Epidemiology of pediatric fractures and dislocations: analysis of in-patients

Fractures and dislocations in a growing child is a concern to parents and hospitals alike because any mismanagement leaves a lifelong disability. There is limited data on epidemiology of fractures in children in Saudi Arabia. To determine the prevalence and pattern of pediatric fractures and dislocation. King Fahd Hospital of the University. Retrospective. All pediatric patients with a skeletal injury admitted to the hospital between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009 were included. Data documented included age, sex, type of accident, injury sustained, associated injuries, surgery performed, emergency or elective, type of implant used and any complications. Two hundred fifty-four patients sustained 302 fractures and dislocations. One hundred fifty-nine were boys and 95 were girls. One hundred twenty-four [48.8%] of the injuries were sustained at home and 75 [29.52%] were related to motorized vehicles. Lower extremities were involved in 139 patients, upper extremities in 125 and spinal fractures were seen in 9 patients. Seven patients had dislocations [4 elbows, one hip and 2 ankle joints]. One hundred ninety-four [76.4%] had emergency surgery and the rest of the children had elective procedure. Thirty-nine patients [15.35%] had complications; the majority was repeat procedure and 3 patients had superficial infections. Home accidents and trauma are common in this study; lower extremity fractures were seen in more than 50% of the patients. Admissions due to fractures have increased in the last few years. We believe that community education in injury prevention programs will definitely reduce the skeletal injuries in young population

knowledge of breast cancer among young Saudi females

To assess the breast cancer knowledge level of Saudi female school students. A detailed questionnaire on cancer breast was designed with all the needed information. Using a map of the Jeddah area of Saudi Arabia, schools were identified in each area and permission was sought from the Ministry of Education to distribute the questionnaire to the students. A team of volunteers was instructed on how to distribute and collect the questionnaires. The collected questionnaires were then statistically analyzed. This Pilot study of 500 students was performed in King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital using high schools from the city of Jeddah between April and June 2009. The results were used to build up a base for designing a community educational program. Analysis of the data from 337 questionnaires from high school and college students showed that the level of knowledge of young females on breast cancer is limited. However, it also indicated that the students are very enthusiastic to learn about cancer breast, and its prevention. The limited knowledge level of breast cancer in the younger generation might be an obstacle to screening programs and early diagnosis. Awareness programs should be developed including lectures, seminars workshops, and on hands training

Cytotoxic effect of essential oil of thyme (Thymus broussonettii) on the IGR-OV1 tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy

The anti-tumor effect of the Moroccan endemic thyme (Thymus broussonettii) essential oil (EOT) was investigated in vitro using the human ovarian adenocarcinoma IGR-OV1 parental cell line OV1/P and its chemoresistant counterparts OV1/adriamycin (OV1/ADR), OV1/vincristine (OV1/VCR), and OV1/cisplatin (OV1/CDDP). All of these cell lines elicited various degrees of sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of EOT. The IC50 values (mean ± SEM, v/v) were 0.40 ± 0.02, 0.39 ± 0.02, 0.94 ± 0.05, and 0.65 ± 0.03 percent for OV1/P, OV1/ADR, OV1/VCR, and OV1/CDDP, respectively. Using the DBA-2/P815 (H2d) mouse model, tumors were developed by subcutaneous grafting of tumor fragments of similar size obtained from P815 (murin mastocytoma cell line) injected in donor mouse. Interestingly, intra-tumoral injection of EOT significantly reduced solid tumor development. Indeed, by the 30th day of repeated EOT treatment, the tumor volumes of the animals were 2.00 ± 0.27, 1.35 ± 0.20, and 0.85 ± 0.18 cm³ after injection with 10, 30, or 50 æL per 72 h (six times), respectively, as opposed to 3.88 ± 0.50 cm³ for the control animals. This tumoricidal effect was associated with a marked decrease of mouse mortality. In fact, in these groups of mice, the recorded mortality by the 30th day of treatment was 30 ± 4, 18 ± 4, and 8 ± 3 percent, respectively, while the control animals showed 75 ± 10 percent of mortality. These data indicate that the EOT which contains carvacrol as the major component has an important in vitro cytotoxic activity against tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy as well as a significant antitumor effect in mice. However, our data do not distinguish between carvacrol and the other components of EOT as the active factor.

