Motor Capabilities of Lower Limb Amputated Patients and Its Relation to Body Image and Depression

Background: Lower limb amputation is a great event in the life of individual’s which having an counteractive effect on overall physical, psychological and social functioning of an individual so the study aim is to measure relation of motor capabilities of lower limb amputated patients on body image and depression level. Methods: Design: The descriptive correctional research design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Sample: A convenient sample of sixty four participant consisted of male and female adult amputee patients. Setting: This study was conducted in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department at Minia University Hospital. Tools of data collection: Three scales and one tool were utilized; Bio socio-demographic characteristic and structured interview, Locomotor Capabilities Index, Amputee Body Image Scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. Results: 73.5% of the amputated patients have low locomotor capabilities while 93.7% of the study sample has a low body image and 31.2% of the study sample suffers from moderate depression after 6 month from amputation and high positive significant correlation between locomotor capabilities and body image, while that there was a high negative significant correlation between locomotor capabilities and depression level among the imputed patients. Conclusions: The recent amputee patients that are have lower limb prosthesis suffer from low locomotor capabilities and theses have negative impact on their body image and depression level. Recommendation: A well planned structured rehabilitation program should be done to the specific needs of people with limb amputation in order to be able to find out its impact on their functional abilities, body image and depression level. Keywords: Amputation,  locomotors capabilities, Body image, Depression. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/64-03 Publication date:July 31st 201

Vitamin E Attenuates Cardiomyopathy Via Alleviation of Autophagic Stress

Introduction: Vitamin E (Vit E) is well known antioxidant. Bisphenol A (BPA), widely used industrial chemical product, is associated with increased risk for cardiac diseases to identify the potential protective effect of Vit E on BPA induced cardiomyopathy by alleviation of oxidative and autophagic stress through its antioxidant effect. Materials and Methods: Twenty –four adult male rates were used in the study. They were randomly divided into 4 groups; negative control, vit E positive control, BPA, and vit E treated group. All chemicals were given orally via gastric gavage for 14 days. Rats were sacrificed and their hearts were dissected out. Serum, cardiac homogenates, and cardiac tissues were obtained for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Results: There were significant increase in serum DH and CK-MB, tissue homogenates showed elevated levels of NO and MDA and decreased level of GSH in BPA group. Immunohistopathological evaluation of autophagic mediators showed significant increase in LC3 and P62 in BPA group. On Histological examination, there was pathological alteration in BPA group compared to normal group. Vit E administration showed significant improvement in cardiac enzymes and oxidative stress. Also, alleviation of autophagic process and restoration of the myocardial architecture with reduction of the fibrous tissue were observed with vit E administration. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that vitamin E exhibit substantial protective effects in BPA induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress, and alleviation the autophagic process

Saudi Women Constraints for Participation in Sports and Physical Activities

Saudi women have recently witnessed unprecedented sociocultural changes in lifestyle and prosperity, as a result of recent female empowerment policies. Among these changes is the public acceptance of female participation in sport and physical activities. However, due to lack of good opportunities for sport and physical activity participation in previous years, Saudi women might still encounter tremendous factors that prevent or limit their participation. The study purpose was to investigate constraints that limit or prohibit Saudi women from participation in light of the recent empowerment policies. A specially designed questionnaire for this study was developed based on the context of leisure constraint theory and was randomly distributed in all regions of the country, yielding a sample of 866 female participants. The results indicated that the majority used their homes as the place for participation, with significant differences among geographical location in intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints, and an overall high score in structural constraints. It was concluded that Saudi females’ ability to participate in sports and physical activities is severely constrained by too many factors that need to be alleviated by policy-makers and investors

Neuroprotective effect of ranolazine improves behavioral discrepancies in a rat model of scopolamine-induced dementia

