Prevalence and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Female Students of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences from Umm Al Qura University

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) means that the bowel doesn't work or function correctly. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors affected irritable bowel syndrome among university students. The present study was carried out during the period from 1432 to 1433 AH among 200 female students. Data was collected through a interview questionnaire Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaires. The present study indicated that mean ± SE values of height, weight and BMI were not significant change in non- IBS and IBS students. The frequency distribution of IBS according to the family number, data showed that 4 %, 6%, 8% and 35% of students live with three, four, five and more than of five members had IBS, respectively. Data with regard to abdominal pain or discomfort in the last three months showed that 30 ,32, 40, 20, 31 and 17 students chooses less than 1d/m, 2 to 3 d/m, 1d/w, more than 1 d/w and every day, respectively. There were 7% was often feel discomfort and have less frequent bowel movement, 13% was feel discomfort in most of the time and have less frequent bowel movement and 6% was always feel discomfort and have less frequent bowel movement. Result showed that 21, 19 and 1% of IBS were eating one, two and three snack foods, respectively, while 7% were eating one, two and three meals out the home daily. Conclusion: Our results concluded that food habits, mother's education, snacks numbers, favorite method of cooking and awareness of food causes had effect on IBS. Keywords: Irritable bowel disorder – Causes– Syndrome – Criteria

RUTIN RESTORE BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND BETATROPHIN LEVEL IN STZ-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, of various organs. Study aims to assessrole of rutin on experimentally induced diabetes. Methods: 50 adult male albino rats divided into 5 groups. Group I (control group, rats were orally administered with 1 ml saline daily). Group II (DMSO group, rats were orally administered with 0.2 % DMSO for 60 d orally). Group III (positive control, animals were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg b. wtstreptozotocin followed by intraperitoneal injection with 120 mg/kg b. wt of Nicotinamide after 15 min). Group IV (therapeutic group, diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg b. wt of rutin for 60 d orally). Group V (standard group, diabetic animals treated with 100 mg/kg b. wt of metformin for 60 d orally). At the end of the experimental period blood serum and plasma, liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues were collected. Results: Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in plasma glucose, serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride. Also, induced oxidative stress as pointed out an increase in MDA level, decrease in GSH level, GST and CAT activities in compared to control group. Also, showed an increase in plasma and tissues levels of betatrophin. Oral administration of rutin cause decrease in elevated biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Also, decrease betatrophin level when compared with diabetic rats. Our results were confirmed by histopathological examination of different tissues. Conclusion: This study suggests thatrutinexihibitsantihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Neutrophil-surface antigens CD11b and CD64 expression: a potential predictor of early-onset neonatal sepsis

Background: CD11b, an α subunit of the β2 integrin adhesion molecule, and CD64, the high affinity Fcγ receptor I, are specific neutrophil-surface antigens activated in response to systemic inflammation and, hence, they might potentially help identifying neonatal infections. Objective: We sought to evaluate the time course of expression and diagnostic and prognostic utility of CD11b and CD64 in early-onset sepsis in the suspected newborn. Methods: Sixty newborn infants (28-40 weeks gestation) with antenatal risk factors for sepsis were enrolled and subjected to sepsis work-up including complete blood count, quantification of serum C reactive protein (CRP) and flow cytometric analysis of CD11b and CD64 in cord blood (0 h). These tests were repeated at 8, 24 and 48 h postnatally. Neonates were defined, retrospectively, in two groups: sepsis and no infection, on basis of clinical observation over their first five postnatal days and sepsis work-up results. Results: A significant enhancement of neutrophil CD11b and CD64 expression was demonstrated in the sepsis group as compared to the non-infected group. CD11b over-expression had an onset at 0 h. Its mean value approached two-fold mean level of non-infected neonates by 8-24 h, and declined thereafter. CD64 rising onset was detectable at 8 h and its mean percentage reached four-fold mean value of the non-infected group at 24 h. At 24 h, an optimal cut-off value for CD11b expression of 35% (sensitivity 80%, and specificity 100%), and for CD64 expression of 17% (sensitivity 88%, and specificity 90.3%) had the best performance for prediction of sepsis. Combined use of both markers at 24 h yielded 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity for sepsis prediction. Sepsis survivors showed significantly lower mean expression for CD11b and CD64 as compared to those with fatal outcome. At 24 h, a cut-off value of 88% expression for CD11b and 50% expression for CD64 predicted mortality with sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: Enhanced expression of neutrophil-surface antigens CD11b and CD64 could be a promising tool for prediction and therapeutic decision-making in early-onset sepsis indicating the necessity of initiation of antimicrobial therapy and reduction of its unnecessary use in non-infected neonates even before definitive microbiologic identification.Keywords: sepsis, neonate, early-onset, neutrophil activation, surface antigen, CD11b, CD64Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2004; 2(2): 90-10

