Potential antioxidant, α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of major constituents isolated from Alpinia officinarum hance rhizomes: computational studies and in vitro validation.

Alpinia officinarum is a commonly used spice with proven folk uses in various traditional medicines. In the current study, six compounds were isolated from its rhizomes, compounds 1-3 were identified as diarylheptanoids, while 4-6 were identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The isolated compounds were subjected to virtual screening against α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes to evaluate their potential antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer's activities. Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that 3 exhibited a strong binding affinity to human a α- glucosidase crystal structure compared to acarbose. Furthermore, 2 and 5 demonstrated high potency against AChE. The virtual screening results were further supported by in vitro assays, which assessed the compounds' effects on α-glucosidase, cholinesterases, and their antioxidant activities. 5-Hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylheptan-3-one (2) showed potent antioxidant effect in both ABTs and ORAC assays, while p-hydroxy cinnamic acid (6) was the most potent in the ORAC assay. In contrary, kaempferide (4) and galangin (5) showed the most potent effect in metal chelation assay. 5-Hydroxy-1,7-diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one (3) and 6 revealed the most potent effect as α-glucosidase inhibitors where compound 3 showed more potent effect compared to acarbose. Galangin (5) revealed a higher selectivity to BChE, while 2 showed the most potent activity to (AChE).

Ongoing deterioration of the nutritional status of Palestinian preschool children in Gaza under the Israeli siege

This cross-sectional, community-based, household survey was carried out in Gaza City, Palestine during the first half of 2009 to study the nutritional status of Palestinian preschool children aged 2-5 years under blockade. The response rate was 95.2% from a total sample of 770. The majority [94.4%] of households faced difficulties accessing food, the main cause was the siege and the shortage of food products; and the majority [85.5%] were food insecure households. Just over 50% of the preschoolers were anaemic, 26.8% of those who had a stool test had parasitic infections, and 15.0 were stunted. Food insecurity was the first predictor of stunting and underweight, and malnutrition indicators indicate the worst situation in the Gaza Strip for several decades

Sentinel surveillance for patients with acute hepatitis in Egypt, 2001-04

Viral hepatitis is a major problem in Egypt. To define the epidemiology of the disease, sentinel surveillance was established in 5 hospitals in diverse areas of the country in 2001. Data were completed for patients meeting the case definition for viral hepatitis. Of a total of 5909 patients evaluated, 4189 [70.9%] showed positive antibody markers for hepatitis. Out of those, 40.2% had evidence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] infection, 30.0% hepatitis B virus [HBV] and 29.8% hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. This surveillance system was useful in identifying the variable endemicity of acute HAV infection in different regions and for better understanding the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infection

Case-control study to evaluate risk factors for acute hepatitis B virus infection in Egypt

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is a significant health problem in Egypt. To better define risk factors associated with HBV transmission, we conducted a case-control study among patients admitted with acute hepatitis to an infectious disease hospital in Cairo. A total of 60 cases and 120 controls were interviewed about various exposures within 6 months prior to admission. Univariate analysis revealed HBV case-patients were more likely to report providing injections to relatives or friends, injecting drug use, exposure to a household contact with hepatitis, exposure to invasive medical procedures and being in the military. Efforts should be made to implement strict infection control standards in Egypt

Condom use among males [15-49 years] in Lower Egypt: knowledge, attitudes and patterns of use

We conducted a cross-sectional study on a randomly selected sample of 2304 males aged 15-49 years from 4 governorates in Lower Egypt to assess their condom use and knowledge and attitudes towards condom use. Condoms were considered an effective method of contraception and prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted infections [STIs] by 60.5% and 60.0% respectively. Only 23.9% had ever used condoms, mainly for contraception, but 26.8% would consider using them in the future. A quarter reported knowing how to use condoms properly. Obstacles to condom use included perceived lack of need [75.7%], rejection by partner [57.6%] and hazards of condoms [31.9%]. The majority knew about HIV/AIDS [90.8%] but a few felt at risk of STIs [11.2%] or HIV infection [10.3%]

Risk perception and precautions taken by health care workers for HIV infection in haemodialysis units in Egypt

A cross - sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units needle-stick than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units

Iodine deficiency disorders among primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt

The prevalence of iodine deficiency in primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate was assessed. A total of 2250 primary-school children aged 8-10 years were selected by a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The results revealed that the prevelance rate of goitre was 27.1% and it was significantly higher in females [29.2%] than males [25.1%]. The median urinary iodine level was 6.7 micro g/dl and 3.9 micro g/dl for grade 1 and grade 2 goitre respectively. It was concluded that iodine deficiency is a public health problem of moderate severity in primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate. This necessitates an intervention programme through salt iodization