Association of Vitamin D Gene Polymorphisms With HCV Infection Outcome.

Background: Vitamin D derivatives and their receptor (VDR) are immune-response modulators in many diseases including malignancies, metabolic conditions, and infections. We hypothesized that one or more variants of VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 861 subjects were recruited and classified as spontaneous viral clearance (SVC, n = 127), chronic hepatic cirrhosis (CHC, n = 392), and HCC (n = 342). Standard routine laboratory tests were performed and clinical features noted. All individuals were genotyped for seven SNPs spanning the VDR using real-time PCR. Results: Genotype frequencies of SNPs rs7970376, rs11568820, rs4516035, rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm-1), and rs731236 (Taq1), but not rs739837, were variously altered in CHC and HCC compared with SVC, and in HCC compared to CHC (all p < 0.001). The most powerful was rs7970376, which brought an OR (95% CI) of 7.14 (4.64-10.98) for HCC compared to SVC (p = 0.001). The carriage of the AGTAC haplotype of five SNPs were linked to CHC compared to SVC at OR 2.88 [95% CI 1.2-6.9] (p = 0.017) and with HCC compared to CHC at OR 1.54 [95% CI = 1.04-2.27 (p = 0.031). Conclusion: SNPs in VDR may have a potential role in the outcomes of patients with HCV infection. VDR SNPs; rs7970376, rs11568820, rs4516035, rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm-1), and rs731236 (Taq1) could be used as molecular markers to predict the risk of HCC.

Effect of cerebrolysin on neurodevelopmental outcome of high risk preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of preterm infants experience developmental delay despite receiving a post discharge early interventional care. Cerebrolysin is a peptide mixture which acts similar to endogenous neurotrophic factors through promoting neurogenesis and enhancing neuronal plasticity. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Cerebrolysin plus routine intervention program versus routine intervention program alone on the outcome of preterm infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental delay. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, high-risk preterm infants < 32 weeks' gestation who have abnormal neurological assessment at two months corrected post-natal age were randomized at 6 months corrected post natal age to receive either early intervention program or early intervention program plus Cerebrolysin injection of 0.1 mL/kg body weight every week for 3 months as an adjuvant therapy. The primary outcome was the rate of failure of the gross motor assessment at 12 months of corrected age and secondary outcomes included fine motor, language, and personal social development at 12 months corrected post-natal age as assessed by Denver Developmental Screening Test II. RESULTS: Cerebrolysin group had a significant lower number of infants diagnosed with failed gross motor development compared to infants in the routine intervention group [10 (33%) versus 21 (70%), p = 0.009]. Cerebrolysin group had a significant lower number of infants diagnosed with failed fine motor, language and personal social development compared to infants in the routine intervention group. CONCLUSION: Cerebrolysin, as an adjuvant therapy to routine early interventional care, may improve gross motor development of high-risk preterm infants at 12 months corrected post-natal age.

Risk factors for non-fatal occupational injuries among construction workers: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse is a serious problem, because it affects both workers and young people. Prevalence and consequences of cannabis abuse among construction workers in particular are not well studied in Egypt. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between non-fatal occupational injuries among construction workers and their demographic and occupational factors and to assess the frequency of cannabis abuse and its relationship to injury severity and workdays lost. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at Mansoura Emergency Hospital. Cases were 100 acutely injured male workers. A control group of 90 healthy age-matched workers was selected from 8 construction sites. Workers were interviewed, and a questionnaire was completed that included socio-demographic data, full occupational history, and causes and type of injury. Injury outcome measures included lost workdays and the injury severity score (ISS). Cannabis abuse in injured workers was monitored by preliminary testing of urine and confirmatory testing of blood. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of occupational injuries were rural residence, being a carpenter or painter and past history of injuries. The most common accidents were slipping falls (62%). Confirmed cannabis test was positive in 51.1% of the injured workers. Median days away from work were greater among cannabis users than non-users. The ISS was significantly higher among users compared to non-users ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cannabis abuse can increase injury severity and prolong workdays lost. Drug testing is recommended for at-risk construction workers with inadequate safety measures.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of 'teaching laboratory' technicians towards laboratory safety and waste management: a pilot interventional study.

