Effect of Returning versus Discarding Gastric Aspirate on the Occurrence of Gastric Complications and Comfort Outcomes on Enteral Feeding Patients

Enteral feeding (EF) is common for patients with different medical health problems, the use of gastric residual volume (GRV) is one of the most nursing practices for monitoring EF. In the nursing literature, there is a wide variation regarding whether the gastric aspirate should be returned to the patient or discarded. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine the effect of returning versus discarding gastric aspirate on the occurrence of gastric complications and comfort out comeson enteral feeding patients. A sample of 44 patients completed the study divided randomly into two groups, the control group who received the routine hospital care which was discarding all gastric residual aspirate, and the study group who received returned gastric aspirate up to 250 ml, all patients were followed up for 7consecutive days. The study was conducted in two medical departments of one of the Ministryof Health Hospitals at Center region (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Four tools were applied for the study, socio-demographic and medical data sheet, gastric and associate complications with tube feeding sheet, electrolyte and glucose monitoring sheet & comfort outcomes sheet. The study results showed that there was no statistical significant difference between study and control groups in relation to gastric residual volume, feeding intolerance, aspiration pneumonia, electrolytes monitored (sodium& potassium), glucose level, temperature&blood pressure and oxygen saturation in the 1st& 7th day. In addition, the results showed that there was a statistical significant difference between study & control groups in relation to gastric emptying delay in the 7thday, the study group had less mean level than control group, moreover, there was a statistical significant difference in pulse and respiration among control group before and after feeding procedure. Based on the study results, it is recommended to return gastric aspirate up to 250 ml to the patients as it had no indicated riskforgastric and associate complications as well as comfort outcomes when compared to discard gastric aspirate. In addition, further researches can be done to measure different amounts of returning gastric aspirate and its effect on patient's outcomes. Key words: enteral feeding, gastric residual volume, gastric emptying delay, comfort outcomes, returning versus discarding gastric aspirate& gastric complications

Impact of Preventive Diabetic Foot Nursing Intervention on Foot Status among Patients with Diabetes

Background and aim: Diabetic foot is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and many of which are preventable with early recognition and therapy. Aim: The aim of the current study was to assess impact of preventive diabetic foot nursing intervention on foot status among patients with diabetes. Methods: A quazi-experimental design was utilized to conduct the current study on a convenient sample of 67 patients who were assigned randomly to either the study group or control group. The subjects in the study group (33 patients) received the preventive diabetic foot care nursing intervention while, the subjects in the control group (34 patients) received the routine clinic care. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic in El-Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. Four tools were applied for the study: Socio-demographic data sheet, Diabetic foot care knowledge test, Foot care behavior, and Lower extremity health status inventory. Results: The study results showed that both groups had low mean knowledge scores related to preventive diabetic foot care in the 1st visit, while in the 4th visit after implementation of the preventive diabetic foot care nursing intervention, the difference was statistically significant. In relation to foot care behavior, there was statistically significant difference between both groups in the 4th visit. Additionally, in relation to foot health status, there was statistically significant difference in the 3rd and 4th visits between both groups. Conclusion: The preventive diabetic foot nursing intervention was effective in improving knowledge, foot care behavior and foot health status scores among patients with diabetes. Keywords: Diabetic patient, preventive foot care, nursing intervention, foot status

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER’S CREDIBILITY ON THE TRAVEL INTENTIONS OF THE EGYPTIAN MILLENNIALS: APPLIED TO DOMESTIC TOURISM

This study aims to fill the gap in the current influencer marketing literature by analyzing the impact of social media influencers (SMIs) credibility on the domestic travel intentions of Egyptian millennials.An online questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 581 Egyptian millennials to collect primary data. The results indicate that the three dimensions of a SMI’s credibility (trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise) have a positive impact on the domestic travel intentions of Egyptian millennials. Moreover, the findings point out that all of SMI’s credibility elements have a significant effect on domestic travel intentions except for SMI’s expertise, which is considered the credibility dimension least affecting the domestic travel intentions of Egyptian millennials.The findings of this study enrich the influencer marketing field in the context of tourism as well as help the destination management organizations (DMOs) and travel agencies select the most persuasive SMIs that can positively influence millennials' travel intentions, specifically in light of the current emphasis on integrating SMIs as one of their marketing techniques