Anti-tumor properties of blackseed (Nigella sativa L. ) extracts

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effect of Nigella sativa L. seed extracts. The essential oil (IC50 = 0.6 percent, v/v) and ethyl acetate (IC50 = 0.75 percent) extracts were more cytotoxic against the P815 cell line than the butanol extract (IC50 = 2 percent). Similar results were obtained with the Vero cell line. Although all extracts had a comparable cytotoxic effect against the ICO1 cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 0.26 percent (v/v), tests on the BSR cell line revealed a high cytotoxic effect of the ethyl acetate extract (IC50 = 0.2 percent) compared to the essential oil (IC50 = 1.2 percent). These data show that the cytotoxicity of each extract depends on the tumor cell type. In vivo, using the DBA2/P815 (H2d) mouse model, our results clearly showed that the injection of the essential oil into the tumor site significantly inhibited solid tumor development. Indeed, on the 30th day of treatment, the tumor volume of the control animals was 2.5 ± 0.6 cm³, whereas the tumor volumes of the essential oil-treated animals were 0.22 ± 0.1 and 0.16 ± 0.1 cm³ when the animals were injected with 30 µL (28.5 mg)/mouse and 50 µL (47.5 mg)/mouse per 48 h (six times), respectively. Interestingly, the administration of the essential oil into the tumor site inhibited the incidence of liver metastasis development and improved mouse survival.

new scaffold for D[3] dopaminergic affinity containing arylpiperazine - fragment: molecular modeling, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluation

A new series of N-[6-substitutedbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl]-2-[4-arylpiperazin-1-yl] acetamides [3a-f] and 2-[3-[4-arylpiprazin-l-yl]propylthio]benzo[d]thiazoles/-oxazoles/-imidazole [6a-f] was synthesized by connecting arylpiperazine through a semi-rigid or flexible spacer to a heterocyclic moiety, respectively. The radioligand binding experiments for the D[1], D[2], D[3] and D[5] subtypes expressed in CHO cells were examined for the target compounds 3a-f, 6a, 6b, 6d and 6f, Compound 6a showed the best binding affinity for dopamine D[3] receptor and is considered as a new scaffold for D[3] dopaminergic affinity. Furthermore, molecular modeling of the best-fitted conformer of target compounds 3a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6f to alph[1]-adrenoceptor [alph [1]-AR] antagonist hypothesis was performed, using CATALYST software, HipHop modules. Based on the results of simulation studies, these target compounds were evaluated for their in vivo hypotensive activity on blood pressure of normotensive cats

Transferrinuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An early marker of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage renal failure in the Western world. The incidence of DN rises rapidly over the first 15 to 20 years of diabetes to decline sharply afterwards. The stages of DN progress from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria to clinical proteinuria and finally to end-stage renal failure. Several studies proved the applicability of urinary albumin quantification in the early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy. Several studies of different urinary proteins demonstrated the increased excretion of other high and low molecular mass proteins in different stages of diabetic nephropathy: macromolecular, e.g. transferrin and micromolecular proteins like alpha 1-microalbumin. Elevated urinary transferrin excretion rates have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes and its complications. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of transferrin as an early marker for the detection of nephropathy in Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients. Sixty Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients grouped according to the presence or absence of albumin in urine into three groups: group I consisted of 20 normoalbuminuric Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients, group II included 20 microalbuminuric Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients, and group Ill comprised 20 macroalbuminuric Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty healthy subjects of matched age and sex were included as a control group. Laboratory investigations included FBG and 2 hours PPBG, HbA[1C] serum albumin, ALT, AST, prothrombin activity, blood urea, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, and complete urine analysis. Determination of microalbuminuria in fresh urine samples was done using immunoturbidimetry. Estimation of urinary transferrin was done by immuno-nephelometry. Results: Type 2 diabetic patients who had frank proteinuria had a significantly longer duration of diabetes mellitus as compared to micro and norrnoalbuminuric patients. Type 2 diabetic patients with frank proteinuria had significantly higher FBG, PPBG and HbA[1C] levels as compared to normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients and controls. Type 2 diabetic patients with frank proteinuria had significantly higher blood urea and serum creatinine and a significantly lower creatinine clearance as compared to norrnoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients and controls. Type 2 diabetic patients with frank proteinuria showed significantly higher urinary albumin and transferrin excretion as compared to normo-and microalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients and controls. Also, microalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients had significantly higher urinary albumin and transferrin excretion as compared to normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients and controls. In normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients, a negative correlation was observed between creatinine clearance and transferrinuria. In microalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients, a strong positive correlation was found between albuminuria and transferrinuria. In type 2 diabetic patients with frank proteinuria, strong positive correlations were obtained between blood urea and serum creatinine and transferrinuria, while a strong negative correlation was observed between creatinine clearance and transferrinuria. However, no significant correlations were found in any of the type 2 diabetic groups between duration of the disease, blood pressure, FBG, PPBG, or HbA[1C] and transferrinuria. Urinary transferrin is a convenient diagnostic parameter of renal impairment in Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients. Transferrinuria could be considered as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy as compared to microalbuminuria

Cesarean scar endometriosis--report of two cases.