Hepatic insulin resistance and related obesity: highlighting the ameliorative role of nutraceuticals, dietary intervention, and pharmaceuticals.

Insulin resistance (IR) is the unifying denominator of all obesity-related metabolic abnormalities. It possesses a definite higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is intimately linked to an accumulation of detrimental oxidative intermediates, which in turn promote insulin receptor substrates serine/threonine phosphorylation and ultimately block hepatic insulin signalling, and hepatic IR. The causal relationship between hepatic IR and NAFLD is bidirectional, and hepatic IR itself is "selective" in terms of resisting only insulin's suppressive effects on glucose production while keeping those enhancing hepatic lipogenesis intact. The present Research Topic aims to highlight the effect of natural compounds, dietary intervention, and synthetic drugs on hepatic IR and disorders related to obesity

High-throughput sequencing reveals genetic determinants associated with antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter spp. from farm-to-fork

[EN]Campylobacter species are one of the most common causative agents of gastroenteritis worldwide. Resistance against quinolone and macrolide antimicrobials, the most commonly used therapeutic options, poses a serious risk for campylobacteriosis treatment. Owing to whole genome sequencing advancements for rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, phenotypic and genotypic resistance trends along the “farm-to-fork” continuum can be determined. Here, we examined the resistance trends in 111 Campylobacter isolates (90 C. jejuni and 21 C. coli) recovered from clinical samples, commercial broiler carcasses and dairy products in Cairo, Egypt. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 10% of the isolates, mostly from C. coli. The prevalence of MDR was the highest in isolates collected from broiler carcasses (13.3%), followed by clinical isolates (10.5%), and finally isolates from dairy products (4%). The highest proportion of antimicrobial resistance in both species was against quinolones (ciprofloxacin and/or nalidixic acid) (68.4%), followed by tetracycline (51.3%), then erythromycin (12.6%) and aminoglycosides (streptomycin and/or gentamicin) (5.4%). Similar resistance rates were observed for quinolones, tetracycline, and erythromycin among isolates recovered from broiler carcasses and clinical samples highlighting the contribution of food of animal sources to human illness. Significant associations between phenotypic resistance and putative gene mutations was observed, with a high prevalence of the gyrA T86I substitution among quinolone resistant isolates, tet(O), tet (W), and tet(32) among tetracycline resistant isolates, and 23S rRNA A2075G and A2074T mutations among erythromycin resistant isolates. Emergence of resistance was attributed to the dissemination of resistance genes among various lineages, with the dominance of distinctive clones. For example, sub-lineages of CC828 in C. coli and CC21 in C. jejuni and the genetically related clonal complexes ‘CC206 and CC48’ and ‘CC464, CC353, CC354, CC574’, respectively, propagated across different niches sharing semi-homogenous resistance patterns.SIThis work was partially funded by the Zewail City internal research fund (agreement number ZC 004-2019) and joint ASRT-BA research grant (project number 1110) awarded to Dr. Mohamed Elhadidy. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Factors influencing the opinion of individuals in determining tumour spread after biopsy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>People often have concerns regarding tumour spread after biopsy which leads to a delay in seeking expert medical advice. The data regarding this perception is scanty. Therefore, we conducted this cross sectional study to explore the beliefs and perceptions of individuals regarding tumour spread after biopsy and the basis of those beliefs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The survey was conducted in outpatient areas of two different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi namely Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi (AKUH) and Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN). We interviewed 600 individuals and documented their responses on a questionnaire. There were 400 responders from Aga Khan's Consulting Clinic and 100 each from Aga Khan's Oncology Clinic and KIRAN.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Only 50% of the respondents chose biopsy as the best test for diagnosis of cancer. The level of education was statistically significant in making this choice of answer (<it>p </it>= 0.02) only in univariate analysis. Those individuals who were involved in the work up of cancer patients irrespective of their educational status gave more intelligent answers (<it>p </it>= 0.003). The tumour disturbance after biopsy was regarded as a major factor among 127 respondents (53%) who believed that biopsy could lead to spread of tumour.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study revealed that awareness regarding cancer diagnosis and biopsy is lacking among general public and it does not co-relate well with the level of formal education. These misconception and taboos need to be addressed in public seminars and in the media in order to increase the awareness which could facilitate prompt diagnosis.</p