SYNTHESIS, ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY, PHARMACOPHORE MODELING AND QSAR STUDIES OF NOVEL PYRAZOLES AND PYRAZOLO [1, 5-A] PYRIMIDINES AGAINST BREAST ADENOCARCINOMA MCF-7 CELL LINE

Objective: The present work aimed to synthesize New series of pyrazoles 3 and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 5, 7, 9 in order to evaluate their antiproliferative activity against human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7cell line and study the cell cycle progression of the most active compounds. In addition, Pharmacophore modeling and QSAR Studies of these new compounds were done.Methods: The diazonium salt of 4-aminoacetophenone 1 was coupled with malononitrile in ethanol using sodium acetate affords 2-[(4-acetylphenyl)diazenyl] malononitrile Cycloaddition of hydrazine hydrate, in molar ratios 1:1 or 1:2, on compound 2, furnished 3,5-diaminopyrazolederivatives 3a and 3b respectively. Moreover, new pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 5a-f were obtained upon cyclocondensation of 3a, b with different chalcones 4a-c in EtOH/piperidine,while compounds 7a-f were prepared via cycloaddition of 3a, b with various arylidene malononitriles 6a-c in the same reaction condition. Finally, treatment of 3a, b with ethyl 2-cyano-3-ethoxyacrylate 8a or 2-(ethoxymethylene)malononitrile 8b in EtOH/TEA yielded the novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 9a, b respectively. These target compounds were screened for their cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (human breast Cell Line) followed by study cell cycle of 7a. Finally, Pharmacophore modeling and QSAR Studies was carried out.Results: The pyrazolopyrimidine 7a was the most active compound (IC50 = 3.25 µM), whereas, some of the tested compounds exploited moderate growth inhibitory activity. Its effect was further studied on cell cycle progression; results showed that compound 7a induced cell cycle arrest at S-phase verifying this compound as a promising selective anticancer agent.Conclusion: Compound 7a was found to be the most active member against MCF-7 breast cancer (IC50= 3.25 μM), Further biological assessment of 7a using flow-cytometric analysis, revealed that it induced cell cycle arrest at S phase.Keywords: Pyrazole, Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, Cell cycle profile, 3D pharmacophore,1 QSAR stud

Pertussis seroimmunity in mother-neonate pairs and other pediatric age groups from Egypt

Background: Despite the widespread availability of 2 classes of effective vaccines, whole cell and acellular, pertussis has resurged as a serious public health problem. We sought to investigate the pertussis immune status of mother-neonate pairs and children in our country where pertussis vaccination is obligatory. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 healthy full-term neonates and their mothers, 100 infants (2-24 months), 170 children (2-12 years) and 80 adolescents (12-18 years). Serum pertussis IgG was measured in all enrolled subjects. A positive titre was defined as >24 U/ml. Results: Positive pertussis IgG levels were detected in 69 of the mothers (92%), in 63 of their newborns (84%). Seroimmunity to pertussis was positively noted in 55% of infants, 82.2% of preschool children, 77.5% of school-aged children and 75% in adolescents. Serum pertussis IgG titers among the neonates showed a significant positive correlation with the maternal titers (P=0.00001). Higher rates of pertussis seroimmunity was observed among residents in urban and suburban areas as compared to those living in rural areas (P<0.05) . Conclusion: This pilot study may suggest the presence of sufficient pertussis seroimmunity rates in the studied age groups. Still, there were some failures in immune acquisition probably due to inefficient vaccination in some localities or waning of immunity with age. Wider scale studies would allow better insight into the pertussis immune status in our country and hence the need for booster immunization

THE IMPACT OF AIRCRAFT CABIN DIGITALIZATION ON IMPROVING PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IN EGYPTAIR