A quasi-experimental study was performed on 20 technicians working in the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of laboratory technicians was measured before and two months after enrolling them in an intervention programme about laboratory best practice procedures. The programme addressed laboratory safety and medical waste management. The assessment was performed using a validated Arabic self-administered questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using non-parametric tests. There are significant increases in the scores of KAP after implementation of the training programme.

Associations of human leucocyte antigen class II-DQB1 alleles with hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian population: a multicentre family-based study.

Hepatitis C infection is a global pandemic. HLA-DQB1 alleles are believed to have an effective role in immune response against HCV including susceptibility to or protection from this infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of HLA-DQB1 alleles in the outcome of HCV genotype-4 infection through a family-based association study. Egyptian families with HCV (324) were recruited for this study (324 index positive for RNA-HCV, 225 positive relatives representing chronic hepatitis C cases and 582 family members negative for HCV-RNA [control], 63 of whom spontaneously cleared the virus. All subjects were genotyped for HLA-DQB1 alleles by sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR) and sequence-based typing (SBT) methods. The frequency of DQB1*02:01:01 carriage was significantly higher in infected patients when compared to controls and those who spontaneously cleared virus (OR=5.47, P<.0001 and OR= 6.5234, P<.0001, respectively), and the carriage of the DQB1*03:01:01:01 allele was significantly higher in those who cleared and controls when compared to the infected patients (OR=0.2889, P<.0001 and OR=0.3016, P<.0001, respectively). On the other hand, the frequency of DQB1*06:01:01 and QB1*05:01:01:01 alleles was not associated with infection (comparison of infected and cleared patients showed OR of 2.1598 [P<.01]), but it becomes nonsignificant after adjustments with the Bonferroni formula (PC >0.05) and OR= 1.3523, P>.05, respectively. This study shows that clearance of HCV is associated with DQB1*03:01:01:01 allele and chronicity of HCV infection associated with the risk allele: DQB1*02:01:01.

Nosocomial infection surveillance in an Egyptian neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections (NIs) have become a matter of major concern and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, anatomical sites and causative organisms of NI in an Egyptian NICU, and to assess the impact of NI on length of stay and mortality. METHODS: This was a descriptive hospital-based study carried out for 12 months in the NICU of the Mansoura University Children's Hospital. NI rates were calculated using different denominators (overall nosocomial infection rate, nosocomial infection incidence density, device-specific infection rates and device-days infection rates). FINDINGS: Of the 238 neonates evaluated, 49 developed 51 nosocomial infective episodes, equating to an incidence rate of 21.4% or 13.8 infections per 1000 bed-days. Pneumonia was the most frequently occurring infection (11.3%) followed by bloodstream infection (8.8%). The most frequently isolated organisms were Klebsiella spp. (33.3%) followed by Escherichia coli (21.6%). NIs were associated with prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSION: NI is a significant problem in the Mansoura University Children's Hospital NICU. Gram-negative bacteria, especially Klebsiella spp., were the predominant causes of neonatal NI, as has been described in other studies from developing countries.

Factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in Al-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia.

The World Health Organization recommends early initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour of giving birth). This study assessed the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding by mothers of neonates in Al-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia. Mothers attending for birth registration at primary health care centres were interviewed and various sociodemographic, obstetric and health service related variables as well as breast problems were assessed for any influence on timely breastfeeding rates. While 91.9% of the 906 neonates studied were breastfed (8.1% were never breastfed), only 11.4% were given timely breastfeeding (within 1 hour after birth). Logistic regression revealed that the independent predictors of timely breastfeeding were: not giving prelacteal feed (OR 13.7), rural/hegar residence (OR 4.2), absence of breast problems (OR 3.4), parity 2 or 3 (OR 2.9) and parity 4+ (OR 2.4). Mothers at risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation should be the target of breastfeeding promotion during prenatal care.

Factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in AI-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia

The World Health Organization recommends early initiation of breastfeeding [within 1 hour of giving birth]. This study assessed the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding by mothers of neonates in AI-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia. Mothers attendingfor birth registration at primary health care centres were interviewed and various sociodemographic, obstetric and health service related variables as well as breast problems were assessed for any influence on timely breastfeeding rates. While 91.9% of the 906 neonates studied were breastfed [8.1% were never breastfed], only 11.4% were given timely breastfeeding [within 1 hour after birth]. Logistic regression revealed that the independent predictors of timely breastfeeding were: not giving prelacteal feed [OR 13.7], rura\\\\/hegar residence [OR 4.2], absence of breast problems [OR3.4], parity 2 or 3 [OR2.9] and parity 4+ [OR 2.4]. Mothers at risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation should be the target of breastfeeding promotion during prenatal care

Physical activity profile of students in Mansoura University, Egypt.

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1708 students from Mansoura University, Egypt, to describe the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure physical activity. Data were analysed according to the guidelines for data processing and analysis of the IPAQ. Perceived barriers to and potential benefits of physical activity were asked for. More than 11% of students were physically inactive. On logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of physical inactivity were high socioeconomic standard of the family (OR 2.1), female sex (OR 1.8), medical education (OR 1.8) and non-membership in sports clubs OR 1.6). The most frequent barriers to physical activity were time limitation and lack of accessible and suitable sporting places. More than 70% of the participants stated that physical activity promotes and maintains health.

Physical activity profile of students in Mansoura University, Egypt

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1708 students from Mansoura University, Egypt, to describe the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IRAQ] was used to measure physical activity. Data were analysed according to the guidelines for data processing and analysis of the IRAQ. Perceived barriers to and potential benefits of physical activity were asked for. More than 11% of students were physically inactive. On logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of physical inactivity were high socioeconomic standard of the family [OR 2.1], female sex [OR 1.8], medical education [OR 1.8] and non-membership in sports clubs [OR 1.6]. The most frequent barriers to physical activity were time limitation and lack of accessible and suitable sporting places. More than 70% of the participants stated that physical activity promotes and maintains health

Epidemiology and hazards of student labour in Mansoura, Egypt.

To determine the prevalence of student labour, underlying causes and impacts, we carried out a cross-sectional study on 1293 students enrolled in government secondary schools in Mansoura. Year-round work was reported by 8.6% of students and summer work by 27.5%. The majority worked for > or =6 hours/day. Lower social status, attending vocational school, male sex, large family size and rural residence were significant predictors of student labour. Hazards at the workplace, injuries and corporal punishment were prevalent among working students. Work adversely affected education and social life. Contribution to family income was the main reason for working.

Determinants and causes of son preference among women delivering in Mansoura, Egypt.

This study in Egypt, measured the son preference index, its determinants, and impact on reproductive behaviour and intention of 400 mothers attending for delivery. Overall son preference index was 1.4. The causes of sex preference were mainly psychological and social. Mothers with only girls were 496 times more likely to prefer a son as compared to those with boys only. Mothers with illiterate husbands were nearly 10 times more likely to prefer a son than those married to highly educated husbands. Achievement of the desired sex, whether son or daughter, was associated with less desire for more children, intention to prolong pregnancy spacing and intention to use contraceptives.

Epidemiology and hazards of student labour in Mansoura, Egypt

To determine the prevalence of student labour, underlying causes and impacts, we carried out a cross - sectional study on 1293 students enrolled in government secondary schools in Mansoura. Year - round work was reported by 8.6% of students and summer work by 27.5%. The majority worked for > / = 6 hours/ day. Lower social status, attending vocational school, male sex, large family size and rural residence were significant predictors of student labour. Hazards at the workplace, injuries and corporal punishment were prevalent among working students. Work adversely affected education and social life. Contribution to family income was the main reason for working

Determinants and causes of son preference among women delivering in Mansoura, Egypt

This study in Egypt, measured the son preference index, its determinants, and impact on reproductive behaviour and intention of 400 mothers attending for delivery. Overall son preference index was 1.4. The causes of sex preference were mainly psychological and social. Mothers with only girls were 496 times more likely to prefer a son as compared to those with boys only. Mothers with illiterate husbands were nearly 10 times more likely to prefer a son than those married to highly educated husbands. Achievement of the desired sex, whether son or daughter, was associated with less desire for more children, intention to prolong pregnancy spacing and intention to use contraceptives

Bloodborne infections among student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt.