Frequency of Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE) Gene Mutations in Egyptian Beta Thalassemia Patients and its Relation to Iron Overload

AIM: This study aimed to detect the most common HFE gene mutations (C282Y, H63D, and S56C) in Egyptian beta thalassemia major patients and its relation to their iron status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 beta thalassemia major patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy persons as a control group. Serum ferritin, serum iron and TIBC level were measured. Detection of the three HFE gene mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C) was done by PCR-RFLP analysis. Confirmation of positive cases for the mutations was done by sequencing.RESULTS: Neither homozygote nor carrier status for the C282Y or S65C alleles was found. The H63D heterozygous state was detected in 5/50 (10%) thalassemic patients and in 1/30 (3.3%) controls with no statistically significant difference between patients and control groups (p = 0.22). Significantly higher levels of the serum ferritin and serum iron in patients with this mutation (p = 001).CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is an association between H63D mutation and the severity of iron overload in thalassemic patients

Twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus following ovulation induction with a non-prescribed clomiphene citrate regimen: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole represents a very rare obstetric problem. Management of such cases is always problematic because the possibility of fetal survival should always be weighed against the risk of complications of molar pregnancy.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 34-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our center with mild vaginal bleeding. Our patient was 16 weeks pregnant after a seven-year period of primary infertility. She became pregnant following a non-prescribed regimen of clomiphene citrate extending from the second day to the 13th day of her last cycle. A transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed a twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole and a coexisting fetus. Serum β human chorionic gonadotropin was falsely low as identified by serial dilution of the sample (the 'hook effect'). Our patient refused termination of pregnancy and she was hospitalized for strict observation and follow-up. Unfortunately, she developed an attack of severe vaginal bleeding and a hysterotomy was performed. The fetus died shortly after birth.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole represents a matter of controversy. We suggest that conservation should always be considered whenever tertiary care services and strict observation are available.</p

A systems approach for discovering linoleic acid derivatives that potentially mediate pain and itch

Chronic pain and itch are common hypersensitivity syndromes that are affected by endogenous mediators. We applied a systems-based, translational approach to predict, discover, and characterize mediators of pain and itch that are regulated by diet and inflammation. Profiling of tissue-specific precursor abundance and biosynthetic gene expression predicted that inflamed skin would be abundant in four previously unknown 11-hydroxy-epoxy- or 11-keto-epoxy-octadecenoate linoleic acid derivatives and four previously identified 9- or 13-hydroxy-epoxy- or 9- or 13-keto-epoxy-octadecenoate linoleic acid derivatives. All of these mediators were confirmed to be abundant in rat and human skin by mass spectrometry. However, only the two 11-hydroxy-epoxy-octadecenoates sensitized rat dorsal root ganglion neurons to release more calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is involved in pain transmission, in response to low pH (which mimics an inflammatory state) or capsaicin (which activates ion channels involved in nociception). The two 11-hydroxy-epoxy-octadecenoates share a 3-hydroxy-Z-pentenyl-E-epoxide moiety, thus suggesting that this substructure could mediate nociceptor sensitization. In rats, intradermal hind paw injection of 11-hydroxy-12,13-trans-epoxy-(9Z)-octadecenoate elicited C-fiber-mediated sensitivity to thermal pain. In a randomized trial testing adjunctive strategies to manage refractory chronic headaches, reducing the dietary intake of linoleic acid was associated with decreases in plasma 11-hydroxy-12,13-trans-epoxy-(9Z)-octadecenoate, which correlated with clinical pain reduction. Human psoriatic skin had 30-fold higher 9-keto-12,13-trans-epoxy-(10E)-octadecenoate compared to control skin, and intradermal injection of this compound induced itch-related scratching behavior in mice. Collectively, these findings define a family of endogenous mediators with potential roles in pain and itch