This study aims to investigate the impact of aircraft cabin digitalization (smart electronically dimmable windows, intelligent seats, smart overhead bins, radio-frequency identification tags for luggage tracking, futuristic intelligent seats, and inflight virtual reality) on improving the inflight passenger experience in EgyptAir, as well as measuring passengers' interest in using digital cabins. Furthermore, exploring passengers’ intention to pay to use digital services, including futuristic intelligent seats, inflight virtual reality, and radio frequency identification tags for tracking luggage. To meet the research goals, a structured survey was designed and distributed among Egyptian frequent travelers in EgyptAir. A total of 311 complete surveys were collected and analyzed. Results indicated the high interest of Egyptian passengers in using the digital aircraft cabins in EgyptAir due to its significant impact on improving their inflight experience. Furthermore, analyses revealed the high intention of Egyptian passengers to pay to use inflight virtual reality and futuristic intelligent seats. However, they showed a moderate intention to pay to use radio frequency identification tags for tracking luggage

Immunomodulatory effects of food

There is a strong consensus that nutrition plays a role in modulating immune function and that the immune system needs adequate supply of nutrients to function properly. The complexity of the immune system supports this idea because its optimal functioning involves a variety of biological activities including cell division and proliferation, energy metabolism, and production of proteins. The micronutrients most often cited as being important to immune function include vitamins A, C, E, and B6, folate, iron, zinc, and selenium. Other nutrients mentioned as playing a role in immune function include beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin B12, and vitamin D. On the other hand, over-activation of the immune system can lead to detrimental effects such as chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases. In persons with allergies, a normally harmless material can be mistaken as an antigen. Some individuals develop an exaggerated immune response to food through developing food allergy which may be IgE mediated, non-IgE mediated, or mixed. This review will highlight the interaction between the immune system and some foods and food components in terms of modulation of immune functions by a variety of mechanisms.Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011;9(1):3-1

Subclinical hypothyroidism among Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Thyroid autoimmune diseases have been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are seen, but hypothyroidism is the most common abnormality. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been reported among adult lupus patients. SCH is not without risk as it might contribute to a proatherogenic state. Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the frequency of SCH in a group of Egyptian children with SLE and its effects on the serum lipids. Methods: Forty patients with pediatric SLE who regularly follow up at our center were enrolled in this study. They were subjected to routine laboratory investigations of SLE and measurement of serum lipids (serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and HDL) as well as free thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO-ab) titre. SLE activity was assessed using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Results: Six patients (15%) were found to have SCH while the remaining 34 patients (85%) had normal thyroid function. Anti-TPO-abs were positive in 4 out of the 6 (66.6 %) SLE patients with SCH and in 20 out of the 34 (58.8%) SLE patients with normal thyroid function. In SLE patients with SCH, TSH correlated positively yet insignificantly with anti-TPO-ab titre and the duration of SLE (p = 0.17, p = 0.12, respectively). There were no statistically significant correlations between the serum lipids of SLE patients with SCH and their thyroid function or anti-TPO-ab titre. Conclusion: SCH is not uncommon among children with SLE. This SCH does not seem to affect serum lipids. However, further longitudinal studies on wider scales are needed to assess the long term effects of SCH in those patients.Keywords: SLE, anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies, subclinical hypothyroidismEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011;9(2):87-9

Interferon gamma: is it a co-player in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Introduction: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), the most common form of NS in childhood, was considered 4 decades ago as a systemic disorder of T cells, mediated through its released cytokines. To date, the exact incriminated cytokine or immunological mediator is not properly defined. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is thought to have a role in the provocation of the T cell mediated INS relapse, through promotion of T helper1 (Th1) differentiation and suppression of regulatory T cells (Treg). Aim of the study: to evaluate the immunopathogenic role of IFN-γ in children with steroid sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) through monitoring the changes in its levels with disease course. Methods: This study included twenty-five newly diagnosed children with SSINS. They were all given full dose prednisolone, evaluated at initial diagnosis and at full remission as regards the serum level of IFN-γ. Results: Serum levels of IFN-γ were lowermost at time of diagnosis and increased with remission on corticosteroids. Conclusions: this study points to a role for the lower serum IFN-γ at diagnosis, in the immunopathogenesis of INS than at remission and the rise in its serum level might be a marker of remission induction, however this awaits confirmation in larger scale studies. Studies on renal biopsy specimens are needed to determine the exact renal in situ levels and effects of IFN-