Endometriosis is presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis can sometimes occur in a previous surgical scar. Scar endometriosis is rare and difficult to diagnose. It mostly follows obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. This condition is often confused with other surgical conditions. We are reporting two cases of scar endometriosis following cesarean section, which were misdiagnosed as stitch granuloma initially. Medical treatment was not helpful. Both the patients required wide surgical excision of the lesion. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are being discussed.

Health professional's knowledge and attitudes towards emergency contraceptives [E. C.] in Alexandria

A random sample of 150 doctors and nurses working in different organizations representing Alexandria zones and providing FP services was recruited for this study. Two tools were used to collect data: A structured questionnaire to elicit the characteristics and knowledge of the respondents and a three-point Likert scale to predict their attitudes towards EC. A knowledge scoring system was developed and the participants were accordingly classified as having a good, average or poor score. The rating scale for assessing the attitude included positive, indifferent and negative attitude according to the adopted scale system. The results revealed a general lack of knowledge. The respondents differed in their attitude towards EC. However, a positive attitude was associated significantly with a good knowledge score. Good knowledge score and positive attitude were significantly related to qualifications, years of experience, training and place of work. On the other hand, no significant relation was found between training and the good knowledge scores

Ectopic ovarian pregnancy--a case report.

Ectopic pregnancy is an increasingly important health problem. We report a rare ovarian ectopic pregnancy which was diagnosed clinically and confirmed pathologically.

Study of the oxidative stress in thalassemia

The objective of this study was, to evaluate the total antioxidants in thalassemic patients compared to normal controls and the correlation between this and various parameters especially splenectomy and chelation therapy. This study included 26 thalassemic patients from Alexandria University children's hospital. Their age ranged from 4-24 years. Hemoglobin electrophoresis on cellulose acetate and total antioxidant assays using a colorimetric method [Randox Laboratories UK] and serum ferritin levels were done at least three weeks from the last blood transfusion. The mean serum level of total antioxidants in thalassemic patients was significantly lower than the control group. However, there was no correlation detected between the level of antioxidants and regularity of chelation therapy. Also there was no difference between values for different thalassemic types. This work has been presented, in part, at the XXII International Congress of Pediatrics in Amsterdam 9-14 August 1998

Leiomyoblastoma of small intestine.

Gastrointestinal tumours are rare in children and leiomyoblastoma of small intestine is still rarer. We report a case of leiomyoblastoma of small intestine in a child who presented with acute intestinal obstruction.

Factors affecting discontinuation of breast feeding of infants before their first birthday

The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting discontinuation of breast feeding before the first year of life. The results revealed that about half the mothers who ceased breast feeding were less than 25 years old with low educational background, and the majority of them 82.7% worked outside home. They were primiparas in 60% of cases. Mothers who continued breast feeding tended to have sufficient amounts of food and fluids than others who ceased breast feeding. Certain types of food of fluids which increase milk production were cited by mothers. No significant association was observed between the sex of the infants and discontinuation of breast feeding. Almost all infants had normal birth weight and sucking ability. Maternal causes for discontinuation of breast feeding were insufficient mild, wearing pregnancy and breast problems. No apparent reason related to infants was reported in most instances, though congenital anomalies, poor sucking and refusal were cited by some mothers

Employment and education of women and their family planning practices

The aim of this study is to assess contraceptive use among employed and non-employed women and to explore the relationship between education as well as aspects related to women's employment and family planning practice. A sample of 120 married women in their reproductive age and having children was randomly selected. Half of them were employed and the other half were housewives. A specially validated interview schedule was developed and used for data collection. The results of this study revealed no significant difference between the mean age of employed and non-employed women. Employed women were significantly better educated and had lesser number of children than housewives. Although a non-significant difference was observed between the employed and non-employed women in relation to contraceptive use, yet 80% of the employed women were current users compared with 66.7% of the housewives. Moreover, employed women were more likely to use modern methods than non- employed. Husbands of employed women contributed more actively in households activities and child care than those of non-employed. The results also revealed that employed women had more active role in financial decisions. They also had more privileges in family affairs

Post-mortem diagnosis of renal failure

The present study was carried out on 100 Egyptian subjects, aged 17-75 years. They were classified into 4 groups: Group I [n=20] included healthy subjectswith negative history of renal troubles, group II [n=20] included patientswith previous known history of uremia, and the last group included 60 cadaverswhich again divided into group III [n=18] included cadavers without provedrenal pathology, and group IV [n=24] included cadavers with proved renalpathological changes. Randomly collected blood samples from the wholesubjects as well as vitreous samples from both eyes of cadavers were used forthe estimation of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and G- glutamyl transpeptidaseactivities. In addition, wedge-shaped renal slices from both kidneys weretaken from cadavers to assure the diagnosis, and to make if possible acorrelation between the histopathologic findings and the biochemical results