We carried out a retrospective study on student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 as well as syphilis. About 7% of students had > 1 of the diseases tested for. Prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2, and syphilis were 4.3%, 2.7%, 0.0% and 0.05% respectively. Significantly more males than females tested positive for HBsAg. Anti-HCV was significantly higher among rural than urban students. Volunteer student donors are a good source of safe blood. With proper selection of donors, the number of blood units discarded can be minimized.

Bloodborne infections among student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt

We carried out a retrospective study on student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg, anti- HCV, anti- HIV- 1 and anti- HIV- 2 as well as syphilis. About 7% of students had >/= 1 of the diseases tested for. Prevalence of HBsAg, anti- HCV, anti- HIV- 1 and anti- HIV- 2, and syphilis were 4.3%, 2.7%, 0.0% and 0.05% respectively. Significantly more males than females tested positive for HBsAg. Anti- HCV was significantly higher among rural than urban students. Volunteer student donors are a good source of safe blood. With proper selection of donors, the number of blood units discarded can be minimized

Epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases among children under age 5 years in Dakahlia, Egypt.

Using multistage cluster sampling, we conducted a household survey of diarrhoea among 4458 children under age 5 years in Dakahlia governorate from June 2002 to May 2003 to determine the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoeal diseases. Frequency of diarrhoea in the previous 2 weeks and last 24 hours were 23.6% and 8.7% respectively. Oral rehydration solution use rate was 24.3% among children with diarrhoea in the past 2 weeks. The frequency of diarrhoea was significantly higher among children in rural areas, those aged 6-24 months and of higher birth order, in the summer, when mothers were younger, had lower education or were not working, and when fathers had lower education or were farmers or manual labourers. Overcrowding, improper refuse disposal and non-flush toilets were also significantly correlated with diarrhoea incidence.

Epidemiology of dysmenorrhoea among adolescent students in Mansoura, Egypt.

To examine the prevalence, determinants, impact and treatment practices of dysmenorrhoea, we studied 664 female students in secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. About 75% of the students experienced dysmenorrhoea (mild 55.3%, moderate 30.0%, severe 14.8%). Most did not seek medical advice although 34.7% treated themselyes. Fatigue, headache, backache and dizziness were the commonest associated symptoms. No limitation of activities was reported by 47.4% of student with dysmenorrhoea, but this was significantly more reported by students with severe dysmenorrhoea. Significant predictors of dysmenorrhoea were older age, irregular or long cycle and heavy bleeding.

Epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases among children under age 5 years in Dakahlia, Egypt

Using multistage cluster sampling, we conducted a household survey of diarrhoea among 4458 children under age 5 years in Dakahlia governorate from June 2002 to May 2003 to determine the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoeal diseases. Frequency of diarrhoea in the previous 2 weeks and last 24 hours were 23.6% and 8.7% respectively. Oral rehydration solution use rate was 24.3% among children with diarrhoea in the past 2 weeks. The frequency of diarrhoea was significantly higher among children in rural areas, those aged 6-24 months and of higher birth order, in the summer, when mothers were younger, had lower education or were not working, and when fathers had lower education or were farmers or manual labourers. Overcrowding, improper refuse disposal and non-flush toilets were also significantly correlated with diarrhoea incidence

Epidemiology of dysmenorrhoea among adolescent students in Mansoura, Egypt

To examine the prevalence, determinants, impact and treatment practices of dysmenorrhoea, we studied 664 female students in secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. About 75% of the students experienced dysmenorrhoea [mild 55.3%, moderate 30.0%, severe 14.8%]. Most did not seek medical advice although 34.7% treated themselves. Fatigue, headache, backache and dizziness were the commonest associated symptoms. No limitation of activities was reported by 47.4% of student with dysmenorrhoea, but this was significantly more reported by students with severe dysmenorrhoea. Significant predictors of dysmenorrhoea were older age, irregular or long cycle and heavy bleeding