BackgroundRanolazine (Rn), an antianginal agent, acts in the central nervous system and has been used as a potential treatment agent for pain and epileptic disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases and the leading factor in dementia in the elderly.AimWe examined the impact of Rn on scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in rats.MethodsThirty-two albino male rats were divided into four groups: control, Rn, Sco, and Rn + Sco.ResultsA significant decrease in the escape latency in the Morris water maze test after pre-treatment with Rn explained better learning and memory in rats. Additionally, Rn significantly upregulated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the treated group compared to the Sco group but substantially reduced acetylcholinesterase activity levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, Rn dramatically reduced interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and IL-6 and upregulated the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, in the Sco group, the hippocampal tissue’s immunohistochemical reaction of Tau and glial factor activating protein (GFAP) was significantly increased in addition to the upregulation of the Caspase-3 gene expression, which was markedly improved by pre-treatment with Rn. The majority of pyramidal neurons had large vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli and appeared to be more or less normal, reflecting the all-beneficial effects of Rn when the hippocampal tissue was examined under a microscope.ConclusionOur findings indicated that Rn, through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as the control of the expression of GFAP, BDNF, and Tau proteins, has a novel neuroprotective impact against scopolamine-induced dementia in rats

Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt: insights into spike protein thermodynamic stability

The overall pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic so far has been a series of waves; surges in new cases followed by declines. The appearance of novel mutations and variants underlie the rises in infections, making surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and prediction of variant evolution of utmost importance. In this study, we sequenced 320 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes isolated from patients from the outpatient COVID-19 clinic in the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE 57357) and the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). The samples were collected between March and December 2021, covering the third and fourth waves of the pandemic. The third wave was found to be dominated by Nextclade 20D in our samples, with a small number of alpha variants. The delta variant was found to dominate the fourth wave samples, with the appearance of omicron variants late in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the omicron variants are closest genetically to early pandemic variants. Mutation analysis shows SNPs, stop codon mutation gain, and deletion/insertion mutations, with distinct patterns of mutations governed by Nextclade or WHO variant. Finally, we observed a large number of highly correlated mutations, and some negatively correlated mutations, and identified a general inclination toward mutations that lead to enhanced thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. Overall, this study contributes genetic and phylogenetic data, as well as provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution that may eventually help in the prediction of evolving mutations for better vaccine development and drug targets

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Non-enzymatic disposable electrochemical sensors based on CuO/Co3O4@MWCNTs nanocomposite modified screen-printed electrode for the direct determination of urea

Abstract A new electrochemical impedimetric sensor for direct detection of urea was designed and fabricated using nanostructured screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) modified with CuO/Co3O4 @MWCNTs. A facile and simple hydrothermal method was achieved for the chemical synthesis of the CuO/Co3O4 nanocomposite followed by the integration of MWCNTs to be the final platform of the urea sensor. A full physical and chemical characterization for the prepared nanomaterials were performed including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to study the electrochemical properties the modified electrodes with the nanomaterials at different composition ratios of the CuO/Co3O4 or MWCNTs. The impedimetric measurements were optimized to reach a picomolar sensitivity and high selectivity for urea detection. From the calibration curve, the linear concentration range of 10−12–10−2 M was obtained with the regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9961 and lower detection limit of 0.223 pM (S/N = 5). The proposed sensor has been used for urea analysis in real samples. Thus, the newly developed non-enzymatic sensor represents a considerable advancement in the field for urea detection, owing to the simplicity, portability, and low cost-sensor fabrication

Histopathologic metrics of breast tumors in Northern Saudi Arabia

The alarming liability of breast cancer, mainly among younger Saudi women, has been attributed to diverse factors requiring a manageable valuation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the types of tumors and breast cancer presentation stages in Northern Saudi Arabia. In the present study, retrieved data regarding breast biopsies were received from the Department of Pathology at King Salman Hospital, Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. Included data referring to breast cancer biopsies patients (including 131 females and two males) diagnosed during the period from November 2019 to November 2020. Out of the 133 patients, breast cancer was diagnosed in 49/133(36.8%) patients included 45/49(91.8%) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), 2/49(4.1%) invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and 2/49(4.1%) papillary carcinoma. The remaining 84 benign breast lesions included 40/84(47.6%) fibroadenoma, 11/84(13%) ductal hyperplasia, 9/84(10.7%) fibrocystic disease, 8/84(9.5%) adenosis, 4/84(4.8%) chronic mastitis, 3/84(3.6%) breast abscess & intraductal papilloma, 2/84(2.4%) duct ectasia & phylloides tumor, and 1/84(1.2%) lactating adenoma & lipoma. Breast cancer is highly prevalent in Northern Saudi Arabia with predominantly invasive ductal carcinoma. There is an increase in the incidence of younger patients with advanced stages of initial presentation. Fibroadenoma is the commonest benign breast lesion, followed by fibrocystic diseases in Northern Saudi Arabia