0.127, t=13.785 and p <0.001) and self-efficacy (B=2.388, b=0.702, t=76.049 and p <0.001) are important predictors of the total women empowerment. However, self-efficacy was observed to be the most dominant predictor (t=76.049). The total model summary shows that 73.4% of the women empowerment level can be predicted through self-esteem and self-efficacy. The study results can be used as a base to build women empowerment programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and help to achieve the 2030 KSA vision regarding women empowerment.

Age dependent association of inbreeding with risk for schizophrenia in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Self-reported consanguinity is associated with risk for schizophrenia (SZ) in several inbred populations, but estimates using DNA-based coefficients of inbreeding are unavailable. Further, it is not known whether recessively inherited risk mutations can be identified through homozygosity by descent (HBD) mapping. METHODS: We studied self-reported and DNA-based estimates of inbreeding among Egyptian patients with SZ (n = 421, DSM IV criteria) and adult controls without psychosis (n = 301), who were evaluated using semi-structured diagnostic interview schedules and genotyped using the Illumina Infinium PsychArray. Following quality control checks, coefficients of inbreeding (F) and regions of homozygosity (ROH) were estimated using PLINK software for HBD analysis. Exome sequencing was conducted in selected cases. RESULTS: Inbreeding was associated with schizophrenia based on self-reported consanguinity (χ2 = 4.506, 1 df, p = 0.034) and DNA-based estimates for inbreeding (F); the latter with a significant F × age interaction (ß = 32.34, p = 0.0047). The association was most notable among patients older than age 40 years. Eleven ROH were over-represented in cases on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 11, and 14; all but one region is novel for schizophrenia risk. Exome sequencing identified six recessively-acting genes in ROH with loss-of-function variants; one of which causes primary hereditary microcephaly. CONCLUSIONS: We propose consanguinity as an age-dependent risk factor for SZ in Egypt. HBD mapping is feasible for SZ in adequately powered samples.

Mercury-induced Oxidative Stress May Adversely Affect Pregnancy Outcome among Dental Staff: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Dental staff may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome secondary to their chronic exposure to mercury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate obstetric outcome among dental staff and explore the oxidative stress induced by mercury exposure. METHODS: A cohort of 64 pregnant dental staff (exposed group) and 60 pregnant employees (non-exposed group) were studied. Urinary mercury level and blood antioxidant activity were measured. Participants were followed to assess their obstetric outcome. RESULTS: The exposed group had a higher mean urinary mercury level and a lower blood antioxidant activity during the three trimesters compared to non-exposed group (p<0.001). Women in the exposed group were experienced more frequently spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia (p<0.05). Babies born to the women in the exposed group tended to be smaller for gestational age compared to those of non-exposed group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pregnant dental staff suffered higher odds of developing spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia and giving birth to babies smaller for gestational age. This may be linked to oxidative stress induced by exposure to mercury.

Improved pregnancy outcome following earlier splenectomy in women with immune thrombocytopenia: a 5-year observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prospectively the maternal and fetal outcome in women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who undergone earlier splenectomy compared to women on medical therapy. METHODS: A 5-year observational study included pregnant women in the first trimester previously diagnosed with primary ITP with 74 patients underwent splenectomy before pregnancy and 86 patients on medical therapy. Patients were followed throughout pregnancy and labour to record their obstetric outcome. Data were collected and tabulated. RESULTS: There was a higher platelet count in the splenectomy group at enrollment (p < .05) and at delivery (p < .001). Higher number of patients in the medical group experienced bleeding episodes (p < .001), severe thrombocytopenia (p < .001), need for therapy (p < .001), complications of steroid therapy (p < .05), postpartum hemorrhage (p < .05), and defective lactation (p < .001) compared to patients in the splenectomy group. Higher rates of small for gestational age, preterm labour, and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were observed in patients in the medical group (p < .05) compared to patients in the splenectomy group. CONCLUSION: Earlier splenectomy in patients with ITP may have a beneficial impact on obstetric outcome and should be explained to patients wishing to get pregnant. Further larger multicenter studies are warranted to confirm or refute our findings.

Corrigendum to "Spread of TEM, VIM, SHV, and CTX-M ß-Lactamases in Imipenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated from Egyptian Hospitals".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/8382605.].

Hepatitis C virus antibody titers associated with cognitive dysfunction in an asymptomatic community-based sample.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with cognitive dysfunction in clinic-based studies. The risk could be attributed to factors such as antiviral medications, substance abuse, or coincidental infection. AIM: The aim was to evaluate cognitive function in relation to HCV antibody titers in a community-based sample of asymptomatic individuals at low risk for substance abuse. METHOD: Adults were ascertained from a community in Mansoura, Egypt, where HCV is endemic (n = 258). Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Arabic version of the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery. Substance abuse and psychopathology were also assessed. Antibodies to HCV and Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), a common protozoan that can affect cognition, were estimated using serological IgG assays. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV and TOX infection was 17.6% and 52.9%, respectively. HCV antibody titers were significantly associated with worse function in four cognitive tests for accuracy and three tests for speed, after adjusting for covariates (p < .05, beta coefficients, 2.1-3.2). TOX antibody titers were associated with impaired accuracy in one test. CONCLUSIONS: The association between HCV antibody titers and cognitive impairment is not mediated by antiviral treatment or substance abuse in this sample. Whether HCV has a causal role in the cognitive dysfunction should be investigated.

Spread of TEM, VIM, SHV, and CTX-M ß-Lactamases in Imipenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated from Egyptian Hospitals.

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli resulting from ß-lactamases have been reported to be an important cause of nosocomial infections and are a critical therapeutic problem worldwide. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of imipenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolates and detection of bla VIM, bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M-1, and bla CTX-M-9 genes in these clinical isolates in Egyptian hospitals. The isolates were collected from various clinical samples, identified by conventional methods and confirmed by API 20E. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined by Kirby-Bauer technique and interpreted according to CLSI. Production of bla VIM, bla TEM, bla SHV, and bla CTX-M genes was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct sequencing from PCR products was subsequently carried out to identify and confirm these ß-lactamases genes. Out of 65 isolates, (46.1%) Escherichia coli, (26.2%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, and (10.7%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified as the commonest Gram-negative bacilli. 33(50.8%) were imipenem-resistant isolates. 22 isolates (66.7%) carried bla VIM, 24(72.7%) had bla TEM, and 5(15%) showed bla SHV, while 12(36%), 6(18.2%), and 0(0.00%) harbored bla CTX-M-1, bla CTX-M-9, and bla CTX-M-8/25, respectively. There is a high occurrence of ß-lactamase genes in clinical isolates and sequence analysis of amplified genes showed differences between multiple SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) sites in the same gene among local isolates in relation to published sequences.